Personal Care – Best Health

Hair, Hair! Here’s What a Derm Has to Say About the Hair on Your Face

Best Health — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:00:36 +0000

If youve ever looked in the mirror and suddenly noticed a few backlit facial hairs, or if youve pricked your thumb on a spiky one, or if youve spotted an eyelash on your face but then realized, no, no, its attached, you may have wondered: Why? Why me? Why now? And what next?The thing is, hair on your face is very normal, and the reason is simple: Wherever theres a hair follicle, hair will grow. In fact, the only places hair will not grow are the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, says Monica Li, a dermatologist in Vancouver.We all have two different types of hair: vellus and terminal. Vellus hair is often referred to as peach fuzz, which pretty much grows on all of your skin during childhood. It can be fair or dark, a light amount or heavy. Terminal hair includes thicker, typically darker hair that makes up your head of hair, your brows and your lashes. It also replaces some of your childhood vellus hair during the hormonal storm of puberty, typically for women in the underarm and pubic areas. (For men, terminal hair starts growing on the chest, abdomen and face.)Li says that some women who are of Mediterranean or South Asian backgrounds tend to see more terminal hair growth, and on more areas of the body. But theres no biological or regional explanation for this.Certain medications can also trigger excess or unwanted hair growth, including cyclosporin, an immunosuppressant used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. And biotin, a supplement believed to benefit skin, nails and hair, could also cause hair to grow not only on the top of your head, but also anywhere else on your body. Think about it: How is a supplement you take orally supposed to know that you want fuller, longer locks only on your scalp, and not, say, your upper lip? It cant isolate hair growth to a certain area and not another, says Li. (The research on biotins efficacy is inconclusive, she adds.)Some medical conditions where theres a hormonal imbalancesuch as congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovary syndromecan also cause excessive hair growth. Called hirsutism, it occurs when a woman has a greater amount of male sex hormones than female sex hormones.What this looks like, says Irina Oroz, a dermatologist in Saskatoon, is basically increased hair growth in what we associate with a typically male distribution, so thats going to be on the chin and the upper lip. Hirsutism can also develop for postmenopausal women. As we get older, estrogen production decreases and our testosterone stays the sameand an excess amount of testosterone, compared to dropping estrogen, can cause facial hairs to start sprouting.Now to address the obvious question: If facial hair is so common, why do we feel pressure to pluck it out, wax it off or shave it down? In the early 1900s, manufacturers of safety razors wanted to expand their market, so they propagated the idea that pretty much all hair below the lower lash line on women was masculine, vulgar and unhygienicand therefore had to go. Marketers felt shaving was too manly for women to do, so they were encouraged to use a razor to smooth their legs and underarms, and to use bleach, wax and depilatory cream to remove facial hair. Unfortunately, these rudimentary hair removal practices could also irritate the skin. In some cases, women were exchanging hairs on their face for sore red bumps.Over a century later, facial hair removal for women is still the norm though beauty standards are shifting. Were seeing more acceptance around facial hair, particularly among gender-fluid communities, with more people choosing to subscribe to the beauty practices that suit themselves (and not the patriarchy) best. Weve also come a long way since the reaction-inducing bleach, wax and hair-dissolving products of the early 20th century.If youre interested in removing hair from your face, weve got expert tips from dermatologists for doing it right.

Tweezing

If youre talking about one little chin hair, an unruly nose hair or an out-of-place eyebrow strand, tweezing is your best bet. Because youre pulling the hair out of the hair follicle, it takes weeks for that hair follicle to grow new hair, says Li. Another perk: You dont need to wait for a hair to be a certain length before getting rid of it.Lasts three to six weeks.

Depilatory Creams

These are creams that are applied to skin and, after a few minutes, start breaking down the keratin protein in hair, making it easy to simply wipe them off at the skins surface, leaving you hair free for about a week. Warning: Most of these creams still have an unpleasant odour, caused by the chemical reaction between the cream and the hair. On the upside, the hair grows back with a tapered end, says Oroz. That means it wont grow back feeling pokey or sharp.Lasts one week.

Prescription cream

Vaniqa (eflornithine is the generic term) is a prescription cream approved by Health Canada and the FDA that helps slow the growth of facial hair. Usually applied twice a day as an adjunct to other hair removal methods, studies have shown that hair growth is reduced by an average of 58 percent after six months, according to Oroz. Its safe for all women, regardless of age, except those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or allergic or sensitive to one of the ingredients.Lasts six months to see reduced growth (then continue use to maintain results).

Threading

Threading, which is similar to tweezing, is most commonly used for brows in a professional setting because of the precision results. While there are many different threading methods, the technician typically uses a single piece of cotton thread to twist and pull along unwanted hair, lifting it from the root. (Sometimes the tech will hold one end of the thread in his or her mouth.)Lasts three to six weeks.

Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a fancier version of shaving, which comes with the added benefit of exfoliation. A lot of celebrities are advocating for dermaplaning because it can make skin look more glowy, says Oroz. Its used for removing peach fuzz as well as dead skin cells. However, dermaplaning can disrupt the skin barrier, causing irritation and razor burn. If you choose to do it yourself at home, make sure to use the right toolSephora has a highly rated Facial Razor Set for $15because the razor you use on your legs will likely be too rough for your face. Dermaplaning razors should only be used when theyre relatively new (the blade needs to be sharp), on dry, clean skin, and Oroz recommends moisturizing afterward.Lasts a few days.

Waxing and Sugaring

If waxing at home, Li advises using hard wax for sensitive areas like the face (or your underarms and bikini line), since hard wax sticks to hair but not skin. (Soft wax will stick to both the skin and the hair and is best suited for large areas such as the back, arms and legs.) She recommends cleansing skin before applying warmed wax in the direction of hair growth, pulling skin taut and yanking wax in the opposite direction, then following with a moisturizer to soothe the skin. Waxing may not be the best option for everyone, particularly those who take Accutane, have recently used retinol or have sensitive skin, according to Oroz. It can potentially lead to irritation, bruising and even scarring. For a gentler version, try going to a salon that does sugaring, which is similar to waxing but uses a paste typically made of sugar, lemon and water instead. The paste is ripped off by handno wax strip necessaryand is said to pull less on the skin.Lasts three to six weeks.

Electrolysis and Laser

Electrolysis treatment involves multiple sessions, usually spaced two to three weeks apart, by a trained technician who uses a very fine needle that passes a bit of electric current into the actual hair follicle to burn off the individual hair and damage the follicle, which prevents regrowth, says Li. Its not necessarily a permanent solution, especially if the underlying causes of hair growth havent been addressed, but it can lastpotentiallyfor years, adds Oroz. Laser treatment, meanwhile, offers partial, short-term hair reduction for up to six months on average after completing four to six sessions, she says. Because it targets pigment at the base of the follicle (damaging the cells there that allow hair to grow), it works best when the contrast between hair and skin is high, e.g., dark hair on fair skin, but there are lasers that will be helpful for those with blond or reddish hair, she says. Li recommends that patients with darker skin who have an inherently higher risk of post-procedure dyspigmentation perform a test patch (though its not a bad idea for everyone to test before either laser or electrolysis treatment). And proceed with caution if youve recently used retinol.Laser hair removal lasts anywhere from six months to two to three years. Electrolysis could theoretically last forever, but in reality, expect efficacy for several years only.Next: Hair Removal Myths to Stop Believing

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Hair Removal Myths to Stop Believing, According to Dermatologists

Renée Reardin — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:00:07 +0000

Many of us have been yanking out or slicing off unwanted hair since our tween years, and we’re been inundated with plenty of hair removal folklore along the way. Here, two dermatologists help us identify the BS.

Myth1: Plucked hair will eventually grow back

Anyone whos ever over-plucked their browsremember the 1990s?knows that facial hair doesnt always recover. With repeated hair removal, you can get a decrease in hair growth, says dermatologist Irina Oroz. Youre pulling the hair out of the hair shaft, and a small percentage can develop scarring, which closes off the hair follicles so new ones cant grow.

Myth2: Every time you shave, hair grows back darker and thicker

Shaving cannot change the thickness or colour of your hair. A razor blade is just not powerful enough to alter your DNA. But slicing off a hair can make the edge blunter, which is why hairs may feel sharp or stubbly.

Myth3: Waxing causes wrinkles

Despite all the yanking and pulling you may put your skin through in an effort to rip off facial hair, it wont cause skin to age more quickly, says dermatologist Monica Li. Yes, you have to be careful with the delicate skin on your face, but skin is generally durable, and it can certainly withstand some hot wax and a tug without causing wrinkles.

Myth4: Facial hair plucking can lead to a brain infection

The nasolabial triangle is the area from the bridge of the nose to the corners of the mouth linked closely through blood vessels to your brain, and some people say pulling out hair in this area could cause a life-threatening infection. Li, however, laughs at this particular myth. There is a potential risk of infection, she says, but a serious infection affecting the brain would be exceedingly rare.Next: Hair, Hair! Heres What a Derm Has to Say About the Hair on Your Face

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Are Your Bath Products Bad for Your Vag?

Erin Pepler — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:00:50 +0000

In the early days of the pandemic, I was doing the same thing as many other women who were advised to stay home: taking long, frequent baths to hide from my family. These soaks were luxurious nightly escapes that usually involved a scented bath bomb, the kind that leaves your tub shimmering with glitter for days. It was the perfect way to relaxuntil I found myself with a UTI and the bad news that my beloved, sanity-saving bath routine was likely the cause.If youre experiencing any discomfort down there and are wondering if your bath products are to blame, heres what you need to know.

Are bath bombs and other bath products bad for your vagina?

Generally speaking, if youre using products made without harsh chemicals, and your baths arent too hot or too frequent, they should be safe.Jen Gunter, a Canadian OB-GYN who wrote The Vagina Bible, says you wont get a UTI or yeast infection from your favourite bath bubbles, but they could absolutely cause vulvar irritation, and that may be mistaken for a yeast infection, she says. This irritation may show up in the form of redness, itching or general discomfort.The solution? Choose products with natural ingredients. Bath products made with natural colourants and ingredients should not be irritating to most people, says Jennifer Blake, a clinical professor of obstetrics and biology at McMaster University in Hamilton. Some people with sensitive skin may notice irritation after using a specific product or ingredientif this is the case, you should simply discontinue use.However, spending hours in the tub can cause irritation no matter which products youre using, says Blake. A too-long, too-hot bath can upset the microbiome in your vagina and lead to dryness, she says, which in turn may cause thinning of the delicate vulvar tissue. This removes some of the natural protection your body has against infectionswhich is likely how I got my UTI. I now take shorter, slightly cooler baths and am able to use my favourite glittery bath bombs without paying for them later.

Should you only use bath products made of natural ingredients?

Bath products with natural ingredients like sodium bicarbonate and citric acid (commonly found in bath bombs) can still impact your vaginas pH level if you soak for longer than recommended, says Blake. This disruption in pH can make you more susceptible to an infection from common sources. For example, when bacteria that normally lives in the large intestine travels to the vagina after a bowel movement, it can cause a UTI (this is why women are advised to always wipe front to back). A vagina with a lower or higher pH isnt as capable of fighting off that bacteria to prevent a UTI from occurring. So, that hour-long soak in a hot bath may wash your troubles away but for your vagina, it can actually cause more harm than good. Stick to 15-20 minutes in the tubmost experts agree this wont mess with your pH.Gunter adds that while some bath products promote themselves as healthy for the vulva or vagina, there is no scientific evidence to back that up. Simply put, a bath bomb may be well-tolerated by one person and cause irritation in anotherbut its never going to make your vagina healthier.

Are some people more susceptible to vaginal health issues than others?

When youre in menopause or if youre breastfeeding, youre more likely to experience thinning tissue and dryness. This is due to a drop in estrogen levels, which means youre more vulnerable to infection, says Blake. But that doesnt mean you cant take a bathyou just need to be extra cautious by taking fewer, shorter and cooler soaks in the tub.Menopausal or not, pay attention to whats in your bath products and stop using anything that leads to discomfort. If youre one of those more sensitive people, youll know very quickly because youll have irritation, usually where the tissue is thinner, such as around the vulva, says Blake.

So, can I still have my nightly soak?

Despite these cautions, a bath still comes recommended by the pros. A good bath is a wonderful way of relaxing, and its one of those times when women can shut the door and enjoy a little bit of quiet time, says Blake. She recommends avoiding any discomfort by simply being aware of whats in your bath products, and avoiding too many chemicals.Gunter recommends monitoring your physical reactions to various products. It is really [about] trial and error, she says. But of course, if one bath product irritates you, let your vag recover before trying out a new one.

Blakes tips for the tub:

Rinse out your tub with the shower head before drawing a baththis will help get rid of any dirt or lingering cleaning products
Take shorter, less hot baths to avoid upsetting your microbiome or causing damage to your vulva
Look for natural ingredients (sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, for example) in your bath products and avoid harsh chemicals or ingredients youre unfamiliar with
If a bath product causes vaginal irritation, stop using itwhat irritates one person wont irritate another, so its best to keep track of the ingredients youre sensitive to
Be extra cautious if youre breastfeeding or in menopause, and avoid too-hot baths entirely if youre pregnant

Next: 6 Bath Products Thatll Help You Escape Reality and Relax

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8 Personal Care Product Upgrades You Never Knew You Needed

Renée Reardin — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 12:00:22 +0000

A Toothbrush for All Your Needs

With six cleaning modes, including one thats gentle for sensitive teeth and one that shimmies and shakes to clean your tongue, the Brush toothbrush changes at the press of a button to suit all your oral-care needs. The best part: It has a 30-day battery life, so you dont have to worry about packing the charger with you on your nights away from home.Brush Toothbrush, $99, bruush.com

Toothpaste That Tastes Like a Cocktail

While on the subject of improving your oral hygiene, this cinnamon, orange and peppermint toothpaste adds a little extra flavour to the chore. It contains four whitening agents and contains fluoride, to strengthen tooth enamel.Selahatin Escapist Whitening Toothpaste Beauty , $32, holtrenfrew.com(Related: What to Know About Toothpaste Tablets Before Making the Switch)

A Scent-Free Shave Cream

This coconut oil-based shave cream delivers a smooth and thick coating for a knick-free, fragrance-free shave. Due to its soothing ingredients, it can help prevent skin irritation and also keep skin moisturized. (Or, try an eco-friendly shave bar instead.)Schaf Shave cream, $25, thedetoxmarket.ca(Related: 6 Ways Youre Shaving Your Legs Wrong)

Tampons That Are Non-Irritating and Eco-Friendly

Generic tampons are made with synthetic materials that can cause vaginal discomfort, and sometimes shed fibres that can cause more irritation. Enter DeoDoc. The brand’s tampons are 100 percent organic cotton, non-irritating, and non-shedding. Not only that, theyre better for the environment: They’re made out of 100 percent biodegradable materials and have a cardboard applicator, not a plastic one.Deodoc 100% Organic Cotton Tampons, $9 USD, deodoc.com

A Dry Brush for Your Skin

A dry brush helps to buff away dry skin and helps it look brighter and more healthy-looking. It’s also been said to promote blood circulation and encourage lymph flow, which is thought to decrease the appearance of cellulite. Some people swear by it, others not so much.Dr. Barbara Sturm, Anti-Cellulite Body Brush, $50, geebeauty.ca

An Oil Cleanser Your Winter Skin Will Drink In

You may think an oil body cleanser would make you break out, leave you greasy, or set you up for a slip-and-slide shower experience. Instead, it quenches your skins thirstyou step out of the shower feeling, not dry and tight, but soft and hydrated.Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil, $29, shoppersdrugmart.ca

A Natural Deodorant That Will Leave You Smelling Like an Actual Garden

New to natural deodorant? Well, working from home is the best time to try it. While you may not smell like a garden immediately upon switching from generic to natural deodorant, this option from Corpus will get you there ASAP. Boasting notes of rose, violet, cedar root, and Italian mandarin, and coming in an easy-glide, crumble-free formula, youre sure to be a forever convert.Corpus Naturals Third Rose Deodorant Stick, $35, holtrenfrew.com

Teeth Whitening Strips That Are Gentle Enough for Sensitive Teeth and Gums

If youve experienced tooth sensitivity with white strips from conventional drug store brands, this vegan option may be more your speed. Made with coconut oil, it’s more gentle than other products.Cali White Vegan Teeth Whitening Strips, $35 USD, caliwhite.comNext: 11 Important Single-Use Plastic Swaps to Make Now

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23 Best Skin Care, Makeup and Haircare Gift Sets for the Holidays

Leah Rumack — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 12:00:01 +0000

Skin Care Gift Sets: The Body Shop’s Comfort & Cheer Body Butter Trio

You can never go wrong with a pack of super-hydrating Body Shop body butters (which are also great for hands and feet). This holiday-themed set comes with three different tubs and will moisturize even the diaper-chapped hands of your kids grumpiest daycare teacher.$15, thebodyshop.com

Skin Care Gift Sets: Laneige’s Sweet Dreams Trio

These lip sleep masks use a juicy combo of Berry Fruit Complex, murumuru seed and shea butter to truly take hydrating lips to the next level.$42, sephora.com

Skin Care Gift Sets: Cla’s Black Gold Collection

We cant get enough of the delicious-smelling products from Canadian brand Cla. This special edition collection is perfect for anyone who finds themself in a skin-dehydrating Canadian winter. It includes the brand’s much-loved Crme de la Crme (for moisturizing skin) as well as the Essential Balm (great for dry patches) and Black Gold Coffee Scrub (to brush away dry skin).$70, thisiscela.com

Skin Care Gift Sets: Fresh’s Black Tea Skincare & Eye Set

This sweet three-piece set includes a mini Kombucha Essence (a fan favourite) and full sizes of the Black Tea eye cream and moisturizer (more fan favourites) all wrapped up in festive packaging.$145, sephora.com

Skin Care Gift Sets: Bioassance’s Love, Joy & Bestsellers Set

This squalane-powered dream kit of Biossances bestselling products includes a full-size moisturizer and a recycled silk sleep mask to ensure you (or your loved one) get some beauty sleep.$75, sephora.com

Skin Care Gift Sets: Summer Fridays’ On Cloud Nine Set

People swear by Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask for juicing up dry, tired skin. This deluxe set includes it as well as the Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream and a limited-edition terry cloth scrunchie.$40, sephora.com

Skin Care Gift Sets: Caudalie’s Vinosource Hydra Holiday Set

This collection of hydrating treats from French skin care brand Caudalie is perfect for anyone whose skin gets a little thirsty over the winter months. It includes a full-size moisturizer and travel-size serum and moisturizing mask, perfect for a mini at-home facial.$52 at sephora.com

Skin Care Gift Sets: Burt’s Bees’ Festive Fix Holiday Gift Set

Live your best holiday-cookie life with this sweet (like, literally) set of Burt’s Bees famous lip balms in limited-edition holiday flavours. Shortbread cookie, Cranberry Spritz, Salted Caramel and Peppermint bring all the Santa vibes without any of the crumbs.$15, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Skin Care Gift Sets: Drunk Elephant’s Drunk Break: A Night to Remember Night Kit

This nighttime kit is arguably as good as a professional facial. It includes the brands much-loved Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser (for removing makeup and grime), T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum and Lala Retro Whipped Cream (which are to be mixed in the palm of your hand and applied to your face), and F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial (for sealing in all the goodness).$128, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Makeup Gift Sets: Ilia’s The Eye Set

Any clean beauty buff already has their eyes on this set. Coming with four of Ilia’s top eye makeup productsa mascara, an eyeliner and two eyeshadowsthis gift set will help anyone create look-at-me lids with good-for-you ingredients.$76, sephora.com

Makeup Gift Sets: Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Dreams Come True

Yup, this one’s a doozy, but we can never resist the annual Charlotte Tilbury holiday makeup haul. It’s an epic gift for the beauty-obsessive in your life, jammed full of full-sized Pillow Talk goodies.$450, holtrenfrew.com

Makeup Gift Sets: NYX Cosmetics’ Jumbo Eye Vault

Get eight shimmery, limited-edition shades of Nyxs popular chubby eye crayon in this perfect punk-rock pack.$50, nyxcosmetics.ca

Makeup Gift Sets: Kylie Cosmetics’ Holiday Collection Face & Body Liquid Highlighter

This sheer highlighter in a light rosegold shade can be used on the face or body for a beautiful, non-sticky glow just in time for the first post-pandy New Years’ Eve.$32, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Makeup Gift Sets: MAC Cosmetics’ Celebrate in Colour Powder Kiss Lip Vault

Ok, how cute is this bowtie full of 12 mini petal-soft Powder Kiss matte lipsticks in holiday-exclusive shades? VERY cute. (And it’s a $228 value.)$129, maccosmetics.ca

Makeup Gift Sets: Sephora Collection’s Wishing You Blockbuster Multi-Use Makeup Palette

A mega palette always brings the wow factor, and this reasonably affordable all-in one includes a whopping 88 shades of powders and creams in matte, shimmer and pearl finishes that can be used on everything from brows to lips. Does your niece need 60 eyeshadows? That dependsdo you want to be her favourite aunt forever?$48, sephora.com

Makeup Gift Sets: Benefit’s Cheek The Mail Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter Palette

Nobody does holiday packaging better than Benefit, and this adorable face palette, which includes new golden brick-red blush shade and their famous Hoola matte bronzer, will bring glow for hours.$48, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Makeup Gift Sets: Stila’s Gift of Light Liquid Eye Shadow Set

A perfect stocking stuffer or gift for your most sophisticated babysitter, this travel-size trio of long-wearing glimmery liquid eyeshadows are easy to apply and deliver full-on glam.$26, stilacosmetics.com

Haircare Gift Sets: Moroccan Oil’s Hydration Holiday Set

This limited-edition holiday set includes a full-sized hydrating shampoo and conditioner, a travel-sized Moroccanoil Treatment and hand wash in that iconic Moroccan Oil fragranceall wrapped up in a zippy metallic makeup bag.$80, moroccanoil.com

Haircare Gift Sets: Amika’s Peace Love and Perk Me Up Dry Shampoo

This groovy gift set comes with a full-sized bottle of Amikas iconic talc-free dry shampoo and a smaller version that’s perfect for slipping in a gym or overnight bag.$34, sephora.com

Haircare Gift Sets: Kerastase’s 8H Magic Night Treatment and Mini Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Set

Anyone whose dry locks are in need of a good, long drink will be thrilled to find this frizz-fighting set of lux hair goodies under the tree.$88, sephora.com

Haircare Gift Sets: Oribe’s Style and Refresh Hair Set

There are texturizing sprays, and then there’s the texturing spray. Oribes OG spray gives even the limpest locks shape. This set comes complete with a full-size bottle and two travel-sized bottles of the Dry Texturizing Spray and a Gold Lust Dry Shampoo.$95, sephora.com

Haircare Gift Sets: LOral Professional’s Metal Detox Gift Set

Has your sibling bleached their hair so many times its breaking all over their pretty face? Help them out with a professional-level shampoo cream and a protective mask that can help reduce damage.$60, conceptshop.com

Haircare Gift Sets: JVN’s Shine All The Time Set

Queer Eye hair maestro Jonathan Van Ness is here to bring the shiniest, frizz-free holiday looks to all types of hair. This handy combo set of full-size Nourishing Shine Drops and Complete Air Dry Cream will give you a silky mane just like his.$42, sephora.comNext: 11 Canadian Holiday Gifts that Give Back

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You May Want to Swap Your Shaving Cream for a Shave Bar

Renée Reardin — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 12:00:11 +0000

Shaving cream has long irked me. As a teen, Id buy the mens version for shaving my legs because it was cheaper than womens, which meant thered always be a hint of a masculine scent under my Ralph Lauren Ralph perfume (IYKYK). When I switched to womens, I found the electric pink hue of the gel and the artificial scent (Raspberry Rain, anyone?) to be needlessly off-putting. And when the shaving cream can would inconspicuously run out of product and Id have to shave one leg with just suds from a bar of soap, I always got razor burn. Needless to say, I’ve been all too happy to see a new shaving product on the scenethe shave bar.By now, youre probably familiar with the beauty bar trend (see: shampoo bars), which helps reduce the amount of single-use plastics that end up in landfills. A shave bar is no different. Instead of a gel or foam packaged in a metal aerosol can with a plastic cap (both of which can be recycled, but often arent), its just a bar in paper packagingthat can replace up to five bottles of shaving cream.One of the shave bars leading the way is by Canadian company Good Juju. The brands Moisturizing Shave Bar is formulated with good-for-your-skin ingredients including natural oils (like coconut and jojoba seed) and butters (like cocoa and shea), all of which help boost skins hydration, reduce irritation and make it silky-smooth.Ive been using Good Jujus shave bar for a few months, and unlike shaving cream, it doesnt make my skin feel tight and dry, but hydrated and glowy. And unlike regular body soap, it hasnt resulted in any razor burn. Whats more, Good Jujus bar is made with rosemary and cedarwood essential oils, so it smells less like berry gummies (or fruity rain) and more like a high-end spa.Once you try our shave bar, you wont ever go back, says the Good Juju website. And Im happy to confirm the brands right.Good Juju Moisturizing Shave Bar, $15, thedetoxmarket.caNext: 6 Bath Products Thatll Help You Escape Reality and Relax

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6 Bath Products That’ll Help You Escape Reality and Relax

Renée Reardin — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 13:00:12 +0000

Bath Products in Canada

A dreamy bathroom aestheticthink plant-covered quarters, calming music, flickering candlelight and sprinkled with petals is currently trending on TikTok and Inoki Bathhouse is arguably leading the charge. The Canadian brand has gained over 100,000 followers since posting their first video in February 2021, thanks to their peaceful take a bath with me videos, which feature their tea-infused products.Inoki Bathhouse founder Helen Yin says the inspiration for the Toronto-based company came from her experience with mental health troubles related to the pandemic. It only made sense that I focused solely on bathsthe one place that brought me peace through everything, says Yin.According to the Cleveland Clinic, studies show that warm baths, particularly when paired with soft music and calming smells, can improve mental and emotional health. For me, science aside, it’s the only place where I can truly disconnect away from my phone, away from devices, away from everything, says Yin. It’s the only time that I feel like I can find calm and slow down.Ready to steep in the benefits of a relaxing soak? From tea-infused blends to fragrant oils, here are the bath products available in Canada were currently loving.(Related: A Bath Is the Stress-Melter You Need Right Now)

Inoki Bathhouses Bath Kits

I fell in love with baths ever since I watched Spirited Away as a little girl, says Yin. The bathing culture in Asia has a rich history that I never had exposure to until the film. Yin took jasmine tea leaves, which she said are the scent from [her] happy childhood, and paired them with other herbs to create teabags for the bath. She offers these bags in a kit, accompanied with other bath goodies like tealight candles, organic lavender and access to a Spotify playlist, to help customers create their own dreamy bath experience.Garden Bathhouse – Renew, $40, inokibathhouse.com

Duckishs Bath Bombs

For bathers who like bath bombs sans the colourful, glittery clean-up post-soak, meet Duckish. These dye-free, fragrance-free bath bombs are made with baking soda, citric acid, organic olive and coconut oil, along with essential oils like bergamot and grapefruit, to create a soothing, fizzy bath experience and leave skin feeling moisturized. These bath bombs come in a pack of two for under $10, making them a cost-effective way to enjoy a couple soaks.Lavender Bath Bombs Pack of 2, $12, duckish.ca(Related: You May Want to Bring a Little CBD into the Bath with You)

Selvs Kits and Oils

Selv founder Sarah Laroches goal with her brand is to encourage people to slow down, have a soak and take a moment to unwind and check in with themselves. The Montreal-based company offers everything from bath kits (which include a mix of ingredients such as pink Himalayan salt, flowers and botanical oi) to bath oils (which Laroche says provide the skin with all-natural nourishment, nutrients and the balance it needs to remain healthy).Nordic Immersive Kit, $38, selvrituel.com

Sisters Sages Bath Bombs

Sisters Sage, a company started by two Indigenous sisters, offers hand-crafted bath products using traditional Indigenous ingredients. Their bath bombs feature all-natural ingredients including baking soda, citric acid, witch hazel, cedar leaf and essential oils. The cedar bath bomb is an especially special product, because cedar is traditionally used as a way to cleanse, restore and healaccording to the Sisters Sage website, this bath bomb can be used as a way to cleanse the body and spirit, making for a relaxing soak.Cedar Bath Bomb, $7, sisterssage.com

Goops Bath Soak

One of the brands most popular products is The Martini bath soak. Its made with a blend of good-for-you ingredients like pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salts (which can help relax muscles and even relieve pain, headaches and migraine), Himalayan salt (which can help soothe irritated skin) and frankincense and myrrh (both of which are used in traditional Chinese medicine to fight inflammation, relieve pain, and reduce swelling).“The Martini” Emotional Detox Bath Soak, $45 CAD, goop.com

Dr. Teals Melatonin Salts

Dr. Teals has become a go-to drugstore brand for bath productsand for good reason. They are formulated with Epsom salts, and their latest version boasts melatonin, lavender and chamomile essential oils to help further ease muscle aches and encourage a sound sleep.Dr. Teals Melatonin Sleep Soak, $8, amazon.caNext: 10 Surprising Benefits of an Epsom Salt Bath

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This Soap Brand Is Sharing the Healing Power of Inuit Tradition

Meaghan Wray — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 11:00:48 +0000

This story is part of Best Healths Preservation series, which spotlights wellness businesses and practices rooted in culture, community and history.Bernice and Justin Clarke make body care products that heal.With their Iqaluit-based company Uasau Soaps, the couple crafts body products like soaps, oils, creams using Inuit traditions and native-to-Nunavut ingredients, like bowhead whale blubber and bearded seal oil. These methods have been used for generations to reduce symptoms of eczema, a prevalent issue among northern communities, and bring life back to tired, dry skin.Using and making these soaps doesnt just offer physical benefits. For Bernice, it is a way of healing herself and the Inuit community.Bernices mother is a residential school survivor. Bernice carries with her the intergenerational trauma and cultural erasure caused by these schools run by the Catholic church and the Canadian government from 1983 to 1996. These atrocities have yet to be reconcilednot even closebut Bernice finds her way through by creating traditionally-inspired wellness products, unearthing knowledge of the land she is connected to and sharing it with her community and her customers.What started as a way to achieve soft skin took on a whole new life. Her body butters are a balm to deep wounds.“As Inuit, we are emerging from a dark chapter in our history, Bernice shares on the companys website. We are washing off the shadows and pain of the colonial legacy, reclaiming our traditional wisdom and strength and reconnecting with our ancestors in the modern world. Healing ourselves includes sharing our story and ways of life with you.”Here, Bernice talks about how Uasau Soap (pronounced ooh-ah-sow) fights back against colonialism and cultural erasure, the healing power of sharing Indigenous knowledge and the magic ingredient that sets her apart from any all other wellness brands.

Image credit: Uasau Soap

What was the inspiration behind starting Uasau Soap?

I always want soft skin and I live in a dry climate, so I was always trying to find a way to fix this. I wanted to go the more natural route. About 9 years ago I started learning [how to make soap] from friends and from my cousin. I started gifting it as birthday presents, which everyone loved. Everyone started letting me know this product was really good.(Related: Antibacterial Soap vs. Regular Soap: Which Should You Be Using?)

How did you decide to incorporate bowhead whale blubber into your products?

There is something different about my product. I firmly believe that its the bowhead. It is my magic. This is thousands of years old knowledge that was handed to me by my friend. She came to me after her brother said my products helped with his eczema. She said, I want you to try the bowhead. My husband and I were not believers. We didnt think it would workbut it did. The blubber didnt separate from the oil; the ingredients mixed well. Things changed in that moment, and my business took off in a new way. Theres nobody in the world who does what I do.

Image credit: Uasau Soap

So, Uasau Soap was born from your own desire for soft skin, but its evolved into something much more because of your ingredients and methods

My business fully incorporates my culture, in every form and every way. I am people first, so I ask, How can I help? Is there an issue you want me to try and figure out? So the Inuit belief, or the way of the IQ [Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, traditional knowledge of Inuit passed on through generations], comes from thatwe are connected. This takes me from being just a regular bath and body care business to traditional healing. Healing becomes more than skin deep.The bowhead, for example, has created healing for my people. I have been told stories members of my community that [our soaps] healed them, that I took back the bowhead from [commercial] whalers. Thats so powerful that I can take something that was and bring it back in a new way.[Editors note: Bowhead whaling is illegal for commercial entities. Fisheries and Oceans grants licenses to Inuit communities within set quotas that help conserve the animals. Bernice gets her bowhead from Coral Harbour, Nunavut, one of three Nunavut communities with approval for bowhead hunting. The entire whale is used and respected within these traditional, historical practices that honour Inuit culture.]

The concept of Nanu, your connection to the Earth and to each other, is inherent in all your products. Your clay comes from a river in Iqaluit, your seaweed from Frobisher Bay. How about your latest soap made with lichen?

