Life hacks, DIY tricks, and at home devices that are meant to “mimic the effects of in-office skin care treatments are all the rage right now. They are posted on Instagram, YouTube, and all over the Internet. While some are very constructive and budget-friendly, others are ineffective or downright dangerous. We asked Dr. Gretchen Frieling, who is a Boston area Dermatopathologist, to highlight several highly publicized methods that should bear the warning, “don’t try this at home.”
Dermaplaning- Dermaplaning is a cosmetic procedure that removes the top layers of your skin. The procedure aims to remove fine wrinkles and deep acne scarring, as well as make the skin’s surface look smooth. It uses an exfoliating blade to skim dead skin cells and hair from your face.
The Risks– Anecdotally, the risk of infection, complications, and experiencing pain during home dermaplaning is higher when you do it yourself. “If you have acne, there is a chance that the blade could nick a pimple,” says Dr. Frieling which means it would take longer to heal. In addition, the tool used for dermaplaning is not a safety razor like what we ladies shave with. The device or tool used to accomplish the dermaplaning on the face is made of a sharp blade with a handle or wand.
At home “Derma-Rollers” for MicroNeedling” Aestheticians and dermatologists use derma rollers on clients to increase elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and help with discoloration. Professional treatment can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,200 per session. According to Marketwatch, “A trend report for 2018 from lifestyle site Pinterest says it’s seen a 345% increase in posts for the “derma-roller” over the past year.” Dr. Frieling is not in favor of using the tools at home because, “the needles aren’t big enough to penetrate the proper holes into the skin, so you’re essentially damaging your face for no reason. And without proper sterilization, derma rollers can harbor harmful bacteria causing infections, breakouts, and can trigger skin conditions such as rosacea, which causes redness and bumps on the face; eczema, itchy inflammation spots; and brown patches on the skin.”
Injecting Botox or other “Black Market” Filler into Your Face– First, even if you were able to get your hands on “real” Botox or filler such as Juvederm or Restylane® it’s almost like putting a firearm in the hands of someone untrained at shooting. There is no safe way to give yourself Botox. You can’t trust what you’re buying, and even if you could, no amount of YouTube-ing will ever adequately teach you the skills you need to inject it. First, you need to know where to inject the substance. The answer is not to point the needle at the fine lines. After all, you’re relaxing muscles, not filling in wrinkles. Injecting Botox requires an understanding of facial muscles. You need to know which muscles should be relaxed for the desired results and where to target them. Second, you need to know how deeply to insert the needle and how much of the mixed substance you should apply in any given location.
Incorrect injection practices can lead to a host of complications, including eyelid drooping (ptosis), excessive swelling, excessive bruising, and a greater risk of infection. In fact, the infection may become so severe that it becomes a staph infection, an infection that spreads throughout the body and causes a variety of diseases. In any case, recovery will be longer, and the results may not be what you intended.
Lip Plumper Suction Devices- We have Kylie Jenner to thank for these! They are much less expensive than filler in the lips but with a far shorter shelf life. Dr. Frieling’s verdict: “Overuse of suction cup lip plumpers can cause misalignment of the teeth due to the outward pressure of the suction. Devices such as these can also cause swelling and bruising of the lips (and sometimes permanent scarring) when used excessively. The advice is to use these devices sensibly and with caution.”
At home acne extractors- The county has become obsessed with popping pimples thanks in part to the success of the TV show “Dr. Pimple Popper.” Acne extractors sold online, and people are using them at home. But should they? Picking causes scars or scabs by ripping off the top layer of skin, whereas extracting by a professional pulls out the fluids or solids inside a pimple. It’s far more sterile, sanitary, and cleans the pore of the extra debris. Why can’t you simply do this yourself? Acne extraction, be it white or blackheads, is a ‘don’t try this at home procedure.’ It’s a one-way ticket to scarring, infection and even more breakouts. Only through a professional facial will your skin be prepped and steamed correctly for extractions – by the hands of a trained, licensed esthetician. Skin that has not been adequately prepped for extractions may be resistant, requiring more pressure and manipulation. If used too aggressively, the pressure of the extractor tool can inflame and even bruise the skin. Additionally, a skin care professional is well-practiced in gentle and efficient movements to maximize results while minimizing potential harm.
