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Dr. Trevor Cates

The Story Behind the Spa Dr.’s Founder Dr. Trevor Cates

March 18, 2022 by Dr. Trevor Cates Leave a Comment

I've always had finicky skin.

Dr. Cates as a child

I've always had finicky skin.

As a child, I tried multiple medications that made me sick or exhausted.

As a child, I tried multiple medications that made me sick or exhausted.

I needed to take a closer look at what I was putting in and on my body.

Dr. Cates then and now

I needed to take a closer look at what I was putting in and on my body.

Which led to my journey to becoming a Naturopathic Physician.

Dr. Cates Graduation

Which led to my journey to becoming a Naturopathic Physician.

Where I got to work at luxurious spas like the Waldorf Astoria.

Dr. Cates working at the Waldorf Astoria Park City

Where I got to work at luxurious spas like the Waldorf Astoria.

Which led me to create the Daily Essentials 4-Step Skin Care System

The Spa Doctor. classic collection daily essentials 4 step system

Which led me to create the Daily Essentials 4-Step Skin Care System

And then write my best-selling book Clean Skin From Within.

Clean Skin from Within and friends
And then write my best-selling book Clean Skin From Within.

And appear on multiple television shows such as The Doctors.

Dr. Cates on The Doctors Show
And appear on multiple television shows such as The Doctors.

Today I get to help thousands of people achieve clean, healthy skin by sharing podcast episodes with expert interviews, our information-rich blog, and The Spa Dr. brand of products.

Dr. Trevor Cates

Today I get to help thousands of people achieve clean, healthy skin by sharing podcast episodes with expert interviews, our information-rich blog, and The Spa Dr. brand of products.

Natural skin care isn’t just about avoiding toxic ingredients. It’s also about getting real results. I personally wouldn’t settle for anything less, and I don’t expect you would either.

If you struggle with imperfect skin (and who doesn’t?), you know how incredibly frustrating it is to deal with things like redness, bumps, fine lines, and skin discoloration. And if you’ve tried conventional treatments to deal with skin issues, or tried to cover up with concealers and makeup only to be disappointed – you’re not alone.

I’ve always had finicky, sensitive skin. I had bumps, hives, and eczema as a child, acne as a teenager, and rosacea in my 30’s. You name a skin issue, and I’ve probably had it. The itching and discomfort I experienced as a child was awful, but what really hurt was the hit to my self-esteem. I was embarrassed by my skin and never felt like a normal kid.

I tried so many medications, which made me feel worse, and I developed allergies to a lot of them. But, after years of antibiotics, antihistamines, and topical steroids my parents introduced me to a natural, holistic approach that changed everything.

As if by magic, my infections, allergic reactions, and itchy skin rashes disappeared. My skin cleared up, and I finally found some relief, both physically and emotionally. For a time, my skin was healthy, happy, and glowing. That all ended the day I started using makeup and skin care products.

Little did I know how bad my skinflammation and skin reactions would be to most skin care and beauty products. Just when I thought my skin problems were behind me, my body made it perfectly clear that the typical approach to self-care and skin care routines were not going to work for me.

I needed to take a closer look at what I was putting in and on my body.

This journey lead me to pursue medicine and becoming a Naturopathic Physician. And during my studies, I realized that I wasn’t alone. I discovered many people suffer from skin conditions, and seek conventional help only to not get the results they hoped and paid for. And some people end up worse off than when they started.

That’s not ok! I certainly never want my three kids to have to experience what I’ve been through. And, I don’t want you to either.

Over the last two decades, I’ve helped thousands of patients improve their self-care, lifestyle, and overcome underlying issues plaguing their health and skin. And, I became known as “The Spa Dr.” after working in world-renowned spas like the Waldorf Astoria Spa, Park City.

The concept that’s guided my practice, and now The Spa Dr., is simple. Your skin is a magic mirror that gives you great clues about your overall health. Pay attention to the clues your magic mirror gives you, and you’ll be able to improve your health and enjoy clear, glowing, more naturally youthful-looking skin.

When you combine inner nourishment with a high-quality skin care routine, changes will appear right on the surface of your body – on your skin (aka your magic mirror).

You can learn more about how to improve your skin from the inside out on our blog or in my book, Clean Skin From Within. And if you want a high-quality skin care routine, I suggest you try our Daily Essentials Skin Care System.

