June 4, 2018

How To Revamp Your Beauty Cabinet With Top-Shelf Products

When it comes to beauty products, you want the best you can buy. Don’t settle for low-quality brands just because of the thrifty price. Upgrade your beauty cabinet with products that will actually help you achieve a gorgeous glow. As you revamp your product selection, make sure you know how to tell the difference between quality products and cheap knock-offs. Here are some tips on how to find the best beauty products:

What Makes A Top-Shelf Beauty Product?

The phrase “top shelf” is used to identify more refined, high-quality products in a variety of industries. The same goes for top-shelf beauty products: these are the beauty items that are the best on the market. Top-shelf products will have higher quality ingredients, compared to the lower shelf brands that go for cheaper materials and additives. Be mindful of what is actually in your beauty products because ingredients truly matter. When you read the label of your product, take a look at the first few ingredients because they will make up the bulk volume of the product. You should also do an internet search of any ingredients that are unfamiliar, as you don’t want to put something on your body that will cause a negative reaction. Make sure your products have a blend of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that will rejuvenate your skin.

Which Types of Products Need to Be High Quality?

If you aren’t able to do a complete overhaul of your beauty cabinet, there are some essential items you should upgrade. You will want a high-quality nighttime facial moisturizer, so your skin can recover from your day. Choose a facial moisturizer serum that has naturally derived ingredients that are paraben free for a glowing and dewy look. Also, splurge on a facial serum that has collagen as an ingredient, so you can combat any damage from UV rays and pollution and reduce the development of wrinkles and an aged appearance. Another way to identify which top-shelf items you need is to assess your daily beauty routine. For example, if your daily makeup routine mainly relies on primer, foundation and mascara application, you should invest in the best brands of those items.

Tips For Finding Top-Shelf Products

Now that you know what a top-shelf product is, it is now your job to find products that are right for you. But where do you start your search? Begin by looking at the social media pages of leaders in the beauty industry, such as Amway, so you can follow the latest trends in top-shelf makeup. Beyond company profiles, you should also follow the most popular beauty bloggers that consistently review products. Be careful though, as many bloggers are advertising products provided by sponsors and their review may be skewed. Look for recommendations that use hashtags like #notanad and #notsponsored, so you know you’re getting the opinion of the beauty blogger rather than their sponsor.

You can also follow top-shelf beauty trends on websites like Into the Gloss, which feature the beauty collections of celebrities and other notable women. The blog won’t only guide you toward high-end products, but will also help you refine your skincare and beauty practices and routine.

The value of top-shelf products is priceless, as they will make a world of difference for your appearance. With thorough research, you can find outstanding beauty items that will work best for what you need and take your routine to the next level.

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November 13, 2017

Is Sex Good for Hair Growth? Yes! Here’s Why

 

 

Let’s talk about sex. More specifically, sex and hair growth. Let’s face it – over the course of our lives we’re told a hundred things – sex is good, sex is bad. Sex will cause your hair to fall out. Wait, what?

No! Actually, sex won’t cause your hair to fall out. And in fact, just the opposite is true: sex helps hair to grow, and can help to prevent hair loss. Let’s explore sex and its benefits to your body, then we’ll look at how sex improves hair growth.

Sex and Hair Growth: The Myths

Most of us live in a society that accepts sexual activity as the norm, and thank goodness for that! But it wasn’t always this way. The more reserved generations before ours attached a stigma to sex. They were a bit more apprehensive about sexuality, and as a result, many myths were created.

Here’s one you’ve probably heard: first-time sex hurts women. This myth was perpetuated to deter young women from having sex. The truth is that sex is just as likely to hurt the first time as it will any other time. In other words, no sex should hurt, not even the first time.

Here’s one more. “Don’t masturbate! You’ll go blind and get hairy palms!” Obviously, this isn’t true. There are plenty of people who masturbate and can still see. But our more puritanical ancestors wanted to discourage the act, so the myth was born.

We mentioned that it’s been thought that sex causes hair loss, and that that’s a fallacy. The reasoning behind this myth was that the loss of seminal fluid in men would lead to a protein deficiency. That’s since been proven untrue; the amount of protein lost during ejaculation is negligible. It’s not enough to impact hair growth.

There may be a tiny bit of truth to that second myth, though. While it’s blatantly false that your palms will grow hair, it’s been shown that sex does help hair to grow. Not on your palms, but on your head. (No, not that head, silly. Your scalp. Come on.)

So how does sex help your hair? Well, it benefits your hair’s health in a lot of ways! Let’s look at a few of the many reasons why sex is just so darn good for you, then we’ll examine what makes sex good for hair health, too!

Good News… Sex is Good for You!Is sex good for you?, 

Now that our culture is a little more disposed to accept sex as a commonplace, natural and enjoyable activity, we see it everywhere. You can’t read an article on the internet or browse through a magazine without seeing mention of sex, or the benefits of sex.

But in case you’ve stayed away from this media, let’s take a minute for a refresher course. What are the benefits of sex, and how does it impact your health? More importantly, how does it affect your hair loss or hair growth?

First of all, sex provides many physiological benefits. That’s just a fancy way of saying “physical benefits.” Here are just a few:

  • Sexually active people are less likely to get sick. Their immune systems are boosted, and they’re less likely to contract viruses like the flu.
  • Sex improves bladder control. When you have sex, you’ll be strengthening your pelvic floor. Your pelvic floor is the group of muscles that holds up your bladder, uterus, rectum and vagina.
  • Sex can be counted in your exercise routine! Sex certainly won’t replace your regular workout, but you’ll burn about 5 to 8 calories per minute when you have sex.
  • It’s a natural painkiller. The hormones that are released when you orgasm will act as a natural pain blocker. So the next time your honey says, “but I have a headache,” remind her that sex can help!
  • Sex can prevent cancer. The risk for certain types of cancer are proven to be reduced by a sexually active lifestyle. The most frequently cited of these cancers in medical studies are prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in both men and women.

So you see, there are benefits to having sex. Besides, it’s fun, and a great way to connect with your partner. But what about hair? How does sex increase hair growth?

Sex Hormones and Hair Growth

Before we go into specifics about sex hormones, there are a few points we need to review. First of all, while some hair thinning can be blamed on your genes, there are many ways to counter this. A healthy vitamin supplement will help to promote hair growth. Proper diet and exercise will, too. Just because you have “bald genes” does not mean that all is lost.

Secondly, both men’s and women’s bodies have the hormones estrogen and testosterone. It’s usually assumed that testosterone is a “man’s hormone” and estrogen is only found in females. That’s untrue. Levels of each hormone are found in your body, regardless of sex.

So how does that relate to sex hormones and your hair? Well, it’s commonly thought that a sharp rise in testosterone can affect the efficacy of follicles. In other words, when your testosterone levels rise, you lose hair. There are many activities which can raise those levels. Working out is one. Sex is another.

So does that mean that sex will make you lose hair? Nope! Just the opposite, in fact. In both men and women, the levels of estrogen in the body will increase during sex. Estrogen will counter the effects of testosterone. It’s like a natural antidote to hormonal hair loss.

In short, your body is hardwired with hormones which can cause hair loss. But having sex can boost the hormones which will have just the reverse effect. Estrogen isn’t just a “women’s hormone.” Sex is a natural remedy!

Before You Have Sex…

Now you know that sex is good for both your body and for the health of your hair. But before you rush off to get between the sheets, there are a few risks to consider.

First of all, you’ve seen the commercials. “Ask your doctor if your heart is healthy enough to have sex.” Truer words have never been spoken, and it’s not just your heart health. If you have concerns about your general health, be sure to talk with your doctor before you begin a sexual relationship. Your personal safety isn’t worth it; there are other ways you can help regrow your hair!

Secondly, it’s important to note that some libido-boosting and male enhancement supplements can actually contribute to balding. You probably know that some prescription drugs for hair loss can contribute to low sex drive. Propecia is a good example of this. But did you know that the opposite is true?

Drugs and supplements which are marketed to enhance male libido can carry a number of side effects, and hair loss is one of them. It’s counterproductive to take a supplement which causes hair loss in an attempt to grow hair. Be sure to check the ingredients list before adding any supplement to your routine.

Warnings aside, if you’re looking for a natural (and fun!) way to increase your hair growth, try sex! It carries awesome benefits for your body and your relationships, and sex improves hair health, to boot! What better excuse do you need?

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November 12, 2017

Karim Orange teams with Vapour Organic Beauty

The Inner Orange Spark and Crave Collections

“My clients are always amazed by how I’m able to transform them with such a little amount of makeup. I do this by practicing a holistic approach to artistry, that I have coined as ‘Low Beauty’. ”

— Karim Orange

What happens when a two-time Emmy Award nominee make-up artist, who knows a thing or two about the products we put on our body to make us look good develops a violent reaction to an everyday product?? She makes it her mission to fully understand the dangerous effects that chemicals and unnecessary ingredients have on our body. Leading the charge for increasing transparency in the personal care industry and advocating for more choices for women who do not want to sacrifice beauty for fear of harmful chemicals and additives, she teams with cosmetic company Vapour Organic Beauty; a company committed to creating cosmetics that are safe and creates Inner Orange Beauty. The results are magical!

Karim Orange believes in ‘Low’ Beauty and ‘Low’ Beauty Makeup Artistry. Three holistic elements are incorporated to achieve maximum results.

Step 1:             Use products with the least amount of undesirable ingredients. She uses the Premium Body Care Unacceptable Ingredients guidelines by Whole Foods Market as a parameter for this.

Step 2:            Use the least amount of products to get maximum results. If you are using 10 products, she’ll get you to 7, if you use 5 she’ll get you to 3…. and you will be amazed as to how much better you look with the simplicity!

Step 3:             Use products that have minimal amount of carbon footprint in the production and packaging….good for both you and the planet.

The Inner Orange Spark and Crave Collections are comprised of three products each: Aura Multi-Use, Elixir Lip Gloss and Solar Translucent Bronzer.  The formulas are 70% organic, easily blend-able and layer-able. I tried the Spark and I would also try the Crave, so don’t be afraid of the darker color palette! I found myself using them as eye shadows, blush, contouring, and lipsticks and was having a blast playing with them. And better than the fun I was having playing with them was the glow I noticed I had…not heavily made up but fresh, natural, like I had just been to the spa or gym. And definitely emphasizing all my assets…with staying power! Finding a makeup that lets me look gorgeous naturally and skips the toxins? I am building a shrine to Karim! As well as following innerorangebeauty.com and thatorangegirl.com.  I have a feeling I will be learning a lot from her in my continuing journey to become holistically hip!

 

innerorangebeauty.com/

innerorangebeauty.com/

 

Post by: Kathy Hodge

 

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June 8, 2017

Summertime Beauty Challenge! How to Achieve the Best Bikini Skin Zone.

The quest for a perfect bikini zone is for many women, an epic process of trial and error. The goal of course is to achieve a perfect, bump-free, baby-smooth bikini area. With so many hair removal options available it can take forever to find a routine that works. For many women laser hair removal has become the be all end all option to permanently remove unwanted bikini area hair, however it’s important to get the facts and find someone reputable to do it. Below, Jenya Titova, Instructor to Asthetic Mentors and Physician’s Assistant to Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Leonard Hochstein of Hochstein MedSpa in Miami, Florida dishes out the dos and don’ts for perfect bikini zone skin, whether you shave, wax or laser. Choose what’s right for you and stay in the zone!