Cuticle Cutters-Trimming or cutting cuticles during a manicure is purely cosmetic and doesn’t benefit the nail in any way. In fact, it’s actually harmful to your nails. “The small area of skin is there to protect your nails from infection. When this skin is removed, your nail is left unprotected from bacteria and fungus. Dr. Frieling recommends pushing back the cuticles by applying cuticle remover on each nail.
Chemical Peels- Chemical peels are designed to work by removing part of the top layer of skin to reveal fresher skin for a more youthful appearance. Many products containing low concentrations of acid are sold through beauty retailers and drug stores and are often safe to use. People also are treated with peels using a higher concentration at medi-spas or doctor’s offices. When it comes to alpha hydroxy acids or (AHAs) like salicylic and glycolic acids, a concentration of 10 percent or less is safe for home, and more than 30 percent should be reserved for a professional environment, according to a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel. Like many substances, illegal concentrations of chemical peels can be purchased online for substantially less than they would cost in a doctor’s office. But what price do you pay for a “bargain?” According to Dr. Frieling, “the dangers of experimenting with a medical grade peel at home are numerous and can include: extreme pain in the form of stinging, actual burns to the skin, blistering, scarring, changes in skin color, infection.” What’s more, a skin care professional will determine if you are even a candidate for a chemical peel and possibly rule you out if you have taken the acne medication isotretinoin in the past six months, have a dark complexion, have a personal history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids), have abnormal skin pigmentation, have a history of frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores.
Dr. Frieling says that there are worthwhile “skin care hacks,” DIY recipes for the skin, and some at home devices that are safe and effective. Before buying into the latest Instagram sensation, consult with your doctor first to make sure that you are a good candidate and that what you are considering is safe and effective.
Board Certified Dermatopathologist Dr. Gretchen Frieling
Boston Area
Dr. Frieling is a medical doctor with over 10 years of experience as a leader the Dermatopathology field. Her background is notable for intensive training in ballet, which includes attending the Juilliard School in New York City. She combines her artistic eye, perfectionistic qualities, and medical expertise, to give her patients impeccable, ‘show-stopping’ results. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, specifically injectables, Dr. Frieling has mastered the art of re-defining and re-vitalizing the face by eliminating fine lines and wrinkles and re-establishing volume. She will listen to your requests and concerns. She will explain the available procedures that would be optimal for your unique situation. She is never in a rush and will spend as much time as you desire to discuss these options.
After graduating summa cum laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Dr. Frieling completed her medical school at The University of Florida College of Medicine. She continued to excel academically and personally and pioneered a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic to provide free medical care. After medical school, Dr. Frieling completed her training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She then completed her Dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Currently, she is also a practicing Dermatopathologist in Newton, Massachusetts.
During her training, Dr. Frieling built an extensive resume, including but not limited to many articles in the Dermatology and Pathology literature, textbook chapters, and national conference presentations. She was on faculty at Harvard Medical School and participated in the first year Histopathology course.
In her spare time, Dr. Frieling continues to give back to her community and beyond. Currently, she is spearheading another medical mission to the Dominican Republic and partnering with Pedro Martinez and The Pedro Martinez Foundation.
Along with splitting her time as a practicing dermatopathologist, Dr. Frieling enjoys spending time with her husband, her two kids, and extended family, as well as volunteering in the community. She is a resident of Wellesley and loves good music and is always up for trying a new restaurant!
