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What is Micro-needling?
by Liz Liokumovich
My latest exciting adventure brought me to the brand new Danita Clinic in Greenville. This would be my first time trying microneedling. Prior, I have seen the “do it yourself” at home versions of microneedling (the small handheld rollers you would see sold in stores). This one was going to be a little different.
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a cosmetic procedure that uses sterilized needles to prick the skin. The tiny punctures help the body produce collagen, which in turn minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, acne scars and the like, as well as minimize appearance of large pores. Microneedling can be done with peptide gel, hyaluronic acid serum, or Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP. The additional benefits of PRP is that it uses your own plasma which is full of proteins and helps heal wounds and stimulate collagen production. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but based on the benefits of microneedling that I’ve read about, I was definitely very interested to give this treatment a try.
At Danita Clinic, I met Anita and Victoria, the two Registered Nurses who would be doing my procedure. I was instructed to wash my face with a facial cleanser and was given a topical anesthetic (lidocaine gel) to apply on my face, avoiding eye and mouth area for obvious reasons. It took about 45 minutes for my face to be fully numb. I decided to try microneedling with PRP. Victoria painlessly drew my blood and ran it through a centrifuge machine to separate red cells from plasma. This was my magic sauce.
I laid down comfortably and just relaxed as these two lovely ladies did all the work.
Danita Clinic uses the SkinPen as the preferred choice for micro needling. SkinPen is the first microneedling device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of acne scars. The treatment felt like exfoliation with a pumice stone, so I’m thankful for that topical anesthetic! Besides the slight buzzing noise of the pen and minor sensitivity on my nose, the procedure was very relaxing and painless. The PRP was applied topically and gently massaged along the freshly pricked surface. It was like my own natural moisturizer.
Microneedling treatment takes about 20 minutes. Afterward, I was given some facial serum to bring home that would lock in moisture and protect the skin. The first 24 hours following the procedure, my face looked like I was sunburned. To my surprise, I was not in pain at all. It is advised after the procedure to protect your skin from the sun while it heals, and to avoid make-up and your typical facial routines for 48 hours. On the third day, I was cautioned to be ready to possibly start peeling, which it did, for about 2-3 days. I kept drinking plenty of water and moisturizing.
Although it takes about 2-4 months to fully see the benefits of microneedling, just one week post treatment, I was able to really see improvement in my skin! It appeared to be more radiant and not as dull as before. I started seeing the enlarged pores shrink in size, as well as noticeable changes in the texture of my skin. As a bonus, I received quite a few compliments on the appearance of my skin. I look forward to seeing the full results, truly a so worth it experience! Thank you, Danita!
For more information about microneedling, contact The Danita Clinic at 864-419-7896.
Liz is a wife and homeschooling mom of four by day, and a self-proclaimed “Researcher-Hawk” by night (hopefully with some sleep in between). She’s looking forward to discovering more natural therapies to keep her life in balance.
It’s Spring Cleaning Time! Cleansing and Supporting the Liver
by Leila Scogin, C.N.H.P.
Joi Natural Wellness
Our bodies have many systems in place to remove toxins and waste, and our health often depends on how well your body is able to do this. The liver is the body’s filter, removing toxins from the blood, turning them into waste, and working to metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, among other functions.
There are many factors that can impact liver health, such as alcohol use, certain medications, high-fat diets, and processed foods, but thankfully, there are also many preventative measures to take care of and support your liver.
HYDRATION – Drinking enough water is an excellent place to start. Water helps to support both the liver and kidneys, aiding them in filtering toxins from the bloodstream and removing them from the body. If it’s accessible, filtered water is ideal for this, as tap water can sometimes have heavy metals and other toxins.
EATING – Being conscious of the foods we’re putting into our bodies is also important. While foods with hydrogenated oils, processed foods, and refined sugars are notoriously toxic to our systems, foods that can help detoxify the liver include raw fruits and vegetables such as berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower.
HERBS– Herbs and other botanicals can also be great additions to support liver health. Milk thistle has been widely studied to help regulate liver enzymes, reduce fatty liver, and support detoxification. Reishi mushroom is rich in antioxidants and triterpenes, and works as an adaptogen to protect the liver and support the immune system. Other herbs to support the liver include dandelion, green tea, and turmeric.
CONSCIOUS LIVING– At the end of the day, fancy liver cleanses can be a good jump-start into detoxification, but making consistent and committed changes to your lifestyle, making sure you are staying hydrated, and being aware of what you are putting into your body—giving it the tools it needs to be supported, and eliminating exposure to toxins where possible can help put you on the path to better wellness and well-being.
Joi Natural Wellness is a local apothecary that provides natural health and wellness herbal remedies, educational classes, and resources in the Upstate. For more information, call 864-747-9404 or visit: https://www.joinaturalwellness.com.