Shaving

  • Do keep the razor sharp and new! Replace your razor every two to three weeks.
  • Do go slow! Ingrowns and irritation comes with quick motion. You want to go slower around the bikini area given angles and harder to reach areas. Slide the razor slowly and irritation will lessen.
  • “Pay attention to how you skin reacts when shaving. Do you get bumps and redness? If so you need an exfoliating and moisturizing routine,” suggests Jenya Titova.

Laser Hair Removal

  • “You really want to shave the day before,” advises Jenya Titova whose skincare expertise spans over a decade. “The laser can locate the follicles easier when shaved. It’s very important to use a clean, new razor to avoid having any lingering bacteria that could cause contact dermatitis (a delayed allergic reaction) after your laser treatment,” she adds.
  • Avoid coffee. Or anything with caffeine, really, it has been said to increase sensitivity.
  • Be rested and hydrated. Your pain receptors will be higher if you’re fatigued and dehydrated.
  • Ask your technician to try different paces.Each technician has his or her own technique. Some perform in quick bursts, while others use a slow, continuous pace. One technique may feel better on your skin than the next.
  • Avoid tanning.Both tanning beds and the sun can be harmful after exposing your skin to laser, avoid both and put on SPF! “In warm weather climates, this is always a concern because women are always outside at the beach or pool. If you’re getting laser hair removal avoid the sun entirely for at least 3 days before your laser treatment,” cautions Ms. Titova.

Waxing

The key to successful waxing is skin prep a week before the waxing is scheduled. Exfoliation and moisturizing are essential. “You want the skin to be supple and not dry. It’s much less painful to wax skin that is moist as opposed to dry,” explains Ms. Titova.

Find the right wax. Hard wax is usually a honey color and is peeled by the technician using her hand, as opposed to the paper strips used to remove soft wax. It is commonly said that hard wax is less painful and better for skin. There is also sugar wax, and many other varieties that boast different benefits.

Make sure your hair is long enough. “This is often a downside to waxing. Hair should be at least ¼ of an inch long for wax to catch it. Many women never allow hair to grow this long making waxing a more difficult option especially if hair is coarse,” advises Ms. Titova.

Don’t shave in between sessions. Shaved hair grows back harder and coarser, as opposed to waxed hair, which grows back thinner each time. Shaving in between sessions ruins the benefits of waxing.

About the Expert:

 Jenya Titova, MHS, PA-C/ Director of Medspa Operations

Jenya Titova comes to Hochstein Medspa with over 12 years of experience in several high volume, distinguished dermatology and aesthetic practices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida. She graduated with Alpha Eta and Summa Cum Laude Honors, in the top three percent of her class from Drexel University in Philadelphia. Since that day, helping patients reach their health and beauty goals has been a passion of hers.

Jenya is highly experienced in the fields of laser medicine, cosmetic fillers, neurotoxins and dermatology. She has even mentored many roundtable discussions and presentations for Physicians and Physician Assistants at medical conferences on new and current medical and cosmetic dermatology therapies.

Prior to leading the launch of Hochstein Medspa, Jenya spent over 3 years working side by side with Dr. Hochstein, complementing his surgical practice with variety of aesthetic medicine services.

In the field beauty medicine, Jenya set her skills apart from her peers by becoming an instructor for Aesthetic Mentors, where she trained physicians, new to aesthetic world, on techniques of enhancing patients’ appearance with cosmetic fillers and Botox. She is skilled in the use of Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma, Volbella, Belotero, Botox, Kybella among others. Jenya’s laser experience includes skin resurfacing with Halo and BBL by Sciton, tattoo removal, DiVa vaginal rejuvenation, Thermi RF skin tightening and Coolsculpting, to name a very few. Sclerotherapy and other cosmetic dermatology services are also within her skill set to address nearly any of your skin appearance concerns.
Jenya Titova’s heritage enables her to offer patient care in Russian and Ukrainian languages, as well as her “European touch” and vision of beauty and health. As she states, “Only through good communication top quality results are realistic and easy to accomplish. With that, I know my patient is sure to leave our medspa happy and satisfied.”

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