Board Certified Dermatopathologist Dr. Gretchen Frieling
Boston Area
Dr. Frieling is a medical doctor with over 10 years of experience as a leader in the Dermatology and Pathology fields. Her background is notable for intensive training in ballet, which includes attending the Juilliard School in New York City. She combines her artistic eye, perfectionistic qualities, and medical expertise, to give her patients impeccable, ‘show-stopping’ results. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, specifically injectables, Gretchen has mastered the art of re-defining and re-vitalizing the face by eliminating fine lines and wrinkles and re-establishing volume. She will listen to your requests and concerns. She will explain the available procedures that would be optimal for your unique situation. She is never in a rush and will spend as much time as you desire to discuss these options.
After graduating summa cum laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Dr. Frieling completed her medical school at The University of Florida College of Medicine. She continued to excel academically and personally and pioneered a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic to provide free medical care. After medical school, Dr. Frieling completed her training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She then completed her Dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Currently, she is also a practicing Dermatopathologist in Newton, Massachusetts.
During her training, Dr. Frieling built an extensive resume, including but not limited to many articles in the Dermatology and Pathology literature, textbook chapters, and national conference presentations. She was on faculty at Harvard Medical School and participated in the first year Histopathology course.
In her spare time, Dr. Frieling continues to give back to her community and beyond. Currently, she is spearheading another medical mission to the Dominican Republic and partnering with Pedro Martinez and The Pedro Martinez Foundation.
Along with splitting her time as a practicing dermatopathologist, Dr. Frieling enjoys spending time with her husband, her two kids, and extended family, as well as volunteering in the community. She is a resident of Wellesley and loves good music and is always up for trying a new restaurant!
Cannabidiol, popularly known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive component found in marijuana plants. Its association with general wellness and medicinal benefits continues to propel its popularity across the globe. Unlike cannabis sativa’s “high” effect, CBD doesn’t make consumers high, a concept that has seen more people flooding cannabis clinics for CBD’s health benefits.
CBD’s popularity has seen its use being embraced in different industries, among the trending being the beauty field. Today, you will find lots of beauty products listing CBD as one of the active ingredients in their products. Here is a look at popular beauty products you can find here and how CBD helps to improve their performance.
Sleep masks and facial serum
D you wear a sleep mask? Sleep masks smoothens your skin and make it glow. Wearing overnight, however, can be less effective, especially if you can’t gather enough sleep. Among the known CBD’s benefits is improved sleep, and combined with its antioxidant properties, sleep masks and night creams are more effective with CBD as an active ingredient. As a natural ingredient, the anti-aging serums with CBD improves your skin and overall help as you can get quality sleep, promoting your body’s capability to repair from the day’s wear and tear.
Moisturizers, creams, lotions, and lip gloss and balm
Locking in that moisture works wonders, and with effective moisturizers, you can spot a glowing and smooth skin. With its anti-inflammatory properties, moreover, CBD helps to reduce breakouts, soothe irritated, dry and inflamed skin, not forgetting promoting healthy repair. These features help you to comfortably maintain a healthier and smoother skin for long, allowing you to maintain a glowing and youthful look.
Shampoo, bath bombs, and conditioners
Taking a bath allows you to relax and achieve a calm feeling after a long day at work. Among the popular CBD’s health benefits is anxiety management, and including it in your bath goes a long way in achieving a longer-lasting relaxation and calm feeling, a primary reason it is included in bath bombs. Conditioners, shampoos, and other hair products also deliver CBD’s qualities, promoting healthier hair growth.
CBD beauty products also offer additional benefits such as its anti-bacterial properties and are rich in vitamins A, C, and E. The vitamins stimulate collagen as well as cells responsible for healthy skin, ensuring that the skin remains firm. With a range of beauty products with CBD to choose from, you no longer have a reason to try the trending cannabeauty.
The human body comprises roughly 80% by weight as water and every healthy person needs to have a sufficient intake of water to maintain good health. Thus the importance of water to drink cannot be stressed enough at this juncture. What is still more important is to have a safe source of water to drink as well; as this is one component that can be polluted at the slightest instance.