Putting the Spring Back in Your Step
Simple stretches to do before a spring walk.
Now that the temperature are starting to rise and the days are getting longer, many of us are going to be feeling the call for the outdoors. This might mean a stroll downtown Greenville, a walk on the swamp rabbit trail, or a hike up in the mountains. Whatever your outdoor activity may be, a simple stretching routine is not only a healthy habit, but can add hours of enjoyment.
Over the winter months most people become less active causing their muscles to get tight. This increases the likelihood of an injury when first getting out there to enjoy spring. Here are a few quick stretches to help avoid those injuries.
The lower back commonly gets tight after sitting for prolonged periods of time. You may use a dining room table or sturdy piece of furniture for assistance if needed. An easy way to stretch this out is to stand with your feet shoulder width apart, place your hands on your hips and start to bend forward at the waist until you feel a slight stretch in the lower back. Be careful not to over stretch, stretching should never hurt. Continue bending forward for 7 to 15 seconds then return to a neutral normal stance. After completing this while looking straight ahead at eye level with the horizon, lean back slightly, you should feel a slight stretch in your lower back there as well. Continue this for 7 to 15 seconds and then return to a neutral normal stance. Repeat leaning to your right and to your left; not leaning too far or stretching too much. Repeat 5 times.
Enjoy that spring weather! – Dr. Mike Robles Caroline Spine and Health.
Non-Toxic Nail Salon and Beauty Bar Opens in Greenville
The nation’s first non-toxic nail and beauty franchise system, freecoat nails™ is proud to announce its newest franchise partners and entrepreneurs, Laura and Doug Stout. They recently joined the freecoat nails family to add a unique layer of healthy nail and beauty options in Greenville. The new freecoat nails recently opened in the well-known Augusta
Road neighborhood.
“We are so excited to offer the Greenville community a place to retreat and enjoy some self-care in a beautiful, non-toxic salon with an exceptional team of technicians,” says owner, Laura Stout. “We are a perfect spot for a quick escape for individuals or a small group. We can’t wait to welcome you to our fume-free, toxin-free, and jet-free nail studio and beauty bar!” exclaims Stout.
The surge in the clean beauty industry is driven by the use of harmful, toxic chemicals in many of today’s traditional nail salons. Most notable, freecoat nails eliminates six of the most dangerous chemicals found in conventional nail salons, including camphor, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde/formaldehyde resin, xylene, triphenyl phosphate, and toluene. These chemicals are highly disruptive to guest health and wellness, linked to causing headaches and respiratory issues. They can lead to long-term effects like lung disease, cancer, reproductive problems, and fatigue.
Freecoat nails is located at 1445 Augusta St. (locally known as Augusta Road) in Greenville. For more information, call 864-528-7951 or visit: https://freecoatnails.com.
Grand Re-Opening at Lifestyle Wellness Collective in Greenville
Live Healthy. Be Healthy, a lifestyle wellness collective, is holding their Grand re-opening at their new and expanded location at 104 Airport Rd. in Greenville. “This is really exciting for us all,” says owner Lisa Banks, BSN-RN, CFCN, CWCN, CFCS, and Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner. “With the move and expansion, we can accommodate our clients more efficiently, and we’re working on coordinating and facilitating 3-day retreats with accommodations,” says Banks.
Live Healthy. Be Healthy. offers services such as reflexology, full body massage, foot/leg massage, and health and wellness coaching with a registered and certified nurse. Workshops include subjects in intuitive eating, lifestyle medicine/healthy living basics, intuitive painting, and salubrious sleep.
“Our grand re-opening is on April 8th from 11am to 3pm with demonstrations, prizes, samples, well-being tips for self-care, mindfulness and a whole lot of what healthy living is about. We hope the community will come out and discover ways of healthy living for a better quality of life!” exclaims Banks.
Live Healthy. Be Healthy. is located at 104 Airport Rd. in Greenville. For more information, text or call 864-362-6332 or visit: https://livehealthybehealthy.health.
New Skin Care Product Helps Rescue Lips
L’BRI PURE n’ NATURAL has a new product called Lip Rescue. “Lip Rescue literally soothes and moisturizes overnight,” says Jean Uhlmann, a skin care specialist from L’BRI PURE n’ NATURAL.
“The aloe vera in Lip Rescue carries all the ingredients deep into the skin. Unlike ‘chapstick’ that sits on the surface, the hyaluronic acid and antioxidants lock in moisture and improve the texture, even the fine lines above your top lip.” says Uhlmann.
“You can’t make dead skin come alive; you have to remove it, so I’ve been using our lip exfoliator first, then applying Lip Rescue overnight. I feel less need to keep reapplying a balm all day long,” says Uhlmann.
