Alissa de Jongh

Alissa de Jongh

Flower Power in the Spa

Learn how certain flowers can improve the spa experience, such as rose, lavender, and tea tree, presented by Alissa De Jongh in her monthly video column entitled, "Au Naturel." Scroll down to watch the full video!

April Showers: Raining Hydration

Learn about hydration and its important uses in the treatment room presented by Alissa De Jongh in her monthly video column entitled,  "Au Naturel."

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How to Help Clients Struggling with Chapped Skin

Learn how to heal clients who suffer from chapped skin conditions presented by Alissa De Jongh in her monthly video column entitled,  "Au Naturel."

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Valentine's Day Facial Treatments

Learn Valentine's Day Facial Treatments presented by Alissa De Jongh in her monthly video column entitled,  "Au Naturel."

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Natural Cryotherapy for The Treatment Room

Learn natural cryotherapy treatments and their benefits presented by Alissa De Jongh in her monthly video column entitled,  "Au Naturel."

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Lymphatic Liberation: The Pathway to Better Health & Clear Skin

Nature has beautiful rivers and streams flowing down the earth’s mountains into valleys that follow specific pathways lined with sand and river rocks that perform special functions of filtration. As the water moves through the natural purification system, debris is removed – the end product resulting in a stunning lake of clear water. This amazing process of detoxification also occurs inside the human body through the complex super-highway known as the lymphatic system, which controls microcirculation as it transports interstitial fluid in and around the body tissues eventually dumping it so that the waste can be disposed of.

The anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system works within the body like a sewer system plant for a city. By taking in toxic waters, purifying them, and disposing of waste, it then produces a sparkling clean output. As clean fluids, blood, enzymes, and proteins are put back into circulation, it boosts the immune system and the cellular energy soars. The lymphatic system is similar to the front line special forces for the body that work to clear out invading enemies from the internal terrain, so the immune system can stabilize the ecosystem within and keep the balance process of homeostasis steadily moving forward to create optimal health.

 

 

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2019 Alissa de Jongh

 

 

Alissa de Jongh, ND, is a board-certified naturopathic doctor, CIDESCO Diplomat, and founder of Glace’ Skin Therapy. She was recognized by the American Naturopathic Medical Association with the 2018 Higher Achievement Award. In 2014, she joined Houston Community College as a professor of facial aesthetics in the consumer arts and sciences department. She also teaches and prepares student aestheticians for careers in the medical and luxury spa industry. Dr. de Jongh, along with her husband Dr. David de Jongh, DDS have a private practice that promotes integrative wellness and dental spa concept in Houston, Texas. Together, they treat patients from a whole-body perspective, looking for the root cause of the issue. Starting with a dental exam and then moving into a naturopathic consultation which offers many options to create an individualized plan for optimal health, using lasers, along with her line of wellness products from Glace’ and other natural health modalities. drdejongh.com

Nature’s Pharmacy: Stocking Up on Barrier Protecting Foods

Did you know you can eat your way to better sun protection by adding certain photoprotective foods into your daily nutrition plan? Many foods contain important nutrients and vitamins that can strengthen the body’s immune system and provide a shield of protection from the inside out, as they fight off free radicals and quash inflammation, which can damage skin. Several factors that build the skin’s sun shield from within are choosing foods rich in powerful antioxidants with heavy hydrating capabilities, providing omega-3s to keep the lipid barrier strong, and understanding how one’s own “skin clock” works.

 

DAMAGE IN AND OUT

It is well known that prolonged sun exposure may damage the body’s collagen and elastin content by creating cell damage, causing oxidative stress and inflammation. These stressors stemming from overexposure to ultraviolet rays can initiate many cell deteriorating processes within multiple layers of the skin, resulting in compromised cellular integrity, keratin degradation, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The damaging results may be displayed by the skin appearing dehydrated, saggy, and sprinkled with hyperpigmentation. Most people’s bodies do have some sort of natural sun protectant factor provided systematically; and, of course, using a high-quality topical sunscreen daily to combat UVA and UVB rays is an extremely important skin health strategy.

 

BUILDING A SKIN ARMY

A double punch of strength can be added to the body’s skin barrier by not only using the correct topical protection, but by also eating foods packed with nutrition (antioxidants, carotenoids, polyphenols, essentials fatty acids, and beta-glucan) to aid in battling ultraviolet damage. Eating those superfoods is very important to the body’s sun defense system. Steer clear of midnight snacks and, instead grab a morning bowl of oatmeal (free radical scavengers) sprinkled with fresh blueberries (powerful antioxidants) and walnuts (omega-3 essential fatty acids), accompanied by a side of whole grain toast (beta-glucans) topped with pumpkin butter (beta carotene) and a nice warm cup of green tea (beneficial polyphenols) to boost internal skin cell protection. Simple smoothies also make it easy to get a daily dose of those highly nutritious, sun-protective foods. Place ingredients in a blender (one cup of green tea, three ice cubes, one small carrot, one cup of blueberries, one cup of watermelon, half a cup of spinach, and one tablespoon of lemon juice), blend until smooth, and enjoy knowing the internal sun protective reserves are being built up for future use.

 

DELICIOUS AND EDIBLE SUN PROTECTION

Fill the grocery cart with superfoods boasting bright colors, confidently knowing they will provide natural antioxidants to help build up protective skin reserves from the inside out. Here are a few common foods that offer internal sun protectant factor boosters: watermelon, cucumber, berries, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, colored peppers, leafy greens, carrots, grapes, pomegranates, fatty fish, flaxseeds, nuts, and cocoa. Make it fun, mix it up, and use nature’s pharmacy to create delicious meals to help eat your way to better sun protection and gorgeous skin from within.

 

2019 Alissa de Jongh

 

 

Alissa de Jongh, ND, is a board-certified naturopathic doctor, CIDESCO Diplomat, and founder of Glace’ Skin Therapy. She was recognized by the American Naturopathic Medical Association with the 2018 Higher Achievement Award. In 2014, she joined Houston Community College as a professor of facial aesthetics in the consumer arts and sciences department, teaching and preparing student aestheticians for careers in the medical and luxury spa industry. Dr. de Jongh, along with her husband Dr. David de Jongh, DDS, has a private practice, integrative wellness and dental spa concept in Houston, Texas. Together, they treat patients from a whole body perspective, looking for the root cause of the issue, starting with a dental exam, then, moving into a naturopathic consultation which offers many options to create an individualized plan for optimal health, using lasers, along with her line of wellness products from Glace’ and other natural health modalities. drdejongh.com

Is Hyperpigmentation Genetic?

Truly, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Many people love their freckles and others cringe at the sight of any discoloration on their skin, referring to them as age spots. The question is often asked of skin care professionals, “Where do these dark spots on my face come from? Are they genetic?” Honestly, it is not always a simple answer. There are many contributing factors that must be studied before answering this loaded question. Let’s delve into hyperpigmentation and take a scientific look at where these diverse types of dyspigmentation derive from.

 

In a quick synopsis, melanin is the pigment that produces skin, eye, and hair color, which is meant as a protection, due to its ability to absorb the ultraviolet light from the sun. Basically, it could be considered the body’s own form of internal sunscreen. How much each person has, simply put, determines how long they may be able to be out in the sun without a burn. The Fitzpatrick scale is a simple skin typing test used to determine each person’s natural sun exposure protective ability. However, the sun is not the only reason the body’s melanin may surface. One could add to the list of causes hormonal fluctuations, drug reactions, inflammation in the body, congenial factors, and other unclear etiological foundations.

 

Here are just a few of the skin disorders that may display some sort of hyperpigmentation in individuals throughout their life.

 

Dermal melanocytosis is a congenital disorder occurring by trapped melanocytes in the dermis during their migration into the epidermis, often referred to as birth marks. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation skin discolorations are often caused by drug-induced post-inflammatory alterations, photosensitizing medications, traumas to the skin, and other contributing external factors. Melasma is a skin disorder that presents with large areas of hyperpigmentation that can come from many causes, such as genetics, sun exposure, hormonal changes, and more. Many people refer to this disorder as the mask of pregnancy because it often presents itself when women are experiencing the hormonal changes that accompany motherhood.

 

In short, the answer to the mystery question asked by so many facial aesthetic clients as to if their hyperpigmentation is genetic or not is well, sometimes. As skin care professionals around the world are asked this question, there are some very important steps to go through during the consultation before offering an answer: a detailed intake form, in-depth skin analysis, and a physical sunscreen recommendation. Education is a crucial component of any skin care treatment plan when it comes to important matters like hyperpigmentation because, yes, genetics might play a role, but ultimately sun protection is the key, no matter the origin. Even if the client got hyperpigmentation from their genes, they need a high-quality, physical sunscreen as a preventative measure.