Archives for 2018

November 19, 2018

Your no excuse guide to staying toned while traveling this holiday season

Many fitness enthusiasts find it difficult to follow their normal exercise plan while traveling to see family or friends for the winter holidays.  Unfamiliar environments, tightly-packed family living conditions, or lack of exercise equipment may hamper even a fitness fanatic’s best intentions for staying fit while traveling this holiday season. Alex Vitale is a V Shred Lead Trainer, Certified Personal Trainer through the National Council of Strength and Fitness and a graduate of the Equinox Fitness Training Institute. When planning your December holiday trip, he offers the following tips for putting together an exercise program that travels with you.

“If you’ve worked hard to establish a good fitness routine, traveling for the holidays doesn’t have to mean your healthy habits will be derailed, says Alex. He adds, “You can keep your momentum and endorphins flowing and maintain your fitness level when traveling.”

HOW CAN THIS BE DONE?

Stay Hydrated. “Drink a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Airport food, sitting on a plane, jet lag – all contribute to bloat. The best way to fight it is to stay hydrated,” says Alex Vital of V Shred.

Lift from your knees, not your back. Be aware of your posture as you carry your bags.  Use good body mechanics when you lift your suitcases up to the check-in counter.

Eat three meals a day- Even though you’ve left behind your daily routine, try to eat three meals a day, maintain a balanced diet and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. If you’re going to eat a high-fat meal, eat a smaller portion, or order an appetizer instead of a main course. Split desserts with a friend.

Rest. If your schedule is shot and you’re not sleeping enough at night, take cat naps whenever you get the chance.  Stretch in the morning and evening, especially if you’ve been sitting all day. If you will be drinking alcohol, drink a lot of water between events.

Pack snacks: bananas and apples, yogurt, protein bars. You can make meal replacement shakes in your hotel room. You don’t need a blender, just a container with a tight-fitting lid, large enough to shake the contents.

Find out if your gym reciprocates its membership with a gym where you’ll be traveling, log onto the International Physical Fitness Association’s Web site, http://www.ipfa.us/, or ask at your home health club before you leave town. Alex Vital says that “Three to five days off from a strength routine can give your muscles a rest. But you wouldn’t want to go a week or more without serious exercise and a short respite for your biceps doesn’t mean you should ever let your cardio workout go.”

Become a member of an online fitness platform

Vshred.com guides users to the very best program for their
body type and fitness goals while giving them some amazing tips they can use
that day in a video and then offers them a program that’s perfect for them if
they don’t want to do it themselves.

Take the V Shred Quiz Here.

Pack a jump rope for a go-anywhere aerobic session. Invest in “travel weights” -inflatable weights that can be filled with water or sand when training, folded and stored while on the road.

Plan active recreation during vacations -check out the local golf course, riding stable, and so on.

When sightseeing, forget the tour bus and walk. You’ll not only see more, but you’ll be sneaking in some extra activity.

Bring portable fitness.

For more fitness options, place in your luggage a Resist-A-Tube or any of the home exercise tubing, a stability ball, jump rope or exercise video. ”If you like classes, make your own class in your room,” offers Alex Vital

If you work with a personal trainer, ask him or her to design an exercise plan before you leave town. When you’re sitting on a plane or in a hotel room, take deep breaths occasionally, tighten your stomach muscles, then relax. Travelers need to periodically flex and stretch the hamstrings and hip flexors, the muscle at the upper part of the leg that connects into the pelvis.

 For women who spend the day in high heels, a walk around the room toe-up, heel-down will stretch the calf muscles. Or, do toe raises by putting the heels on the floor and stepping up onto a telephone book. “Men often complain of being cramped when traveling,” states Vital. “They need to stretch their lower back and legs.” He recommends the cat stretch. Get up on your hands and knees, arch your back for 15 seconds, then release. Repeat.

Alex Vital points out that the more comfortable you are with operating fitness machinery at your home gym, the easier it will be to set up unfamiliar equipment when you’re on the road.

FIT FLYING

Air travel may be fast and convenient, but for many of us, it can be uncomfortable and restrictive due to cramped cabins and sardine-like seating. The following tips can help you make the most of your next airplane trip by helping you stay flexible and fit while you fly.