As a company, L’BRI PURE n’ NATURAL prides themselves with having aloe vera as the first ingredient in all of their skin care products. They also state they don’t contain harmful chemicals or parabens, are cruelty free, and made in the USA.
To receive a free express aloe vera facial or more information on other L’BRI PURE n’ NATURAL products, call 864-985-9777 or visit: http://LBri.com/EveryBodyFitnessSkin.
Holistic Dentist Offers Nitric Oxide Test in Greenville
Palmer Distinctive Dentistry is offering a free test to see if you are deficient in nitric oxide–a free radical and colorless gas that is one of the principal oxides of nitrogen.
“Nitric oxide is naturally produced in our body, but as we age, lack of leafy greens and improper nasal breathing can impact our levels, says Karyn Moore, RDH, HIAOMT, at Palmer Distinctive Dentistry. “Nitric oxide is a natural vasodilator that aids in blood circulation and when depleted, affects all organs at the cellular level. Adequate nitric oxide levels are essential to our overall health,” says Moore.
The team at Palmer Distinctive Dentistry is a holistic dental care practice set in a relaxing environment that promotes general health and well-being for the whole person, not just your teeth.
Palmer Distinctive Dentistry is located at 134 Milestone Way in Greenville. For your free nitric oxide test or more information, call 864-879-6494 or visit: https://www.palmerdmd.com.
Mediterranean Restaurant Moves to New Location in Greenville
Green Lettuce restaurant has a new home in Greenville. “We’re really loving this new location; as we moved to accommodate our customers with more restaurant space and convenient parking as well,” says, owner Sam Shahabi.
Green Lettuce serves a blend of Persian and Mediterranean Cuisine in a relaxed, fine dining setting with a full bar. “All of our food is made from scratch and prepared fresh daily. We offer a full menu with many types of kabobs including lamb, rib-eye, seafood, jumbo shrimp, and veggie kabobs for the vegetarian pallet as well,” exclaims Shahabi.
Green Lettuce is open for lunch and dinner, and is closed on Sundays. Seating for large parties is available, but it is recommended to always call ahead.
Green Lettuce is located at 626 Congaree Rd. in Greenville. For more information, call 864-214-1355 or visit: http://greenlettuceusa.com.
“Healthy is the New Wealthy” Talk Series in Greenville
Our Patch Family Chiropractic is offering monthly “Healthy is the New Wealthy” talks at their office in Greenville. Every month from March through June, they will be diving deep into different areas of health, such as movement, nutrition, water, mindset, etc. This series is free to the public with snacks provided. Each workshop will be on a Tuesday (3/21, 4/18, 5/23, and 6/20) from 6-7pm. To RSVP for this talk series, search “Healthy is the New Wealthy” on Facebook or Eventbrite.
“There is so much information out there and Dr. Ian Barwick wants to help guests narrow down which areas to focus on most, how to go about it, and take charge of their health,” says Dr. Ashley Gonzalez-Barwick.
Our Patch Family Chiropractic offers gentle chiropractic care for the whole family. They are certified in the Webster technique for pregnant women, infants, and children. Craniosacral and upper cervical specific (NUCCA) chiropractic care is also offered.
Our Patch Family Chiropractic is located at 84 Orchard Park Dr. in Greenville. For more information, call 864-704-0920 or visit: https://ourpatchfamilychiro.com.
Historic Building in Woodruff Getting a New Look On Life
Coldwell Banker Caine has purchased and is in the process of revitalizing 140 S. Main Street in Woodruff. This building was originally constructed in 1901 and served as the first financial institution in the town of Woodruff. It then closed during the Great Depression and has been used as a commercial space as of late, before sitting empty. Now, it is set to be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places as part of Woodruff Historic District.
Coldwell Banker Caine isn’t the only one moving in to help with the revitalization of the community’s town center. Other big names like Starbucks (Est. 2022) and Tractor Supply (Est. 2020) have planted their roots in Woodruff, sprinkled amongst some well-known local shops including The Yellow Butterfly and Woods Thrift.
“Why is there suddenly so much attention on Woodruff, SC?” asks Kiersten Bell, a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Caine (Williams St. Division). “BMW recently announced that they are pouring $1.7 billion into the area for their electric vehicles initiative, so lots of new homes and employment opportunities will soon be headed this way. Another positive note about Woodruff is that it was named as the #1 safest place to live in South Carolina by Safewise,” exclaims Bell.
“We’re proud to be a part of preserving a little bit of history in this community, while bringing some new life to Woodruff, which looks like a very promising future,” Bell says.
Kiersten Bell is a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Caine (Williams St. Division). For more information, call 864-567-1457 or visit: https://greenvillerealestatemom.com.