Before and After pictures are a journey.

It is always interesting the way these pictures speak to already beautiful people. They gaze with stunned eyes. Amazement. Hope. Youth.

“Is this real?”

Yes. It is real. And the most incredible thing about it: it is YOUR body doing it. We stimulate your body to heal itself, the natural way it was always meant to. Aging happens. Stretch Marks happen. Life happens. But it does not have to stay that way. You remember that when you see the photographic evidence.

Yet doubt creeps up, and you question what you see.

A 35 year old woman says, “I am too young for this. Maybe in 30 years when my kids are grown, I can justify spending money on myself and feeling beautiful again. My grandma would love this.”

Being worthy of your own time and money has no minimum age requirement. You deserve it, simply because you are you! Plus, the earlier in your life you get started on taking care of your body and skin, the better your results are. Regain your youth while you still have it!

A 65 year old woman says, “I am too old for this. I should have taken care of my skin when I was younger, but now I am doomed to suffer with my aging for the rest of my life. My granddaughter should do this now.”

It is never too late for change. Your body is absolutely capable of rebuilding and nourishing itself, it just needs a reminder! We trigger your body to rejuvenate and restore your skin’s long lost luster, and help you remember the beauty and youth still inside of you!

And every age of men say, “My wife would love this! If only I could reduce my scars and wrinkles too, but I would be considered feminine if I showed any concern about my appearance.”

Beauty has no age, race, color or gender. Taking care of yourself is universal, and healing your skin helps you FEEL good from the inside out. When you take time with yourself, you are a better parent, friend, and partner. You provide for your family when you provide for yourself.

There are a million excuses you could make to keep yourself from making that consultation appointment. And they are only excuses.

We are ready and waiting to change your life, are you?

Most overwhelmingly, the secret that is admitted in the treatment room is one of hiding. I have met some of the most incredible women and am in awe of the power and self-control they hold. Many have lost considerable amounts of weight and are dedicated exercise queens, yet they still feel ashamed of their bodies. I can empathize with them, because I have been there too.

It is a daunting feeling to be called beautiful, pretty, or even sexy(!) by those around you and wonder if they would still feel that way if they knew the secret stretch mark damage hiding under your shirt. Dreaming about wearing that teeny bikini that finally fits but still putting on that pair of ragged old shorts at the pool to hide the cottage cheese lumps on your thighs. Turning off the lights before you change just so that you can ignore the empty, sagging skin that was leftover from the weight loss just a day longer.

You have loved, nourished, and healed your body. It is okay to heal your skin and regain your confidence now. It is okay. Were you just waiting for someone to tell you that?

I am inspired by your stories and can I just tell you how much I want to help you? I have this amazing technology that has transformed so many lives at my fingertips, and I want to share it with you. And here is how you know I am genuine: I am committed to your results. I feel your pain before you begin. I leap for joy with your successes! I am proud of my work and I am always learning more to give you the best results possible.

But here is the catch: I cannot make this choice for you. It has to be you that decides to come out of hiding. When will you put your self-esteem as a priority? Show your self some love. Pick up the phone. A half hour is all that it takes to find out how your life will change.

The FDA released new regulations for sunscreens and sunscreen labeling last month. Most of the rules are applicable to sunscreen manufacturers only, in dealing with their claims and packaging.  Here are the FDA’s main points:

Broad Spectrum designation. Sunscreens that pass FDA’s broad spectrum test procedure, which measures a product’s ultraviolet A (UVA) protection relative to its ultraviolet B (UVB) protection, may be labeled as “Broad Spectrum SPF [value]” on the front label…

Use claims. Only Broad Spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value of 15 or higher can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging if used as directed with other sun protection measures. Non-Broad Spectrum sunscreens and Broad Spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value between 2 and 14 can only claim to help prevent sunburn.

‘Waterproof,’ ‘sweatproof’ or ‘sunblock’ claims. Manufacturers cannot label sunscreens as “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” or identify their products as “sunblocks,” because these claims overstate their effectiveness. Sunscreens also cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than 2 hours without reapplication or to provide protection immediately after application (for example– “instant protection”) without submitting data to support these claims and obtaining FDA approval.

Water resistance claims. Water resistance claims on the front label must indicate whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. Sunscreens that are not water resistant must include a direction instructing consumers to use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.

Drug Facts. All sunscreens must include standard ‘Drug Facts’ information on the back and/or side of the container.”

Most of these new points seem like another example of over-eager pointless regulation by the FDA. Forgive me if I suspect the FDA is financially driven. All products that need to be FDA approved (sunscreen is considered an over-the-counter drug by the FDA and requires extensive testing) must pay fees just to undergo testing. The FDA has predicted they will receive over $619 Million from user fees alone in 2011. The new regulations will not affect many other than the sunscreen companies and the FDA. I am grateful for the “Drug Facts” requirement on the back of the label so now we can tell what kind of sun protection it is.

