CHIA SEEDS OR FLAXSEEDS?

WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR SKIN?

Flaxseed has been known for it’s health benefits for a lot longer than Chia – and Flaxseed has also been studied much more. On the other hand – Chia has been reported as having more Omega 3, Calcium and Fibre. So let’s have a closer look to compare the 2.

PROTEIN

Chia - One ounce of chia seeds contain 4.4 grams of vegetarian protein – this is almost as high as meat, and higher than eggs! Chia seeds are complete protein – which is extremely rare for plant based foods.
Flax – The same amount of flaxseeds have even more protein – 5.1 grams per ounce. Flaxseed proteins are not complete. Combining with another plant based protein would be necessary to get a complete protein.

OMEGA 3

Chia – One ounce of chia seeds has around 5 grams
Flax – One ounce of flaxseed has about 4.7grams 

DIETARY FIBER

Chia – One ounce of chia seeds contain approx 10.6grams
Flax – One ounce of flaxseed contains around 7.6 grams
Things are not all down for Flaxseed though... in the vitamin department – flaxseed really takes over! See the chart below:

FLAXSEED V  CHIA

	FLAXSEED	CHIA
CALORIES	150	137
FIBRE	7.6	10.6
VITAMINS		N/A
C	0.2	N/A
E	0.1 mg	N/A
K	1.2 mcg	N/A
THIAMIN	0.5 mg	N/A
NIACIN	0.9 mg	N/A
B6	0.1 mg	N/A
FOLATE	24.4 mcg	N/A
CHOLINE	22.0 mg	N/A
PANTOTHENIC ACID	0.3 mg	N/A
BETAINE	0.9 mg	N/A
MINERALS
CALCIUM	71.4 mg	177 mg
IRON	1.6 mg	n/a
MAGNESIUM	110 mg	n/a
PHOSPHORUS	180 mg	265 mg
POTASSIUM	228 mg	44.8 mg
SODIUM	8.4 mg	5.3 mg
ZINC	1.2 mg	1.0 mg
COPPER	0.3 mg	0.1 mg
MANGANESE	0.7 mg	0.6 mg
SELENIUM	7.1 mcg	n/a

CONCLUSION:

Both flaxseed and chia seed have AMAZING health benefits! If possible, both should be included in the diet to get maximum benefit. I recommend most clients who are interested in great skin health to have 1 - 2 teaspoons of flax/chia oil per day. 

To gain the dietary fibre benefits – ground flaxseed and whole chia seeds can be included in cereal, smoothies and salads. 

For people with dry/dehydrated skin - they will generally notice a great improvement at around one month after beginning to take the oil as a supplement. Once the difference is noticed, you will not know how you lived without it!

For more advice, see your skin specialist.

Paula

WHAT IS L.E.D. PHOTOTHERAPY?

BELOW WE TALK ABOUT:  

...HOW L.E.D. ACTUALLY WORKS, HOW IT WAS DEVELOPED, WHAT CONDITIONS L.E.D. CAN HELP TREAT, THE SAFETY OF L.E.D., WHAT IS INVOLVED IN AN L.E.D. TREATMENT, AND MORE...

HOW L.E.D. ACTUALLY WORKS.  

L.E.D. is short for 'Light Emitting Diode'. This safe, gentle & PAIN-FREE technology assists in promoting healthy skin function. Different wavelengths (Light) stimulate specific cells to treat a range of conditions. For instance the Red light targets the cells which are responsible for repair and synthesis of the skin's supportive structure, including collagen and elastin. This leads to tighter, firmer & more youthful looking skin. Even the delicate eye area can be treated with brilliant results, with L.E.D. reducing fine lines.

L.E.D. is also a wonderful treatment for problem skin as the Blue light targets the oil glands and the acne bacteria. 

HOW LED WAS DEVELOPED?

L.E.D was re-developed by NASA in the 1980s when they tried to use L.E.D. to grow plants in outer-space. The L.E.D. was found to be very successful due to the regeneration of cells.
After this NASA applied L.E.D. to wound healing in humans. The natural healing time was spead up by 4 to 5 times!
Now L.E.D. is applied in the skin industry to regenerate cells and improve the skin's natural functions.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN L.E.D. HELP TREAT?

