HEADS UP!

Hair is a decorative crown that shows off our true style.

Your hair says something about who you are, how you want to be seen by others, and how you see yourself. Contrary to popular belief, "good hair"  is not just about genetics; great hair is a combination of good haircare, products, and a healthy lifestyle.

Hair is made up of keratin (protein) and starts deep in the dermis layer and sprouts up through your follicles and out through the scalp. Too much oil/dirt on the scalp can clog the follicles and stunt hair growth. Too little oil and moisture causes dry scalp and leads to flaking or dandruff. Chemical processes, product abuse, and over styling can cause hair to break, dry out, and become weak.

 To keep your hair as healthy as can be, follow these simple shampoo and conditioning tips:

• SHAMPOO - Keep your scalp clean from dirt, grime, and product buildup. I recommend washing your hair at least once a week with a sulfate-free shampoo. If you have oily hair you should wash your scalp at least twice a week with a clarifying shampoo or a normal shampoo, and if you have coarse hair at least twice a month with a nourishing shampoo. Your hair naturally creates its own oil, and if not properly cleaned it can lead to breakage. Tip: Focus shampoos on your scalp, and as you rinse it out it will clean the rest of your hair. 
• CONDITION - You do not have to use a conditioner every time you wash your hair. It depends on you hair, and whether it is: dry, needs shine, or to make it easier to comb. Conditioners coat the hair with emollients that remain even after you rinse it out, which adds shine and moisture. Apply conditioner from the middle of your hair to the ends because that is the driest part of your hair, and the emollients can clog your scalp. Tip: If your conditioner makes your hair too limp then you should consider switching brands.
  

Remember, what ever you take care of will thrive. Take care of your hair, and it will stay beautiful. 

HOW'S YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM?

Human digestion is a complex process with many stages in the way it processes food and controls our appetites . At any of these stages, inadequate concentration of natural digestive acids and enzymes can make digestion problematic. Americans are taught to believe that digestive problems arise because we produce too much stomach acid. But more often than not, digestive problems arise from too little acid production. 

Stomach acid is critical to digestion and performs many protective functions in the digestive process. Symptoms often believed to be caused by high stomach acid such as bloating, belching, stomach pain, heartburn and bad breath can be caused by low stomach acid and insufficient digestive enzymes. 

Addressing digestive problems through the usage of naturally occurring digestive enzymes may be a safer and more effective means to address these issues, rather than eliminating needed stomach acid. While everyone can benefit from using a digestive enzyme supplement, there is not one single product that is right for everyone. At Cedra we support natural digestion, and take pride in our highly effective vitamins that can help do just that. Our Digestive Enzymes vegetarian capsules are a comprehensive blend of enzymes that facilitate the digestion of macronutrients, dairy, grains, legumes, and vegetables found in a vegetarian diet. 

For more information on our vitamins and your digestive system, contact us at 212-758-1199.

STOP DAMAGING YOUR SKIN

The sun can do a lot of damage to your skin cells and epidermal layer. We often forget that lack of sun protection can cause age spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. 

Most people only use sunscreen during summer seasons, or at the beach, not knowing that the sun's UV rays can damage our skin cells all year round.  The #1 cancer in men and women from ages 25-30 is skin cancer caused by prolonged sun exposure. You must protect your head with hats and your skin with an SPF of 15 or higher lotion.  SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and the SPF # tells you how long the product will protect your skin from the sun. Also, don’t even think about hitting up that tanning salon. The UVA radiation from tanning beds are three times as harmful as the sun. You may love the way you look now, but the sun damage will be evident in your mature years. No one wants to look older than they really are.

The sun's UV rays cause 90% of wrinkles, so think harder about that tan before you sit in the sun for hours to achieve a bronzed look. Sun damage is the #1 cause of premature aging; especially in lighter skin, and can lead to dark spots on the skin also called sun spots or hyperpigmentation. Make sure your SPF 15 or higher sunscreen contains one of these active ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzone. 

At Cedra Pharmacy we carry the following SPF lotions:

• Avene Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50
• Avene Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
• Avene Moderate Protection Sunscreen Spray SPF 20
• Avene Light Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (Non-Whitening)
• Avene Ultra-Light Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (Non-Whitening)

Tip: Creams and lotions in tubes last longer than those in jars. Keep moisturizers out of the sun or from direct sunlight from the window. Only keep products that you have opened for up to a year. 

Have a great Summer!