One of the positive properties of water is that it can dissolve a large number of substances and if something is mixed with it, at the very least, it forms a colloid. It is this attribute that makes water one of the most sought after components to be purified. The impurities need to be removed from the body of water before it can be safely consumed. Some impurities of water can cause illness and even prove to be fatal in nature.
During the sporting activity, the sportsmen tend to sweat a lot. It is thus natural that a safe source of water is identified to replenish the body as it is drained of the material. Most sporting arenas have a system to deliver safe drinking water to the participants and it would be convenient to access them too.
Often with the sportsmen, a clean source of water is important but at the same time additives need to be used with the water to make it suited to the high-intensity activity that most modern-day sports happen to be. It is possible to have ready mix components as well as additives to serve this purpose.
One of the most common places where a portable water purification system would come in handy is in the schools and colleges where children and adolescence study. A good part of the activities in educational institutions is physical in nature. Thus people tend to lose a lot of fluids most of the time. A portable source of water would help the students remain hydrated right throughout the day.
A common feature with educational institutions is that they tend to be rather well spread out in area thus this would be an ideal situation to have a portable purification system to use. Fill2Pure water purification systems have proven to be portable as well as practical to use. It is thus a suitable option to be used in schools and colleges at a reasonable cost too.
The outdoors is an area that is usually flooded with sunlight during the day times. Most people and nature enthusiasts, in particular, tend to spend a lot of time out in the sun on trekking trails and other physical activity. It would be convenient to have a portable water purification system to care of the needs for water at this juncture.
It is possible that most outdoor locations would have some water source or the other. But they could hardly be termed as being potable water if at all. Thus a portable solution to turn the water drinkable would be welcomed by one and all.
Calamities are part and parcel of everyday life and there can be no more acute a need than to have sufficient clean and clear drinking water all the time. No matter the location of the disaster, there has always been felt the need to provide the affected people with clean drinking water to start with. Most disaster management teams would stress the need to have a clean water line running as soon as possible when they first reach the site.
A portable water purification system helps as it is a source of a continuous flow of potable water. The water can be generated at the instance that it is required and not be stored for use. With water storage systems, they tend to be rather bulky to handle and also chances of the water getting further contaminated cannot be ruled out completely.
A lot of people might not consider having portable water purification systems at the homes but it is an essential requirement as it could well turn out to be. It helps people that move out of the homes to go to work as it is a ready source of drinkable water all the time. Not everyone’s office is the same and there are people that need help to secure a clean source of drinking water at the places of work.
As far as a portable water purification system is concerned, it needs to do three things. Firstly it needs to remove any suspended particles. Then it needs to remove any dissolved substances from the water and lastly it needs to free the water from disease causing bacteria. There are a number of solutions that handle these actions all rolled into a single canister and they are the current in demand water purification solutions.
Jenn Lee Brings Bali to You with Her Signature Handbag Collection
For those who love intricate details, Jenn Lee leaves none out within the making of each bag. Working directly with a local family in East Bali, you get an accessory that’s expertly handwoven by artisans from ata grass, known for being extremely durable and water resistant. Each bag is finished with a batik lining. The brand gives the family full creative rights to style each bag with the traditional prints they love most.
Experience the Bali Collection in a variety of styles from crossbodies to backpacks. For those who need a bag that’s large enough for work and play, check out Jenn Lee’s classic leather totes and choose from three different ata Bali panel designs.
With Jenn Lee bags, no two woven designs are exactly alike. Take some time to enjoy slow fashion with a lasting one-of-a-kind product to treasure for years to come.
About Jenn Lee: Jenn Lee’s passion for Bali began in 2014. A two week stay became two months, and year after year, the San Francisco native returned. Once she began working remotely in 2016, she headed back to Indonesia. Getting multiple compliments on her favorite ata woven bag, she founded her brand to find a way to share her favorite slice of paradise with everyone.