I created the Daily Essentials Skin Care System really out of necessity. I never planned on creating a skin care line. But, when I couldn’t find or recommend skin care products that were natural, non-toxic, and really worked… I either had to continue using and recommending problematic products or create my own.

And in 2015, after several years of research and development, we introduced The Spa Dr. skin care line. And, I must admit, we were blown away by the response. We knew the products met stringent criteria, but it’s our customers who really let us know the results.

What was the criteria? 1. they are free of hormone-disrupting chemicals and toxins, 2. they contain key nutrients in their pure, active form, and 3. they are the perfect pH for healthy skin.

Most products fail to meet even one of these criteria, much less all three, which is why we take such incredible care when making them.

You can have a simple skin care routine that’s easy, affordable, natural and give you visible results, regardless of your skin type or age. You just need the right products. And you can get them right here at The Spa Dr.

As I’m closing in on my 50th birthday, I realize having radiant skin doesn’t get any easier with age. But, that doesn’t mean you have to look older than you really are. You just need some inner and outer nourishment to support graceful aging, a clear complexion, and your natural beauty. And, here’s some more great news… all of this gives you the confidence to let your inner radiance shine even brighter. After all, that’s where your real beauty is!

Dr. Trevor Cates

Dr. Cates Signature

P.S. Quick tip… before using any of The Spa Dr. products, be sure to take a before selfie so you can see, for yourself, the difference in your skin 30 days later. If there’s one thing our customers love to rave about, (and deservingly so) it’s how much smoother, brighter, and more radiant their skin feels and appears – with little to no makeup on – after they use the Daily Essentials. It’s an incredible confidence booster, and I’d love for you to experience it too.

Filed Under: Blog

Skin Care Tips for Active Women and Athletes

August 10, 2021 by Dr. Trevor Cates Leave a Comment

Do you sweat for a living or rigorously exercise regularly? Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone who loves to sweat, it’s important to develop a skin care routine that works as hard as you do. When you do, you’ll maintain your post-workout glow all day long. 

As an active woman, you may need to take a few extra steps to protect your skin during and after workouts. So how can you get all the benefits of sweating and take care of your skin at the same time? The tips below will help you whether you’re breaking a sweat outdoors or in the gym.

What Sweat Does to Your Skin 

The human body has between two and four million sweat glands. Many people spend time figuring out how to avoid sweating; however, sweating is a normal and healthy function of your body. There’s also something to that post-workout glow. Sweat can truly make your skin glisten! 

And there’s no doubt that it simply feels good to break a sweat while working out. 

Your body sweats to regulate its core temperature. Sweat pushes heat out of the body and helps you cool down. It also moisturizes the skin and helps its surface cool off. While there are some skin benefits of sweating, it’s important to remember that impurities can exit your body while you sweat, which can lead to irritation and blocked pores if sweat sits on your skin for too long. And since sweat is wet, it can also create a breeding ground for bacteria on your skin. 

Before Your Workout

Hydrate

Hydration is essential to keep energy levels high as you exercise and maintain healthy skin. Ideally, you will stay hydrated all the time and especially before you work out. It is also very important to stay on top of your fluids intake during your workout and afterward. 

If you want to drink something besides water after a workout, choose something that provides electrolyte replenishment.  Sports drinks can contain a lot of sugar and other harmful ingredients. Read the label before you reach for a sports drink, or choose a more nutritious option like coconut milk to replenish electrolytes. Or better yet, drink water and add The Spa Dr.® True Hydration Drops, an electrolyte blend designed to support rapid nutrient replenishment before, during, and after physical performance. 

Skip Makeup 

It’s natural to want to look your best. However, working out in heavy makeup is a bad idea. Your pores need to be able to breathe when you exercise. While you’re sweating, your body pushes the impurities in your skin out of your pores. As your pores open up during a workout, that layer of makeup on top of your skin can block pores and cause acne. It can even cause miliaria – small itchy bumps on the skin that occur when the skin can’t breathe properly. Skip the blush, skip the foundation and powder, and use tinted sunscreen if you can’t bear to go without coverage. Be even more confident in your skin when you learn how to look your best without makeup!

Cleanse and Moisturize

Your skin is a safety barrier that protects the inside of your body from pollution, pathogens, bacteria, and more. Give your skin extra help by cleansing and moisturizing before your workout. Cleansing removes impurities while moisturizing locks in hydration (especially important in cold environments) and keeps pollution particles out. 

