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Vegan Beauty: What It Really Means & How to Spot Fake Claims

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Ways to Spot Fake Vegan Beauty Claims

With the growing demand for vegan and cruelty-free skincare, many brands use misleading labels to appeal to conscious consumers. 

The good news is with some there are ways you can identify fake claims and figure out what beauty brands really mean when they talk about being vegan and cruelty-free. 

Here are some simple steps to identify fake claims:

  • Look for certifications: A product labeled “vegan” doesn’t always mean it’s free from animal testing. Check for trusted certifications like Leaping Bunny, which ensures no animal testing at any stage. The Spa Dr. skincare products are Leaping Bunny certified.

  • Read the ingredients list: Watch for hidden animal-derived ingredients like lanolin, beeswax, or collagen. Some ingredients have complex names, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with common animal-derived components.

  • Beware of greenwashing: Some brands use vague terms like “natural” or “clean” without proof. Always research beyond the label.

  • Investigate parent companies: Some brands claim to be vegan but are owned by larger corporations that still conduct animal testing. If supporting 100% cruelty-free companies is important to you, consider researching the brand’s ownership structure.

How to Shop for Cruelty-Free Skincare

Finding truly cruelty-free skincare requires careful research. Here’s what to look for:

  • Choose certified brands: Leaping Bunny certification is the gold standard for cruelty-free products, ensuring that no animal testing occurs at any stage of product development. Unlike other labels, Leaping Bunny certification requires rigorous third-party auditing.

  • Check company policies: Some brands claim to be cruelty-free but sell in markets where animal testing is required. Always check a brand’s stance on animal testing and whether it is distributed in countries with mandatory animal testing laws.
  • Research Ingredients & Sourcing: Vegan skincare should contain plant-based ingredients without any hidden animal-derived components. If you’re unsure about an ingredient, use databases like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to verify its origin. The Spa Dr.’s 3-step Age-Defying Skincare System is EWG verified.
  • Look for ethical sourcing: Cruelty-free beauty goes beyond animal testing—it also means sourcing ingredients ethically. Sustainable farming practices, fair trade ingredients, and eco-conscious packaging all contribute to a truly ethical beauty brand.

The Spa Dr. Is Leaping Bunny Certified

At The Spa Dr., we take cruelty-free beauty seriously. Our skincare products are Leaping Bunny certified, meaning they meet strict standards for being free from animal testing. 

This certification guarantees that every ingredient and final product has never been tested on animals. Unlike other cruelty-free certifications, Leaping Bunny requires independent audits to ensure compliance at every stage of product development.

Choosing Leaping Bunny-certified products means you can trust that The Spa Dr.’s skincare is truly cruelty-free, giving you peace of mind as you care for your skin.

The Spa Dr. 3-Step Skincare System: A Great Place to Start

For those looking for a simple yet effective vegan skincare routine, The Spa Dr.’s 3-Step Age-Defying Skincare System is an easy-to-apply, clean beauty solution. This system is designed to cleanse, hydrate, and rejuvenate while maintaining a balanced pH—without unwanted toxic ingredients.

Why Women Are Loving It:

  • Enhances the appearance of uneven skin texture, promoting a smoother, more radiant look.
  • Formulated with Pullulan to provide a temporary tightening and lifting effect, giving the skin a firmer appearance.
  • Contains powerful antioxidants like CoQ10, which help defend against environmental stressors for a healthier-looking complexion.
  • Softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles, helping skin appear more refreshed and youthful.

With its clean, science-backed formula, The Spa Dr.’s 3-Step Skincare System offers a simple yet effective routine for those who value ethical beauty without compromising on visible results.

Why Vegan Beauty Matters

Choosing vegan and cruelty-free beauty products is more than a personal choice—it’s a way to support ethical and sustainable practices in the beauty industry. 

By choosing certified brands like The Spa Dr., you contribute to a movement that values transparency, sustainability, and kindness toward animals.

Whether you’re new to vegan beauty or looking to refine your skincare routine, prioritizing Leaping Bunny-certified products is a great way to ensure your skincare aligns with your values.

 

Understanding Hormonal Imbalances: Signs, Solutions & Self-Advocacy

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Hormonal imbalances affect millions of women, yet many go untreated due to misdiagnosis or lack of awareness. Challenges like fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and skin issues can indicate deeper issues related to hormone health. 

