Positive Body Image in 2013

With the new year approaching so many of us have big resolutions to lose weight or get skinny. I have decided this year to be HEALTHY and have a healthy body image instead of trying to be skinny. I know...super cheesy right?! It might be but it is more important to be happy at a healthy size and to feel comfortable with yourself than to be skinny and malnourished.

We all see pictures flipping through magazines or on TV of super skinny size 0 models and have all thought at least once-- I wish I could look like that! I have so much respect for people that eat healthy and work out hard and often. That is what we all strive for and it is healthy. What we all have to remember is that not every one has the body shape of a model. Some people are built with bigger hips and can be very healthy still wearing a size 10-12. 

Here are a few of my favorite photo-shopped before and after pictures. 

Don't get me wrong, I have never had a professional picture taken and asked them to not photo-shop it. I do understand that part of the photographers job is to make us look good in their photos. I am all for skin touch ups and small enhancements but what gets me is in all of the photos above the models are fit and healthy looking in the BEFORE picture. A lot of them have inches taken off their bodies. My favorites are the last 2 pictures. Faith Hill's before picture looks like a healthy and fit mom. In the after picture her arm is half the size and so is her waist and side of her bra area. It creates an unrealistic image. 

I also love this photo of the Dove real beauty campaign vs. the Victoria's secret love my body campaign.

Ok-- I will step off the soapbox. I just want this to be a reminder in the New Year to: Love yourself, take good care of yourself, eat healthy non processed foods, and be confident with the way you are!  

I want to leave you with these great steps to positive body image that I will be hanging on my mirror as a daily reminder! :) 

Exfoliation 101.

Exfoliate: Verb. 1. to remove the surface of scales or body cells. 

For such a simple definition, there are so many questions! 

Why is it so important? 
Removing the dead skin cells has a significant effect on improving many skin disorders and conditions. It also preps your skin for product allowing them to penetrate deeper. 
Your skin has a natural cell renewal cycle that cause skin cells to slough off on a regular cycle. This process needs some help because it can be slowed by so many every day factors such as stress, pollution, hormones, make-up, aging, and illness to name a few! 

Benefits of Exfoliation: 
Improves hyper-pigmentation
Allows ingredients in your products to penetrate deeper
Keeps your skin soft and glowing
Help your pores from clogging 

2 types of exfoliation: 
Manual exfoliation uses granular based products that use friction to remove the dead skin cells. This can include scrubs, brush machines, and microdermabrasion.  
Chemical exfoliation uses chemicals to loosen the skin cells from the skins surface. Chemical exfoliation products either dissolve the karatin or loosen the bonds holding the cells together. 

Even though it is so important to exfoliate, it is also important not to over-exfoliate. Excessive exfoliation can change the pH of the skin which can cause loss of the barriers ability to protect the skin. Over-exfoliating can also cause sensitivities, and cause your body to over compensate for oil loss by producing more oil. I recommend exfoliating 2-3 times per week. How often your exfoliate varies by your skin type and what type of exfoliating you are doing.  

What works best for my skin type is glycolic peels. A gentle, creamy manual exfoliation usually works best for sensitive skin. If you are looking to work on skin problems such as texture, hyper-pigmentation  aging, sun damage, acne and clogged pores; alpha hydroxy acid peels work well. Common alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic and lactic acid. What have you found works best for your skin type? If you aren't sure yet, visit an esthetician for an appointment to find out what type of exfoliation is best for you. 

Feel free to leave me any of your questions about exfoliation! or email them to marcy@2bwell.net

Hello Beautifuls!

My name is Marcy and I am so excited to get this blog going! :) But first I want to tell you who I am, what I do, and why I am here. 

A little about my education-- I attended the Euro Institute of Skin Care where I had practical training and certifications in skin analysis and diagnosis, European and naturopathic Facial techniques, Ayurvedic skin and body typing, manual lymphatic drainage, product recommendation, body treatments, kneipp therapy, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and waxing and sugaring techniques. I believe skincare is much more than just treating the superficial level with products. Although I do love my products :) My approach and training in holistic skincare allow me to think outside the box and get to the root of the problem. 

Now for the fun part-- A little about what I enjoy outside of work. I love spending time with my husband, family, and friends! My husband (Nick) and I love to spend time at our family lake house on lake Coeurd'Alene year round. We also love taking weekend trips to the beach. In my free time I love reading/researching all things health, wellness, beauty, skincare, and makeup related! I ADORE my 1 1/2 year old niece- I am sure I will just have to post a picture or two at some point! 

I hope you will enjoy reading all things related to the health and beauty industry! If you have any topics related to skin care that you want to know more about, email me and I will answer it here. Marcy@2bwell.net