Apply Sunblock 

If you prefer being active outdoors instead of in the gym, don’t forget the sunblock. Apply a zinc oxide-based sunblock on your face and on exposed areas of the body. Many sunblocks contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed by your skin. In July 2021, several well-known brands voluntarily recalled their sunscreens because independent testing discovered they contained benzene (which has been linked to cancer). This is another reason to be diligent about the sunblock that you choose to use! Want more information about ingredients to avoid? Learn more in Clean Skin from Within.

If you are outdoors for many hours of the day, take extra caution and apply sunblock every two hours. If you are swimming or sweating, it is even more important to reapply. If you can, stay out of direct sunlight for extra protection. 

Protect your lips by wearing a lip balm with at least 15 SPF. In addition, lip balms contain emollients that create a barrier to seal in hydration. This barrier helps protect against the elements.

Wear Protective Clothing and Accessories

While working out outdoors, it is essential to protect your body from the elements. Plus, when you’re sweating, your skin needs to be able to breathe. With so many options today, it is possible to find natural fabrics that protect skin from the sun, keep your body cool, and allow your skin to breathe. Natural fabrics that are lightweight and breathable are the best for your skin, such as bamboo. Bamboo also repels odors, is sustainable, and is a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) 50+ fabric. A cotton blend is another good choice because it is gentle on the skin and breathable. 

And don’t forget about protective accessories like visors, baseball hats, and sunglasses. Choose what fits your activity the best when you can.

If you are getting active outdoors in a cold and windy environment, it’s important to take other steps to protect your skin from the elements and prevent windburn. Windburn actually feels similar to a sunburn. It causes redness, tenderness, and dryness. One of the easiest ways to prevent windburn is to wear the right clothing. Dress in layers and cover as much skin as you can by wearing scarves, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved top and pants.

Wearing protective clothing outdoors not only protects skin from the sun, but also from pollution. Air pollution can accelerate signs of aging, trigger skin conditions and allergies, and cause irritation. When combined with sun exposure, skin issues from pollution are even more intense.

Gym-Specific Skin Care Tips 

Avoid Touching Your Face

During any fitness session, it’s important to avoid touching your face. And when you’re in the gym, you are touching exercise equipment used by many other people. This makes the gym a hotspot for bacteria and fungi that cause skin infections and other conditions. Avoid touching your face to eliminate the risk of bringing bacteria in contact with your complexion.

Sanitize Gym Equipment 

Unfortunately, not everyone will have the etiquette to wipe a machine down after they use it! Bacteria lurks on machines, weights, yoga mats, bikes, treadmills, and other areas in the gym. Some of the most common skin infections you can catch at the gym include athlete’s foot, plantar’s warts, and ringworm.

Protect your skin at the gym and bring your own wipes, towels, and sanitizers to clean equipment before and after using it. Wipe down equipment before you use it with a disinfectant to avoid gym germs. 

Wear Shoes at the Gym 

Undoubtedly, one of the best feelings after a workout (especially after a long run!) is taking off your shoes. However, it’s essential to resist the urge to go barefoot at the gym. Fungi thrive in moist, dark, and damp environments like the locker room. Keep shower shoes or flip-flops in your gym bag and never walk around barefoot to avoid skin infections.

Post-Workout Skin Care Tips

Shower As Soon As Possible 

When you don’t shower after a workout, your skin sits in a pool of bacteria, dirt, oil, and body fluids. All of these things can affect the pH balance of your skin. This is one reason it is so important to shower as soon as you can after working out.

Another reason to shower right away is that sitting in sweaty clothes can cause acne and rashes. It can also make you feel itchy and comfortable and leads to clogged pores. Sweat can even make some skin conditions worse. If you have sensitive skin, you may experience extra irritation after working out. For example, an increase in body temperature can aggravate skin conditions like rosacea. 

When you do shower, use lukewarm water. Very hot water will cause more dryness. If you prefer a cool shower after sweating, that works too – and it’s highly rejuvenating! Avoid scrubbing your skin while showering, and use a mild body wash like The Spa Dr. CLEAN to cleanse your body and a gentle cleanser on your face. After showering, avoid rubbing your skin harshly. Pat it dry with a clean towel instead.

What should you do if you can’t shower right away? Change your clothes, wipe the sweat off of your body, and cleanse your face. 