In a recent episode of The Spa Dr. Podcast, Dr. Trevor Cates and Dr. Kyrin Dunston explored the crucial role hormones play in overall well-being and how women can advocate for their own health.

The Hidden Impact of Hormonal Imbalances

Research suggests that up to 85% of perimenopausal and menopausal women experience disruptive symptoms, but alarmingly, 75% never receive proper treatment. 

Hormones act as the body’s communication system, influencing metabolism, skin health, mood, and energy levels. However, traditional medical practices often overlook the complexity of female hormonal health, leading to frustration and untreated conditions.

Common signs of hormonal imbalance include:

  • Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Chronic fatigue or low energy levels
  • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
  • Irregular or heavy periods
  • Skin issues like rosacea, acne, or dryness
  • Low libido or sexual dysfunction
  • Poor sleep and increased stress

Why Testing Matters: “Test, Don’t Guess”

Many women are told their symptoms are “just part of aging” or are given medications that mask the underlying problem. Dr. Dunston emphasizes the importance of proper hormone testing to uncover the real issues. Instead of relying on standard blood tests, functional hormone testing—such as saliva or urine testing—provides a more accurate picture of hormonal health.

Key hormones to monitor include:

  • Cortisol: The stress hormone that, when imbalanced, can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and immune dysfunction
  • Estrogen & Progesterone: Essential for mood regulation, metabolism, and skin health, especially during perimenopause
  • Thyroid Hormones: Crucial for energy production, metabolism, and body temperature regulation.

The Connection Between Hormones and Skin Health

One surprising impact of hormonal imbalances is on skin health. Conditions like rosacea, acne, and dryness often stem from underlying hormone disruptions—especially involving cortisol and gut health. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, inflaming the skin and triggering breakouts or redness.

Solution: Reducing stress through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and targeted supplementation can improve skin and overall hormonal balance.

Biohacking Hormonal Health: Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference

The good news? Women can take charge of their hormonal health with targeted lifestyle changes:

  1. Manage Stress & Support Cortisol Balance

    • Prioritize quality sleep and relaxation techniques
    • Reduce EMF exposure and digital overstimulation
    • Try adaptogenic herbs and supplements, like The Spa Dr.’s Hormone Balance Blend, to naturally regulate cortisol levels

  2. Optimize Nutrition

    • Focus on anti-inflammatory foods and balanced macronutrients
    • Increase protein intake to support metabolic function
    • Reduce sugar and processed foods that can worsen hormone imbalances

  3. Support Gut Health

    • Incorporate probiotic-rich foods to promote microbiome balance
    • Identify and eliminate food sensitivities
    • Reduce toxin exposure through filtered water and organic food choices

  4. Consider Hormone Therapy & Supplements

    • Work with a practitioner to determine if bioidentical hormone therapy is right for you
    • Incorporate targeted supplements, such as The Spa Dr. Hormone Balance Blend, to support overall well-being and maintain hormonal health*

The Power of Self-Advocacy in Women’s Healthcare

One of the most critical takeaways from the discussion is the importance of self-advocacy. Many women experience medical gaslighting—being told their symptoms are “normal” or “all in their head.” Dr. Dunston encourages women to trust their instincts, seek out functional medicine practitioners, and push for comprehensive testing.

Take Control of Your Hormonal Health

Understanding and addressing hormonal imbalances is key to achieving optimal health, energy, and vitality. By taking a proactive approach—through proper testing, lifestyle changes, and strategic supplementation—women can regain control over their well-being.

For more insights on balancing hormones and achieving radiant health, explore our curated selection of supportive supplements and toxin-free skincare.

 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

The Science of Slow Aging and Biohacking for Radiant Skin

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Aging is a natural process, but the way various factors, including lifestyle choices, nutrition, and environmental exposure influence our skin and body age.

In a recent episode of The Spa Dr. Podcast, aesthetic nurse specialist Rachel Varga shared her expert insights on functional slow aging, biohacking, and the keys to maintaining radiant skin for years to come.

Understanding the Aging Process

Aging is largely influenced by genetics, but epigenetics—the way genes are expressed—plays a significant role. Factors like oxidative stress, hormone fluctuations, and environmental toxins impact the speed of aging. 