The search engine Google is one of the most useful information tools to emerge in modern times. “Google” is a recognized verb. Googling, “how to cook gluten-free recipes” is harmless and informative. Googling, “is my husband having a heart attack?’ can be deadly. Approximately eight out of 10 Americans search for medical information on the internet. When is it safe to use the internet to learn about health symptoms and treatment and when are you playing with your life? Hypochondria has now turned to Cyberchondria. We turned to Dr. Niket Sonpal, a New York City internist and gastroenterologist for some answers.
The Perils of Using Google For Health Questions/Symptoms
1) You don’t know how reliable a site is
You have to pay attention to things like, how old is the information on that site? Is it backed by real clinical studies from Universities or institutions like the Mayo Clinic? Does this site have an agenda? Have they put information up there as “clickbait” to lure you into buying a product they are selling such as a supplement, diet program, or book? If you google the information on other sites, so other sites corroborate what was said? Are the quotes coming from a physician who is board-certified in his or her sub-specialty and can you find this physician online?
2) Googling Symptoms Can Cause Health Anxiety
Google just about any symptom and there’s bound to be results that suggest surgery or connect the symptom with a form of cancer. These extreme conclusions can cause serious anxiety, especially for people who are already afraid of health problems. This anxiety happens so frequently today, there’s a name for it—cyberchondria. According to the British news source DailyMail.com, millions suffer from it. Cyberchondriacs turn to the Web for comfort about their health issues instead of a health professional. They can become obsessed and the amount of time they spend checking the Web for information can interfere with their daily lives.
3) Stay Away from Health Message Boards
Don’t share your worries on message boards or ask for prescription drug recommendations. Dr. Sonpal has seen people ask questions such as: Has anyone tried Prozac for depression? They hear one person with a negative experience and then shy away from trying a drug that could potentially help them.
If you go to a random message board with your concerns, people are going to reply with horrific diagnoses, potentially lethal information, and their own experiences with prescription drugs that won’t be identical to yours. Physicians don’t moderate these message boards. If dangerous/erroneous advice is given, there is nobody to stop it from being published.
4) You can misdiagnosis yourself for better or worse
Perhaps you awake one morning to strange bumps all over your body. You put your symptoms into google and decide that based on several pages of descriptions, you have prickly heat and you treat it yourself according to what is published on google. What if the reality is that you have adult chickenpox and you leave it untreated? Conversely, the hypochondriac side can immerge, where you google symptoms and over-diagnose yourself because you have been having some chest pain that day. You think you are having a heart attack when the reality is, you were simply having upper gas pain.
5) Don’t use Google in the midst of a health crisis
If your infant suddenly stops breathing now is not the time to Google, “how to perform CPR.” This is when you call 911 and get medical help on the ground as soon as possible and take the direction that the operators give you on the line while medical help is on the way. It is a good idea to google how to perform CPR in a non- crisis situation from a reliable website such as https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/performing-cpr/cpr-steps
6) Google does not know you and has never seen you
When you visit an internist or any other responsible medical doctor, you fill out an extensive form. This form includes, among other things, your age, height, weight, sex, gender race, medical history, medications you are taking, surgeries you have had, allergies, family health history, diseases you currently, suffer from,
mental health history etc. A doctor uses all of this to gather information in making his/her diagnosis and make sure that if he/she is dispensing medication that none of it interacts with what you are already taking. Google does not know any of this!
When it is OK to use Google as a tool for basic health questions?
Dr. Sonpal says, “the simpler the question, the better. If you are absolutely sure of what an ailment/injury is, and you have had it or seen it before, then visiting a reliable site for information can be useful.
Examples of Topics that are Safe to Google
What constitutes high blood pressure? (if you have it seek treatment)
How do you treat a mild sunburn?
How do you remove a splinter?
What is better to lower a fever, Tylenol or Advil
Should I put hot or cold on my joint if I fall?
What should I do if I’m dehydrated?
How should I treat a minor cut or abrasion?
What food can I eat if I have an upset stomach?
Should I starve myself if I have a cold and feed myself If I have a fever?
How should I treat a bee sting?