–           DEEP BREATHING is an instant-relaxer and can be done anywhere at any time. Try taking 4-5 deep, cleansing breaths several times during your flight.

–           RELAX YOUR SHOULDERS by bending forward slightly, hands on knees and “rolling” your shoulders in a circular motion 5 or 6 times. Repeat the “roll” in the opposite direction, then finish up by “shrugging” your shoulders up and down 5 times.

–           RELAX YOUR BACK by reaching overhead, holding elbows, and bending side to side. Repeat 5 times in each direction.

–           STRETCH YOUR LEGS by alternately lifting your knees toward your chest and bringing your body toward your knee to the count of eight.

–           RELEASE YOUR FEET by “drawing” the alphabet with one foot then the other.

About Alex Vital:

He is a V Shred Lead Trainer, Certified Personal Trainer through the National Council of Strength and Fitness and a graduate of the Equinox Fitness Training Institute, a global leader in applied exercise science education. Alex’s mission as a personal trainer is to, not only help people to get in shape, but also to take more control over their lives and up-level to the best version of themselves possible.

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
November 19, 2018

EverSmile WhitenFresh is the perfect solution for protecting your teeth

Pretty girl in red dress drinking wine

EverSmile WhitenFresh is the perfect solution for protecting your teeth. The season of celebration is finally here! Throughout the holidays, between cocktail parties, family gatherings, and office soirees you might find yourself indulging on appetizers, desserts, or even red wine! The strong pigments found in red wine are instant stain-makers for your teeth. The deep, intense hue of these pigments can leave marks on your teeth after only a few sips. So how do you enjoy your favorite reds this season without red wine stains left behind on your teeth? EverSmile WhitenFresh is the perfect solution for protecting your teeth and preventing wine stains from ever setting in. EverSmile WhitenFresh is a patented cleaning, freshening and tooth whitening spray that also kills bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay. Since WhitenFresh uses a low dose of hydrogen peroxide, it does not cause the sensitivity you experience with whitening strips and gels and can be used safely up to 6 times per day. Be sure to keep WhitenFresh in your pocket or purse all night long to freshen breath and whiten teeth!

eversmile whitenfresh

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
November 19, 2018

Kylie Jenner and a Nexxus Reveal

Kylie Jenner, no one does a reveal quite like her! She took us all by surprise once again by dying her real hair a silvery platinum shade last week. To care for the aftermath, Jenner teamed up with Nexxus to treat her hair with the proteins that damaged hair loses by using the Nexxus Keraphix range. If you didn’t peep her Instagram story yesterday, check out the pic of Kylie below using Keraphix on her newly dyed hair  and what she said to fans – “As you guys know, I bleached my hair completely and went platinum which is really, really damaging. But I have been using the Nexxus Keraphix treatment every week and this has really helped me. If any of you are thinking of bleaching your hair, my hair feels really, really good.”

 

Kylie Jenner

 

Hair is made up of more than 90% protein. When it is exposed to external aggressors like color, the proteins can get depleted, causing the hair to become vulnerable. Nexxus Keraphix range – infused with Keratin Protein and Black Rice – was designed by our scientists to heal visible signs of severe hair damage from within.

 

A single dose of the $15 Keraphix protein treatment that Kylie is using contains a protein amount equivalent to that lost from extremely damaged hair over a year – it is the brand’s most potent protein blend to-date.

 

That’s why it is the perfect, affordable solution when taking the leap to platinum. And why others before her, like big sis Kim Kardashian West and Leighton Meester, have put their stands in the hands of Nexxus protein treatments.

 

The Keraphix protein treatment is available at Ulta, Amazon and Target along with the rest of the range (shampoo, conditioner and mask). If you’d like to try the Nexxus Keraphix, either at home or in the salon, please don’t hesitate to request a sample or appointment.

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
November 18, 2018

Classic Jewelry Pieces Every Woman Should Own

Regardless of your styling preferences, classic jewelry pieces never fail to give the right finish to your look. Whether you wear a uniform or different clothes every day, the right jewelry will make you look perfect – not to plain, not too much, just right. People love jewelry, and it’s important that we know which ones to invest in with our hard-earned money.