Replenish Skin Moisture

When your skin is still slightly damp, apply a natural body moisturizer like The Spa Dr. HYDRATE that contains natural oils to replenish the skin’s natural barrier. Avoid moisturizers with synthetic oils and choose oils such as argan oil, pomegranate seed oil, and almond oil instead. Your skin will thank you, especially if it is extra hydrated after being exposed to chemicals in a swimming pool, wind, or the sun. 

If you are in a cold environment, your skin will be even drier. To add even more hydration back into your skin, apply a body oil before applying your moisturizer. 

The Spa Dr.® Approach

At The Spa Dr.®, our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and offer our guidance to nurture your skin care journey. We believe we provide information that will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

The Spa Dr.® offers natural skin care products that are safe and free from chemicals and toxins that can harm your skin and health. Our products are formulated to contain key nutrients in their pure and active form in order to provide optimal results. In addition, our products are pH balanced towards mild acidity to promote and protect a healthy skin microbiome.

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, please join us at TheSpaDr.com and on social media.

Share this article with your friends and spread the word to promote natural beauty!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: natural skin care, skin care, skin care tips for active women, skin care tips for athletes, skin care tips for women

10 Natural Remedies For Acne

June 8, 2021 by Dr. Trevor Cates Leave a Comment

10 Natural Remedies For Acne 

For some women, unwelcome breakouts don’t magically cease to exist once they reach a certain age. And according to a recent study, adult-onset acne is becoming more prevalent among a growing number of women. If you happen to be one of these women, natural remedies for acne may help you eliminate those breakouts for good. 

While there are plenty of effective OTC creams available, if you prefer a natural approach or have already tried OTC and prescription treatments with limited results, then maybe it’s time to take a new direction. Sometimes the best thing you can do is go back to the basics. Using natural remedies for acne may be the key to achieve healthy glowing skin. 

 

Use these natural care approaches to help reduce acne inflammation and breakouts:

Natural Topical Remedies

1. Tea tree oil is an essential oil that can help to reduce breakouts by killing bad bacteria. It’s antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties, making it an easy and effective spot treatment. Be sure to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, like fractionated coconut oil, or a moisturizer before applying them to your skin to avoid skin sensitivities like burning or dryness.

2. Nicotinamide gel can help decrease skin inflammation, excess sebum and improve your skin’s barrier function associated with acne. An over-the-counter 2% to 5% concentration can be applied twice daily for two months to help reduce acne. 

3. Licorice root extract contains a compound known as glycyrrhizin, which has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The root also produces licochalcone, which helps regulate the production of oils in the skin. Licorice root is an ideal natural remedy for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

4. French green clay, also known as bentonite clay, has an adsorbent power that may be helpful as a remedy for acne breakouts and oily skin. The clay will help remove sebum from the skin’s surface and has a calming effect on inflamed skin associated with breakouts.

5. Yogurt can be applied topically to help rebalance the skin’s microbiome. A healthy, balanced microbiome can better ward off the harmful bacteria that trigger outbreaks. Also, the lactic acid in yogurt has a balancing effect on sebum production. 

 

Natural Supplemental Remedies

6. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve skin irritation. Some research shows zinc supplements can help reduce acne scars. There is also a correlation between low zinc and acne levels. This essential nutrient can reduce inflammation and calms androgens, the hormones that often trigger acne. You can take 30 to 60 mg of zinc daily or eat foods high in zinc like beef, shellfish, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

7. Green tea can decrease sebum production. Plus, this delicious beverage is high in antioxidants! Very simply, green tea has polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that have health benefits for people, like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The polyphenol in green tea is called catechins and effectively reduces skin inflammation associated with acne.

8. Omega-3 Fats are rich in antioxidants to soothe inflamed skin. They also play a crucial role in the production and regulation of hormones. A supplement that contains a healthy dose of Omega-3’s will provide you with excellent acne-fighting nutrients. You can also get Omega-3’s from flaxseed, nuts, hemp seeds, avocado, and fish.

9. Gamma-linolenic acid can be found in evening primrose, black current, and borage oils. GLA can help keep breakouts at bay by reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene levels to decrease skin inflammation. Additionally. they can help balance the hormones responsible for activating sebum production.

10. Probiotics can help keep our gut healthy—which is particularly important if you’ve taken antibiotics for acne. Research indicates that a healthy gut microbiome is essential in addressing acne; you can get probiotics by eating yogurt, or you can choose a probiotic supplement to help restore and maintain healthy gut flora.

