What's your word?

HABI NEW YEAR! 

Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions!  How many did you make this year?  I, per usual, made several: lose the baby weight (again, 3 years running), eat less candy, cuss less, get back to the gym 3-4/week… There’s more but that’s not the point… really.  

In an effort to make good on at least one of my resolutions, I went to spin class.  As the class got peddling, the instructor Joe asked if anyone had already broken their New Year's resolutions.  "Honest Abi" autopilot kicked in and I involuntarily lowered my head and raised a hand.  I took a peek around the room and saw I stood along in this admission.  

"Already?" boomed over the sound system.

"Well... at least I'm being honest," which was mostly lost in the him of the bikes spinning to nowhere. 

The ride was good. I came home red-faced and exhilarated but Joe's quizzical "already" had already formed an earworm I couldn't shake it.  

The next day, a friend texted me "what's your word?" and a link. 

This link changed my life. (Yes, a slight over-dramatization, but you get my point).

Freed at last from shackles of the resolutions I was sure to break, my mind raced with one word possibilities. Empower. Focused. Compassion. Balanced. Kind. Determined. Happy. Happy. Happy  felt good. Happy felt right.  My word is Happy. I chose “happy” because,  in 2018, I will choose to be happy and not to take on others' stresses or worries. I will have find the "happy" in every day and every one. It's been 16 days since I scraped the tired, old resolution trap, and I already I feel lighter, less stressed and happier!  (No joke!)

2018 is your year. Be you. Your best you. Own it. Believe it. Do it. HabiDerm.

Winter (Skin) Is Coming… Or Is It?

Jon Snow knows a thing or two about winter coming... 

You wouldn’t know it by the weather we’ve been having lately, but the calendar doesn’t lie — winter is coming. 

As temperatures begin to drop, the battle against the lack of moisture and dry environment begins. Just like your wardrobe, your skin care regimen should change with the weather. You can keep cracked hands, scaly, itchy legs, chapped lips at bay with a few simple steps:

1. Drink More Water. We tend to drink less water in winter months (opting for a hot cup of coco to warm up) but don’t forget your body needs hydration from the inside out. Drink at least 64 oz. of water a day (the recommended 8 glasses). Add high-water content fruit and veggies such as apples, oranges, kiwi and watery veggies such as celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and carrots into the mix. 

2. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize. Moisturizing is an essential part of your daily skin care regimen (or it should it). But it’s even more important during the drier, colder months as moisture is whisked away leaving parched, dry skin. And remember the three-minute rule: Apply moisturizer within three minutes of bathing to trap the much-needed moisture to your skin. 

3. Aquaphor is Your New BFF. Dry, cracked feet and elbows? Peeling cuticles? Dry cheek and under-eye patches? Chapped lips? Slap on some of the miraculous gelatinous goo for an instant fix. (Need more relief? Apply generously to feet and hands and wear cotton gloves/sock to bed.)

4. Brusha Brusha Brusha. Your toothbrush is not just for brushing your teeth anymore! Use your Oral-B to remove the excess dry skin (and then apply Aquaphor!).

5. Halt the Hot Showers. How can something that feels so good be so bad for your skin? Hot water can strip the body’s natural (and needed) oils causing drier, itchier skin. It can also bring blood circulation to your skins surface, which is why your skin turns red. This can lead to itchier skin and even a rash. Do your skin a favor and opt for a lukewarm shower.

-Joanna Austin 

(First published in the November 2017 issue of the Long Island Press.) 

The Social Impact of Perfection

Beautiful, flawless skin. It's everywhere: in the movies, on television and magazines covers, selling products and an image of what life could be like if we just....

The hours of air brushing it takes to manipulate each image (not to mention the behind the scenes personal chefs, trainers, stylists and makeup artists... and the cost) are often overlooked in pursuit of idealized beauty. 

Women hold themselves up to this impossible standard of perfection only to be disappointed, judged, even rejected. 

HabiDerm is a platform designed to connect, comfort, inform, inspire, and improve overall skin health while achieving short- and long-term goals. Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals to realize their own best-self and achieve their personal beauty, health and wellness goals – without heaps of new products or procedures.

At HabiDerm, we put you first, learn your lifestyle and provide "real-time" feedback to help you achieve your "best self" and have fun doing it! Above all else, our goal is to build self-confidence and self-acceptance by improving your overall health and wellness. 

We are asking you to join us to empower your mothers and fathers, your sons and daughters, sisters and brothers and grandmothers and grandfathers to stop looking outside and comparing themselves to an unrealistic standard.

At a time when we are inundated by images of someone’s idea of perfection, we believe our mission is evermore paramount.

On July 11, 2017, we launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to help raise the much needed funds to finish the beta and bring HabiDerm to life. Please help us reach out goal so HabiDerm can become a reality and in your hands this Fall.