Here’s a list of classic jewelry pieces every woman should own.

  1. Diamond studs

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” they say. While diamonds may not come cheap, a pair of diamond stud earrings is worth the investment. It’s a classic piece that can be worn with anything – whether you’re going to a business meeting or a party. The beauty of this piece lies in its subtleness and versatility.

If diamonds are too expensive for you, you can opt for moissanite or cubic zirconia, which looks like real diamonds. However, to the trained eye, the brilliance isn’t the same.

  1. Pearl necklace

One of Audrey Hepburn’s most famous portraits features a multistrand pearl necklace, and this image of hers became iconic for a reason. When you think of elegance, a pearl necklace always comes into mind. As the little black dress is a staple in your closet, a strand of pearl necklace is the same – and they go well together, too!

  1. Long-chain necklace

There’s a certain touch a long-chain necklace can add to your outfit. It’s easy to wear and very versatile. You can wear it singularly or layer it up, depending on the occasion and the look you want to achieve. It goes with your formal dresses, with your white shirt and jeans, and even with your sweater.

  1. Hoop earrings

Small- to medium-sized hoops are a must-have because of their timelessness. Whether it’s gold, platinum, or subtly embellished with diamonds, they transition from day to night without a fuss. It’s a pair that you can wear with almost anything.

  1. Tennis bracelet

This jewelry stopped the 1987 US Open match when player Chris Evert lost her bracelet during the game, hence the name. This line of diamonds screams chic and style and is a sure stunner when worn every day or to an evening party. It can be pricey, though, so you may want to purchase one as a reward for a big accomplishment.

  1. Personalized jewelry

What makes jewelry unique and precious to the owner is when it has a personal touch. A definite must-have in your jewelry box is a personalized piece of jewelry. Whether it’s a pinkie ring, a necklace, or a bracelet, you can purchase custom jewelry with you your initial, zodiac sign, or name. If you want a name necklace like that of Carrie Bradshaw, visit this site for more information.

  1. Classic watch

Even though mobile phones and smartwatches are used by most people nowadays to tell the time, nothing can beat a timeless piece of watch. Wearing a classic but chic watch provides sophistication to any look from daytime to evening and gives the impression that you’re organized. An example of this piece is the famous Tank watch from Cartier, worn by Princess Diana, Angelina Jolie, Mick Jagger, and other celebrities.

  1. Stackable rings

If you can layer necklaces, you can wear stackable rings, too! Opt for the dainty pieces, so you can wear them singularly to accentuate your look or wear them together to create impact. If you have beautiful hands or fingers, then you have the perfect excuse to wear them all!

  1. Simple bangle or bracelet

A simple bangle or bracelet is your perfect arm candy, regardless of what you’re wearing or where you’re going. When choosing a piece, go the minimalist approach. A favorite example of this piece is Cartier’s Love bracelet, which for a particular time became the most Googled jewelry piece. You can also choose a similar piece from other brands as long as you remember that most the essential description – simple.

  1. Diamond ring

Be it a family heirloom, an engagement ring, or a ring you bought yourself as a gift, a diamond ring is every woman’s must-have. A row of tiny diamonds or a single rock is enough to give your look a sophisticated flair.

You don’t need to have a lot of jewelry; these classic pieces are all you need to serve you for a lifetime. Take good care of them and they could last forever.

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
November 16, 2018

Skyy Hadley has the best winter nail care tips

 Skyy Hadley has the best winter nail care tips and she is sharing them with us! Often times when we think of the negative, long-lasting effects the winter weather can have, we think of our skin – not our nails. But, nail care is just as important as skin care this season, as it tends to be the time when our nails are most prone to chipping, peeling, and general damage. In order to make sure your mani stays moisturized and in mint condition this season, celebrity manicure and owner of As U Wish Nail Spa, Skyy Hadley is shelling out the best winter nail care tips.
 1. Start with a Clean Canvas
Hand cream is a necessity for winter hydration, but too much of it will make your nail polish come right off. Be sure to use nail polish remover before each polish application to remove surface oils, and make for a cleaner and more long-lasting manicure.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Cold, dry air and a chilly climate is going to suck the moisture out of your skin, and this includes your hands, nails, and cuticles. Apply and re-apply a nourishing cuticle oil as needed throughout the day to avoid hangnails, cracked cuticles, and peeling nails. Seal in the moisture with a heavy-duty hand cream, and you’ll be good to go.
 Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil

Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil

 3. Never Go Naked
Think of nail polish as a strong suit of armor for your nails. Having a fresh manicure makes you look polished and put-together and at the same time prevents your natural nails from peeling, breaking, and chipping. Save on time (and extra steps) and use an all-in-one formula with a built-in base and top coat.
 4. Use a Nail Strengthener
Create the ultimate barrier of protection using a nail strengthener which will prevent splitting, chipping, and cracking, all while helping your nails grow. Use it as a strengthening base coat – or for those who prefer to go au naturale, paint on one coat for a shield of protection without the polish.
SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
November 15, 2018

Five Custom-Printed Holiday Gift Ideas

So you’re thinking about doing things different this holiday season. You like the idea of special, handmade gifts for all your loved ones, but you don’t feel like you have the time or artistic abilities like all the crafters you see on Pinterest.

A printing company like PurpleTrail offers premium online customization tools so you can create custom products from the comfort of your own home! With a bustling in-house Production room, your creations are printed with care and quickly shipped to your home in time for the holidays.

Check out our list of five custom-printed holiday gift ideas below to surprise your friends and family with a custom, handmade keepsake they can treasure for years to come!

Personalized Planner

As the year comes to a close, we’re all thinking ahead to what we can accomplish in the new year. A great gift to start the new year off right is a personalized planner. We know that technology offers several organization resources, but studies have shown that having a paper planner is even better—the physical act of writing things down helps your brain remember tasks more consistently than clicking through apps.

This is the perfect present for a busy parent, a business owner who needs to record expenses, a cosmetologist booking several appointments each day, or a friend or coworker who simply struggles with staying organized.  

Choose from a selection of cute, trendy designs and personalize the cover with names, photos, quotes, and more. And you don’t have to sacrifice convenience—smaller sizes easily slide into a purse or briefcase for on-the-go scheduling. A personalized, one-of-a-kind planner is bound to inspire your disorganized loved one to stay on top of their to-do list this next year.  

 

Custom Canvas Prints

If your friend’s walls are looking pretty bare, create a canvas print for instant custom wall décor!

This is a perfect gift for newlyweds and recent graduates—it’s a good way to show off professional headshots or photoshoots. A truly heartwarming gift for your parents or grandparents is a custom canvas print with photos of all the grandkids.

If you’ve found or created some cool artwork and you want to do something bold with it, easily make it into a canvas print. This is a great gift for photographers or artists whose work is destined to displayed.   

The possibilities are endless!

Personalized Ornaments

Ornaments are quite the popular Christmas gift, but oftentimes a normal retailer might only sell generic ornaments that are mass-produced and not very personable. Consider personalizing a custom ornament with your friends’ or family’s names and photos to give them something truly special to hang on their trees.

This is great gift for the parents of a newborn baby to commemorate their son or daughter’s first Christmas, or a married couple spending their first holiday season together as newlyweds. Grandparents will love a custom ornament with all their grandchildren’s names on it. Or, if you have a friend who loves their dogs or cats like children, personalize an ornament with photos of their pets.

Personalized Stationery Sets

If you know someone whose desk is covered in a sea of mismatched post-it notes, a personalized stationery set might just be the greatest gift imaginable. This is also the perfect gift for teachers, secretaries, assistants, or anyone who needs to write, keep, or send notes on a daily basis. Not to mention that it looks both stylish and professional on any desk—much more than those post-it notes.

Each stationery set includes ten folded cards and ten notecards with coordinating envelopes, and a notepad with fifty sheets. They come with a cloth gift bag for easy gift giving!