How much water should I drink each day?
How do I treat a bloody nose?
Some Reliable Sites For Health Information
Drugs.com
MedlinePlus.gov
ClevelandClinic.org
Family Doctor.org
Mayoclinic.org
Cdc.gov
Momma and musician, Jessie James Decker, was seen this week wearing Saint Haven on her Instagram! The mother of two posted a photo wearing the Women’s Softest Robe ($148, www.sainthaven.com) while spending a sweet morning lounging with her son Forrest!
Saint Haven is celeb mom-approved, with other fans including Khloe Kardashian, Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria, and Molly Sims to name a few!
Rebel Wilson looked chic and polished in Adrianna Papell’s Mock Neck Dress with Contrasting Bowtie while attending the academy screening of Jo Jo Rabbit ($127, www.adriannapapell.com).
It’s official, summer is over. With the changing seasons, it’s time to prep for cooler weather. Avoid dry, scaly skin this autumn by treating your body right with Aveline. The Aveline Razor, Salt and Sugar Body Scrub, Shea Butter Shave Cream and Botanical Body Lotion are here to help exfoliate, shave and moisturize so your skin can stay in its best shape all year long.
The Aveline Razor is the latest tech in shaving with its innovative, ergonomic design. The razor’s multi-pivot function gives women the smoothest shave possible while the finger-controlled handle allows for an optimally controlled shave. Not to mention, its moisturizing strip contains Vitamin E, aloe and lavender oil to help keep your skin glowing. After using the Aveline Starter Kit, how could you not have amazingly touchable and bright skin, even in these colder fall months?
Available on Aveline’s website, a single razor sells for $10. Refill blade packs sell for $10. Aveline offers subscription options at the frequency of your choice as well. Subscriptions are offered at $8 for a single razor and blade cartridge. After the delivery of the initial razor, each subsequent delivery will include 4 refill blades for $10. For more information, please visit AvelineRazor.com.
A wedding is often referred to as the bride’s day, but ideally it should be as special and memorable for the groom as it is for you. Why not plan a few surprises for him throughout the day? You could book surprise entertainment which you know he’ll love, surprise him with your own speech during the meal or even an album of boudoir photography which you can give him when you’re alone!
To kick-off the day of surprises, a great idea is to give him a gift which he can wear throughout the day like a stylish and classy watch. You could even get it engraved with a personal message. Here’s a guide to choosing the best watch for your groom on your special day.
His style and personality
It’s obviously important that you choose a watch which he will love and which is special enough to mark the occasion. There are more styles of watch than you might realize so it’s important to do some research into your options. It could be a dressy watch which he can wear on special occasions or something a little more understated to be worn more regularly for work.
Take note of other watches or accessories he wears to decide if you opt for gold, rose gold, chrome or silver. Some men may prefer a leather strap to a metal one or a digital face rather than analogue. Perhaps he is already a fan of a particular brand? This watch is something you want him to treasure forever, so don’t rush into a decision.
The budget
Your budget is also going to be important when choosing which watch to buy for him. While you might assume that you should spend as much as you can afford, if he is not someone who generally buys himself expensive clothing or accessories he may be uncomfortable wearing something which is flashy and valuable. There are plenty of watch makes and models on the market to suit every wedding budget, each with their own unique style and working features such as high quality Raymond Weil watches.
His lifestyle and interests
You should also consider his lifestyle and interests when making your choice. Is your groom someone who loves technology or does he prefer to be active in the great outdoors? If his watch is something you’d like him to be able to wear regularly then you should consider features like water resistance and long battery life. If he is a sportsman he may prefer a smartwatch with fitness tracking capabilities. Men who can’t wear a watch for their work may prefer a dressier style which they can wear on nights out and for celebrations.
Engraving a personal message It’s a personal choice, but engraving a personal message on the watch is a lovely way to commemorate the day. You could use the date of your wedding, a pet name you have for him or a romantic message, it will help to set this gift apart from anything else he wears.
