The SkinThe skin is a remarkable organ - the largest found in the human body - with an average size of 18 square feet. Its weight with normal fat is 20 lbs. With age, the amount of under-the-skin fat is reduced, causing a lack of elasticity. Naturally, well-toned, constantly exercised muscles help to retard the collapsing of skin resulting from fat loss.
The Skin forms the boundary between the external world and the internal organs, providing a barrier against the chemical and physical elements of the outside environment. It acts primarily as a protective covering. Skin acts as a net, holding all body structures in place, giving form to the body. It acts as a heat regulator in conjunction with the bloodstream and perspiration glands.
When the body is exposed to too much heat, there is a rush of blood to the surface of the skin, permitting it to cool. At the same time, the perspiration glands excrete their liquid to aid in this process. Transpiration and respiration is constantly taking place through the pores.
Skin also performs other functions, some of which are given below:Keratinization - is the process by which the skin produces a fibrous protein that forms the outer layer of the epidermal structures, including hair and nails. Sensory perception occurs in the skin, preventing damage to it by its ability to feel heat and/or cold – giving pleasure by the same ability to feel such things as the smoothness of satin or the softness of down.
Melanin - is a dark pigment found in the skin, triggered by light and heat. It is the area where both sebum and perspiration production take place and where these two combine on the surface to form a protective film (Acid Mantle) which renders the skin less vulnerable to damage and attack by environmental factors (e.g. sun, wind, bacteria) and less prone to dehydration.
pH - is the chemist's term for Potential of Hydrogen and is used to describe the degree of avidity of alkalinity in the avid mantle of the skin or in a product. It is measured on a scale ranging from 0 to 14. The center of the scale, 7, is neutrality (neither acid nor alkaline). A reading above 7 indicates that the substance being measured is alkaline - below 7, acid. As afar as the skin is concerned, a normal pH (or normal Acid Mantel) is in the range of 4.2 to 5.6. It will vary from one part of the body to another and generally speaking, the pH of a man's skin is lower (more acid) than that of a woman's.
The Chemical Composition of the Skin:The skin, and in fact our whole body, is composed of many different types of cells. These cells have the same fundamental chemical composition, but they vary in shape, size and function. The cells that comprise the outer layer of the skin are themselves a series of many layers that overlap each other, thus ensuring that fluids cannot escape from the body via the skin except through a cut or break in the skin, or by means of special escape routes: the pores.
The skin consists of:1. EPIDERMIS (which in turn has 4 layers: Stratum, Corneum, Stratum Lucidum, Stratum Granulosum, and Stratum Basal.)
2. DERMIS (or true skin)
3. SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUEAs estheticians, however, we are most concerned with the outer layer:
The
EPIDERMIS. This does not mean that the DERMIS means nothing to us because everything the epidermis is or can be, is the result of how the dermis behaves (and naturally, the entire system comprising the body.)
EPIDERMIS - is a thin layer averaging about 0.2 mm in thickness, and is that part of the skin where the greatest metabolic activity takes place. Protein keratin is the main component of the Stratum Corneum, or horny layer, and results from the change that takes place when new, live cells are produced in the basal layer and are pushed upward by newer cells until they reach the absolute surface. During this movement, they are keratinized -- dried and sloughed off.
The process of shedding and renewal takes about 30 days (which means that 30 days after a cell is born in the bottom later, it ends up on the surface of the skin, dead and ready to exfoliate.) Skin pigments (melanin) are produced in the basal cell layer.
DERMIS - or true skin contains the vascular bed and peripheral nerves. Additionally, it is composed of connective tissue interspersed with various specialized structures such as hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands.
SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE - provides further support, stores the skin fat and acts as a shock absorber and heat insulator.
SEBACEOUS GLANDS - are clusters of cells that are capable of producing a very special oil sebum -- which is secreted to the surface of the skin via minuscule tubes that terminate on the surface as openings (pores).
The more active sebaceous gland is, the more sebum is produced, and the more it runs through the tube, the more the pore is stretched. Sebaceous Glands also secrete sebum to the surface of the skin where, mingling with perspiration, a film (Acid Mantle) is formed.
This film is slightly acidic and protective. It prevents excessive evaporation of moisture from inside the skin cells and at the same time defends the skin against aggression by outside elements such as bacteria, sun, pollution, etc.
PERSPIRATION or SWEAT GLANDS - comprise coils of cells, which produce a watery solution. This is released through long, vertical channels opening into pores at the skins surface.
* Note that Sebaceous Glands do NOT use the same pores as Sweat Glands, but as noted above, the secretions of both glands unite on the skins surface to create the Acid Mantle. The number of things the skin does for us is incredible. It covers us (epidermis and dermis), helps keep us warm (fatty layer), cools us off (sweat glands), keeps itself supple (oil glands), registers our sense of touch (nerves), and is ornamental (hair, eyelashes, nails).