Custom Coffee Mugs

Coffee Mugs are a classic gift. But just like with Christmas ornaments, many stores only have generic mugs that don’t feel very warm or meaningful. Personalize a custom coffee mug to surprise your favorite coffee or tea drinker with a one-of-a-kind gift they’ll actually want to use.

Get a World’s Greatest Dag mug for your father, but make it even more special by personalizing it with his name and a nostalgic photo. Or customize a mug for your son or daughter’s teacher to fill with holiday goodies like hot chocolate and peppermint tea.

Coffee mugs are one of the most versatile gifts, and with so many customization options, your loved ones can stay caffeinated in style.

 

Holiday gift shopping can be stressful, especially when you want create something unique for each of your friends and family. Custom print shops like PurpleTrail make it easy. Get all your Christmas shopping done all at once, from the comfort of your own home—and have fun customizing while doing it!

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
November 15, 2018

ZKS DESIGNS’ SWAROVSKI ZIRCONIA HOLIDAY DOORBUSTER GIFTS

ZKS Designs is featuring its Swarovski holiday jewelry collection for more than 80% off for Cyber 5 (Thanksgiving, Black Friday to Cyber Monday). The Swarovski Zirconia jewelry is made with solid 10k or 14k White and Yellow Gold (not an overlay) and Sterling Silver Nickel Free (hypo-allergenic) and makes the perfect holiday gift.  The collection is set with beautiful stones that shine with the quality and craftsmanship you expect from Swarovski’s rich tradition. Holiday gift specials are available for all budgets and occasions.  Deals can be found at  ZKS Designs, a Swarovski ingredient brand partner.

 

Sterling Silver 925 Round Dangle Lever Back Earrings Made with Swarovski Zirconia (2.00 cttw)

Sterling Silver 925 Round Dangle Lever Back Earrings Made with Swarovski Zirconia (2.00 cttw)

 

ZKS DESIGNS SWAROVSKI ZIRCONIA HOLIDAY DOORBUSTER GIFTS INCLUDE:

3 cttw Sterling Silver Round Pendant & Earring Set; $29.99, 90% off retail price of $309.99.

10k Yellow or White Gold Round Stud Earrings (2 cttw, solid gold, not an overlay); $49, 84% off retail price of $309.99.

2 cttw Sterling Silver Round Dangle Lever Back Earrings; $17.99, 82% off retail price of $99.99.

.40 cttw Sterling Silver Band Ring; $24.99, 83% off retail price of $139.99.

3 cttw Sterling Silver Princess Cut Pendant & Earring Set; $32.99, 80% off retail price of $165.99.

 10k White Gold & 10k Yellow Gold 8mm Round Lever Back Dangle Earrings (4 cttw); $79.99, 80% off retail price of $395.

10k Yellow Gold 4-Prong 8mm Round Solitaire Pendant (2.00 cttw); $79, 80% off retail price of $395.00.  or 14k Yellow Gold 4-Prong Princess-Cut Solitaire Pendant- $89, 80% off retail price of $395.

10k Yellow Gold 4-Prong Solitaire Ring (1 cttw); $139, 80% off retail price of $695.

All sterling silver products are hypo-allergenic, and all gold is solid gold, not an overlay.  All sales include FREE USPS first class mail shipping.  UPS and FedEx options are also available.

ABOUT ZKS DESIGN’S SWAROVSKI ZIRCONIA HOLIDAY COLLECTION

Made with Swarovski Zirconia: A premium collection of fine simulated diamond jewelry in an array of sought-after classic designs comprising of the finest and most diamond-like Zirconia available. Each piece in the collection is produced with the highest level of fine jewelry craftsmanship and adheres to strict quality standards. All stones are meticulously hand-set by a team of highly skilled diamond setters. After the stones are set, each piece is fully polished, cleaned and finished. Every single stone is marked with a microscopic laser engraving “Swarovski Zirconia” that is completely invisible to the naked eye.

This is further illustrated using special “Made with SWAROVSKI ZIRCONIA” tags provided by Swarovski – a strong symbol of identification for the products of Swarovski partners, enhancing their value and providing assurance that you are buying only the finest Zirconia quality.  For more information, please visit, www.zksdesigns.com.