Additional Supplements To Consider:

The Spa Dr.® Skinflam-Ease, contains highly bioavailable curcuminoids that support vibrant health. Curcuminoids have antioxidant properties. A proprietary manufacturing process optimizes the absorption rate with natural, skin-friendly ingredients, including herbal ingredients like sunflower lecithin and turmeric oil.**

The Spa Dr.® Microbiome Builder 60 Capsules supports healthy gut microorganisms in balancing the GI microflora and supporting healthy GI, skin, and immune function.**

Natural Quick-Fix Remedies

For Breakouts: Try a purifying mud mask or this DIY turmeric and honey paste:

  1. Mix: 1 Tbsp plain yogurt with 1 Tbsp raw honey, and 1 tsp turmeric powder into a paste.
  2. Apply the paste to your face and neck, then leave for 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse paste with cool water. Pat your skin dry, and then apply your favorite serum and moisturizer.

For Excess Oil: Over-cleansing your face is a big mistake. Instead, try these tips: 

  1. Use a gentle cleanser twice a day, and afterward, softly pat your skin dry. 
  2. Use a plant-based oil blend to provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil will also provide your skin with healthy hydration that won’t increase breakouts. 
  3. Use blotting papers. The papers won’t treat the sebum production, but they’ll lift excess oils from your skin and reduce shininess.

4 Healthy Habits For Clearer Skin

Resist touching your face. This won’t cure your acne, but it will reduce the dirt, oil, and bacteria on your hands from coming into contact with your face and adding to clogged pores and breakouts. 

Stop picking and popping acne. It may seem like success when you rid yourself of a pimple, but you may inadvertently be pushing infected material deeper into the skin, leading to an acne cyst. Popping can also spread bacteria and cause an infection. And finally, picking acne damages the skin and can lead to scarring and dark spots. 

Wash your hats, pillowcases, sheets, masks, and anything else that will be touching your skin often. Also, choose pillowcases and sheets made from antimicrobial materials like silk or infused with silver. These materials help prevent bacterial growth on surfaces that will regularly come into contact with your skin. 

Clean up your skin care products and cosmetics. Choose natural, safe, and effective skin care products that are formulated to help address skin issues like skin sensitivity, acne, eczema, and signs of early aging. Also, do a regular spring cleaning to rid your cabinets of old beauty products that harbor bacteria. 

 

SKIN QUIZ

Are you not really sure what your skin needs? Take my Skin Quiz to find out your skin type. You can also find out more about each of the skin types here. Becoming aware of your skin type is key to understanding your skin’s common issues so you can streamline your skin care routine. It will also help you identify new healthy habits to support your journey to achieving the beautiful, glowing skin you deserve.

The Spa Dr.® Approach

At The Spa Dr.®, our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and offer guidance to nurture your skin care journey. We believe the information we provide will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

The Spa Dr.® offers natural skin care products that are safe and free from chemicals and toxins, which disrupt hormones. Our products are formulated to contain key nutrients in their pure and active form to provide optimal results. In addition, our products are pH balanced towards mild acidity to promote a healthy skin microbiome.

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, please join us at TheSpaDr.com and on social media.

Feel free to share this article with your friends and spread the word to promote natural beauty.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Acne, clean skin, glowing skin, Healthy Skin, natural beauty, natural health, natural medicine, natural skin care, natural skincare, nutrition, self-care, skin, skin care, skin health, skin tips, Skincare

Common Skincare Beauty Myths Busted—PART 2

May 25, 2021 by Dr. Trevor Cates Leave a Comment

Common Skincare Beauty Myths – PART 2

Achieving a beautiful, youthful glow can be accomplished naturally. But first, we need to stop believing the most common skincare beauty myths.

In part 2 of this 2-part series, I’ll bust another 8 prolific beauty myths I’ve collected from the beauty industry, beauty experts, The Spa Dr.® followers, and my patients. Let’s rid ourselves of these beauty myths to focus on natural and safe beauty rituals that help us achieve true natural beauty from the inside out.

If you haven’t already, you can read Common Skincare Beauty Myths Busted – Part 1 Here

MYTH #9. Dry Brushes Your Face Make You Look Younger

Dry Brushing is a great way to exfoliate the skin, which will leave it feeling softer and help improve blood and lymphatic circulation throughout the body– but DO NOT use it on your face! It’s too harsh and abrasive for the delicate skin of your face. Dry Brushing isn’t safe for every skin type, especially the delicate skin of your face. It can cause small micro-cuts and lead to irritation and dryness.

