Today I’m sharing a wonderful article by Sandy Alcide (athlete skin care consultant/aesthetician) founder of Motion Medica Skin Care.  I preach daily to my clients that sugar = enemy for our physique goals, but much the same can be said for our skin…read on

Many of my skin care clients include foods with white refined sugar in their “cheat meals”. Although we are all entitled to a cheat meal during and after training you may want to reconsider the amount of white refined sugar you consume.

First, let’s have a quick look at the history of refined sugar.

The majority of sugar comes from sugar cane (Saccharum SPP), which is a tall grass that grows in tropical regions. The juice from raw sugar cane is traditionally used as sweetener from the Caribbean to India. Interestingly, raw sugar cane juice can be good for you. But back in the 1500’s manufacturers started ‘refining’ sugar cane so that it could be easily shipped overseas. Over years, the process became more complex and dependent on chemicals. After the juice is pressed out of the cane stalks, the liquid is treated with chemical solvents to remove impurities. After a process that crystallizes the liquid, it is treated with bleach and other chemicals then filtered through bone char, a powder made from cow or pig bones. Brown sugar is made by adding molasses.

Refined sugar, known as white sugar, can make our skin age by changing the structure of collagen. Collagen is a protein found inside and outside of cells. Putting it simply, it works with keratin to provide skin with strength, flexibility and resilience. Think of it as the “framework” of your skin. Like a building, if the framework is weak, the building will crumble ”down”. White refined sugar breaks down the collagen protein causing skin to sag and wrinkle. In older persons, white refined sugar has been shown to increase wrinkles and dry aged skin. It produces an acidic condition in the digestive system. This drains the body of vitamins and minerals which could be benefiting your skin. While foods that contain white refined sugar don’t actually cause acne, sugar in the bloodstream can cause inflammation of the skin making the appearance of acne more prominent. Refined sugar, known as white sugar is a refined sweetener. It adds nothing but calories and taste to food. When reading ingredients, the word “sugar” can also mean high fructose corn syrup, refined cane sugar or white sugar.

You may be able to “workout” the calories from sugar by exercise. But you won’t be able to workout the effects of sugar from your skin.


I have been using the Motion Medica products for months now, and I am so thrilled with the change in my skins clearness and texture I had to share it with all of you! Previously a Proactiv user, these products leave my skin cleaner than I’ve ever felt…especially after a long day of workouts.  Especially formulated for active men and women who are prone to exercise induced acne, these products will not fail you!  I start my skin care regime each day with the Dermaclenz Liquid Cleanser followed by the Herbal Blend Astringent. The Camphor Treatment Stick and Clarifying Camphor Masque go on any problems areas. Lastly I use the Sage and Citrus Moisturizer. I use the Orange Sorbet Bath Gelee each morning in the shower followed by the Orange Sorbet Body Creme for full body softness.

Acne, excessive oil, dull and dry skin induced by exercise is a specialized condition which needs specialized skin care with custom products and regimen as science has proved. Motion Medica is an exclusive line of highly effective athletic skin care from only the most premium sources.  Motion Medica products are coming to the fore as the fitness world’s best kept secret for beautiful, healthy and clean skin for fitness activists.

I am happy to offer Motion Medica products to my readers…I hope you all enjoy the look, the feel of your skin as much as I have.  There is truly not a better product out there specially formulated for those of us who enjoy a good sweat.  Happy training!

Recently, I had the honor to be interviewed for the Examiner.com by author Sandy Alcide.  Sandy is the owner of Motion Medica, a wonderful provider of skincare products for active, athletic men and women.  The goal for this interview was to give motivation, especially to mothers struggling with where to start.  My favorite question was how to ask your family for support.

This is by far one of the toughest concepts my clients have to grasp along their journey.  The feeling of guilt is great…when you “all of a sudden” decide to dedicate your time and energy toward YOUR nutrition, YOUR workouts and YOUR cardio.  I often see women who can’t quite make that jump, feeling better served to do more for others, than for themselves.  My response to this question was “don’t ask…just do it”.  That might seem cold…but I honestly believe that if I were to wait for the approval from my family, friends and co-workers before starting my program, I would have failed.  My advice is to make it a personal journey, not one you are doing for approval, but one you are doing for yourself. Be strong and steadfast and do not pass judgement on others that may not be joining you.  Be an example, and know that you will receive some of the oddest comments from people watching you struggle…forge on!!