 

 

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
November 14, 2018

Under $50: Jennifer Hudson Wears Accessory Concierge!

LOS ANGELES, CA – November 14, 2018 – Jennifer Hudson shared a photo on Instagram wearing Accessory Concierge yesterday! The Voice judge looked stunning in Accessory Concierge’s Pave Ichthys Ear Jacket Drops ($48, www.accessoryconcierge.com).

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
November 14, 2018

The Bra Lab’s bras are like nothing else out there.

The Bra Lab’s bras are like nothing else out there. They feature side clasps, not a back one. That means no more back bump showing under your clothes. And even better, you can change up your look by swapping out the back strap. Instead of a plain black strap, maybe you want a lace, fringe or leather one. Because these bras are completely interchangeable, you can combine different cup sizes with different strap sizes, so they fit virtually any size from AA-H 28-42 in supportive comfort!

 

The Bra Lab

 

The Bra Lab’s designs are so unique they have 2 patents. All this technology means you’re getting a versatile, pretty and comfortable bra. So, don’t hate your bra any longer, get a Bra Lab Bra and feel the love.

 

The bra lab 2

 

Why Bra Lab’s Bras Are a Game Changer:

  • No Ugly Back Clasp – signature band design gives a sleek look under clothes
  • Finished Straps – straps have a modern and clean look made with finished fabrics, not traditional lingerie fabrics. They’re designed to be seen!
  • Sizing Inclusive! – design allows combining cup sizes with back strap sizes to fit over 60 sizes.
  • Multiway – move your straps to multiple positions to create new looks.
  • Customizable- You no longer have to search and buy bras for different outfits. The Bra Lab adapts to your outfit and is your go-to bra! 

The bra lab 3

 

About the Bra Lab:

Jennifer and Gina are two sisters who learned an appreciation of the fashion industry from their grandmother Nonna was a master tailor in Italy. The children of immigrant entrepreneurs also learned to love hard work and a challenge. After college, where Gina majored in graphic design and Jessica earned an MBA, Gina worked as the owner of a chain of contemporary women’s boutiques. There she saw regular bras didn’t work with every outfit. The sisters set out to change that and the Bra Lab was born. Sustainability and ethical practices are at the core of the business. The Bra Lab only works with factories that abide by ethical practices.

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
November 13, 2018

EYE OPENING WAYS TO GET YOUNGER LOOKING PEEPERS THROUGH SURGICAL AND AT HOME SOLUTIONS

www.psspecialists.com

Your eyes are not only the windows to your soul, but your age as well.  In fact, studies have shown that when strangers are asked to judge how old a person is, the eye area is one of the biggest influences. The delicate skin around our eyes is usually the first place to get noticeable fine lines/wrinkles and even brown discoloration. The causes are exposure to sun and pollution, stress, and late nights. Here are some doable tips from Board Certified San Francisco area plastic surgeon Dr. Stanley Poulos to keep the skin around your eyes protected and combat premature-aging.

 Be preventative- Botox and fillers can dramatically improve the appearance of the eye area without surgery. “If a patient has a volume loss or tear trough (deep groove) under the eyelids, we inject fillers such as Juvéderm or Restylane,” says Dr. Poulos. Dr. Poulos adds, “This produces volume to the area and provides support and lift to smooth out lines and wrinkles. Botox and other neuromodulators relaxes muscles to soften lines and to slow down their deepening by weakening the way they wrinkle the skin like an accordion. The cost depends on amount injected and number of injection sites.”

No Injection Cosmetic Procedures- There are a variety of laser treatments available that allow skincare professionals to target certain areas and treat certain conditions. Dr. Poulos explains that, “Resurfacing lasers, like Fractionated Erbium or CO2 can tighten the skin around the eyes with up to a week of downtime.

The Surgical Route- Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. Surgery can be performed on either the upper and lower lids, or both.

Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.