Also, if you have skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema, then dry brushing your face can aggravate these conditions and do more harm than good. This can leave your skin looking dry and damaged — the opposite of the youthful glow.

I recommend using a gentle facial exfoliant that will gently remove dead skin without causing irritation, inflammation, or damage to your skin.

MYTH #10. Men Need To Use Men-Specific Skincare Products

There are many widespread myths about men and skincare. For example, a common myth is that men need to use skincare designed specifically for men. Men indeed have thicker skin than women, and because they don’t generally wear makeup, their skincare routine is usually simpler. But men need the same basic steps that women do to protect and maintain healthy skin.

However, when it comes to sun protection, the difference between men’s and women’s skin does become more apparent. These differences mean men are more likely to get certain types of skin cancer. So, men should be just as vigilant about wearing sunscreen.

MYTH #11. DIY Skincare Is Always Healthier And Safer

Just because you are using natural ingredients at home doesn’t mean DIY is healthier or safe for the skin. The skin has a specific pH that is slightly acidic. If you choose to use straight lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, or even water, you can disrupt your skin’s natural pH and protective barrier functions.

Be careful in choosing a DIY skincare formula. Not every recipe you find on the internet is going to be effective or safe for the skin. You’ll want to find recipes that remain stable and safe during the application process and don’t interact with each other. And since DIY skincare can grow harmful bacteria and mold within a few days, it’s important to always make fresh batches. Also, always do a test patch to make sure your skin doesn’t have an adverse reaction. You can find more DIY skin care tips and recipes in my book.

MYTH #12. If You Have Oily Skin – Avoid Oil Based Skincare

If your skin tends to be oily, the idea of putting more oil on your face may sound counterintuitive, but this just isn’t true. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Oily skin is caused partly by the skin attempting to restore balance, hydration and protect itself. So, applying natural plant-based oils can be beneficial in restoring balance to the skin’s microbiome, which will effectively reduce oily skin.

One oil to avoid would be petroleum-derived mineral oils. Not only can these mineral oils have trace amounts of carcinogens left from the refining process, but they are not recommended for any skin type. Mainly because the oil will sit on the surface, clogs pores, and suffocates the skin—leading to more breakouts and more oil production.

MYTH #13. Using A Sharpie Instead Of Eyeliner Is Safe

NO – it is not safe to use a sharpie as an eyeliner! Sharpies have harsh chemicals and can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and lead to infections. The chemicals in a Sharpie include propanal, butanol, dyes, and diacetone alcohol. These chemicals should never come into contact with your eyes and can lead to permanent damage.

Butanol specifically is used as a paint thinner. Ask yourself – would you apply paint thinner near your eyes? Then using a Sharpie near the eye should be out of the question as well.

MYTH #14. Preparation H Gets Rid Of Puffiness Under The Eyes

In theory, the active ingredients could get rid of puffiness. Phenylephrine constricts blood vessels, and hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory. But if your finger slips and you get some of these ingredients in your eye, you may end up with some serious damage—then puffy eyes will be the least of your concerns.

Is it worth the risk?! Besides, there is no conclusive evidence that it works. It may bring on the feeling of tightness but doesn’t make any noticeable reduction to puffy eyes.

A safe alternative would be to try arnica gel—a plant extract used for bruises, pain relief, and swelling. Or dab an antioxidant serum under your eyes to reduce swelling.

MYTH #15. Using Hairspray Can Help Set Your Makeup

It is understandable that you might accidentally overspray and get hairspray on your face. But the beauty practice of purposefully using hairspray to set your makeup is quite detrimental to your skin.

Even if you ‘only’ spray it ahead of your face and then ‘walking through it,’ aerosols contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to your skin or when ingested or inhaled. At a minimum, they can cause redness, irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions. However, ingredients in hairspray like propylene glycol have been linked to poisoning as well as liver and kidney toxicity.

Aerosol lacquers and alcohols can cause blurred vision, breathing difficulty, and be very dehydrating for your skin — ultimately putting your health at risk and making your skin look older.

MYTH #16. Coffee Is A Great Exfoliant For The Skin

Coffee grounds that come straight from a coffee grinding machine aren’t ground fine enough for cosmetic use. The coffee ground will damage the skin by causing micro-tears across your skin as you exfoliate. Damaging your skin’s protective barrier puts it at risk of infections and experiencing skin issues.