Because the FDA is wrong. Sunblock does exist.

Traditionally there have been two types of sun protection: Sunscreen and Sunblock. Sunscreen uses manmade chemicals like Oxybenzone, Octyl methoxycinnamate, Avobenzone, Benzophenone, and Octocrylene. It takes all 5 ingredients to provide a “Broad Spectrum” coverage. Most Sunscreens do not have all 5, and will protect against UVB but do not have sufficient UVA coverage. Early research is showing the chemicals may be more dangerous to the cells than the sun, linking sunscreen use to hormone imbalances (erectile dysfunction), skin cancer, and Vitamin D deficiency.

The proof behind these claims is extensive (check the links!), still the FDA recently claimed Sunscreen is “safe,” citing the reason as ‘they do not have enough information to prove otherwise‘ (I am paraphrasing). That is not good enough for me.

Especially when there are Sunblock alternatives available. Physical Sunblock uses inert, safe minerals like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to reflect and scatter UVA, UVB, and UVC rays before they reach the skin. A great example of them is the thick, white paste that lifeguards have used for decades to protect their noses. Modern Sunblock has been refined and is essentially translucent. It feels much like fine mineral makeup, and can wear off in a similar way making reapplication essential every two hours (same as what is recommended for Sunscreens).

But even overuse of Sunblock can lead to Vitamin D deficiency. UVB rays also cause a reaction in the skin that produces the perfect amount of Vitamin D WITHOUT HARMING THE SKIN. Dr. Mercola has taught for years the importance of Vitamin D in regards to mental health and the prevention of cancer, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and diabetes. Supplements are unreliable and often lead to over- and under-dosing. Your body can produce the perfect amount of Vitamin D merely by being exposed to the sun for a few minutes.

So how do you protect your body and your skin at the same time? Dr. Mercola recommends getting 15 minutes of sun exposure before applying sun protection (longer if your skin is more sun-resistant, less for young children). Apply a Sunblock when your skin turns the slightest pink.

When choosing a Sunblock, look for SPF 30. Anything more will have Sunscreen chemicals, and the effectiveness is not dramatically increased. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Spokeman, Dr. Spencer, “SPF 30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays, and an SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of rays. After that it just gets ridiculous.” No product is capable of 100% protection and 3% of UVB is just enough to maintain the Vitamin D production without damaging skin cells. Always check the back label and verify that Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are the only active ingredients! Reapply every 2 hours to maintain your near-perfect coverage.

Do not hide from the sun, despite what the FDA says. Embrace the sun with your kids and family this summer and know you are nourishing their body. Enjoy the glow that comes from health, reflective minerals, and peace of mind!

Here are the most common non-secret facts about our cottage cheese friend:

• Cellulite is not FAT. Not like you would think of, anyway. Even skinny, ahem, chicks get cellulite up and down those twiggy legs. And they don’t like the appearance any more than you like yours. Cellulite is made up of lymphatic fluid and toxins that have been trapped in and around the fat cells. The lymphatic system does not have a pump to move itself along, and relies on muscle contractions and a smooth flow. With the overload of preservatives, chemicals, pesticides, and additives in our food and water, the toxins clog up our lymphatic valves and without rapid, full body exercise it is dammed into areas that women use for storage. The fat cells plump and plump and grow while the collagen and elastin get stretched to their furthest potential, holding all the fat cells in their umbrellas, attempting to tether the skin to the body, resulting in the circus tent-like appearance on the surface.
• Cellulite is mostly caused by genetics. Meaning your grandma’s lumpy hips did not just pass down in girth, but in texture. Yes, food, diet, and exercise may help to prevent so much fluid from building up in the fat cells, but it is inevitable for women to start receiving those deposits. Women’s skin is formed in a much different pattern than men’s so that the fat cells near the skin are the first to be stored in. While it may seem inconvenient, biologically it assists women in caring for children in the womb, and it also prevents against internal organ damage. Men carry fat internally, surrounding their organs, and ultimately end up at a higher risk of organ failure. But their thighs and rears end up nice and smooth.
• Cellulite is not harmless. Yes, most women have cellulite. It is by all means common, but not NATURAL. There is nothing healthy about a major body system failing to perform its basic functions. Cellulite can house disease, toxins, medications, and body waste for a lifetime. Serious infections can occur deep in the cellulite and go undiagnosed. Starting to wonder why you get sick so often?
• CELLULITE IS NOT YOUR FAULT. Especially if you lead a pretty healthy life, you have done nothing wrong. You did not fail your body. You do not need to be ashamed or beat your self up because you do not look like the magazines. Your genetic code was trying to protect you, and there is nothing you could have done to prevent it. Thousands of years ago our bodies were made to be active hunters and gatherers, not to have a 3000 calorie pizza delivered to our laps while we sit and watch television. You were brought into this existence with a body made for a completely different time and a DNA sequence custom made to give your thighs the appearance of the Rocky Mountains.
• Cellulite is not a life sentence. Your body is beautiful, every curve and every dimple. Every single inch. But if you long to wear a summer outfit that does not include long pants, then for your own piece of mind, do something about it! Cellulite can be moved, shifted, and eliminated. Your body is capable of excreting it; it just needs a little reminder of how to do it. The heat generated by our Body Contouring System reminds your cells of exactly that. It is a unique, non-surgical, comfortable solution to a potentially dangerous skin condition. It is not your fault you have cellulite, but it is your responsibility.