Specifically, eyelid surgery can treat:

Loose or sagging skin that creates folds of the upper eyelid, sometimes blocking   vision

 Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids

 Bags under the eyes

 Drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris

  Excess skin of the lower eyelid

Target Key Spots: “There’s a muscle under the tail of the eyebrow that pulls the brow down, so a tiny drop of Botox, placed very precisely, helps pop up the brow and give you more of an arch in a few days. Dr. Poulos also likes Juvederm under the outer half of the brow. He explains, “We lose fat in our eyebrows over time, which makes everything sag. Replacing the fat pad with filler helps prop up the brows and lids back where they used to be.”

Non- Surgical Routes

Protect yourself from the Sun- Wear a broad-brimmed hat and use UV-protective sunglasses with lenses large enough to protect the eyes and the eyelids. Polarize lenses reduce glare and are particularly important when driving. Use sunscreen designed specifically for around the eyes to avoid stinging and burning. UV rays can penetrate clouds, so protect your eyes and eyelids every day.

Eye Cream- In addition to moisturizing, eye creams can offer other benefits, as well. Dr. Poulos says to, “Eye creams with growth factors and retinal can help increase cell turnover. Retinol helps to combat wrinkles, thicken the dermis, boost collagen, and distribute pigment more evenly. Use an eye cream containing retinol at night because it’s light-sensitive.”

Eating too much salt- Some people notice their eyes get puffy when they eat a lot of salt.  Under eye bags are intensified when you have a diet that is high in sodium. To reduce puffiness and swelling, put something cool over eyelids, like cucumber slices, slices of raw potatoes, moist, refrigerated tea bags, or chilled spoons.

Over plucking your eyebrows– Repeated tweezing can result in scarring of the hair follicles, preventing hair from ever re-growing. “Be judicious when plucking,” says Dr. Poulos.  “With age, eyebrow hairs become thinner.”

Eat an Iron-Rich Diet

An iron deficiency could be the reason for your under-eye bags and dark circles. Make them go away by incorporating iron-rich foods like spinach, kidney beans and dark chocolate into your diet.

Relax With Green Tea

Fight eye bags with tea bags! Resting cold green tea pouches will help reduce the appearance of puffiness. The combination of a cool compress with the tannins in the tea may help constrict the blood vessels and reduce swelling. Caffeine in the tea also helps reduce swelling.

To Minimize Dark Circles

Seek Out Vitamin C: Dr. Poulos suggest that you, “Look for an eye cream with ascorbyl glucoside, a potent vitamin C derivative that lightens dark circles and reverses aging dyspigmentation. Also, if you have volume loss under the eyes, light can get trapped in the folds and give the impression of shadows. In this case, we will often utilize a transfer of your own fat from abdomen or hips, mix it with your centrifuged blood (protein rich plasma or prp) and inject via a tiny needle to add thickness and minimize the light reflex “erasing”  the dark circles.

Strengthen With Retinol: “Dark circles can be caused by the under-eye skin getting thin over time, so the underlying muscle is visible. Dr. Poulos often prescribes Renova to build collagen and help thicken the skin around the eyes. If you have sensitive skin, start with an over the counter retinol-containing product.

About Dr. Stanley Poulos

Dr. Poulos is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Co-Founder with Yngvar Hvistendahl, M.D of Plastic Surgery Specialists recognized as one of the premier aesthetic surgery clinics in Northern California.

Dr. Poulos helped pioneer the quick lift facial rejuvenation surgery in California and has extensive experience in body contour procedures. With over 30-years’ experience in aesthetic procedures, Dr. Poulos has been on the forefront of innovative procedures such as the quick-lift facial rejuvenation, mommy makeover, and vaser lipo-contouring. Dr. Poulos combines his consistent knowledge of new treatment options with his mastery of facial and body symmetry.

His recent focus has been on the gastric balloon, a groundbreaking, non-surgical, medically assisted, outpatient procedure offering weight loss to those seeking to lose between 30 and 75 pounds who may be ineligible for the more invasive gastric bypass surgery. This exciting new procedure allows patients to achieve optimal health and, when combined with exercise and proper nutrition, the results have been exceptional.

A graduate of the University of Texas Medical School, Dr. Poulos completed his internship and residency at UC San Francisco. He completed surgery and plastic surgery training in San Francisco prior to entering private practice in Marin County where he co-founded PSS (www.psspecialists.com)

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook