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August 7, 2018

Robin McGraw Revelation , It’s Time to Settle the Score on Pores

Robin McGraw Revelation introduces PORE TINY ME PORE PERFECTOR .

woman with Pore problems

How many women spend their time examining their pores in the mirror bemoaning their size? What happens as we age that enlarges our pores? For the women longing for the invisible pores of their 20’s and early 30’s when skin looked like smooth silk, we offer some explanation on pores; what they are and what we can do to shrink them down to achieve a smoother glow as we age.

First, what are pores? Those tiny dots you see on the surface of your skin are actually the openings of hair follicles. Each one contains a sebaceous gland, which produces your skin’s oils. Pores are more noticeable on parts of the face, like the forehead and the nose, where the sebaceous glands are bigger. The bad news is that you can’t do anything to permanently shrink large skin pores. The good news is that there are ways you can make them look smaller.

Pore size is genetically determined. Just as your height is influenced by genes, so too are the size and visibility of your pores. Unfortunately, pores can get larger and more visible with age because with the degradation of collagen and elastin over time, the skin slackens and stretches, and as a consequence, the pores do too.

What can you do to address pore size?

Deep cleaning and exfoliating regularly on your own is the first step. Next, get a deep cleansing facial and/or a light peel done by a professional who will be able get all the debris out without damaging your skin.

The key to making pores appear smaller is to keep them clear. During the day, stick with non-comedogenic moisturizers and makeup; avoid products that contain heavy ingredients, such as petrolatum and mineral oil, both of which may irritate pores and make them look bigger.

Always wash your face with a gentle cleanser before bed to prevent the day’s dirt and makeup from clogging pores. Cleanse before and after working out, since sweat can carry cosmetics and debris to pore openings, where they’ll settle in and stretch the skin. Polish to Perfection Micro Polishing & Exfoliating Scrub by Robin McGraw Revelation stimulates collagen production for firmer, younger-looking skin and softens and refines skin tone and texture.


Sunscreen isn’t an option; it’s a must!

The sun breaks down your skin’s collagen, which is responsible for keeping your face firm and elasticized. Repeat sun exposure will increase pore size and will compromise texture. Put on a minimum of SPF 30 every single morning. Robin McGraw Revelation Skincare has 50 Fierce Daytime Moisturizer & Sunscreen with an SPF of 50.

 

Robin McGraw Revelations Pore Tiny Me

Robin McGraw Revelations Pore Tiny Me Pore Perfector

 

Is there a product that can address pore size?

Yes, interestingly Dr. Phil McGraw’s wife Robin McGraw, who at 64 looks fantastic, has created a line of skincare, Robin McGraw Revelation Skincare™ which includes “Pore Tiny ME Pore Perfector.” The best-selling author, mother, grandmother, and philanthropist who has been in studio for every Dr. Phil show taping with her husband since 2002, was inspired to develop a skincare line after seeing the effects of the bright lights and unforgiving high def TV.

“Pore Tiny ME Pore Perfector” is a lightweight treatment formulated to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines while hydrating skin for the ultimate smoothing effect.

Powered by her proprietary Dynamic Infusion Technology™, this quick-absorbing formula delivers active ingredients, including pore-refining white oak bark extract and antioxidant-rich acai fruit extract, to the skin 26 times faster than traditional skincare products.

 

What ingredients make Pore Tiny Me Pore Perfector effective?

A unique peptide complex stimulates collagen production, while sodium hyaluronate and perilla seed oil provide skin-plumping hydration, diminishing the look of fine lines and improving skin texture to prep skin for smooth makeup application. Ethyl macadamiate, a natural alternative to silicone, smooths skin to prep it for makeup application. Macadamiate creates a blurring effect by smoothing enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

After cleansing and applying skincare, pat a small amount only where needed, including the T-zone, around the nose, mouth, and eyes.

 

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August 2, 2018

How to Choose a Travel Friendly Shaver

 

Image source: Flickr

Traveling is amazing and it gives us the opportunity to relax, unwind, and know other cultures. However, when you travel, especially by plane, it is hard to carry everything with you. For men, shaving is a daily routine. They are used to their own shaver, razor, aftershave, and other equipment. Despite this fact, when we are traveling we need to pack as lightly as possible.

In this article we are going to show you how to choose a travel-friendly shaver. If you already know what you are looking for, here you can find some best travel shaver options. You will find reviews of the best shavers that are perfect for when you travel. Now, let’s check out the main features a shaver needs to have to be perfect for travelling.

1. Compact

As we mentioned, when you travel, you need to look for shaver that is as compact as possible. However, you should select a shaver that can handle between 120 and 240 volts. If you want to be extra safe, always look for one that comes with a lock or a head cover. This way, you make sure that the blade stays intact.

If you don’t want to purchase a special adapter for when you travel outside of US, it is best to choose a battery-powered device. You can find batteries anywhere so you don’t have to worry about your device running out of juice just when you want to shave.

2. Charger

Many people don’t like battery-powered devices. So, if you selected a device that needs to be charged, make sure that you have one that charges fast enough. You don’t want to charge it for 4 hours just to use it for 30 minutes. You can find shavers that come with a fast-charger which means they are ready to go in less than 1 hour.

If you want to skip the adapter and still get a shaver with a charge function, they only choice is via USB. They are really new models, which means you are going to benefit from the best on the market. Keep in mind that they tend to charge the device in more time than other types of charges do. However, you can let it charge while you take a walk or visit a museum. 

3. Versatility

Another important thing for a shaver is versatility. Since you plan on travelling for a while, you don’t have the time to clean the device every morning. This means you will need to look for one that can be washed with a splash of water and it is clear as new. It is also indicated that you purchase a charger that is both for dry and wet shaving.

4. Safety

Not all men like to use electrical shavers, some prefer simple razors. However, you can’t pack a regular razor in your carry-on luggage. This is why you should opt for safety razors. They get the job done and they are even more efficient than some regular razors. Although you should keep in mind that safety razors are best for people who have some experience with them. For those who just want a light shave in the morning, electrical razors are more indicated.

5. Blades and Performance

The last thing is the most important: the performance of the shaver. Although you can find compact shavers anywhere, it is tricky to find a shaver that comes with all of the features from above and also get the job done in a mannerly fashion. For people who want to have the perfect shaving routine, without irritations or cuts, we recommend an electrical razor with multi-fit arc blades and a multi-flex pivoting head.

This type of razor offers the perfect shave because it has complete contact with the skin. This way, you won’t have any small patches of hair that were not touched by the razor. Best electrical razors come with dual motors which offer more precision when shaving.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to look for when you purchase a travel-friendly shaver, you should also take care of the other products for your shaving routine while traveling. Don’t forget to purchase soaps and creams that come in tubes of maximum 100 ml so you can put them in your carry-on luggage. Also, make sure to grab at least 1 travel-sized bottle of after shave.

Traveling doesn’t mean you should neglect your skin and skin your shaving routine, it just means you need to adapt it a little. However, nowadays, you get a product for every need. So, make sure to have everything prepared before you next trip.

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August 1, 2018

Real Doctor Tries the Intermittent Fasting Trend and Here’s What Happened

https://tourocom.touro.edu/academics/faculty/harlem/niket-sonpal.php

There’s crash dieting, and then there’s intermittent fasting. Crash diets aren’t sustainable and rarely factor in healthy food options. Intermittent fasting on the other hand is gaining attention because people are seeing weight come off, and therefore stay with it. It’s being touted as the go-to way to lose 15, 20 pounds within a month or two. Is it just a popular hashtag or can the weight actually stay off leading millions of people to reach their weight goals? To get clarity, we spoke to Dr. Niket Sonpal who not only is Board Certified in Internal Medicine specializing in Gastroenterology; but lost 8 pounds his first week of intermittent fasting when he decided to do it himself. Here’s what he has to say about intermittent fasting.

What inspired your decision to do intermittent fasting?

I noticed the winter weight became the spring then summer weight and I wanted to take off extra pounds that I noticed had crept on. I was with friends talking about how they lost weight during Ramadan (would prefer religious observations) and that intermittent fasting was a “thing.” I rolled my eyes. I was skeptical. Then I went online and applied my doctor mind to the concepts I was reading about it and went for it.

There are several ways to go about intermittent fasting. Which way did you do it, when did you start and what was the result?

This is true. The way I chose, and the way I would imagine most people would try, is the one that calls for 16 hours of fasting with 8 hours of eating time per day. This basically means if your last meal of the day is 8pm you will have your first meal by noonthe following day, free to eat until 8pm again. I figured since I sleep most of those hours, it wouldn’t be as tough as another option where you fast for 5 days and eat for 2 with a 500-800 calorie intake limit on those 2 days.

What were the challenges (if any) that you faced when intermittent fasting?

I live across the street from a bagel shop in New York City. I also have delicious New York pizza on every other corner. Cravings and temptation were there for me for sure. When I left my home and smelled those fresh bagels my brain said. “let’s eat.”

Coming at your intermittent fasting as a doctor, what were some things you were thinking about that others must consider too?

I thought when I would fast. When would be my 8-hour eating period. When we start caloric consumption right when we wake up we do better with weight loss. However, that would mean eating from 7 am until 4pm. This would require a later meal around3pm. Then I thought, does my lifestyle better allow a 12 noon to 8pm food window?

I also thought about the physiological aspect to what happens to our bodies when we fast intermittently. For one thing, it facilitates weight loss by enhancing hormone function. Insulin levels also lower, plus there’s a rise in noradrenaline. This combination is what helps us to breakdown body fat for energy. While this all reads well on paper there is a lifestyle aspect to it that must be factored in. I’ll add that anyone with a condition should consult with their doctor before going all in on intermittent fasting.

Why do you think it is so difficult for people to fast? What are some of the common symptoms people feel when fasting and what causes them?

When people think of fasting they think of starvation and deprivation. They anticipate they will feel terrible will have a growling stomach, dull headaches, and a bad mood. While these are common symptoms felt at first when fasting, the 16/8 intermittent fasting option allows for food every day. When people see quick results, they stick with it.

What was your diet? What did you cut out and add in?

I looked at my schedule and my overall daily lifestyle and how food was involved. For people who live very hurried lifestyles, food is typically something that is grabbed fast on the go. When we approach food this way no diet will be sustainable. I realized this would require consistent changes in my behavior. It would also require me to get very mindful about what I was eating during the 8 hours of eating time. I chose to eat what I liked in moderation. So, if two slices of pizza twice per week was the lunchtime norm, I reduced to it to once slice. I still ate pasta just not as often and not as much. I also added in a lot more vegetables, proteins, healthy fats and cut out all fast food and soda. Hey, I’m a doctor, but also a human!

For those thinking about intermittent fasting, how would you advise them to proceed?

I would explain that at around the 2 to 4-week mark, someone may plateau. When you notice this don’t think this is the most weight you are able to lose. This is normal and if you are also exercising with weight or resistance training you may be building muscle mass. Pay attention to how clothes fit, body fat loss and how weight loss shows beyond the scale. Knowing how over time the body gets used to intermittent fasting and starts to store up all that is eaten, leading to less weight loss, I suggest resetting your body by eating small, healthy meals throughout the day for a week and then resuming the 16/8 intermittent fasting option again.

People may happily think that they can fast and then enjoy a big bowl of pasta or cheeseburger. What kinds of foods should people eat during intermittent fasting?

You can get results without cutting out your favorite foods which means enjoy that burger or pasta, I did! However, you can’t binge on fast food and think you’re going to make any lasting changes. You want to up your vegetable intake. Things like grilled zucchini or eggplant make for great sides to a piece of grilled chicken or steak. Avocados are a good staple for healthy fats and are versatile. There are loads of recipes out there so plan out your food options in advance, so you stick with it.

About the doctor:

Dr. Niket Sonpal is Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn and on the board of the NY‐ American College of Physicians (NYACP). He is also the associate program director for the Internal Medicine residency program at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. He is trained in Internal medicine, Gastroenterology and has a focus on Men’s and Women’s health.

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July 25, 2018

Live Your Best Life: How to Improve Your Financial Situation in 2018


While money isn’t everything, it can provide a person with greater freedom and less stress, which can improve their quality of life. For example, the more money you have in the bank, the more opportunities you will be able to enjoy throughout your life, such as moving into your own home, buying a new car, or booking a dream vacation.
If you’re struggling to keep up with bills, can’t secure a loan due to bad credit, or want to simply protect your money as much as possible, find out how to improve your financial situation in 2018.

Set Financial Goals

Setting financial goals will help you to effectively manage your cash flow, as it will increase your focus to reduce debt, increase your savings, and buy a new home. A set deadline will also give you a timeline to stick to, so you’ll realize there is light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to debt or saving money.
You should also place your financial goals onto a refrigerator or dressing room mirror, which will remind you to stick to a budget and you’ll see yourself getting closer to the finish line each month.

Learn from Your Mistakes

You cannot move forward unless you have learned from your financial mistakes. Before you do anything, you must identify the errors you have made in the past and make it your mission to avoid them in the future.
For example, a frivolous lifestyle could have led to substantial debt, or a lack of research could have resulted in you taking out a high-interest loan.

Stop Using Lines of Credit

If you’re serious about improving your finances, you must stop using all lines of credit you have accumulated, such as a credit card. Your sole goal now must be to pay down your debts and not increase them, which means avoiding adding more debt to your budget. If you don’t have the cash to pay for an item, it might be a smart idea to go without it if you can.

Improve Your Credit Score

A poor credit score could affect your ability to receive a loan, secure a mortgage, or could even prevent you from getting approved for an apartment. If you have bad credit, you must aim to increase it to help you secure a line of credit in the future. For example, pay every bill on time to increase your score. Read this article for more information on the best options for building a credit score.

Pay Off Your Highest Interest Debts First

High-interest debts can lead to you paying more money than you need to on a loan. If you want to improve your bank balance, you must aim to pay off your highest interest debt first and work your way down the list until you have eliminated your debts.

Look for a Second Job to Increase Your Income

Hard work pays off in the long-run. Sacrificing a little time to boost your income could help you to pay off your debts at a quicker rate, which will decrease your stress and increase your financial freedom. Look for a flexible second job that allows you to work in the evening or a day or two over a weekend.
For example, a few shifts in a restaurant, bar, or retail store might be ideal outside of your office job. You could even work in the comfort of your own home as a virtual assistant, marketer, or administrator to make a little extra money.

Make Sacrifices to Save Money

Eradicate debt or increase your savings by making some sacrifices each month. For example, rather than going out for an expensive meal or drinks with friends, use the money to pay for an upcoming bill.
Also, review your wardrobe to play with your style rather than buying clothing or accessories you don’t need. Cutting back on unnecessary expenses might feel like a chore at the time, but it will be worth it when you have more money in the bank and less pressure on your shoulders.

Talk to a Financial Planner

If you are struggling to get your finances in order, seek professional advice to improve your situation. For example, a financial planner will have the knowledge, tools, and experience to identify how to reduce debt, increase your savings, and scale back your lifestyle. It is a small fee that could lead to big savings, so it could be worth the investment.
Automate Your Bills to Avoid Missed Payments
Manually paying your bills could lead to you to missing a payment, which can damage your credit score. Ensure you never miss a payment again by automating your bills, so they’ll automatically come out of your bank on a select date each month. Write a list of all automated bills and their dates, and regularly review it to ensure you have enough money in your bank or savings account to cover the costs.

Build an Emergency Fund to Cover Unexpected Bills
If you want to enjoy greater financial stability in the future, you must aim to save at least six months of living expenses to cover any unexpected expenses. Life is full of surprises, so you’ll want to have cash in the bank should you need it, so an emergency fund will help you to recover your finances quickly and easily while minimizing stress.

Sell Your Unwanted Items

Rather than holding onto items you don’t really want or need, you should sell them to improve your cash flow. For instance, that old keyboard in an attic could go to a more loving owner, or you could sell all your old clothing to another fashion lover.
There are numerous ways you can sell your unwanted items; for example, you could hold a garage sale or sell items on an auction website, such as eBay or Craigslist. In addition to having more money in the bank, you’ll also declutter your living space.

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July 23, 2018

Benefits of having timber floor in your home

When trying to figure out the best designs for your home, you go through various research processes, finding the perfect flooring for your house. Flooring for any house is very essential as everyone will notice it, and beautiful flooring can increase your aura by giving your house a finer touch. While having various options like granite, laminate, marble etc timber flooring is highly demanded and it provides your home a sophisticated and aesthetic look lasting for several decades. It is often recommended as the best choice. There are several benefits of choosing timber flooring for your home

Easy maintenance

A major advantage of timber (wood) flooring is that it is easy to clean and maintain than others. These can be cleaned daily and are also suitable for installing over a radiant heated concrete slab. These wood flooring does not accumulate much dust, dirt, debris, etc. sweeping or mopping is easy and can be done daily or couple of times a week. Laminate floor is very easy to clean and bears the brunt of moisture and scratching better than hardwood.

Beautiful look

This flooring type gives your floor the beautiful natural look that it needs. The color, grains of the floor increases the beauty of the room to the next level. This flooring brings prosperity and warmth to the home.

Better air quality

As the hardwood floors holds the advantage of not inducing dust, pollen, animal dander, allergens, they help to keep the air quality of the home a lot better. Even tiles and laminates have grout lines, which attracts dust particles and damage the air quality. Thus hardwood floor prevents formation of dust particles and keeps our home a lot cleaner and improves the air quality of our house.

Increase the value of your home

Having a timber floor, massively increase the value of your house. When you want to sell your house, having carpet flooring may cause many problems as the buyer may not want used carpets or old carpets. Having a nice wood flooring will attract most of the buyers and will make it easier to sell your house if needed as the floor designs are amazing and beautiful.

Color of the flooring

It can be seen that the color of many carpets will fade gradually over time. But in case of hardwoods, the color does not fade away giving the flooring a much longer life than the life of a carpet flooring.

Installation

Timber floor is very handy for those who are inexperienced in this field and the process of installation is also very easy. Thus makes it beneficial to apply this flooring than others.

Variety

This type of flooring offers a variety of designs, textures and finishes. They also offer unfinished and prefinished types of timber floors. You may choose according to your preference as both of them carry some advantages and some disadvantages. Beside many advantages, this flooring is also a very good insulator which helps in cold climates and makes it easier to apply. This is also water-resistant and most long lasting than all the flooring varieties.

Lasts longer

Timber floorings are the most long lasting floorings than any other. The rest floorings worn out very easily and tend to be damaged, but timber floorings last for decades and retain the value and character of it. If the timber floor develops any scratches then it can be renewed by applying various methods like sand or grind methods or by applying a fresh coat of urethane.

Cost-efficient

Though the initial investment for timber flooring is much higher than other flooring varieties, you will observe later that it is the most cost efficient method of flooring. Solid timber flooring is less expensive than all other methods when compared. Investment in timber floorings is like a lifetime investment and the flooring lasts for many decades whereas the average lifespan of a carpet is about seven to nine years.

Eco-friendly

With the advent of new timber harvesting methods, it is proving to be an eco-friendly method of flooring and is favored by the most. Due to the presence of several rules and regulations for the wood cutters, this is turning out to be an eco-friendly flooring method and is enhancing the market without causing degradation of the environment. Timber floors also hold the benefit of being made from old timber products which leads to recycling and use of old wooden products.

Thus we are able to see various benefits of using timber flooring in our house rather than other methods like granite, carpet etc. these several points given above prove that timber flooring is better and efficient and should be used by most of us. For further queries you can look for Timber Floor Polishing Brisbane and take a step forward and make your house a better place to live and increase its aura massively.

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July 20, 2018

No Fuss Beauty, Summertime 2018 Essentials Chosen By The IAGT Team

No fuss products are what we need for hot summer days at work, the gym, the beach and for our beauty regimen. The lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are not always relaxing and fun but we need not fret. We can coast through summer with some help from the brands below. We have tried everything here and they all have our seal of approval.

 

Zoella Sweet Inspirations Body Mist

Zoella Sweet Inspirations Body Mist

 

First, let’s talk about a fragrance that is perfect for summer and perfectly priced ($12.95). Actually, it’s a mist for a subtler approach to fragrance. It’s light and fresh. It won’t cause the headaches that heavy perfumes may cause you or others in the hot summer weather. So there is no need to grab a cold compress just try Zoelle Beauty Sweet Inspirations Body Mist. It is available at Ulta. Ulta details the fragrance as “inspired by the scrummy scent of sweet macaroons, this deliciously chic fragrance will leave you smelling totally irresistible!” Some of the ingredients include (Sweet Almond) Oil, Mel (Honey) Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract. Sounds like a macaroon to me! For Amazon Prime members look for Zoelle Beauty products at Amazon.

Mehron’s Highlight-Pro palettes

Mehron’s Highlight-Pro palettes

 

For the face and body we love Mehron’s Highlight-Pro palettes. In the hot months forget the foundation and ditch your concealer, black mascara and eye shadow for a more natural look.  During the summer days we use a lighter approach to highlighting, brushing the highlighter on the parts of your face where light would hit but not just the cheekbones. Highlighter is the perfect cosmetics product for day into summer night wear. We especially love it on summer nights. We never forget to highlight our décolletage especially in the evening. At night we go a bit heaver on the highlight than during the day.

From Mehron’s website: “Highlight-Pro palettes are formulated with the highest quality ingredients to provide a subtle shimmer and illuminating effect for face and body. This professional pressed powder is perfect for accenting and highlighting areas such as the cheekbones, brows, inner eyes, bridge of nose, cupids bow and décolletage. Available in two palette varieties, cool and warm, each with three varying undertones.  These lightweight and long wearing highlighters will brighten all skin tones creating a soft, luminous glow.”

Follow Mehron Makeup on Instagram HERE.

 

Booty Shawls

Booty Shawl

 

This summer I am loving my Booty Shawl . It’s a hip wrap. This season, I am hiding a little extra belly fat (my booty is fine) so Booty Shawl is  perfect for that bit of extra coverage when hanging out at the beach house on the weekends. I am wearing it over my shortest  solid black biker short (instead of a bikini bottom) and with various bikini tops. It looks great and I feel comfortable and confident. I have the Black Lace Isabella Wrapalini style . Again, I love it!

I also wear it with a tee and ankle leggings, my denim skinny jeans and my yoga pants. For exercise class I am always on the search for tops that cover my lady bits in my tight exercise leggings but with Booty Shawl, I am covered! I can leave it on or just wear it to and from class. I definitely need to buy more colors and styles! I am already thinking of the wear possibilities for Fall and Winter. Patti Breen is the owner and founder of Booty Shawl. @bootyshawl

 

Invisible Spray Powder for the feet by Arm and Hammer

Invisible Spray Powder for the feet by Arm and Hammer

 

Finally for today, we have two products from Arm & Hammer that are summer “Must haves” for both men and women. I dance and, especially in the summertime, I feel like I am sweating though my feet!  My feet actually slide in my shoes. There are a lot of products out there for sweaty feet like foot deodorant, shoe deodorant spray, cooling insoles and more. One of our summertime “Must Haves” is the easy to use sweat activated odor defense Invisible Spray Powder for the feet by Arm and Hammer. You can easily pick it up or order it online from Walmart.com  It’s invisible. It sprays clear so you don’t have to deal with a white mess. It is talc free. Just spray it on evenly for a couple of seconds with the can about 6 inches away from your skin. It feels so good and refreshing going on and has a nice fragrance. It leaves no white mess on my feet or socks.

 

Arm & Hammer Odor Defense Shoe Refresher Spray

Arm & Hammer Odor Defense Shoe Refresher Spray

 

Smelly feet cause funky smelling shoes.  Summertime foot sweating can worsen smelly feet. Arm & Hammer Odor Defense Shoe Refresher Spray can help. It has sweat activated odor control. The formula contains Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and other odor neutralizing ingredients. It’s available at under $6 at Walmart stores and Walmart.com . For best results spray your shoes and let them set overnight. De-stink your shoes for happy feet,  happy shoes and  happy office and room mates.

 

 

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July 16, 2018

LASERS TO BALLOONS, THE SKINNY ON SLIM-DOWN TREATMENTS

The skinny on slim down products

 

 

LASERS TO BALLOONS, THE SKINNY ON SLIM-DOWN TREATMENTS

New treatments and procedures claiming to blast fat and smooth skin enter the market regularly, offering the possibility of a contoured, toned body. Many people who exercise regularly, and watch what they eat find stubborn weight collecting anywhere from the back, arms, abdomen, hips, thighs and derrière. Frustrated, they seek solutions, but which ones deliver and how safe are they? To give us answers, we turned to Dr. Stanley Poulos, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in the San Francisco Bay area and co-founder of Plastic Surgery Specialists who has over 3 decades expertise in body aesthetics.

What is driving women’s decisions to try these treatments and how have attitudes changed from a decade ago?

Ten years ago, women would come to my office with photos of celebrities who were working with highly effective fitness trainers. Today both women and men come to my office, show me a random “hot body” in their Instagram feed, looking fabulous in a swimsuit, and want to look like that person. Social media bombards people with images, and they feel if these people aren’t well-known celebrities and look great, then they can too.

What are the most common frustrations when it comes to achieving their desired look?

Well, most people try their best to work out, watch what they eat and try to take care of themselves. They notice, though, that through pregnancies, hormonal and metabolism shifts that happen with age, gravity is winning. Men notice more fat around the waist and “breasts”, women notice cellulite dimples in their thighs and buttocks, bra rolls, extra fat at the waist despite maintaining their diet and exercise routines. A workout routine at 45 will not yield the same results as 35; it becomes frustrating. Collagen production typically falls off a cliff at a certain point in the early 50s; this means treatments need to treat both fat deposits and skin tightening.

What do you advise them to do? There are so many treatments to choose from. It can be overwhelming.

Absolutely, and it’s very important to approach any procedure with the facts and a realistic expectation of what’s achievable, and required.. Some women think they just come in for a few hours and they are magically transformed. In some cases, results are immediate, and in other cases healing can take up to 2 to 3 months.

Ok so let’s explore these treatments. What’s the best one out there to deal with cellulite? It seems like most women struggle with cellulite.

 Cellulaze

Yes, cellulite is a very common issue women want a solution for, and fast. Cellulaze is a treatment that safely and effectively treats cellulite under local anesthesia with initial results appearing in one to four weeks, with significant results due to thickening collagen by four months. The 2-hour treatment involves an injection of a local anesthetic and wetting solution onto the cellulite, which is then zapped with a laser. This unique side-cutting laser removes the contracted fibrous bands responsible for the cellulite. Finally, the subdermal region is treated for increased collagen production. The result is tight, smooth, supple skin where the cellulite once was. Many women opt to get Cellulaze along with liposuction to address several concerns at once.

Vaser Hi- Def liposculpture

Yes, let’s talk about liposuction. How has that treatment changed?

Well, I’ve seen significant improvements over the years. Now, we have a much more precise method called Vaser Hi-Def LipoSculpture. This method is liposuction, but with techniques and tools that precisely suction out localized fat deposits from various parts of the body. This technique is used effectively, for example, in “sculpting” the washboard abs so desired by many. The fat that is harvested can then be used to fill out other areas of the body. The differentiating factor between Vaser Lipo and traditional Liposuction is the preliminary step taken to break down the fat: ultrasound frequencies. The acronym Vaser stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance.

The vibrations emitted cause expansion and contraction of air bubbles located in tumescent fluid which is ejected from the Vaser Lipo instrument. The procedure is tissue-selective, targeting fat while protecting other tissues from damage. This means eight times less blood loss, easier fat removal, stimulated skin elasticity, less bruising and a tiny incision. Through this process, the fat that is collected is separated to use for fat injections in other areas. The surgeon has the ability to truly sculpt the body.

Balloon Weight Loss Method

What about people who have 20-50 pounds to lose, but not enough weight for gastric bypass surgery?

 These patients can be considered for the Balloon Weight Loss Method. An ideal candidate for this procedure has a body mass index of 30 to 40 and did not had previous weight loss surgery. Patients diagnosed with bulimia, binge eating, compulsive overeating, high liquid calorie intake habits or similar eating related psychological disorders are not good candidates.

This non-surgical outpatient procedure begins with a diagnostic endoscopy, to ensure that there are no contraindications and that it is safe to perform. Once the patient is mildly sedated and comfortable, the procedure can begin. The deflated gastric balloon is inserted through the esophagus and into the stomach. A syringe is then used to fill the balloon with a sterile saline solution. Once the weight loss balloon has been filled with saline, it expands to approximately the size of a grapefruit and remains there for 6 months. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. Patients can usually return home after the placement or removal procedures within 30 minutes. Over the last 20 years this procedure has helped over 277,000 people. The gastric balloon encourages portion control while patients make healthy changes to diet and lifestyle. After six months the balloon is then removed.

What’s key here is to find a doctor who provides the full support and team to address diet and exercise to achieve and maintain optimal results. Dr. Poulos has assembled a team that has achieved some of the best nonsurgical weight loss results in the country.

Regardless of what you choose it’s important to do your research by speaking to doctors and understanding the instruments used, the process and what’s needed for an optimal recovery and result.

 About Dr. 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)

 

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July 16, 2018

High Fashion Shoes, 5 Trends in and How to Make them More Comfortable

Black Rivet Pump By exoticsbycedrick

Black Rivet Pump
By exoticsbycedrick

 

High Fashion Shoes, 5 Trends and How to Make them More Comfortable- It’s difficult to discuss high-fashion women’s shoes without discussing high heels. After all, heels or pumps tend to dominate the fashion world. Women love them, men love to look at them. They make women look more attractive and feel bolder, a combination that’s hard to beat. When it comes to the trends in high-fashion shoes there is also one thing to keep in mind . That is high fashion doesn’t need to mean uncomfortable. The two can absolutely go hand-in-hand, and should.

“You want to love the shoes you are wearing, but you also want them to feel great on your feet,” explains Cedrick McDonald, owner of Exotics by Cedrick. “As an artist, I want to give the world beautiful shoes. I love the way their confidence soars when they put them on. It leaves us both feeling great.”

Here are 5 trends in high-fashion shoes:

  1. Designer. Donning a pair of designer shoes makes a bold statement, and that’s the direction people are taking. Designer shoes show some personality, preferences, and are seen as a status symbol.
  2. Bold with bling. Who doesn’t love some bling as a finishing touch for their outfit? With shoes that have bling, you are always ready to go and dress things up. Exotics by Cedrick offers a patented bottom outsole that features snakeskin and Swarovski crystals. It doesn’t get any more bold with bling than that.
  3. Comfort. Nobody wants to wear shoes that hurt their feet. The new trend is in ensuring that shoes are comfortable. Comfortable shoes will help people be more confident and happier.
  4. Heels and more heels. Having different types of heels is always in style. Women love the look, the way they make them feel, and the multitude of designs that they come in. Find heels that match your personality and you are all set.
  5. Shoes with meaning. Being able to choose shoes that come from a company that gives back to special causes makes wearing them that much better. People today appreciate shoe brands that give back to charities. Exotics by Cedrick has a passion for helping the cause of fighting AIDS in the world, and donates proceeds from the sale of every pair of shoes to the AIDS Foundation.

“Whether you follow the trends or help set them, we all love to see what’s going on with them,” added McDonald. “We can all agree that we love fine shoes and the way they make us feel. I bring my artistic ability to every pair of shoes I create, helping to set the trends.”

When it comes to making heels more comfortable, there are some things you can do. They include wearing them around the house for a few hours to help stretch them out and get them more broken in, putting some padded inserts in them, investing in good quality heels to begin with, and taking good care of your heels to keep them in excellent working condition. Also, choose a high heel that has a great outsole, because that’s where the magic is in keeping it comfortable. A good outsole offers extra padding at the ball, which is where most of your weight is applied.

McDonald is a bit of a pioneer in the shoe industry, having created a style that is unique enough to earn a U.S. patent. His line of designer footwear features high-fashion pumps with 4-6” heels that have an eye-catching snakeskin out sole that is encrusted with Swarovski crystals on the bottom of every shoe.  They are shoes that help make a statement not only about the designer, but about the person wearing them.

Started in 2016, Exotics by Cedrick is high-fashion shoe line that has been turning heads from the Golden Globes to the MTV Movie and TV Awards. The company motto is Live Life Through Your Soles, and he’s created unique-looking soles that stand out and make a statement. McDonald is a serial entrepreneur who owns several businesses in addition to Exotics by Cedrick. From the Tampa area, he aims to help set the trends in the high fashion world. To create his shoes, he starts with a hand sketch, usually in the middle of the night, and then creates the rendered design on CAD.

About Exotics by Cedrick: Owned by Cedrick McDonald, Exotics by Cedrick, a celebrity fashion and footwear designer, is a Tampa-based high-fashion high heel shoe company. The company has a patent for its unique design, which features a snakeskin out sole that is encrusted with Swarovski crystals. Since the company was started in 2016, the trend-setting shoes have made their way into many celebrity hands. To learn more about Exotics by Cedrick, visit the site at www.exoticsbycedrick.com.

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July 13, 2018

How Do Cosmetic Lasers Work?

Laser, as an acronym, is an abbreviation for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” A laser is actually a single color of light (one wavelength), which is a high-energy light source that can be concisely directed to focus the light beam on a very small targeted area. In cosmetic laser procedures, two basic varieties of lasers are used—ablative and non-ablative.

The Two Basic Laser Types: Ablative, Non-Ablative and How They Work

In cosmetic laser procedures, the two basic varieties of lasers are used — ablative and non-ablative. While ablative lasers act to vaporize the upper layers of injured or deteriorated skin, non-ablative lasers penetrate deeper into the skin without displacing or causing damage to the upper skin layers. When patients undergo cosmetic laser procedures that use non-ablative laser techniques, there is no actual downtime for the patient due to this procedure.

Since lasers are monochromatic, any laser emits light of just one color, or wavelength. During cosmetic procedures, lasers operate through “selective photothermolysis.” In other words, the laser alters the light frequency (photo) to create heat (thermo) in the exact location of the area (skin or tissue) you plan to destroy (lysis). To accomplish this, the light beam wavelength must be synchronized with the target color, regardless of whether the target is brown spots on the skin or bright red broken capillaries.

The two main kinds of lasers can be subdivided into many other divisions of laser varieties, with hundreds of laser brands and types within these different divisions. Different laser wavelengths, or light colors, are used for treating different skin problems. If you are a patient who has several different skin issues to be treated, your surgeon will recommend different lasers to target the varied skin problems that you need treated.

Recommended Lasers for Various Cosmetic Applications

  • Wrinkles and Lines. – For treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, skin procedures to resurface and tighten the skin are used together, and both these treatments can be handled with use of the CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser or Erbium YAG, which are aggressive laser varieties. CO2 lasers are also frequently used to remove skin tags and warts a well as for making incisions in skin during surgeries that are laser-assisted. Pulsed dye lasers can also be helpful in some instances, as are non-laser treatment methods that are light-based, like IPL and LED photofacials. These non-laser treatments are less aggressive than procedures performed using CO2 lasers or Erbium YAG.
  • Skin Tightening. – The majority of cosmetic laser treatments include some degree of skin tightening, even if it is superficial, since they create some regulated injury to the skin, which promotes a rise in collagen production in the body. For greater tightening measures, CO2 lasers are most often used. Currently, more procedures of this type are being accomplished with light-based, non-laser treatments like Titan infrared instruments and systems that are based on Thermage radio frequencies.
  • Pigmented Lesions. – Examples of these lesions are age spots, sun spots, melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation. The lasers the most frequently used for procedures involving pigmented lesions are the pulsed dye, Nd:YAG and Fraxel (fractional lasers) as well as light-based, non-laser treatment methods such as use of IPL.
  • Precancerous Lesions. – Nearly all surgeons concur that cancerous lesions are best removed with a scalpel, in a regular medical surgical procedure. This will ensure clean borders and complete removal of precancerous tissues. This also provides a skin sample for pathologists to examine for further assurance of the nature of the lesion. However, lasers are now in frequent use for removing actinic keratoses, or precancerous growths, before they can become malignant, or squamous cell skin cancers. For this type of procedure, ablative lasers like the CO2 and Erbium:YAG are most often used.
  • Vascular Lesions. – These lesions include facial broken blood vessels, spider veins of the legs and ankles, hemangiomas and some birthmarks. IPL is most often used to treat these conditions since it is a minimally invasive treatment mode. In addition, the pulsed dye, Nd:YAG and diode lasers may be used.
  • Hair Removal. – The extent of the safety and success of hair removal by laser treatment depends on the pigment of the hair and skin of the patient. For individuals with darker skin tones, the Nd:YAG or diode lasers are usually the best option, while patients with lighter skin tones are best treated with use of IPL.
  • Acne Scars. – For deep scars caused by acne, the CO2 laser is the very best choice. Other good choices are the Erbium:YAG as well as the fractional laser and some non-ablative lasers, but these three laser types are usually only effective for treating less severe acne scars. LED treatments have also shown to be effective for treating scars resulting from acne.
  • Tattoo Removal. – Both the CO2 laser and the Nd:YAG are the most often used for removing tattoos. In some instances, tattoo removals can also be accomplished with IPL use.

Light-Based Treatment Technologies in Use Today

There are numerous varied types of light-based treatment technologies that are currently in use in the practice of modern cosmetic surgery. Although many of these different treatment modes are frequently referred to as “laser” procedural methods, these treatments are being performed with use of devices and instruments that are not true lasers. The treatment technologies used include LED treatments, IPL, Titan and other infrared methods that are energy-based as well as radio-frequency based modes like Thermage. Although these treatment technologies are very helpful and successful methods of approach for many different cosmetic surgeries, it should be stressed that they are not actually laser treatments.

Laser Surgery Procedures with Optimal Expertise

Dr. Joseph W. Rucker, Jr., completed his medical school training and degree at the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. After receiving his medical degree, he spent five additional years in general surgery followed by a three-year residency in plastic surgery as well as a fellowship in breast reconstruction.

Since 1984, Dr. Rucker has had a highly successful private practice in the Eau Claire region of west central Wisconsin. He has performed more than 10,000 cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures. Dr. Rucker is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

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July 11, 2018

4 Popular Myths about Breast Augmentation and the Truth Behind Them

 

If you’re thinking of undergoing a breast augmentation procedure, there are so many things that you have to know about the process that will help you make an informed decision.

There are tons of myths and misconceptions about this surgical procedure. Some might be the very ones that are preventing you from taking the leap. The good news is that scientists have already debunked many of them. So if you choose a reputable surgeon, you can certainly feel more confident about the outcome.

What are the myths that you should know about, though? Here are four that can help you weigh your options better:

Myth #1: Saline Implants are Safer than Silicone Implants

Two of the most popular types of breast implants are made of saline and silicone. They’re filled with exactly what they’re named after, allowing them to offer different results.

Because they’re filled with a sterile saltwater solution, a lot of people believe that saline implants are way safer than silicone implants which are filled with silicone gel. As both can rupture and its content can leak inside the body, a lot of people are scared that a silicone implant’s content can be more detrimental to health.

The FDA, however, has cleared the safety of silicone implants. The use of a good quality silicone implant and its proper maintenance can also make it safer to use.

Myth #2: Breast Implants are Dangerous for Breastfeeding

A lot of women who consider getting breast implants are also around the age of starting their families. This is why one of the most popular concerns among them is the safety of having implants while breastfeeding. Some are scared that the silicone material can leak and mix into the breast milk, which might harm the infant.

While the thought is quite scary, research shows that there’s no evidence this can happen. The silicone material won’t easily get into the mammary glands or any other areas wherein it can mix into the breast milk. Its positioning and molecular size make such impossible.

However, breast implants can affect a woman’s breasts’ capability to produce and release milk. The position of the implant can apply pressure on the alveolar cellular wall, which can diminish milk production.

Myth #3: You can Choose Your New Cup Size

Another popular misconception about breast augmentation procedures is that you can choose your new cup size. This isn’t true. The size of the implants that you’ll receive will still depend on what your body can handle. Going from small to big in just a couple of hours can cause a drastic change that can have serious effects on your body, so it’s not recommended by specialists.

You can still opt to go as big as possible, but there’s still a limit to this. Experts take into account the size of your frame, your weight, current bra cup size before recommending the size of implants for you. They’ll make sure that the procedure will bring the most natural-looking results that won’t affect your comfort and your body’s performance. Bigger is not always better when it comes to breast augmentation.

Myth #4: Breast Implants Require Replacements Every 10 Years

Because breast implants are medical devices, experts require them to be replaced every once in a while. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you should wait ten years to do this, however. To avoid complications, you should get regular checkups so the condition of your implants will be monitored. It can also help determine when you should have your implants replaced.

As these points can prove, a lot of the things that might be scaring you from getting a breast augmentation procedure are purely misconceptions. With the right specialists, breast augmentation will be a safe and simple procedure.

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