Scientific studies, including research from Stanford, have shown that exposure to certain light wavelengths can even influence gene expression, potentially reversing signs of aging at a cellular level.

Key Lifestyle Habits for Slow Aging

Rachel Varga emphasizes that aging gracefully is about radiance rather than simply fighting the process. Here are some essential lifestyle changes that contribute to healthy aging:

  1. Stress management: Chronic stress increases cortisol, which accelerates collagen breakdown and leads to premature aging. Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, and self-care rituals can reduce stress levels and support healthier skin.

  2. Optimized nutrition: A diet rich in protein, antioxidants, and essential nutrients helps combat oxidative stress. Consuming adequate collagen, NAD, and hydration supports skin elasticity and repair.

  3. Daily skincare routine: A well-structured skincare routine, including cleansing, moisturizing, and using high-quality serums, is crucial for maintaining a youthful glow. 

Check out The Spa Dr. 3-Step Age-Defying Skincare System to revamp your skincare routine. This easy-to-apply, clean skincare system is designed to cleanse, hydrate, and refresh the skin’s appearance while supporting a balanced pH—free from unwanted ingredients.

Biohacking for Youthful Skin

Biohacking involves using science-backed techniques to enhance overall health. For skin and aging, Varga highlights several effective strategies:

  • Red light therapy: Helps stimulate collagen production and improves skin texture.

  • Air and water purification: Reducing environmental toxins through purified air and water lowers oxidative stress on the skin.

  • Electromagnetic field (EMF) protection: Minimizing exposure to electronic radiation can support overall well-being and reduce inflammation.

  • Sleep optimization: Getting quality sleep is essential for cellular repair and hormonal balance, both of which are crucial for youthful skin.

    The Spa Dr. Sleep Restore is designed to support natural, restorative rest so you wake up feeling refreshed. This thoughtfully formulated supplement features Vitamin B6, which plays a role in normal hormone production associated with sleep quality. Magnesium is included to support muscle relaxation, promoting a sense of calm that can help ease into rest.

    Additionally, our proprietary blend of carefully selected herbs is traditionally used to encourage a more restful sleep experience. By supporting the body’s natural ability to relax, Sleep Restore may also help with occasional nighttime muscle tension, making it a great addition to your nightly routine.**

  • Intermittent fasting and detoxification: Proper fasting and detox strategies help eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation, and enhance cellular renewal.

Detoxification and Longevity

Reducing toxic load before starting any detox protocol is essential. Simple steps like consuming antioxidant-rich foods, using high-quality skincare, and optimizing sleep hygiene contribute to overall longevity. 

Bio-individual testing, such as gut and hormone analysis, can help tailor a personalized approach to aging well.

Incorporating practices like sauna therapy, lymphatic drainage, and regular movement can further support detoxification. These techniques help the body eliminate stored toxins, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthier, more vibrant appearance.

Hormonal Balance and Aging

Hormonal changes, particularly in women, play a significant role in the aging process. As estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, skin elasticity can decrease, leading to dryness and wrinkles. 

Balancing hormones through proper diet, stress management, and targeted supplementation can make a significant difference in maintaining youthful skin and overall vitality. 

Supplements like Hormone Balance blend may also help. The Spa Dr.® Hormone Balance Blend is thoughtfully formulated with botanical extracts, including saw palmetto, chaste tree berry, maca root, dong quai, and black cohosh, to complement your self-care routine.*

The Takeaway: Aging with Radiance

Slow aging isn’t just about looking younger—it’s about feeling vibrant and maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. 

By integrating biohacking techniques, skincare routines, and mindful living, anyone can enhance their natural radiance and well-being.

For more expert advice on achieving healthy, youthful skin, visit The Spa Dr. and explore personalized skincare and biohacking solutions. Always consult your practitioner before taking any supplements. 

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

Your Skin and Oxidative Damage: What You Can Do to Avoid It

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Have you ever noticed the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles sooner than you expected? Fine lines and wrinkles are rewards of aging and signs that we’ve been living and laughing. However, nobody wants to look older than they are. One of the biggest accelerators in premature aging is due to oxidative damage. 

Oxidative damage can lead to DNA telomere shortening and genetic alterations, accelerating signs of aging. Beyond aging, oxidative damage plays a role in developing significant health challenges. The good news is there are many action steps you can take to reduce oxidative damage with healthy lifestyle habits. 

What Causes Oxidative Damage?

Oxidative damage happens to cells and tissues when the production of free radicals exceeds the body’s ability to counteract their damaging effects with antioxidants. This process occurs internally from unhealthy lifestyle choices such as eating processed foods and too much sugar. 

Other common causes of oxidative damage are sun exposure, smoking, and toxin exposure. We are exposed to a number of toxins on a daily basis internally that harm our organs, including the skin. Exposure to chemical toxins in your air, water, and food can trigger not only oxidative damage, but other root causes of health issues such as microbiome disturbances, nutritional deficiencies, and hormone imbalances. 

Avoiding toxins is essential for clear, glowing skin. Unfortunately, the number of chemicals and toxins in our environment is increasing at an alarming rate, and our bodies soak them up like sponges. When it rains, air pollutants, pesticides, and other chemicals are washed into our water supply. The crops we eat absorb this water, and the animals we eat also live off the contaminated water, plants, and feed, so chemicals concentrate in their bodies. 

One toxin of particular concern is endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs include substances in our environment, water, food, and personal care products that interfere with the production, transport, breakdown, binding, and elimination of hormones. Exposure to EDCs ultimately affects the hormonal system and the skin. 

What Oxidative Damage Does to the Skin

In the skin, free radicals damage collagen, resulting in sagging, dullness, and uneven tone. External exposure to pollutants in the air and skincare products, as well as excess sun exposure, trigger oxidative damage. This accelerates the signs of premature aging.

Oxidative damage already happens naturally with age.

Levels of antioxidants that help combat oxidative damage decline as the years pass.

This makes a healthy diet and making healthy lifestyle changes even more important. Eating foods high in antioxidants is one of the easiest ways to support the skin and minimize the harmful effects of this process.

In addition, because the skin acts as an external barrier, it is directly exposed to environmental stress, such as sunlight and pollutants. Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV radiation generates free radicals in the skin. When their levels exceed natural antioxidant defenses, oxidative damage occurs. It also causes the depletion of antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C. 

Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

In general, we want to prevent pigmentation changes to the skin because they’re signs of sun damage, and they also signal internal disturbances. 

To explain this further, here’s a brief anatomy/ physiology lesson:

  • The epidermis is the top layer of skin and is very thin
  • The flat cells of the upper layer are called squamous cells; below this are basal cells
  • Melanocytes are cells that also reside in the epidermis
  • These cells make the brown pigment melanin, which gives skin its tan or brown color and helps protect against the damaging effects of UV rays

Increased melanin production leads to hyperpigmentation. Excess production is usually caused by sun exposure, inflammation, free radicals, and hormonal changes. When we experience oxidative stress from sun exposure, oxidative damage occurs. This spirals into increased melanin production to protect the skin and thus worsens hyperpigmentation. 

Collagen Breakdowns

Oxidative damage also speeds the breakdown of your skin’s elastin and collagen. As we age, elastin fibers in the skin deteriorate, causing a loss in elasticity.

Collagen comprises 70 to 80 percent of the skin’s dry weight and gives the dermis its structure.

Elastin is a relatively small part of the dermis, but its function is important. 

With age, collagen production gradually declines, and our skin becomes thinner. Sun exposure also causes skin to lose elasticity and age quickly. The biggest changes typically occur after age sixty, but with excessive sun exposure, changes can occur as early as our twenties. You can’t stop the clock, but you can reduce oxidative damage through certain dietary and lifestyle changes. 

How to Minimize Oxidative Damage

Choosing clean water, food, personal care products, and other items in our immediate environment is the most effective way you can avoid oxidative damage.

We know what we eat can nourish our bodies, including the skin. The most important foods to eat for clear, glowing skin are those rich in:

  • Skin-loving fatty acids
  • Antioxidants
  • Probiotics and prebiotics
  • Collagen-boosting nutrients (If your diet lacks collagen-rich foods, consider a collagen supplement such as The Spa Dr. Collagen Plus)
  • Cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties 

These quality foods boost your body’s detoxification pathways and reverse oxidative damage.

Choosing fresh, local, and seasonal produce that is rich in nutrients like antioxidants can help protect us against harmful oxidative damage. 

Another simple way to minimize oxidative damage is to choose toxin-free skincare products. Be mindful that what you put on your skin is absorbed into your body and may elevate the level of toxins you’re already exposed to each day. In the United States, safety testing of skincare ingredients is not required and only 11 ingredients are banned for use in personal-care products.

On the other hand, the European Union has banned more than 1,300 ingredients in personal-care products due to toxins. That’s why we make The Spa Dr. skincare products to EU standards. 

As we go through this life it may seem challenging to avoid oxidative damage. However, by making healthy choices in your daily life, you can promote glowing skin and radiant health. This journey is not about being perfect, but it does involve making conscious choices. 

If you need extra help on this journey, check out my book, Natural Beauty Reset. There you’ll find a step-by-step, 7-day plan for each season to promote balance and your natural beauty. 

The Spa Dr.® Approach

At The Spa Dr.®, our approach is to help shine the light on the skin and health care information and offer our guidance to support you on your journey.

Dr. Trevor Cates’ book, Natural Beauty Reset, provides an in-depth look at how you can nourish your body and support your health and hormones through the seasons.

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 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 on social media.

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

How to Support Collagen Production for a Lifetime

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As we age, one of the most significant transformations in our body occurs with collagen, the “glue” that holds our bodies together. 

Collagen plays a vital role in maintaining our youthful appearance and overall health. It is a structural protein that is essential for our skin, joints, and many tissues – and it makes up about a third of all of the protein in our bodies. In your skin, it provides the firmness, elasticity, and suppleness that keeps the skin looking youthful. 

The gradual decline in collagen production can lead to visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and reduced skin elasticity. The good news is the lifestyle choices we make today can support collagen and our skin for a lifetime.

Collagen Through the Decades

Collagen production declines from a relatively young age.

As early as age 20, the dermis layer – or the thickest layer of the skin – produces 1% less collagen each year.

At age 30, collagen begins to decline in the body.

And as we enter our 40s, collagen production has either dropped dramatically or stopped completely. 

By our fifties, the amount of collagen in our skin will decline even more and menopause may accelerate this process. 

Collagen is the driving force behind the elasticity of your skin. As collagen production declines, the firmness of your skin diminishes. This reduction in collagen can become evident through a noticeable sagging effect. Skin becomes thinner and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines exacerbates.

This is a natural part of aging. However, there are things you can do to support healthy collagen levels and production throughout your lifetime. 

Root Causes of Collagen Breakdown

To stop premature collagen decline, it’s important to know some of the top root causes.

#1. Oxidative Stress 

Oxidative damage speeds the breakdown of your skin’s elastin and collagen. As we age, elastin fibers in the skin deteriorate, causing a loss in elasticity, or what keeps your skin wrinkle-free.

Collagen comprises 70 to 80 percent of the skin’s dry weight and gives the dermis its structure. Elastin is a relatively small part of the dermis, but its function is important. As collagen declines with age, our skin becomes thinner.

As the body’s external barrier, our skin is directly exposed to environmental stressors like sunlight, wind, and pollutants. Excessive UV radiation from the sun generates free radicals in the skin, leading to oxidative damage. Free radicals wreak havoc on collagen.

This damage can manifest as premature aging, sunburn, inflammation, and more. Additionally, aging itself is a form of oxidative stress, as our natural antioxidant defenses decrease with age, leaving us more vulnerable to free radical damage.

#2 Excess Sugar 

These days, hidden sugars are hidden in nearly every processed or packaged food. When sugar stays in the bloodstream, rather than being ferried to cells the way it’s supposed to for energy, glucose (blood sugar) binds to proteins called glycation in the body. Two of those proteins are essential for healthy, naturally youthful skin: collagen and elastin. Glycation can accelerate the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin. 

Sugar can also affect what type of collagen your skin is composed of. The most abundant collagens in the skin are types I, II, and III. Type III is the most stable and longest-lasting plump wrinkle-resistant collagen. 

When we are young, our skin has a lot of type III collagen. Excessive glycation turns type III collagen into type I. This is a thinner and more fragile collagen – creating wrinkles. Keep an eye on your sugar consumption to maintain a healthy blood sugar balance and healthy skin. 

#3 Hormonal Imbalances

Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol can cause a breakdown in collagen over time, which leads to accelerated fine lines and wrinkles. 

#4 Blood Sugar Imbalances

As I mentioned before, excess sugar intake makes collagen lose its structure, making the skin more prone to wrinkles and sagging. However, blood sugar problems can cause much bigger issues than fine lines and wrinkles. It’s very important to watch your blood sugar. 

I’m not saying you can never eat sweets. Rather, it’s time to keep an eye on your consumption and support healthy blood sugar balance through some simple diet and lifestyle changes.

What We Can Do Support Collagen Production

To support collagen production and counter the effects of oxidative stress, consider the following dietary and lifestyle changes.

Important dietary nutrients for collagen support

Vitamin C: This essential vitamin is vital for collagen synthesis. Research even suggests that it can help reverse UV damage to the skin. Incorporate Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers into your diet.

Probiotics: Probiotics can boost collagen production in the skin, enhancing elasticity and reducing sun damage. Find these beneficial microorganisms in fermented drinks, yogurt with live cultures, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso soup.

Amino acids: Amino acids like arginine, glutamine, lysine, and proline are crucial for collagen production. Obtain these amino acids from sources like grass-fed beef, organic poultry, wild fish, and nuts. Collagen can also be found in meat, especially in tougher cuts, as well as in skin, tendons, and bones. My book, Natural Beauty Reset, teaches you how to create stews and bone broth to help you pick the best food sources for collagen.

Bone broth: You might be surprised, but consider incorporating bone broth into your diet. It’s a fantastic source of collagen and can support skin health.

Essential fatty acids: These help maintain skin cell hydration and function. Incorporate foods rich in essential fatty acids into your diet to support your skin.

Lifestyle habits to support collagen

Stay hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water is crucial for skin hydration and maintaining collagen’s structure and function.

Sun protection: Protect your skin from UV radiation by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses. UV rays can accelerate collagen breakdown, leading to premature aging.

Limit sugar and processed carbohydrates: High sugar consumption can lead to glycation, a process that damages collagen and results in sagging skin and wrinkles. Reduce your intake of sugary and highly processed foods.

Manage stress: Chronic stress can release cortisol, which may break down collagen. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.

Adequate sleep: Ensure you get enough quality sleep as it plays a crucial role in collagen production and skin repair.

Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to improve blood circulation, which can promote the delivery of nutrients to skin cells. Exercise also stimulates collagen production.

Collagen supplements: Consider taking collagen supplements such as The Spa Dr. Collagen Plus if your diet lacks collagen-rich foods. 

Use natural, nontoxic skincare: Nutrient-rich skincare ingredients and formulations can help decrease inflammation and support healthy skin cell turnover, collagen production, and hydration. Vitamin C, for example, can aid in promoting collagen production when used on the skin. 

Maintaining skin and collagen health is a long-term commitment. By making these lifestyle changes, you can help support collagen production and maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin as you age.

The Spa Dr.® Approach

At The Spa Dr.®, our approach is to help shine the light on the skin and health care information and offer our guidance to support you on your journey.

Dr. Trevor Cates’ book, Natural Beauty Reset, provides an in-depth look at how you can nourish your body and support your health and hormones through the seasons.

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 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 on social media.

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

How Consuming Too Much Sugar Can Affect Your Skin

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What does sugar do to your skin? I steer clear of refined and added sugars. Not just because of general health concerns – but because of how they adversely affect my skin.

Consuming a diet rich in such sugars is almost inevitably linked to a range of skin problems. Don’t believe me? Keep reading to discover these scary sugar facts and the alarming ways sugar ruins your skin. The effects of sugar on skin may surprise you.

With a few dietary changes, you can get beautiful skin in no time!

INFLAMMATION: Is sugar good for your skin? Far from it. Sugar is notorious for its highly acidic nature, and is a major culprit in causing bodily inflammation. But how does sugar impact your skin specifically? When sugar spikes your blood sugar levels, it sets off a chain reaction of inflammation. This often manifests as breakouts, making it a critical concern as sugar can cause a rash or other skin issues.

To safeguard your skin, it’s wise to avoid refined sugars and foods with added sweeteners like cane sugar, agave syrup, molasses, maple syrup, and honey, especially if you’re prone to skin flare-ups. For a safer touch of sweetness that won’t provoke the harmful effects of sugar on the skin, consider fresh fruit or natural sweeteners like Stevia.

WRINKLES: A diet high in sugar can have detrimental effects on your skin, particularly by damaging elastin and collagen molecules, which leads to an increase in fine lines and sagging skin. Sugar creates wrinkles by affecting what type of collagen your skin is composed of. The most abundant collagens in the skin are types I, II, and III. Type III is the most stable and longest-lasting plump wrinkle-resistant collagen.

When we are young, our skin has a great deal of type III. Consuming a high-sugar diet accelerates glycation, converting robust type III collagen into the more delicate type I, thus leading to the formation of wrinkles. Join me as I comprehensively dissect the core factors that contribute to the onset of wrinkles and fine lines.

BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE: Sugar triggers dramatic and swift fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, setting off a rollercoaster inside your body! Whenever you eat foods with high sugar content, your blood sugar rises rapidly. Then, once insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, is released into your cells, it falls again. The aftermath of a sugar crash usually involves feeling ravenously hungry, experiencing trembles, and undergoing mood fluctuations.

Every time this happens, your body experiences internal stress, which often leads to breakouts and dull-looking skin. To protect yourself and maintain balanced blood sugar levels, eat meals that contain plenty of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Looking for something healthy and delicious that will balance your blood sugar and care for your skin and body? Check out the 19 best foods for your skin.

FREE RADICALS: Free radicals serve as the catalysts for inflammation and disease, setting off a chain reaction of bodily distress. Studies have linked high-sugar foods and high-sugar diets with creating free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are essential fighters in the war against free radicals, and foods with natural sugars, such as fruits and vegetables, are excellent sources.

Follow a plant-based diet as much as possible, avoiding foods with added sweeteners, to boost your antioxidant levels and help your body win its fight against free radicals. Combat free radical damage from the inside out by using a pure source of omegas like The Spa Dr. Astaxanthin + Omega Krill and use an antioxidant serum like Nourish to help combat environmental damage on the outside.

REDNESS AND RASHES: Can too much sugar cause a rash? Absolutely. The inflammatory properties of sugar not only lead to red, irritated skin but are also a key factor in many skin conditions. Those suffering from rashes or prone to yeast imbalances often find the root cause in a diet high in sugar.

To promote clearer skin, cutting out refined and added sugars is crucial. Instead, focus on incorporating beautifying green vegetables and fiber-rich foods into your diet. To learn more about the root causes of redness and rashes check out my book Clean Skin From Within.

DEHYDRATION: Collagen is what keeps your skin looking young and wrinkle-free, but sugar attacks and eats collagen at the cellular level. This has a dehydrating effect on your skin and makes it look dull. And, of course, dehydration also leads to premature wrinkles. Sugar also sucks the water from your body’s cells, leading to dry, puffy skin and those terrible under-eye circles that we all hate. In addition to drinking plenty of water stay hydrated, and avoid eating sugary foods, especially when you want to look your best.

DIGESTION PROBLEMS: Many people experience digestive issues after eating sugary foods, such as gas or a stomach ache. This is because sugar is very hard on your digestive tract, thanks to the fact that it creates inflammation and flora imbalances in the gut. Besides, sugar cannot be broken down into nutrients beyond pure glucose. Once the glucose is gone and your blood sugar spikes, sugar creates a toxic state in your stomach. And, any time food doesn’t digest well, it shows in your skin. Eliminating sugar tends to lead to a better functioning digestive tract, a healthy microbiome, fewer food cravings, and better skin.

BREAKOUTS: Does sugar cause acne? Indeed, it does. Sugar sets the stage for acne to flourish in several ways. Initially, it heightens inflammation in the body, intensifying the redness and pain of blemishes. Sugar also disrupts the balance of your gut microbiome, leaving your skin more susceptible to acne. Additionally, spikes in blood sugar lead to increased insulin levels, which in turn trigger an overproduction of sebum in the skin and heightened androgen activity – both key factors in the development of acne.

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 skincare 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!

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, I invite you to join us on social media.

I hope you enjoyed these natural beauty tips. Feel free to share them with your friends, and spread the word to promote natural beauty.

I would love to hear about your story. Which hormones are affecting your skin and health right now? And what are you doing to keep them in balance? Share your comments below!

The Spa Dr. Guarantee

Try The Spa Dr. Products for 30 Days

If you’re not 100% thrilled, simply return the products for a refund.*

*Applies to all purchases of products and to the first payment of the subscriptions.