SKIN OILS, FACIAL MASSAGE, TWICE DAILYThis email says it all:
Hi there,
I stumbled into your website about 2 days ago, and by golly I'm very impressed. Congratulations! I am not a customer yet, but you bet your pocketbooks I will be one as soon as I use up my expensive alternatives. Like you and your previous generations, I am a nut when it comes to my skincare. It comes from my mommy, and being Asian, it's in our culture. I've been practicing a solid skincare routine since I was 12, and I believe skincare should always come first and second, with make-up being third-- gotta do your routine twice a day don't-cha? I do not believe skincare ought to be expensive, although I do not mind paying a little more for something of excellent quality. I love how your products are fresh (Asians are crazy about freshness of products) and they are reasonably priced. What I love even more is that your website discusses facial massage, an old-world remedy, which is unfortunately alien to most modern day Americans (rarely will you find a massage cream in the American skincare markets, which is a staple in Asian markets). I love it!!!
I can't wait to purge my cabinet of my expensive stuff and try out something less "chemical-y." The only things I wish to see on your website are oil cleansers. I'm a fan of the OCM (Oil cleansing method), and I would love to see that method be practiced by your clients. I grew up in GA (Marietta/Roswell), and holy-cow you're based in Suwanee it's too bad I didn't know of your operation when I was down there (son-of-a-gun!)
Anyhow I thought I'd drop you an email of recognition. :)
Take care ladies,
sally
TEN TOP BEAUTY NUTRIENTS
* Vitamin A (cod liver oil, carrots, dried apricots, collards) - deficiency can cause dry skin
* Vitamin C (citrus, kiwi, leafy greens) - fights wrinkles, supports collagen
* Vitamin D (sunlight, cod liver oil, egg yolks, salmon) - for healthy skin, calcium absorption and strong bones
* Vitamin E (almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, greens, wheat germ oil) - prevents sagging facial muscles and age spots, lubricates skin
* Turmeric (in capsules) - feeds and purifies the skin, keeps skin elastic
* Silica (gel and capsules) - for supple skin, strong nails, shiny hair, wrinkle prevention
* Sulfur (MSM) - for healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails
* Essential Fatty Acids (flax oil, flax seeds, walnuts, fish oil) - to prevent nails from splitting, skin from breaking out, and hair from falling out. "Skin properly nourished with essential fatty acids is smoother, feels softer, has less breakouts or greasiness, is less easily infected, and looks radiant. It also ages more slowly and remains wrinkle-free longer." (Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill, Udo Erasmus)
* Pure Water - dry skin and hair are indicators of essential fatty acid deficiency and dehydration. Drinking pure water (half your body weight in ounces every day) will rejuvenate your skin from the inside out.
* Raw Organic Coconut Oil - taken internally and used externally nourishes skin and hair.AVOID SUGAR AT ALL COSTS
Most people do not realize this but excess sugar is considered one of the main causes of premature aging and is extremely detrimental to overall health. The more sugar we eat, the more sugar we have entering our bloodstream. Over time, this can result in a process known as glycation, which is when a glucose (sugar) molecule damages a protein molecule by sticking to it. The new molecules formed are called advanced glycation end-products, or AGEs. AGEs affect nearly every type of cell and molecule in the body, are thought to be major factors in aging and age related chronic diseases. AGEs damage collagen in skin, cartilage, and ligaments and promote a loss of elasticity. Wrinkles form and skin begins to sag. High sugar levels can cause extensive damage to other body systems as well. Cognitive impairment can develop. One side effect of high sugar levels is damage to the nervous system, called neuropathy. A high incidence of eye cataracts is reported. Aches and pains increase. Arthritis and diabetes can develop.
AGEs are the subject of ongoing research. AGE cross link breaking drugs are currently being developed for the purpose breaking cross links between proteins. Glycation inhibitors include aminoguanidine (sold as Pimagedine), Carnosine, aspirin, alpha-lipoic acid, L-carnitine can also reduce glycation damage.
The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage everyday
"Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food."
HippocratesSynergyWhy Choose, When You Can Layer?
I know. So many skin miracles, so try them all on! But you needn’t choose only one. Layering products that work in different ways gives you added benefit, if you remember to layer more emollient moisturizers and serums over non-oily ones that penetrate or evaporate quickly. And remember, it’s not about the brands, it’s about the ingredients. Look for seaweed extracts, the super-antioxidants, and, as always a lack of the red flag ingredients such as synthetic emollients (mineral oil, dimethicone), parabens, propylene glycol, and fragrance.
Synergy ~ many have heard the word but don't fully understand how it applies to skin care products, a skin care line, and your skin care regimen.
What is synergy
A collection of ingredients that work together delivering results far superior than what an individual ingredient can offer. Some ingredient combinations compliment or boost each other to give even stronger healing properties.
How we create synergy
Take essential oils for example, the top six that are superior for rejuvenating aging skin. One product contains one, the next product contains three, and the third product contains two. This can be cleanser, serum, moisturizer or serum, moisturizer, mask. By using all three products and layering or rotating them, the result impacts skin more than if you had used just one product.
How this benefits your skin
The advantage to using an entire skin care line is your skin is receiving all the beneficial properties in different products rather than at one time. Skin can absorb only so much so spreading out the ingredients allows better absorption. In addition, rotating products means your
skin is exposed to different ingredients to keep it from acclimating to a regularly used product. Change is good for skin! This is why we offer many variations of a product and why we change our formulas seasonally.
Realistically, topical products can only take your skin so far. If you do not supply proper support of nutrition, water, rest, exercise, and attitude, then your skin cannot bloom to its optimum potential! Furthermore, the health of three types of body tissue are especially reflected in the skin: nutritional fluid, blood, and muscle. The nutrient fluid "feeds" all of the body's tissues and keeps the skin healthy; blood is associated with liver function and purifies the skin; and muscle provides skin firmness.Dehydration: the lack of moisture, not oil, in the skin. Dehydration causes the skin to look less plump and healthy, even flat, dull or off color, rough in texture, bumpy, and is not cured with heavy creams or oils. Dehydration may be caused by very cold or hot weather, medication, illness, harsh skin care products, heavy creams, or a dry environment. Creams and lotions do not moisturize or add hydration, rather, they seal in hydration because most of their molecules are too large to penetrate the surface of the skin. Dehydration is the #1 skin condition and makes all other skin conditions worse. This can lead to blackheads and congested pores due to improper cell function and a sluggish metabolism.
The #1 Beauty Tip: mist your face with a toner a few times a day, even over makeup. This adds crucial hydration for proper cell function!
Moisture starts as transepidermal moisture in the germinative layer of the skin and slowly rises to the surface hydrating the skin. Unfortunately much of it evaporates off (TEWL or transepidermal water loss), hence the terms dehydration or dehydrated. Moisture or hydration must be infused into the skin with hydrators (the
real moisturizers) that have a small enough molecule to penetrate the surface layers of the skin. These products are called hydrators or toners because of their ability to penetrate surface layers of the skin. Then the skin may be sealed with a moisturizer to prevent transepidermal moisture loss or dryness.
true beauty starts on the inside...
Seven Simple Sacred Steps to a Beautiful Life and Complexion1. Eliminate SMUT ~ sugar, smoke, sun, stress ~ through diet, meditation, yoga
2. Consume filtered water, fresh organic fruits-vegetables
3. Walk briskly for 20 minutes daily in the morning sun, no sunscreen or sun glasses
4. Toner on cotton pads after cleansing, mist often
5. Correcting serum to feed and balance skin
6. Exfoliate then mask regularly
7. Laugh as often as possible :)
Please remember, we are only allowed our 'temple for the soul' for around 75 years... it's not the quantity but the
quality of those years that can make all the difference!
Please feel free to 
before ordering!
from Linda
Wonderful products, customer service, and delivery! My face has not looked this great in many years.from Diana
"The D Serum for eyes jar is just too pretty! Even if the stuff came in ugly plastic, what's inside is unbelievable. By far, the very best eye product I've ever used."from Carla
OMG! This is the best line ever. I can finally stop searching. I've spent thousands of $$ yearly on high-end brands with outlandish claims in hopes of making a significant difference in my skin. All along polluting my body with chemical additives and preservatives. Anna Bellina is the only line I have founds that uses natural organic ingredients with high power cosmeceuticals. This excellent combination has transformed my skin. They offer/suggest samples before full size purchases which you don't get with many companies on the web and the site is so informative, not to mention Patricia is on top of everything.from Gina
Hi Patricia! I felt compelled today to email you and tell you WOW! I got my samples 4 days ago and frankly, I had ordered them because I have been so curious about your products. I use organic products I either make myself or purchase at the health food store near me, but have always been intrigued by your website. So, I ordered my samples so I could stop wondering, but didn't really plan on seeing any big difference. I have to tell you, I keep looking in the mirror and saying "are those dark eye circles really gone?" or "is my face really firmer, or do I just think it is??" I've always used a hodge-podge of products and shied away from "lines" because it was such a big investment! So I'd buy here and there. What I realize now is that I can't afford NOT to be using your products since I turned 40 this year and have really seen my skin start to age. So, THANK YOU! And thanks for the quick delivery of my samples and how long do you think the PS line will be on sale since I have to save my pennies because I want to BUY IT ALL! Thanks for your time, and I gotta say - they really work!from Lisa
I had to let you know how pleased and impressed I was with the samples I ordered! I could not believe how generous the samples were. When I get something from Mary Kay it is just a few dabs of the product—not even enough to really try it out! So far, I love everything. I ordered all of the DermaClear line. My skin is looking good, I especially like the scrub—the smell is wonderful and my skin is super soft after using it. I guess I cannot say enough about your products! Thank you! Thank you! 