1. Anti-ageing, skin firming & reduction of fine lines & wrinkles.
2. Reducing oil flow in over-productive oil glands, destroying the bacteria responsible for acne & reducing ance scarring.
3. Improves the results of intensive treatments including Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion, C.I.T. (skin needling) & Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery - as well as speeding up healing time.  The use of L.E.D. during a course of intensive treatments or after surgery ensures the collagen fibers knit together in a uniform pattern - providing more attractive results. 

L.E.D. also helps treat psoriasis, rosacea & pigmentation.  L.E.D. has been used to treat depression and S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Many clients report feeling very uplifted and calm after each session.

THE SAFETY OF L.E.D.

L.E.D. is an extremely safe therapy - with no reported complications. L.E.D. is suitable for most people.  Due to it's safe nature it is fantastic to use on sensitive skin. Caution should only be taken post cosmetic injectables - as L.E.D. may be too stimulating to the skin cells immediately post injectables. Caution should also be taken for pregnancy.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A L.E.D. TREATMENT?

During your L.E.D treatment at Fletcher Brown, you will relax on our comfy treatment table while your therapist cleanses, & may exfoliate your skin - the L.E.D. light will then be place between 6 and 20 c.m. above your face for 20 minutes. The only sensation you may feel is a warm gentle heat. You will be be treated with appropriate serums, eye product and hydrators.  You do not need to wear goggles during your L.E.D. treatment, so your eyelids will also benefit from the treatment - leading to younger looking & firming skin in this area.

This treatment can be used:

1. As a course of ten X 30 minute treatments that should be undertaken 2 x per week for 5 weeks.
2. As a way to improve results during a course of intensive skin treatments such as C.I.T. (skin needling), chemical peels, Microdermabrasion & post Plastic/cosmetic surgery. L.E.D. helps collagen fibers knit together in a more uniform pattern post ablative therapies. Your therapist will discuss amount and frequency required.
3. To increase healing time immedially after your intensive skin treatment e.g. C.I.T. Chemical Peels, I.P.L. Microdermabrasion & Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery

Discuss this treatment with your skin specialist to find out more information, or email info@fletcherbrown.com.au. We would love to help you achieve the ultimate results you are after.

Paula x

WHAT ARE YOU USING ON YOUR LIPS?!

LIP CAUTION!

I have been moved to write this blog because of the large number of patients we are seeing at the clinic who are concerned with congestion around their lips and chin.... even if congestion is not of a concern anywhere else in there skin.

Most patients have one thing in common. They are using a petrochemical or highly synthetic bases product on their lips.  And some or most of these products are not designed to be used on the lips. 

What are these products? 

Listing from most commonly used:

1. Papaw ointment
2. Vaseline
3. Lip Gloss

Papaw ointment: 

The manufacturers of papaw list the benefits as:

• Minor Burns & Scalds
• Sunburn
• Gravel Rash, Cuts & Minor Open Wounds
• Nappy Rash & Chafing
• Insect Bites
• Splinters & Thorns

These are all great ways to use Papaw ointment.  Please note that 'lip balm' is not listed as a use.

Papaw ointment has 2 main ingredients - Carica Papaya 39mg/g Fresh Fermented Fruit
and Pharmaceutical Grade Petroleum Jelly.  Petroleum Jelly is a petrochemical and is also the main ingredient in Vaseline.  Although petroleum jelly is safe and inert (will not impact the body), it is an extreme comedogenic (likely to cause clogged pores/ blackheads/congestion/acne). 

Please only use this product for what it is recommended.  It is a great healer, but should only be used short term, not daily!

Vaseline:

Is a comedogenic and should not be used daily on the lips.  You may notice breakouts/clogged pores increasing when using this as a lip balm, plus you may also find your lips become dryer and need more moisturising.