Additionally, coffee grounds and body oils are the worst combination for your drains that even draino can’t cut through. Do your skin and your pipes a favor and steer clear of this beauty myth. Instead, adopt an exfoliation routine that is gentle with the goal to only slough the dead skin cells and help prevent clogged pores. Once a week is typically enough for an effective exfoliation routine. Also, choose a gentle exfoliant formulated to be effective while preserving your skin’s protective barrier qualities.

Achieve Natural Beauty

Becoming aware of your skin’s specific needs is important in your journey to achieving natural beauty from the inside out. You can learn your skin type by taking our skin quiz HERE. Once you know your skin type, you can choose a safe, effective, and natural skin care that will simplify and clean up your skin care to help you achieve naturally beautiful skin.

The Spa Dr.® Approach

At The Spa Dr.®, our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and offer our guidance to nurture your skin care journey. We believe we provide information that will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

The Spa Dr.® offers natural skin care products that are safe and free from chemicals and toxins that can harm your skin and health. Our products are formulated to contain key nutrients in their pure and active form in order to provide optimal results. In addition, our products are pH balanced towards mild acidity to promote and protect a healthy skin microbiome.

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, please join us at TheSpaDr.com and on social media.

Share this article with your friends and spread the word to promote natural beauty!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: beauty, glowing skin, Healthy Skin, natural beauty, natural skin care, natural skincare, self-care, skin care, skin health, skin tips, Skincare

Soothe Dry Skin In Winter Naturally

February 23, 2021 by Dr. Trevor Cates Leave a Comment

Dry Skin In Winter

Dry skin patches or overall dry skin that occurs during the winter months is a typical seasonal issue. It can result from many factors beyond the weather. Including your bathing routine, skin care routine, age, diet, and soap choices, to name a few.

If you are experiencing dry skin, addressing the triggers will allow you to make changes. These changes can soothe and renew your skin’s natural barrier protection. Because untreated and severely dry skin can develop into more serious conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. These skin conditions can create very uncomfortable inflamed, itchy, and cracked skin — making you vulnerable to infections.

The skin’s barrier protection is your body’s first line of defense against pathogens that can affect your skin and overall health. Part of this natural barrier protection is a healthy skin microbiome. The microbiome helps maintain moisture levels and protect the skin and body from pathogens and irritants that can affect your skin and overall health.

The good news is that there are many natural approaches to soothe and care for your dry skin during the winter. Here’s a look at the causes of severely dry winter skin, and then steps you can take to help soothe, nourish and care for your skin naturally.

 

Winter Causes Of Dry Skin

Here are the common winter triggers behind your dry skin:

Cold Weather: Skin tends to be driest in the winter when temperatures and humidity levels plummet, and stormy winds blow. This combination creates arid air that draws moisture away from the surface and dehydrates your skin.

Bathing Habits: Showering in very hot water during cold winter months dries and can even damage your skin’s surface. Additionally, enjoying a long shower can be a part of the problem because a long shower (or bath) and hot water will strip natural oils from your skin, disrupting your skin’s barrier protection. Even the way you dry off can add to the problem. Rough towel drying can irritate skin and over-exfoliate.

Indoor Heating: All forms of heating, including space heaters, fireplaces, central heating, and wood-burning stoves, will reduce the humidity in the surrounding air. Lower humidity levels will cause the water in your skin to evaporate more quickly, leaving it dry.

Harsh Soaps (and Detergents): Many popular soaps are formulated to remove oils from your skin aggressively. Most regular detergents aim to rid clothes of sweat, oils, and stains while adding a lasting fresh scent. Soaps (and detergents) can contain harsh irritants, fragrances, a high pH, or chemicals. All of which can be harmful to the skin’s protective barrier, moisture levels, and microbiome.

Dehydration: You may not be as thirsty as you would be during the hot summer months, but you lose water through your skin just the same. Especially if you spend much of your time indoors with the heat cranked up. Your body is over 70% water. If you aren’t drinking enough water, your skin may become dry, flaky, dull, wrinkled, and sag.

Poor Diet: Nutrition is vital for your health and your skin. An unhealthy diet or a diet deficient in essential nutrients and building blocks, such as fatty acids, can leave your body deficient in the components it needs to maintain healthy cells and proper body functions.