Be Kind to the Skin You're In. Learn more, visit us at habiderm.com.

It's #NationalFrenchFryDay!

Next to #NationalMargaritaDay, #NationalFrenchFryDay might be my favorite #holiday.

I. Love. Salt. Who doesn't? Sadly, 90% of Americans take in more salt then they need each day, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The current recommendation is about 2.4 grams of sodium a day, the equivalent of about 1 teaspoon of table salt -- even less if you have high blood pressure or other risk factors. 

I know salt is not good for me but that doesn't stop me from celebrating #holidays and over-indulging from time to time. So when you've taken #NationalFrenchFryDay to the next level, here are a countermeasures to salve the salt-fest: 

HYDRATE: We all know that drinking 8 glasses (+/-) water helps your body function better, but water can help move the salt out of your system faster reducing the bloat and restoring much needed hydration. Drink up!

POTASSIUM: Counter the sodium intake by eating fruits and vegetables – like bananas, potatoes, and leafy greens -- that are rich in potassium and can lower sodium levels naturally

EXERCISE: Get your heart rate pumping for at least 20 minutes (and breaking a sweat) will help move the salt out of your system. Whether you hit the gym or the pavement, getting your body moving is a part of a great defense against salt-induced symptoms.

Be kind to the skin you're in <> Eat salt responsibly and enjoy #NationalFrenchFryDay! 

Want more? Visit us at habiderm.com.

You Are What You Eat

Did you know your diet can improve your skin health? 

People of all ages struggle with skin conditions like acne, sallow skin, cigarette damage, rosacea, dry flaky skin, wrinkles, and sun damage. Traditional medical practices often discount the connection between skin health and nutrition. However, there is strong evidence to support the influence of our food choices on the health and vibrancy of our skin.

Could your diet be damaging your skin? 

The healthier the foods are that you consume, the better your skin will look. The reverse is true as well: if you starve your skin of essential nutrients long enough, and it's going to show. “What you put on your plate is even more important than what you put on your skin,” said Grete McCoy, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified lifestyle counselor in Corpus Christi, TX.

Ensuring your daily diet is full of vitamins and minerals from fresh, whole foods is one of the most effective ways to improve the look and feel of your skin and achieve optimal skin health. 

“Making changes to your daily diet is not as hard or as expensive as you might think,” says McCoy. “I work with my clients to track daily activities like water intake, sleep and food selection and understand how a few small changes can make a huge difference in overall health and longevity." 

“Whether you use pen and paper or lifestyle apps like HabiDerm, tracking is a great and effective tool to help my clients be more aware of daily choices,” says McCoy. 

HabiDerm is a personal digital skincare assistant that helps individuals make simple everyday habits transform the look and feel of their skin. HabiDerm empowers men and women to make more informed choices and learn a thing or two along the way. HabiDerm's beta version is slated for release this Fall 2017. 

Grete McCoy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Lifestyle Counselor with more than 20 years of experience in metabolism and diabetes, as well as a significant culinary background. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from Texas Christian University and a Masters in Public Health from Texas A&M University. She has trained at some of the top facilities in the country and gives lectures on diet and nutrition at national conferences. Grete works with all ages, from children to adults, through pregnancy and geriatrics. A mother of four, Grete believes that diet and exercise are key to longevity and wellness.

Just Checking

How many times a day do you check your phone? A few times a day? Every hour? Can’t go more than five minutes? 

You're not alone; most of us are exactly the same way. 

Whether we're shopping, banking, texting or checking email, the weather or the time, it's estimated that Americans check their phones 8 billion times a day.

All this phone time can lead to some not-so-fun stuff like skin break outs, crappy sleep and even poor health(!).  
Germs transfer from surfaces to your hands and fingers to your phone to your face - YUK! - and that can wreak havoc on your skin. With all that phone time, don't forget to clean your machine.

Checking your before bed and keeping it close by as you sleep can not only ruin a good night's sleep but it's now believed to lead to serious sleep problems, including sleep disruption and deprivation. And that can lead to some serious health issues.

Bottom line: give your phone a rest so you can get some too. If not, don't be surprised if this happens! And in between phone checks, don't forget to do this and this!

Be Kind To The Skin You're In. 

Sweating the Small Stuff

From the minute my alarm goes off, my mind races with everything I have to do and still haven’t done. Mondays are the toughest: an impossible game of catch-up. The list just keeps growing.

I find myself repeating "baby steps" under my breath more often than I'd like. But then I caught this clip from SNL.

"Because baby steps" do lead to milestones. 

Size Matters. The little to-dos are easier to put off but they are just as important as the big ones. Pick 3 small tasks or goals each day from your to-do list (e.g., drink one more glass of water, don't eat Halloween candy for breakfast, call a friend, take the stairs) and check 'em off.  The small stuff may feel inconsequential, but it leads to the bigger stuff and the sense of accompaniment breeds motivation. Boom!

Intention is Key. Every intentional act leads to another and creates a positive ripple effect. You make things happen. You are in control.   Need Inspiration?  Check out some of these small to-dos, they can some pretty BIG effects:  - Forks over phones at dinner.  - No more excuses -> let's do this! - That's random... and so very cool.  Be Kind to the Skin You're In.

When Egg on Your Face is a Good Thing

Week of October 4th 

I’m no whiz in the kitchen... 
but I know a home-cooked meal is better than dining out or ordering-in because I know exactly what goes into the meal, and into my body. 

The same can be said for skincare. Who doesn’t love a sumptuous moisturizer or mask – the delicate fragrance, creamy texture, the promise of better, younger, firmer, brighter, tighter - you get the point - skin… but that ingredient list is a whopper. 

My inner chef and budding DIYer loves a good deal and some of the most basic foods in your fridge have some seriously surprising topical skincare benefits. 

So, before your next trip to Sephora, take a stroll down the grocery aisle for some of the best kept beauty secrets (not to mention, at a fraction of the cost!).

Pardon Me, Is that Egg on Your Face?

In addition to making delicious, protein-packed omelets, the nutrients in eggs are also great for nourishing the skin.  An egg white facial will tighten pores, remove dead skin cells and even helps reduce whiteheads and puffiness around the eyes. 

For Normal-to-Combo Skin: Take 2 eggs, separate the whites from the yolks and then whisk the whites until frothy.  Apply liberally to face in an upwards motion and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and pat your face dry and apply a moisturizer.

For Oily Skin: Try mixing 1 tsp. of citrus juice (lemon or grapefruit) and two egg whites. Whip the egg whites until frothy. Apply mask to a freshly washed face, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and pat your face dry and apply a moisturizer.

For Dry Skin: Try mixing 1 tsp. olive oil with one egg yolk and a dab of warm honey. Mix the ingredients until creamy. Apply mask to a freshly washed face, leave on for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with warm water, and pat your face dry and apply a moisturizer.

Is that Eau de Salade You're Wearing?

You may smell like salad dressing, but the benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) for the skin (and hair) are undeniable. ACV is known for its restorative and cleansing properties, ability to improve tone, blood circulation to the capillaries, soothe itchy skin conditions and acne as well as maintain elasticity. It’s also a natural anti-fungal and an antiseptic. Need we say more?  Here’s more.

Tip: After washing your face, take a cotton ball, dabbed in ACV, diluted with water (1 part ACV, 2 parts water), to balance your skin's pH before you apply a moisturizer.

One More Reason Not to Quit Coffee Just Yet.

Caffeine is a morning must, but it also has some kick-ass skincare benefits when applied topically.  So before you run out to buy caffeined skin creams, rev up your body scrub by adding cooled coffee grounds for a cellulite-fighting exfoliator.  

And then there’s urine therapy. #nojoke

Be Kind To The SkinYou’re In.

Promises, Promises

Week of September 27^th

Can a skin cream really 'lift' and 'firm'?  Do drugstore brands really work? Are the department store products worth it? Should I do Botox, fillers or both? What exactly is luminosity? A cow placenta or snail facial? 

From hope-in-a-jar to blood-sucking procedures, no matter how you are look at it, you won’t reap the benefits unless you do this first: take care of your skin from the inside out.

Your daily habits and activities – from the mundane to the intentional – affect the look and feel of your skin, body and mind. Stress can emerge as dry, red patches and more. Aunt Flo coming to town? She’s bringin’ baggage and not just excess oil, clogged pores and breakouts. Weekend Warriorism (catching up on all the things you didn’t get to during the week) can lead to serious dehydration, not to mention total exhaustion.  

Skin care products and procedures can smooth, soothe and suck “stuff” out but when you start with a healthy skin base, products simply work better.

Taking care of your skin on the inside is actually pretty simple - drink enough water and get enough sleep, and eat a healthy diet (saving the salt and sugar binges and alcohol  for “special” occasions).

With our skin health in-check, let’s talk product! There so many good products on the market, at all price points, that really work – they cleanse, exfoliate, smooth and hydrate your skin and even can plump, shrink, and blur lines. Check out our friend’s best of 2016.   

Be Kind to the Skin You’re In. 

Here's Looking at You, Kid

Awww, crap! It’s [insert day-of-the-week]: I forgot to eat breakfast again, and send that “really” important email. I think I left the laundry in the washer over the weekend (hope the mildew smell hasn’t set in yet), and I can’t remember the last time I went for a run...

BUT, my kids are fed, homework checked, backpacks packed and they got off to school without a hitch. I even have a dinner planned (sort of); I caught up on my work to-dos, and ironed a few shirts (ok, seriously, that’s not a regular thing…I just happened to unpack the iron after 2 years in a “new” house).