Lip Gloss:

Please check the ingredients on your lip gloss.  Highly synthetically fragranced & petrochemical based.  Both of these ingredient groups are also highly comedogenic, plus the fragrance can cause added irritations.

My advice:

 Make sure you have enough omega 3 in your diet.  Drink plenty of water.  Cut down or out alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes.  Use your professional product eye balm on your lips. Wear sunscreen. Avoid excessive sun and wind exposure.

Inika do GREAT certified organic lip glosses and lip sticks.

For short term sun protection when you know you are more likely to experience sore lips, such at the beach or snow, I recommend the original Chap Stick with SPF.  Remember, this is only short term, not daily.

Visit your local skin clinic for advice on ongoing dry/cracked/sore lips to obtain the perfect pout!

Then pucker up!! 

Paula :)

LED BEFORE AND AFTERS

Amazing LED results!



See our patient photos below who has had a course of 7 LED treatments this year (2012).  2 X weekly.  These photos are taken under an UV light so you can see dehydration (shown up as darker purple).

You will notice the significant reduction in creases on eye lids in the after photo.  Also a significant increase in hydration.  Products cannot be used on eyelids and other treatments cannot be carried out on eyelids, so this change can ONLY be made by the LED.

You will also notice the reduction in pigmentation and fine lines.

Before

 After

Supplements & Diet Change for Great Skin

It can be a little tricky to know where to start with supplements & diet changes.  It is often these little changes that are the key to excellent skin health.  To make it easy, we have put together this easy to use chart for anyone who suffers from skin conditions. 

Or pop in to Fletcher Brown at any time and there will always be a friendly face there to help you!  We stock Ethical Nutrients supplements, and our clients get excellent results.

Skin Condition	Supplements	Foods Best Avoided
Eczema	·         Fish oil or Flaxseed oil ·         If inflamed EPO 2 x daily until inflammation subsides. ·         Probiotics before food. ·         Zinc fix, until zinc levels are high enough – then zinc maintain ·         Vit C	Tomatoes, Strawberries, Oranges, Peanuts, Yeast, Dairy, Sugar, reduce caffeinated drinks & reduce alcohol.
Dry Skin	·         Fish oil or flaxseed oil daily	Reduce caffeinated drinks & reduce alcohol.
Dermatitis	·         Fish oil or Flaxseed oil ·         Evening Primrose oil ·         Probiotics before food. ·         Zinc fix, until zinc levels are high enough – then zinc maintain ·         Vit C	Tomatoes, Strawberries, Oranges, Peanuts, Yeast, Dairy, Sugar, reduce caffeinated drinks & reduce alcohol.
Acne Skin	·         Zinc ·         Vit C ·         Probiotics	Dairy, Yeast, Sugar, reduce caffeinated drinks & reduce alcohol.
Rosacea	·         Zinc ·         Probiotics ·         Vit C	Red wines, spicy food, reduce caffeinated drinks & reduce alcohol.
Psoriasis	Psoriasis is linked to weight problems, psoriatic arthritis, high blood pressure, depression/anxiety & diabetes.  For best results, the underlying cause must be treated for long term results.  Topical skin treatments should be combined with help from your doctor/naturopath.
Smoking is best avoided for all skin types. Smoking dramatically impedes the skin healing ability, and the skins natural immunity.  Smoking leads to lowering of Vitamins C,E,D& A in the body.  All of these vitamins are important for skin function, health & healing – without enough of these vitamins, skin cannot be at its best. Smoking can be responsible for sensitivities in skin, premature ageing, lines, wrinkles, grey, dull and sallow skin tone & slow healing skin.

Most conditions take a month of treatment with diet & supplements for every year that the problem has occurred.  If condition does not improve with the recommendations after the required months, please see a good naturopath or medical practitioner.

Nb:  Please follow directions on supplement label unless otherwise advised by your doctor or naturopath.

Oily Skin, Dry Skin

Unbalanced oil flow on your skin can be caused by hormones, unsuitable skin care and diet.  Relief can be achieved through the correct skin care, skin treatments & diet and nutrition consultations.