To learn more about cellulite and options to treat yours, please come talk with me or another of our excellent Estheticians! We can give you all the information to make an educated decision about your own health. It’s your skin, Love it. It’s your life, Live it.

-Tavish Larise

We go to long lengths to avoid pain on a daily basis, often resorting to unhealthy tactics. We scan our own groceries so we do not have to wait in a longer line. We will avoid that one person at work like the plague so we do not get sucked into a conversation about their cats again. We withdraw emotionally from our marriages because the fear of being vulnerable causes so much pain. What we do not see is the pain caused by running from pain.

When you look into the mirror every day, do you experience pain?

Forget about swimsuit shopping. It is not physical pain. Are you really satisfied with who you are and the way you look? As I stated previously, I believe every single person is beautiful the way they are. I believe it is essential to accept yourself as is, because you could spend thousands of dollars trying to improve what you see in the mirror and NOT ONE BIT WOULD WORK. The world may see the improvements but you will not see a difference unless you show yourself some love.

But on your journey to loving yourself are you willing to accept some help?

It is my passion to assist people in feeling beautiful, and it starts on the inside. It starts by making a time, energy, and monetary commitment toward yourself. It is saying, “You know what?! I am WORTH spending time and money on myself! I DESERVE IT just for being me!” Trust me, the beauty that radiates when you make that stand is brighter than a thousand stars.

You have the power. We have the way.

A pain free way. Our Body Contouring treatment packages are literally pain free. The gradual warming sensation can actually be quite relaxing for some people. While it can be healing your heart and spirit. Feel confident and beautiful when you stand in front of the mirror. Be indecisive about which swimsuit to buy because they all look FANTASTIC on you! Celebrate the beautiful, Luminous You.

I am a Master Esthetician, which means I heal skin. From the skin between your toes to the scalp on your head, my passion is to heal it all. I know what your skin needs to thrive and be healthy, which assists your entire body to heal as well. I also love to heal your soul along the way.

You have skin. All over you. And you probably see things you don’t like about your skin EVERY DAY. Wrinkles, scarring, acne, freckles, stretch marks, cellulite, the list is endless. Now, I am a firm believer in loving yourself AS IS. Every single person is beautiful, no matter what happens to be on the outside of your skin. The problem is, we don’t FEEL beautiful when we are constantly criticizing the characteristics of our skin. The truth be told, it has a valid reason.

Every imperfection in your skin is a form of DAMAGE. The sun, pollution, pregnancy, improper nutrition and aggressive products are all sources of damage done to your skin. There is nothing “natural” about leaving dead, damaged skin over your face and body. Your skin is the first layer of defense; it is a vital part of your immune system! Without healthy skin protecting you, you are much more likely to allow foreign invaders into your body (and I do not mean the E.T. kind).

Healing your skin is critical to feeling beautiful, inside and out. Not only are you creating a healthy body, but you are creating a healthy mind. Think of yourself as a hermit crab, and your body as a temporary home for whatever you believe is in you. It could be your heart, your spirit, your self, your intelligence (for ease purposes we will refer to it as your spirit, but it can easily be replaced by whatever your belief system calls it). If you do not take care of your spirit’s home, you are telling your spirit that it does not deserve a good home, that you do not care about it, that your spirit has no value.

Could you imagine how your child would feel if you refused to provide a clean home for them? If they came home to house with paint peeling off the walls, huge stains in the carpet, and garbage piling up around them, they would feel ashamed of their home. That is exactly how your spirit feels.

Often we feel GUILTY for taking care of ourselves but would go to the moon and back for those we love. It helps to think of your spirit as another child, one that deserves just as much attention as your real children. As you take care of yourself, it becomes easier and easier to think positive thoughts about yourself. There is a sound reason why those who struggle with depression are often counseled to start exercising more. It is nourishment for your soul.

Going to the Spa does not have to be a selfish, expensive, all day trip. Most treatments are one hour. One hour out of the 168 in your week. One hour out of the 720 in your month! Your life, your friends, your work, your family gets between 99.4% and 99.9% of your time. Instead of paying for another night of take out, take the time to allow someone to pamper you, heal your skin, and beautify your spirit.

You deserve it. You are my Ideal Client.