 

Caring For Dry Skin

Here are a few ways to soothe, nourish and care for your irritated, itchy skin naturally:

Humidify Home: Spending much of your time in dry indoor air or, if you live in an arid area, can dry out your skin. A humidifier can help increase the moisture to an optimal level of 40-50% humidity. Also, be sure to use the humidifier at night to diffuse cool moisture to your skin during the long night hours.

Gently Cleanse: A “squeaky clean” feeling is terrible for your skin. It means you’ve washed away much of the natural protection that keeps your skin from drying out. Effectively melt away that sweat, dirt, debris, and pollution from your skin naturally with a gentle and soothing pH balanced cleanser like The Spa Dr® CLEAN Body Wash.

Short Warm Showers: Long hot showers may feel good in cold weather, but they deplete your skin’s lipid layer and decrease its ability to stay hydrated. Start babying your skin – use a water temperature that would be suitable for sensitive baby skin. Keep your shower under 10 minutes (5 minutes is optimal) to help decrease the evaporation of your skin’s natural hydration.

Stay Hydrated: Moisturize your skin inside and outside regularly. Drink plenty of fluids. Also, increase foods with high water content, like fruits and vegetables, to keep your skin hydrated from the inside. Apply a nutrient-rich body lotion like The Spa Dr® HYDRATE Body Moisturizer or oil blend like ENHANCE: Glow Boost. Both provide skin-loving nutrients to quench dry skin and help replenish the skin’s natural barrier.

Moisturize Correctly: Timing when you moisturize can be the easiest way to soothe dry skin. As soon as you get out of the shower, gently pat your skin dry, then immediately moisturize to seal in moisture. Moisturize throughout the day when needed. In the evening before bed, finish the day off with a nutrient-rich oil. I recommend using coconut, almond, or an all-natural plant-based oil blend to hydrate.

Always Protect: No matter the weather, our skin is exposed to many environmental toxins, free radicals, and stressors. These can cause dry skin – not to mention lead to premature signs of aging. So, slather on a nutrient-rich antioxidant serum, and when outside, use natural sun care. Protect and nourish your skin to combat environmental stress and maintain healthy skin.

Focus On Nutrition: Your skin depends on natural lipids to maintain its hydrated glow. Eating nutrient-rich foods, and natural fats provides your body with the building blocks to support healthy skin. These protective lipids and microbiome keep your skin looking soft, supple, plump, and radiant.

 

Beyond Dry Winter Skin

If you find your dry skin isn’t improving with at-home remedies, consider keeping a journal. A journal of your habits may help determine what could be contributing to dry skin. While it may just be harsh winter weather or the factors discussed above causing your dry skin – it may be more. There can be underlying causes, such as hypothyroidism. So, if you have chronically dry skin, talk to your healthcare provider to see if the root cause goes beyond the skin.

If you live with chronically dry skin and want to find out more about possible triggers, take my skin quiz.

 

The Spa Dr.® Approach

At The Spa Dr.®, our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and offer guidance to nurture your skin care journey. We believe the information we provide will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

The Spa Dr.® offers natural skin care products that are safe and free from chemicals and toxins, which disrupt hormones. Our products are specially formulated to contain key nutrients in their pure and active form to provide optimal results. In addition, our products are pH balanced towards mild acidity to promote a healthy skin microbiome.

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, please join us at TheSpaDr.com and on social media.

Feel free to share this article with your friends and spread the word to promote natural beauty.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: beauty, eczema, healing, Healthy Skin, natural beauty, natural health, natural skin care, natural skincare, self-care, skin care, skin health, skin microbiome, skin tips, Skincare

Skin Stories with Special Guest Dr. Devin Miles

February 4, 2021 by Dr. Trevor Cates Leave a Comment

Welcome to Today’s episode of The Spa Dr. Skin Stories. We’re covering eczema, nutrition and herbs. As always, the focus is how to address the root cause behind your skin issues.

I’m Dr. Trevor Cates, author of Clean Skin From Within and founder of The Spa Dr. skincare
Your skin is your magic mirror and gives you important clues about your overall health and vitality. And, this series is about telling your skin’s stories – it’s time to listen and stop covering up skin problems. Let’s get to the root cause to help your skin and your wellbeing.

At The Spa Dr. – our approach is to help shine the light on information in a way that is nurturing and supportive. If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, I invite you to join us at TheSpaDr.com and here on YouTube.

Watch this episode of Skin Stories to learn how to effectively address the root cause of eczema with a naturopathic approach.

Filed Under: Podcasts, Skin Stories

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