We're all busy and we all know it. Some of us thrive on the adrenaline, the fast-pace of it all and even take a little pride in the "oh-so-busy" aspect of our lives. Experts (like this one and this one) say that positive and negative stress can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. There's even a new specialty emerging called psychodermatology. Yet, many of us still don't take time out for ourselves. 

"Me time." From the media to my mother, I hear about this illusive concept all of the time. I know it's important, and quite possibly necessary, but damn if I can find the time to take a moment for myself. Easier said than done... or is it?

Since HabiDerm's inception, we believe that if we are going to talk the talk, then we'd better walk the walk. Here are a few things we are doing to master "me" time:

From the Inside Out: Your skin is an external barometer of your internal health. The better you take care of yourself on the inside, the better your skin will look and the better you will feel. Try integrating a few of these into your daily diet.

Book 'Em Danno! If you are a planner (like me), book a meeting with yourself. Work up to 30 minutes of "me" time every day. Do something, or nothing, that lets you completely let go and release your mind from the never-ending to-do list. For me, 10 minutes was a challenge, HeadSpace helped me get over that hump.

Create a Daily Ritual. A bath, a walk, a little meditation, whatever works for you and your schedule. (Need some inspiration?) Whatever you do, make it something you will look forward to. My boys are early risers, but I found it was well worth it to get up 45 minutes earlier. I look forward to a cuppa joe solo and the sound of silence... 

Be kind to the skin you're in.      

Salt Lovers: Feast Your Eyes On This

Love it or hate it…it’s here. Football. From pee-wee to the pros – 'tis the season of foliage and football, and that means one more thing: Salt.

Ok, a little context: I grew up in Texas, and football was more than a sport, not quite a religion, and most definitely a social event. Chips, dips and trips to the salty spread dot my football experience. Everything from queso-dipped chips to salt-rimmed margaritas meant the next day (or two) was going to be rough and puffed. 

Knowing what was (and is) at stake, I have yet to say “no” to a queso… but now I have a few plays to counter the influx of salt:   MAKING THE CUT. Advanced game-planning for the smorgasbord is key to a great defense.  In anticipation of the sea of salty snacks, try cutting back on the salt intake a few days before the game. Try snacking on fresh fruits and vegetables and skip the salt sprinkle at mealtime. THE SPACER. Possibly this season’s MVP, whatever you bevy of choice, alternate with a glass of water throughout the game. We all know that drinking 8 glasses (+/-) water helps your body function better, but water can help move the salt out of your system faster reducing the bloat and restoring much needed hydration. THIS IS BANANAS. Going overboard at the buffet, doesn’t mean you’ve lost the game. Post-game maneuver -> counter the sodium intake by eating fruits and vegetables – like bananas, potatoes, and leafy greens -- that are rich in potassium and can lower sodium levels naturally. GAME OVER? MOVE ON! Win or lose, getting your body moving is a part of a great defense against salt-induced symptoms. Whether you hit the gym or the pavement, getting your heartrate pumping for at least 20 minutes (and breaking a sweat) will help move the salt out of your system.  Be careful not to overdo it, and listen to your body. Bonus: you'll definitely feel better!   Be kind to the skin you're in. Like what you see? Visit us at habiderm.com.

Like the Pink Ladies, We Got This.

The promise of pink satin aside, there's something exciting about this time of year -- cooler weather, chic fall fashion, butternut squash everything, and - wait for it - the kids go back to school!  Queue up Back to School Again and commence 'happy dance'!

September also brings a sense of routine back to my life… So, as the chaos of summer settles into a brisk pace of productivity, so here’s a quick refresher to kick off the school year: 

Wash Your Face Daily.  Who doesn’t do this, you ask? Well, sometimes you are simply too dead-dog tired to do it (I know, I’ve been there)… but, chances are you have sweat and dirt sitting on your skin, possibly clogging your pores and breeding bacteria. Try not to wait until after the kids go to bed, your favorite show is over or after Fido’s last wee-walk; take a few minutes before the nightly wind down to wash up (even give yourself a mini-facial) before it gets too late.

·         Basic Smart Phone Hygiene. When was the last time you wiped down your smart phone? If the answer is “never” or “I can’t remember,” then that’s get to it! Germs transfer from surfaces to your face and can wreak havoc on your skin. Here’s a simple rule: anything that comes in contact with your face regularly, should be cleaned regularly (as in weekly) – that includes cell phones, home phones, and makeup brushes (yes, weekly).

·         Avoid The Pool of Drool.  Hair oils, product, saliva (yep!), makeup and dirt all end up rubbing off onto your pillow case and back to your face. Break the cycle and change your pillow cases at least twice a week (and don’t forget to wash your face!).

Don’t be a beauty school drop-out,

Be kind to the skin you’re in.