I have a partnership with my friend named Louisa Tukkiapik [to make i lichen you hand and body soap]. Its a bartering system, me and her. Its not a signed agreement. After I visited her one day in Kuujjuaq [Nunavik], and we collected lichen together, I asked her if she could send me some in exchange for soap.All of our ingredients [seaweed, clay, bearded seal oil] are medicine that Inuit have told me about. I have often been pulled aside and asked, Have you heard of this? Because as we go down the healing path, we start to share more and more.(Related: The Best Natural Hand Sanitizers Available in Canada)

Image credit: Uasau Soap

Why is it particularly important for consumers to shop Indigenous-owned brands?

Were always pushed to the back into the corner. We are not being promoted. Its very important for me to represent a minority group that is not celebrated. I ask people: How much money do you invest in Indigenous-made products? Can you put a dollar amount on it on a year basis? And how else can you support Indigenous? We are underrepresented and I will advocate for my people.

Uasau Soap makes body products, but it sounds like your business is really about healing.

I have a lot of hurt, and the hurt comes from colonization, from the Catholic Church. I am a survivor. My mother went to a residential school, and I felt the effects of residential schools. Ive been in therapy for 15, 20 years. I want to be seenwhere I came from, and my pain. I want to show people what happens when you heal yourself, because youre then able to do those extra things that people without trauma are able to do.My healing comes through my business. I want to heal my pain so I can show others this is how we did it.If you are a residential school survivor who is experiencing pain or distress, call the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. Support is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.This story is part of Best HealthsPreservation series, which spotlights wellness businesses and practices rooted in culture, community and history. Read more from this series here:

Meet Sisters Sage, an Indigenous Wellness Brand Reclaiming Smudging

This Canadian Soap Brand is Rooted in Korean Bathhouse Culture

Sharing Chinese Herbal Soups and Teas, Steeped in Tradition

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7 Beauty Products That Will Tend to All Your Foot Woes This Summer

Souzan Michael Galway — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 13:00:31 +0000

Smelly Feet

The earthy blend of cedarwood, eucalyptus and grapefruit essential oils will take care of any embarrassing odours. A few sprays in your favourite sneakers and sandals will keep themand therefore, your feetsmelling fresh and clean. (Here are other ways to keep your feet smelling fresh.)

Shoe-Pourri Deodorizing Spray, $15, amazon.ca

Cracked Skin

Went too long without a good pedicure (or even some post-shower foot cream)? Apply a coat of this thick blend of sesame and cocoa seed oil, beeswax and essential oils, and slip on a pair of socks. Youll notice softer, smoother feet fastsans greasy residue. (Learn what’s causing cracked skin.)

Rocky Mountain Soap Foot Butter, $17, rockymountainsoap.com

Blisters

The struggle is real when it comes to breaking in new shoes and sandals. While blisters may seem like an inevitable part of summer, it doesnt have to be. Simply apply this balm anywhere you might get blisters (on your toes, the back of your ankles, and the soles of your feet) before slipping on your shoes. The anti-friction formula will become your new BFF. (Suffer from other foot pain? These natural home remedies can help.)

Bodyglide Anti-Blister and Anti-Chafing Balm, $14, amazon.ca

Corns and Calluses

We bet you didnt expect chic nail guru Deborah Lippmann to be the genius behind your corn and callus solution, but she is. The celeb manicurists blend is made with urea, glycerin, and exfoliating AHAs and BHAs to slough away patches of dead skin. (You can also try these home remedies for corns and calluses.)

Deborah Lippmann Get Off Callus Softener Intensive Treatment, $50, sephora.ca

Yellow Toenails

If you suspect your yellow nails are from a fungus, definitely pay a visit to your doctor. But if your yellow-ish toenails are the result of overuse of nail polish, give them a breather with this gorgeous Dior nail lacquer, which simply enhances the colour of your nails. YTBB (your toenails, but better). (Also, here’s what to do if your toenails seem too thick.)

Dior Nail Glow Healthy-Glow Nail Enhancer, $39, thebay.com

Peeling Cuticles

This cuticle oil comes in a convenient pen applicator (read: keep one in your purse for the rest of eternity) and makes softening hard, peeling cuticles a breeze.

Dr. Hauschka Neem Nail and Cuticle Pen, $27, thebay.com

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts grow on the heels of your feet, which can make them quite painful. Remember Compound W from your childhood? The brands medicated pads made specifically for this location work fast, thanks to their 40% salicylic acid formula. Extra cushioning will take some of the edge off of walking on your wart, too.

Compound W One Step Maximum Strength Removal Pads, $12, walmart.ca

Next: Find Out Which Natural Deodorants Passed Our Sweat Tests

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Why You Should Dump Your Plastic Loofah for an All-Natural Alternative

Martha Beach — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:00:53 +0000

From sea sponges and Japanese konjac roots to woven hemp mitts and dried loofah squashes, the number of natural sponge and scrubber options can be overwhelming. But making the switch from synthetic to organic for this shower staple is well worth the time.Synthetic scrubbers, sponges and loofahs are made of plastics like nylon and polyurethane. They shed tiny bits of plastic, known as microplastics, every time you use themcontributing to the billions of pieces already in our lakes, rivers and oceans. One 2019 study from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography estimates there are 8.3 million pieces of microplastics per cubic metre of water. In another recent study from the University of Torontos Rochman Lab, researchers sampled thousands of fish from the Great Lakes and found microplastics in all of their gastrointestinal tracksup to 900 plastic particles per fish, suggesting that exposure may be above threshold concentrations for risk. One way to help reduce microplastics in our waterways is to switch to a natural body washing tool.Not only do they pose environmental risk, but plastic loofahs (also called poufs) may also present a health hazard from bacteria buildup. A loofah sponge can act as a reservoir for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria, says Dr. Michal Bohdanowicz, a dermatologist at Bay Dermatology Centre in Toronto. Using a loofah daily results in skin cell buildup in the folds of the material. Combine that with the moist environment of the bathroom, and a loofah is the ideal bacterial breeding ground.(Related: 11 Important Single-Use Plastic Swaps to Make Now)While pondering what might live in your loofah, its important to think about what your scrubber is made of. According to Bohdanowicz, The materials within a loofah sponge do matter from a medical perspective. For example, the friction caused by scrubbing your skin with something too rough might worsen existing skin issues, like eczema and hyperpigmentation, Bohdanowicz says. So even eco-alternatives like a dried loofah squash or hemp mitt might be too harsh.Its also a good idea to test out new products on a small patch of skin before charging ahead. Different materials and contaminants within a loofah can be associated with contact dermatitis, says Bohdanowicz, who suggests trying any new product on an area smaller than the size of the palm (and ideally hidden by clothing) for two weeks.With all that in mind, I tried out the silk sea sponge from Toronto-based Wildcraft for my face and the Everist konjac root sponge for my body. Both start off hard and soften as they soak up water. Sea sponges contain natural minerals like iron, zinc and potassium, which are said to help nourish your skin, and the konjac sponges material creates a rich lather no matter which body wash I used. I found them each gentle enough for daily use. For weekly exfoliating, I tested the hemp mitt from Body Shop and the plant-based co & co Loofah (a loofah is a type of squash that, when dried, creates a sponge so natural that seeds fell out onto my shower floor the first time I used it). Both are pretty rough, so I didnt apply a lot of pressure. They also dont lather very well, so when I exfoliated I also did a quick pass with the konjac sponge. Overall, I would skip the natural loofah as a body scrubber (but it works great as a dish sponge). I would definitely continue to use the hemp mitt as an exfoliator.They all pass the environmental test, but theyre unfortunately not bacteria-proof. As with synthetic products, rinsing thoroughly and hanging them to dry after every use is a must. After using the super soft and squishy konjac sponge, I had to squeeze it out multiple times and hang it in a different room to be sure it dried completely. The natural loofah and hemp mitt have large pockets of space for air to get in, so they dried within a few hours. The natural enzymes in the sea sponge actually help block bacteria growth, and it also dried within a couple of hours.Once a week, give your loofah or sponge a deeper clean by soaking it for five minutes in diluted bleach or vinegar, or in a solution of baking soda and water, then let it dry completely. Check the care instructions for your product. Most importantly, know when its time to toss it. If it smells funky or is discoloured, give it the big heave-ho. And dont feel too badnatural products will break down and return to the earth.

Get scrubbing with these options:

co & co Loofah

This all-natural loofah from Montral-based co & co is as plant-based as you can get. Made from a dried loofah squash, this sponge alternative is coarse when dry but wonderfully squishy when wet.$7, thegreenjarshop.com.

Everist Compostable Konjac Body Sponge

From Canadian brand Everist, this Konjac root sponge turns into a fluffy, sudsy cloud when damp. Bonus: Its fully compostable. $14, helloeverist.com.

Body Shop Hemp Mitt

Made from 100 percent hemp fibres, this little mitt is the perfect environmentally friendly exfoliator to rub away dead skin in the shower. $12, bodyshop.com.

Wildcraft Silk Sea Sponge

These sustainably harvested seas sponges have enzymes that make them naturally bacteria- and smell-resistant. Their soft texture also gently exfoliates the skin. $12, wildcraftcare.com.Next: The Best Sustainable Beauty Tools For Every Step of Your Routine

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You May Want to Bring a Little CBD into the Shower with You

Danielle Groen — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:36:06 +0000

CBD, a chemical compound in the Cannabis Sativa plant, is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe acne and relieve dry, itchy skin. Lately, it’s been popping up on ingredient lists of beauty products everywhere, and now, bath products, too. Try one of these CBD-infused bath bombs, bath salts and more, which may help you find your zen before you start your day or hit the hay.(Related: A Bath Is the Stress-Melter You Need Right Now)

1. Shampoo and Conditioner

Sensitiva makes its all-natural hemp-derived CBD productswhich include aprs-sports balm, face serum and hand sanitizerin an east-end Toronto lab. The hemp-oil fatty acids in this shampoo and conditioner leave hair nourished but not weighed down.Sensitiva Locks shampoo and Mane conditioner, $49 each, sensitiva.ca

2. Bath Bomb

Valens Company, based in Kelowna, B.C., manufactures a boatload of cannabis-infused products, from gummies to iced tea to honeycomb crumble. In April, it branched out into CBD bath bombs with refreshing grapefruit and calming eucalyptus.Nance bath bombs, $13 to $17, ocs.ca

3. Body Lotion

Calyx Wellness opened its boutique in Toronto nearly six years ago with a line of pharmaceutical-grade organic CBD oils, capsules and even pet products. Its super hydrating lightly scented Smooth lotion contains 600 mg of CBD, while Smooth+ packs a dose of 1,200 mg.Calyx Wellness Smooth+, $99, calyxwellness.co(Related: CBD Drinks Are Everywhere Will They Help Me Relax?)

4. Pain Stick

Canadas Bodega Wellness has been championing CBD products for nearly a decade. Its line runs the gamut from lotion to lip balm to lube, and this handy pain stick roller fortifies hemp-extracted CBD oil with soothing rosemary, peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus oils.LAMM CBD Pain Stick Roller, $39, bodegawellness.com

5. Bath Salts

Vancouver-based Delush started with a sweet little heart-shaped bath bomb (it smells like pineapple) and has since expanded to CBD-spiked body butters, soap scrubs and lotions. The bath salts will make you feel like youre sitting on a porch swing sipping a ginger-peach cocktail.Delush The Magic Soak, $29, delush.caNext: 10 Facts You Need to Know About CBD

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What to Know Before Getting a Brazilian Wax

Sheryl Nadler — Thu, 13 May 2021 04:00:10 +0000

While a regular bikini wax is the removal of pubic hair that has crept outside the bikini line boundaries, a Brazilian wax is the removal of hair from the entire genital area, including any fluff between the buttocks. It sometimes involves leaving a small strip, often called a landing strip, just above the pubic bone.Made popular in Brazil in the 1980s after the introduction of the string bikini, it found a following in North America in the 90s. Some attribute the Brazilians arrival to the J sisters. The J sisters are sisters from Brazil (whose names all start with J) that set up a salon in New York and brought the technique to Manhattan women.(Related: 5 Pro Tips for At-Home Hair Removal)

Is it safe to get a Brazilian wax?

While being bare down there doesnt increase chances of genital health problems, the procedure itself can be risky, confirms Dr. Suzanne Gagnon, a dermatologist in Montreal. Irritation, inflammation and infection can occur, and if you have a lowered immune system, Brazilian waxing could actually be dangerous (more on that later).Gagnon says the problems can start if the aesthetician doesnt pull the skin taut enough during waxing. Issues also occur if you wear too-tight clothing right after the procedure. Because genital-area skin is more delicate than other areas of the body, its more prone to edema [swelling] and infection, she explains. Irritation from the procedure can lead to itching, which can lead to scratching and inflammation, which can lead to infection.And bare or not, the natural humidity of that region already makes it susceptible to bacterial and fungal growth; scratching compromises the skins ability to act as a barrier, says Gagnon, and increases the likelihood of infection.(Related: 10 Medical Reasons Youre Hairier Than You Want to Be)

Research your salon

Lisette Meuse-Manuel, owner of Dermak Studio in Moncton, N.B., advises that women carefully consider both the salon and the aesthetician. In the wrong or inexperienced hands, she warns, getting a Brazilian can result in burns, ripped skin, infection and, more rarely, if the salons hygiene practices are poor, transmission of STDs [sexually transmitted diseases]. She says she has seen cases of skin infections even on legs as a result of waxing done in a non-hygienic salon.Ask around, she recommends, to find impeccably clean salons. Plus, make sure youre working with experienced aestheticians who use disposable sheets on the waxing table. Aestheticians should use disposable gloves, and either sterilized metal spatulas or single-use wooden or plastic versions.

Wax with care

If you do get a Brazilian wax and are happy with the results, dont get another wax right away. If the regrowth is too short, Meuse-Manuel explains, wax can adhere to the skin rather than to the stubble, and bruise or rip the skin. A quarter-inch of growth is best.

Who shouldnt get a Brazilian wax

Brazilian waxing is not recommended for people with skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema , which can be aggravated by waxing. And for women with diabetes, severe or even life-threatening problems can arise because their immune systems are already compromised. Theyre less able to fight infection in an area in which infection can happen fairly easily, says Baxter. Pregnant women also have slightly less resistance than usual to infection, and should also avoid Brazilians, she adds. But the Brazilian wax is popular for a reason. Just beware: there is no zero risk, says Gagnon.Next: How Laser Hair Removal Cured My Ingrown Hairs

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5 Tricks for a DIY Pedi (Plus, an Ingrown Toenail Fix)

Alyssa Ball — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 04:00:11 +0000

Give yourself a DIY pedicure at home

Trimmed your hair, shaped your brows, and touched up your roots already while in quarantine? Let’s be real, with salons and spas closed during COVID-19, your feet are probably in need of some pampering, too.“It’s a good time to give your toenails a break from polish and focus more time on the skin and foot care side of things,” says Leanne Fagan, an esthetician and owner of Esthetics by Leanne in Muskoka, Ontario. Just think, if you’re taking extra care of your feet now, they’re going to be beautiful by the time summer arrives.Here, Fagan shares her tips for an at-home pedicure, along with an effective ingrown toenail fix.

1. Soak feet

“Always soak your feet first to clean out the dead skin and bacteria from under your toenails,” says Fagan. The concoction? Fill up a foot bath (or bathtub) with lukewarm water up to your ankles and add in a 1/4 cup of Epsom salts; soak for 30 to 40 minutes. “Especially with Epsom salts, you don’t want the water to be too hot because it takes away all of its disinfecting properties,” she says. Not only do Epsom salts benefit your nails, but it also helps to improve circulation, draw out toxins, and gets magnesium into the body without going through the digestive system.If you don’t have Epsom salts on hand, Fagan recommends a different mixture: add 1/2 cup of Listerine Mouthwash to ankle-deep lukewarm water for 30 to 40 minutes. “I know it sounds weird, but the alcohol content in it kills any bacteria that’s under your toenails and stops it from growing,” she says. For those who have mobility issues and can’t necessarily get down to their toes to do a pedicure, Fagan still advises they soak their feet once a day. (Related: Learn what the colour of your nails says about your health.)

2. Gently push back cuticles

After soaking your feet, “grab a towel and clean in between toes and around the nails to get rid of any dead skin that’s built up,” says Fagan. Don’t cut your cuticles, just gently push back the cuticle area with a towel over your fingeryou don’t need a special tool for this.She also recommends hydrating the skin with a thick moisturizer. “If you don’t have any professional grade foot cream in your cabinet, essential oils like eucalyptus and menthol are a great option to add to whatever cream you’re currently using.” she says. It’s helps to refresh the foot and improve circulation.

3. Cut or file nails straight across

Why? “If you cut into the corners, you’re more likely to get ingrown toenailsespecially if you’re already prone to them,” says Fagan. “Just cut or file your nails straight across, and try to leave them a bit longer right now until you can get to your foot care provider so that you don’t run into any problems.” She also cautions that if your nails are thicker, it’s a good idea not to cut them because they can break down the sides and cause potential issues, like ingrown toenails, when they start to grow out.To help prevent an ingrown toenail, here’s Fagan’s at-home fix:

Soak your feet in lukewarm water and Epsom salts for roughly 30 minutes.
Keep the nail corners as soft as possible. If you dont have access to a cuticle oil, you can use any kind of oilolive oil, baby oil, or coconut oilon the nail bed.
Don’t cut the nail; instead, file your nail straight across.
Get a piece of cotton from a cotton pad or Q-tip, roll it into a ball, and try to lift it under the side of the nail with a toothpick as opposed to cutting down the side of the nail to relieve the discomfort. This will prevent the nail from growing back into the skin.
Change the cotton once a week.

4. Always start with a base coat

Want to have brighter feet? Finish up your pedicure with some polish. “To make sure that the polish is going to stick to your nails, you’ll want to thoroughly go over them with a non-acetone polish remover to get rid of any oils or residue,” says Fagan. If you don’t have a non-acetone polish at home, try rubbing alcohol.Remember: Always apply a base coat so the polish colour doesn’t absorb into the nail bed. Follow with two coats of polish and a top coat to protect the polish from wearing off quickly. “When youre finishing up your top coat, make sure to run a horizontal swipe over the bottom edge of your nail to prevent chipping,” she says. Then, let them dry for at least an hour. In a time crunch? Dip your toes in a freezing cold foot bath for three minutesit will harden the polish and speed up drying time. (Related: Find out the best nude polish for your skin tone.)

5. Let nails “breathe” between pedicures

To let toenails “breathe” between pedicures, Fagan suggests to take your polish off a couple of days before a pedicure. “The toenails dont breathe, but they are porous and the skin underneath them needs to breathe,” she says. “If you never take the polish off, youll end up with dehydration marks on the nail because theyre not getting enough moisture.” While your nail polish is off, massage an oil into the nail bed. The oil will sink in through the nail and help to hydrate the skin underneath.Next, check out thebest activities for self-isolationthat can boost your wellbeing.

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7 Hacks for Strong and Healthy Nails

Rebecca Gao — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 17:39:59 +0000

Many factors contribute to unhealthy nails

With nail salons closed in many parts of the country due to the pandemic, and all the hand washing and hand sanitizing were doing these days, our hands and nails may be starting to look worse for wear.Unhealthy nails are weak, brittle and tend to break if they grow past a certain point. Other signs include discolouration, and the appearance of redness or swelling in the surrounding skin. But the first sign is often any change from your baseline. Not everyone can have long, luxurious, almond-shaped nails, says Dr. Rene Beach, a Toronto-based dermatologist and founder of DermAtelier on Avenue. If whats normal for you has suddenly changed, then that should be a personal warning sign.”Lots of factors can lead to unhealthy nails, but they can also be a sign of another health issue at work. For example, discolouration can be caused by something as basic as household exposures or occupational exposures [to chemicals], Beach says. An underlying skin condition can also be the cause. Like, when we see the thickening or lifting of nails or yellowing underneath that can be a sign of psoriasis.Here are seven ways you can keep your nails healthy and strong.(Related: Press-On Nails Are the New Heroes of At-Home Manis)

Use protection

The phase no glove, no love should also apply to your hands and nails. Walking around in the cold, washing dishes and cleaning up with harsh chemicalsall without gloves can do a lot of damage to our hands. It doesnt matter how much moisturizer or serum you put on your hands and cuticles, if [your hands arent] shielded, its definitely going to compromise that top epidermal layer of the skin, says Beach.(Related: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Skin Smooth All Winter Long)

Use a base coat

If youre painting your nails at home, a base coat is a necessary step. Like a pair of gloves, a base coat acts as a protective barrier between your nail plate and the polish. Its going to stop that [discolouration] from occurring, like the pigment in the polish wont stay in the nails, says Erika Berthelot, a Winnipeg-based nail technician and founder of Cutie Oils, a brand of cruelty-free cuticle oils.(Related: 8 Drugstore Beauty Products Thatll Make You Want to Play With Makeup Again)

Take a break from polish

Despite the popular adage that you need to let them breathe, your nails are made up of non-living keratin (like your hair), so polish doesnt interfere with your nails getting oxygen. However, your nails may need a break periodically, especially if you dont use a base coat or low-quality nail polish, as it can lead to white patches on the nail and discolouration, says Linh Khuu, the owner of Varnish Nails and Beauty in Vancouver.(Related: The Best Thing to Do for Your Skin in Lockdown)

Keep them short

Though long nails look great, theyre also a hazard. This is especially true if you have an overgrown manicure (miss you, nail salons!). If you hit the tip of your manicure, it might bend and break right in the middle of your nail bed, Berthelot says. Youre going to wind up with bad breaks in the middle of the nail if you just let them grow out long. The best thing you can do for an overgrown manicure is to just keep filing it down to avoid a painful break down the line.(Related: The Best Sustainable Beauty Tools For Every Step of Your Routine)

Be patient when removing your manicure

As satisfying as picking your manicure off can be, its absolutely awful for your nails.If youre now stuck at home without your nail tech to help take your manicure off, Berthelot suggests going slowly and deliberately. Sit down with a glass of wine and a movie, and buckle in for a good two hours, she says.For soak-off products, like acrylics, youll need a gritty nail file. Start by buffing the top of the manicure off. Once youre all scratched up, dip some cotton balls in acetone, place it over your nails, and wrap it all up with some tinfoil. To check if its ready to come off (which could be anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour), lift the foil a little to see if the manicure is lifting or crumbling. If it is, youre good to go. If you take the foil off a bit too early (especially if youre removing acrylics, which tend to get gummy when you soak it off), no worries. Start from scratch and get buffing. Basically, youre looking to buff away all the shine, and put some deep scratches into the polish, says Berthelot. That allows the acetone to really absorb into the polish and lift it off.If you cant find a gritty nail file or acetone at your local pharmacy, both Khuu and Berthelot note that most nail techs will be happy to your nail tech would be happy to sell you a soak kits or nail files.(Related: 9 Personal Care Product Upgrades You Never Knew You Needed)

Let your cuticles grow

Cutting your cuticles has no health benefits and is purely for the aesthetic. According to Khuu, improper cuticle cutting can lead to hang nails and infections.Pushing your cuticles back when you get a manicure is also ill-advised. Your cuticles are supposed to seal the area of the nail it grows out from bacterial entry and other irritants, says Beach. When we push that back, were potentially exposing an area thats not supposed to be exposed. Its nice to look at, but from a physiologic perspective, the cuticles are necessary and important.If your cuticles are dry, try using a cuticle oil to add moisture back to the skin there.(Related: What Is An Eyelash Serum And Do I Need One?)

Be careful if you use supplements

Hair, skin and nails supplements usually contain biotin (also known as Vitamin B7), which can be found naturally in eggs, fish and sweet potatoes. Despite the popularity of these supplements, biotin has not been proven to help nail or hair growth.High dosages of biotin can also be problematic. When we take over-the-counter supplements that have higher than suggested physiological levels of biotin, there are risks, says Beach. One such risk is that biotin can distort the results of thyroid function tests and troponin tests, which are used to check for heart attacks. In 2017, the FDA in the States issued a warning to patients, healthcare providers and lab technicians about biotins interference on lab tests.Next: The Top Beauty Trends to Come Out of Pandemic Life

The post 7 Hacks for Strong and Healthy Nails appeared first on Best Health.

The Best Bath Soaks for Better Relaxation

Jenn Sinrich — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 17:56:56 +0000

If there’s one thing we can all agree on is that we need more time to relax, unwind, and de-stress. One of the most time-honoured ways to do this is to enjoy a bath soak, or lying in a nice warm bath filled with rejuvenating bath salts to ease tension, stress, stimulate circulation, and even muscle aches and pains. This practice has been in place since ancient times, dating as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans, notes Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, New York City dermatologist and Clinical instructor at NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center.

“Mineral-rich waters containing salts, essential oils, oatmeal, and milk are thought to provide a therapeutic soak, offering a myriad of health and wellness benefits,” she says.

The benefits of a bath soak

There are several benefits to using bath soaks. Here are a few of the most important ones.

Eases muscle aches

“Epsom salts, also known as magnesium sulfate, are thought to help with various medical ailments including muscle soreness, joint pains or cramping, and stress relief,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (MDCS) in New York. “While some have thought it is related to magnesium being absorbed through the skin, it is unknown how much magnesium penetrates the skin and how much is needed to be absorbed to be clinically relevant.”

Reduces inflammation

Bath salts may help relieve inflammation associated with several skin conditions, including contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema, according to research published in the International Journal of Dermatology. “Although it can be used for these conditions, it is important to remember that it can be drying on the skin so it is important to always moisturize the skin after getting out of the bath,” adds Dr. Garshick.

Calms redness and itching

Adding colloidal oatmeal to your bath may help soothe itchy, sensitive skin, according to research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD). Other research published in 2018 in the JDDhas found that colloidal oatmeal may help strengthen the skin barrier, the outermost layers of skin, further protecting it from dryness and irritation.

Aids in relaxation

Lavender oil is a popular ingredient used in bath soaks that is thought to aid relaxation, foster calmness, and promote improved sleep, notes Dr. Murphy-Rose. She also points out that lavender oil may serve as an antioxidant and antimicrobial. “Studies have shown oral Silexan, a main component of lavender oil, to be an effective anxiolytic [drug to reduce anxiety],” she adds.

Improves circulation

One 2018 study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that bathing may help boost blood flow and supply more oxygen to organs. “Bath soaks may help to improve circulation as a warm bath can increase blood flow to the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “Bathing can also reduce muscle and joint pains and ease muscle tension.”

The best bath soak products

If you’re ready to take a nice relaxing bath using bath soaks, here are some of the very best on the market, according to dermatologists.

Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt Bath Soaking Solution

$10, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Stacy Chimento, MD, a Florida-based board-certified dermatologist, is a fan of this Dr Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt infused with natural essential oils. “It’s a great way to soothe sore muscles and help speed the recovery of injury,” she says. When it comes to individuals with sensitive skin, she recommends using a small amount and working your way up to prevent irritation. This bundle offers a soaking solution with spearmint and eucalyptus and a separate soaking solution with lavender.

Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment With 100% Natural Colloidal Oatmeal

$13, walmart.ca

This bath treatment from Aveeno is made of an oatmeal “powder” that dissolves easily into bath water, notes Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties making it soothing to itchy, sensitive skin and especially beneficial for sunburns, eczema, hives, and poison ivy, or similar dermatitis.”

AHAVA Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salt

$21, thebay.com

The two main ingredients in this AHAVA bath salt soak are sea salt from the Dead Sea in Israel and lavender oil, both of which have soothing properties for the skin. “Lavender oil is thought to aid relaxation, foster calmness, and promote improved sleep,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “It may also serve as an antioxidant and antimicrobial.”

Next: This Is the Most Relaxing Hobby You Can Take Up

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13 Beauty Trends That Are Actually Super Dangerous

Jenn Sinrich — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:21:24 +0000

Using waist trainers to achieve a slim midsection

This trend involves wearing a corset-like bodice for several hours of the day for extended periods of time to achieve an hourglass shape. The issue with this perceived figure-slimming fix, however, is the potential health damages that can arise from its use, according to Grace Anglin, a nurse practitioner at Capizzi MD in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Consider how tight this garment feels on your skin when you put it on; then imagine how it makes your internal organs feel,” she says. “Squeezing your organs together and decreasing the available internal space they have is not a good thing.”

(Related: Check out the beauty products dermatologists wish you’d stop wasting money on.)

Attempting to remove a mole at home

Most of us have moles and, yes, they’re pesky and annoying, but if you’re hoping to remove a mole, seek the assistance of a board-certified dermatologist, and never, ever attempt to DIY it. “I’ve seen people with red sores all over their body where they tried to use eggplant extract or some other herbal online remedy to remove their own moles,” says Anna Guanche, MD, dermatologist and founder of the Bella Skin Institute. “The result is they’re all scarred upoftentimes permanently.” Another reason to seek out a professional? Your dermatologist can have the mole tested to make sure it’s not cancerous. (Here’s how a dermatologist would get rid of red moles.)

Ordering “Botox” online and injecting it into your face

Believe it or not, this happens every day. There are hundreds of websites that sell an injectable they claim is Botox (or something allegedly similar). They’ll even ship it right to your home. While it might sound tempting, especially considering the cost of going to medical practice and having it injected by a trained practitioner, leave this one to the pros. “Not only is there no way for you to know what you’re actually injecting, but those without medical backgrounds or experience with neurotoxins also should not be injecting any products for this purpose,” warns Anglin. If you’re curious here’s everything you need to know about Botox.

Using deodorant as makeup primer

While antiperspirant is formulated to minimize sweat under your armpits throughout the day, it was definitely not made to be on your face. Despite this, people have started to use it as a face primer. Not a smart idea, according to experts. “Putting antiperspirant on your face will likely lead to clogged pores, which could result in blackheads and acne,” says Anglin. “Furthermore, the fragrances used in deodorant could possibly irritate and inflame the skin on your face.”

Fixing self-tanning streaks with amagic eraser

Some beauty bloggers are swearing by the Magic Eraser, a cleaning sponge meant to remove stains around your house, as a quick-fix solution for self-tanner streaks. (Check out our favourite self-tanners, as well as other go-to summer beauty products.) Not a smart idea, according to experts. “The sponges are not only abrasive, but they contain chemicals that should not be placed on the skin, let alone scrubbed into it,” says Melanie D. Palm, MD, San Diego-based dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. “It can cause rashes, itching, skin breakdown, and in rare circumstances, a systemic and life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.” For a streak-free faux tan, she suggests exfoliating before applying it and washing the palms and soles of your feet thoroughly immediately after application.

Using glue to remove blackheads

Blackheads are essentially clogged pores that look like brown dots on your face. They’re tricky to remove, but thankfully there are plenty of over-the-counter treatments that work. One not to use is glueyes, you read that right. There’s been a recent trend of using regular school glue to remove blackheads and other blemishes. Aside from the risk of getting it in your eye, this kind of glue is not made for your face and can leave your skin irritated and worse than it was to start with, warns Anglin. Instead, she suggests seeing an experienced aesthetician regularly for dermaplaning, extractions, and light chemical peels. Or, try a benzoyl peroxide treatment to get rid of blackheads.

Making your own eyelash serum

There are plenty of over-the-counter and prescription products promising to lengthen and volumize your lashes. Go ahead and give them a try, but avoid making your own concoction in your kitchen at all costs. “We all need to remember how important our eyes are and how sensitive they can be,” says Anglin. “Plus, there are so many options available on the market, such as Latisse, that safely promote the growth of long healthy lashes.” Here are other ways to get bombshell lashes.

Applying hemorrhoid cream to puffy eyes

No one wants to walk around with under-eye bags and dark circles, but the best remedies involve sleep, hydration, and cooling products, not Preparation H. “There is a reason hemorrhoid creams are used for a specific area on the bodythe ingredients are not meant to be near sensitive areas like your eyes,” says John Diaz, MD, a plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills. “Instead use chilled cucumber slices or cold packs under your eyes to reduce swelling.”

Treating your own skin cancer with black salve

Black salve, also known by the brand name Cansema, is a dangerous and controversial alternative cancer treatment that more and more people are using to “cure” themselves in the comfort of their own home. But, according to experts, the stuff is toxic. “The product is commonly classified as an escharotica topical paste that burns and destroys skin tissue and leaves behind a thick, black scar called an eschar,” says Dr. Guanche. Instead, see a dermatologist immediately to ensure you’re receiving proper treatment.

Getting a Brazilian Blowout

You may have heard about this popular hair straightening treatment that results in smoother, sleeker hair. While it’s hailed as a hair-repairing solution, since it claims not to cause any damage to the follicles, experts warn that it’s dangerous to your health. “The FDA has issued strong health warnings about the risk of allergic reactions, toxicity, and asthma attacks caused by the high levels of formaldehyde used in this process,” says Dr. Guanche. “Even ‘formaldehyde-free’ blowouts have formaldehyde, so I recommend hair conditioners and masks instead.”

(Related: See what other toxic ingredients can be found in beauty products.)

Purchasing chemical peel ingredients and DIYing it at home

A chemical peel is a kind of treatment you definitely want to see a professional for, as it involves blistering the skin to the point of it peeling off. While it can be great for skin renewalwhen performed by a professionalavoid doing it yourself with ingredients purchased online. “There is no way of knowing what’s really in the product purchased, and there are many counterfeit products out there which can be very dangerous,” warns Jacqui Terese, amedical aesthetician in the offices of Dr. Joseph A Russo in Boston. “A reputable distributor would never allow this, as their products are only sold to medically managed offices with codes for tracking purposes.”

Using colored pencils and crayons as makeup

Pencils and crayons that are intended for arts and crafts projects are definitely not meant to be used as makeup substitutions. “Although most of these coloring tools are non-toxic, it’s possible that they contain higher levels of lead than what is generally recommended as safe,” says Dr. Palm. “Additionally, some of the colours, dyes, and stabilizers used in these creative tools are dangerous on the face, and, as a result, patients may accidentally ingest dangerous materials or develop contact allergies and skin problems or eye infections from use.” Instead, try some of the eye makeup products in this glam get-the-look.

Skin bleaching

This trend of using actual bleach on the skin to relieve redness, lighten skin tone, and clear up acne is downright dangerous, according to experts. “There are often dangerous chemicals in the mix, most notably hydroquinone, which is legal in the United States but has been banned in Europe and Japan because of fears that it causes cancer,” says Joanna Shu, founder of Refresh Skin Therapy. As a general rule, she suggests using skin-care products that contain natural alternatives to hydroquinone, such as licorice or bearberry extract. “They both are powerful, skin-soothing antioxidants that even out skin tone and fade dark spots, and have the safest rating on the environmental working group’s skin deep ingredient database.”

Next, learn why a major beauty expert is using only clean beauty products now.

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5 Tools to Add to Your Pandemic Hand-Care Toolkit for Fall

Renée Reardin — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 15:56:05 +0000

Give Your Hands a Hand

Health Canadas guidelines for preventing Covid-19 include washing and sanitizing hands a lot, which means our hands have definitely looked and felt better. Nails are bare, cuticles are wild, and skin can feel dry and scaly.Because it seems we’ll be obsessively washing and sanitizing our hands for the foreseeable future, our hands are in need of some special attention. So weve rounded up a collection of essentials thatll both keep them clean and help them feel better than ever.

Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize

This made-in-Canada sanitizer deserves a spot in your handbag, car, and any other go-to location that makes constant-reapplication easy. Its 65 percent-alcohol based and Health Canada-approved, plus it dries quickly without a residue.Frontline Hand Sanitizer, $4, thedetoxmarket.ca(Also, check out what you need to know about hand sanitizer.)

Suds on-the-Go

Washing hands with soap and water is more effective at killing germs than applying hand sanitizer, so it can be helpful to carry your own soap bottle around. (Here’s what can happen if you don’t wash your hands.) This travel-friendly version of Dr. Bronners much-loved 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Liquid Soap will get the job done without stripping your hands of oil. (Not to mention, it smells much better than the soap in most public washrooms.)Dr. Bronners Rose Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, $6, well.ca

Scrub Off the Scales

This scrub is made with AHA and BHA (exfoliants that buff away dead skin cells), which help skin look softer and brighter. Add the product to your at-home spa night, and follow the scrub with a moisturizing hand cream to combat dryness. (Alternatively, you can try one of these homemade foot scrubs, which can work well on hands, too.)Deborah Lippmann Marshmallow Whipped Hand & Cuticle Scrub, $33, sephora.com

Manicure Chez You

This Instagram-famous mani set features all the tools you need for a pro-like at-home manicure. It includes Olive and Junes most popular product, Poppy, a nail bottle handle that fits on any nail polish, making application so much easier. The set also includes clippers, a file, a buffer, a cuticle serum pen, nail polish remover, a clean-up brush, a top coat polish, and your choice of polish.Olive and June The Studio Box, $50 USD, oliveandjune.com(Check out the everyday habits that are wrecking your nails.)

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Choose your hand cream depending on your needs:

If your hands are ridiculously dry

Sporting a bit of a lizard look? Grab this heavy-duty moisturizing hand salve, which will provide ample hydration, condition hands, and act as a barrier to protect against moisture loss.Kiehls Since 1851 Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, $21, kiehls.ca

If your hand cream has been causing breakouts

Getting more blemishes on one side of your neck and jawline? That could be caused from resting a greasy hand on the area and clogging your pores. Try this quick-dry, non-greasy version from Glossier, that will still deliver maximum hydration.Glossier Hand Cream crme pour les mains $18 USD, glossier.com

If you forget to apply sunscreen after washing your hands

With all this washing and sanitizing, you may have forgotten to apply the next most important product for your handssunscreen. It is essential for helping to prevent not only skin cancer, and also sun spots. Apply your favourite SPF (we love these mineral sunscreens) to your hands throughout the day, and at night, if sun damage is a concern, apply this brightening hand cream, which will lighten the spots.Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Hand Cream, $26, caudalie.comNext, check out our tips for younger-looking hands.

The post 5 Tools to Add to Your Pandemic Hand-Care Toolkit for Fall appeared first on Best Health.

6 Ways You’re Shaving Your Legs Wrong

Lauren Diamond — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 15:11:44 +0000

You dont replace your razor often enough

Two signs will tell you if you need to replace your razor blade. Either the blades on your razor will look dull, or the moisturizing strip at the top will have faded. If you shave with a blunt razor you are more susceptible to cutting yourself. Plus, old razors can carry bacteria, which can lead to infection. As a general rule, you should use your razor about 10 times before you replace the blade. Using a low-quality razorforces you to overstroke the same area multiple times, a common compensating behavior that can cause irritation, says dermatologist Jody Levine, MD. (Ready to ditch the razor? Here’s how to wax at home.)

You never exfoliate

Exfoliating regularly is key to preventing ingrown hairs. Exfoliating sloughs off old dead skin cells, which “speeds up cell renewal, enabling new healthy skin cells to grow, say integrative medicine physician Frank Lipman, MD. Dead skin cells can cause ingrown hairs and could dull your razor, so exfoliate once or twice a week in between shaves.

You shave as soon as youget into the shower

Its best to leave shaving as the very last step of your shower routine, otherwise, you’re making a huge showering mistake. As you stand in the shower, the warm water will soften the hair, open up the hair follicles, and keep the skin warm and moist. This will make sure you have a closer shave, and will in turn help prevent razor burn along with dead skin cells that could dull your razor blade, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. (Do you know the difference between women’s and men’s razors?)

You use soap

Bar soap doesnt provide enough of a barrier between the blade and your skin, plus it can clog the blades. Shaving cream or gel is your best option here, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. There are many different options to play around until you find one you like. Run out of shaving cream? Even a hair conditioner is a better alternative to regular soap or dry shaving which could cause irritation. (Learn how laser hair removal cured one woman’s ingrown hairs.)

You shave too quickly

Especially when you have a fresh blade, its important to use extra-slow strokes to avoid nicks. Be particularly careful around your knees and ankles. This will help you get a closer shave and ensure that you dont miss any spots, too. (Check out our favourite razor this year and other beauty products we’re loving.)

You use a single blade disposable razor

Razor blades work like this: The first blade is designed to lift the hair, and each subsequent blade is intended to cut the hair lower and lower on the hair shaft, giving you the closest shave possible. So for the smoothest legs, its best to use a four- or five-blade razor.

Next, learn which items you should never store in your bathroom.

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The Best Non-Surgical Options for Body Enhancement

Dr. Stephen Mulholland — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 16:51:46 +0000

Would you be surprised to hear that body contouring treatments and procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, are often more popular than facial procedures?Though Canadian statistics arent available, liposuction is the number one cosmetic surgery in the world, comprising five percent of all elective surgeries, and breast augmentation is the second most performed cosmetic procedure. It stands to reason: You know how good you feel about yourself when you lose a little weight your muscles are firmer, and you like your new shape. Thats what drives people to consider body contouring procedures, from minimally invasive liposuction to completely noninvasive fat-destruction treatments.The surgical side of body contouring is fairly simple, and includes liposuction, tummy tucks and breast augmentation. Ill talk about liposuction and tummy tucks today and save breast augmentation for another column. In the realm of non-surgical liposuction, there are treatments that will reduce unwanted, localized body fat and firm muscles to give you a more pleasing silhouette. But let me start with buyer beware or, more accurately, buyer be clear. I say this not because the procedures arent effective but because, patients often have unrealistic expectations of what non-surgical body contouring can do. Simply put, the results are subtle sometimes subtly terrific but subtle nonetheless.Remember, it isnt liposuction. Non-surgical body sculpting isnt going to dramatically transform your body. But if youre a good candidate, which means a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30, you can get some pleasing results. If you think of yourself as, say, 10 pounds overweight and in need of firming, youre on track. (You can also try these skin-firming products.) If these technologies sometimes get a bad rap, you can blame some of the clinics that offer them. Too often, they will take patients whose BMIs are too high to achieve noticeable results. If it feels like Im belabouring this, its because expectations are critical where non-surgical body sculpting is concerned.Body firming and body shaping technologies have proliferated in recent years in response to greater interest and demand. Of the brand names you hear about most, Ultra-Shape is ultrasound, VelaShape is radiofrequency, CoolSculpting is cold lipolysis, SculpSure is laser heat lipolysis and Evolve is electroporation lipolysis. Rather than discuss all the technical aspects in detail, Ill simplify them by saying that, regardless of whether the technologies are cooling, heating or electroporation, they all attack the fat cell nucleus and accelerate fat cell death. My recommendations? CoolSculpting, which freezes and kills fat cells, and SculpSure, which melts fat cells with laser technology, are highly effective for small, localized issues, such as tummy and love handles. Vanquish, which uses microwave-like energy to heat and kill fat cells, is effective if you have a higher BMI. Evolve, which sends alternating currents into fat cells, is effective for fat reduction, skin tightening and muscle toning. At SpaMedica, we combine two or more of these non-surgical lipo devices into one program, with each technology killing fat cells in a different way to achieve more satisfying results.Liposuction, the physical aspiration of fat from localized areas of the body, has come a long way over the past 20 years. Less invasive with less recovery time, todays liposuction is performed under local anaesthetic, both liquefying fat and tightening skin with internal probes that emit radiofrequency, laser or ultrasound, depending on the device used at the same time. Liposuction is perfect for those areas of fat that defy every effort you make with diet and exercise thats usually your tummy, hips, outer thighs, under-arms and bra line. Recovery is pretty straightforward and only moderately uncomfortable, and you can typically return to work and light activities within a week. Where brand names are concerned (everything is branded these days), look for a cosmetic surgeon who uses BodyTite, which is, by far, the worlds number one liposuction technology. And speaking of cosmetic surgeons, liposuction in Canada is well regulated and safe, but thats not the case in the United States its still the Wild West there when it comes to this procedure.A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is the big gun of cosmetic surgery because it involves cutting and removing loose skin, tighten-ing sagging muscles and creating a youthful-looking belly button. Theres often some liposuction involved as well. You may have heard the procedure referred to as a mommy tuck because its often done post-childbirth, particularly after more than one delivery, when women find that no amount of diet or exercise has any impact at all. I wont downplay the recovery theres usually some significant discomfort involved, but it is typically experienced in the first few days immediately following the procedure and can be effectively remedied with medication. Before the procedure, you should be at a stable weight, within 10 pounds of your ideal weight. And keep in mind that a tummy tuck isnt a weight loss procedure; its a game of centimetres, not kilograms. But with that said, you can expect to go down two or three sizes following the procedure.Dr. Stephen Mulhollandis a cosmetic plastic surgeon and founder of SpaMedica, a full-service cosmetic surgery and medical spa in Toronto.

A Fat-Blasting Laser Treatment

I Tried It: CoolSculpting

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What to Know Before a Cosmetic Procedure

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5 Pro Tips for At-Home Hair Removal

Renée Reardin — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:38:51 +0000

DIY Waxing

Bummed about having to miss your monthly wax appointment? We get it. We reached out to Jessie Frampton, Co-Founder of Fuzz Wax Bar, for the lowdown on a DIW wax. There is a lot of technique involved to ensure the safety of your skin,” says Frampton. She recommends leaving it to the pros, but if you don’t want to wait, read on for her tips for the most successful, least irritating wax job possible.(Also, here’s how to shape your eyebrows at home.)

2. Prep the day before

First, read the instructions on your wax kit thoroughly before beginning, and if you have sensitive skin, expect redness and possibly skin irritations. Looking to wax the bikini area? The best option for down-there is to embrace your hair, says Frampton. Its a difficult area to wax yourself, so she suggests trimming the hair instead. But always make sure there is a comb in between your skin and the scissors, she warns.For the other areas you wish to wax, start by exfoliating the skin the day before, says Frampton. This will remove dead skin cells so the wax is able to grab onto the hair better for easy and successful removal. Just make sure to do so the day before as opposed to the day of because skin can be more sensitive after exfoliating, and waxing sensitive skin can lead to more irritations.Youll also want to do a patch test with the wax of your choice on your inner wrist. This ensures that the heat is okay on the area that youre waxing, and that you do not have any sensitivity to the wax itself, says Frampton.If youre new to waxing, try pre-waxed strips, like ones by Nair, which can be much easierthan hot wax to use.

3. Bathe before removing hair and note the direction of hair growth

Regardless of the body part or part of the face, always make sure you are removing hair on clean, freshly showered skin, says Frampton. After a warm shower, your skin will be prepped and ready to go.But before you warm up the wax, take a look at the area youre waxing to note the direction of the hair growth. This can help you avoid mistakes when applying the strips (and ripping them off), which can lead to painful results.(Learn how to prevent ingrown hairs.)

4. Keep skin taut and work in small sections

Skin bruises easily, says Frampton. The wax can get momentarily stuck if not pulled in the right direction, or with the right speed, and this can be not only be painful but overwhelming. She provides five steps for waxing:

Working in small sections, apply the wax/wax strips in the same direction the hair grows.
Keep skin taut when ripping off the stripwhich is especially important when removing hair on the face. This will help avoid bruising, lifting, or pinching the skin, says Frampton. This will also help prevent the hair from breaking, ensuring you’re ripping it out at the root.
Rip off the wax strip quickly and in the opposite direction of the hair growth, while staying close and parallel to the skin.
Immediately after removing the strip, use your fingers to apply pressure to the area for a few seconds to ease the pain.
Remove excess wax with a touch of oil (like coconut) or fragrance-free lotion.

5. Take precautions to prevent irritations and ingrown hairs

Avoid working out 24 hours after removal, and wear loose-fitting clothes after your hair is removed, says Frampton. This will help prevent skin irritations, like redness and hives. In between your waxes, moisturize, and exfoliate regularly. Choose a moisturizer thats fragrance-free to avoid irritation.Next, learn how to trim your hair at home.

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9 Expert Tips for Shaping Your Brows at Home

Renée Reardin — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 20:40:17 +0000

How to shape your brows at home

Those of us who grew up in the nineties know first-hand what can happen when people are left alone, at-home, with their tweezers for too long: a total eyebrow tragedy. And for that reason, many of us are fearful that this required break from our aesthetician will have us walking out of quarantine with one of two looks: brows la Gwen Stefani circa 96 or Sandy Cohen circa 03.So we reached out to Veronica Tran, eyebrow guru and founder of Torontos Pretty in the City, for tips on how to keep brows in shape at-home. Here, what to do and not to do.(Related: How to give yourself a spa-worthy at-home facial.)

1. Concentrate on the strays only

If your brows are starting to grow really low, tweeze the strays, says Tran. If you dont really have a lot of hair, or your eyebrows arent really growing in, just leave them. Removing the strays will help you maintain the shape of your brows, without the risk of thinning them out or accidentally changing the arch.Worried plucking only the strays wont be enough? Youll be fine. I find eyebrows grow faster when they have a lot of sunlight, says Tran, so when youre stuck indoors right now, theyre not going to grow as quickly.

2. Use tweezers for the safest hair removal possible

Tweezing is best to remove stray hairs, says Tran. She also recommends using a white pencil to create a guide for shaping brows. “Use it to draw a straight line from the bottom of the front of your brow to the arch, and from the arch to the tail, says Tran. Remove everything underneath that. Not sure where your arch is? Just make that bottom line parallel to the top of your brow, she says.(Also, here’s how to trim your hair at home.)

3. Have more hair to get rid of? Use wax stripsonly if youre experienced

If you have a lot of stray hairs, you can wax them off, as long as youre confident, says Tran. She suggests using pre-waxed strips, as theyre easy to use, if you cut them into smaller strips.Veet Wax Strips Sensitive Formula (20-pack), $9, walmart.ca

4. Careful not to pluck too much between the brows

Theres a trick to removing the hair between the brows: Draw a line from the centre of your nose, all the way upthats your centre point. If you want the brows to start closer, says Tran, then you can use that centre mark as a guideline to have them start evenly on both sides.(Related: How to touch up your roots at home.)

5. Dont pluck on top of the brows

When I do shaping, I remove hair from the top, says Tran, but most people have very fine hair at the top so I would just leave that for the professionals.”

6. Consider an eyebrow stencil

Tran says eyebrow stencils are a great way to get a good shape. Draw in the brows with a stencil and then tweeze around it, she says.Anastasia Beverly Hills, Classic Stencils (set of 5), $27, sephora.com(These other eyebrow products can also help you achieve perfect brows.)

7. Use the right tweezers

Tweezerman is really good, says Tran. She recommends a pair with a slanted tippointed tweezers are better for really fine hairs. When shopping for a pair, look for tweezers with a sharp slanted tip, not a rounded one, as the former will be more effective at grabbing hairs.Tweezerman Slant Tweezers, $27, amazon.ca

8. No trimming!

Do not try to trim your brows at home, says Tran. Leave the trimming to a professional. If they bother you, brush them to the side, and use a brow gel.

9. Use a growth serum

Right now, when youre not seeing many people, is a great time to let your brows grow in to achieve a fuller shape down the line. Use castor oilit helps with hair growth and to keep the hairs in place, says Tran. If castor oil doesn’t work, try Revitalash.RevitaLash RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner, $58, nordstrom.comNext, learn about the noninvasive eyebrow procedure that’ll give you perfect brows.

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4 Essential Steps to Take Before Getting Cosmetic Surgery

Dr. Stephen Mulholland — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 20:50:36 +0000

If youre considering cosmetic surgery, youre probably researching surgeons and procedures. Youre scrolling through before-and-after pics on cosmetic surgery websites and looking for solid information on what to expect in terms of procedure, recovery and outcome. Youve probably seen some lovely transformations, along with a few fearsome pics of surgeries gone wrong, which, by the way, are few and far between. They will add to your list of questions to ask, and thats probably my strongest recommendation: Inform yourself.Here are four essential steps to take as you plan for cosmetic surgery.

1. Start with credentials

In some provinces, physicians can call themselves cosmetic surgeons or plastic surgeons when, in fact, their training may not be up to the title. Check with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for a surgeons certification as a plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon (otolaryngology surgical training). Those who are certified as plastic surgeons have received training in general surgery and plastic surgery and passed a rigorous set of oral and written exams. The more training, the better.My associates at Toronto Plastic Surgeons and I trained as oncological head and neck surgeons, which means that we know facial anatomy and tissues exceptionally well. Be sure to seek out a specialist in the procedure you desire. If youre looking for a breast enhancement or tummy tuck, find a surgeon who does body procedures all day long.

2. Check the ratings

Sites like RealSelf, Yelp, RateMDs and Google+ provide patient reviews. A busy, experienced surgeon will have a lot of reviews, but, unfortunately, even surgeons who are consistently excellent will have a mediocre or bad review. Even if you choose an excellent surgeon, its still possible to have staff miscommunications or complications, though most are easily corrected, or a clinic that falls a little short on the service side. As anyone who has ever had their work publicly reviewed knows, there are those who sometimes give bad reviews for unfathomable reasons.

3. Be prepared

If I had a slogan, it might be Patient, know thy face! or even Be prepared. The closer you get to knowing what you want, the clearer well both be on what can be done for you. Go through photos of yourself over the past 10 years, noting what you liked then, what you like and dont like now and what youd like to change if possible. Bring them with you and lay them out. Sure, if theres a celebrity who has a feature you like, bring those pics, too, but you are you. You have beautiful, unique features of your own that Id much prefer to revitalize and enhance. (Plus, learn how to cultivate a healthy self-image.)We never really see ourselves as others do we have favourite angles or often only see what we dont like. While you talk to me, Ill look at you three-dimensionally, see the totality of your face and, since I dont know you, view you objectively. Well look in a mirror together so that you can point out whats bothering you. Then Ill show you what I can improve and how youll look after surgery.

4. Ask questions

From my point of view, the longer your list of questions, the better! Youll want to know everything about what can be done and, if you decide to go forward, what will happen during and after the procedure. Those before-and-after pics on cosmetic surgery websites are important because they show you the kinds of changes we can make and demonstrate what we consider to be good work. Ask to see additional before-and-after pics and have the surgeon or patient coordinator point out what each patient wanted, how their face had aged and what was done. Ask for all the post-procedure details, including how long before the swelling and bruising diminishes and when you can go back to work. As for complications, youll want to know what they might be, if your surgeon has ever experienced them and, if so, how they deal with them. (Psst: Here’s the truth about cosmetic procedure pain.)Having cosmetic surgery is a big, exciting, life-changing decision, and youve got to get it right. For more information on what questions to ask, check out my website at torontoplasticsurgeon.com.Dr. Stephen Mulhollandis a cosmetic plastic surgeon and founder ofSpaMedica, a full-service cosmetic surgery and medical spa in Toronto.Next, learn the best non-surgical options for body enhancement.

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Before Getting a Cosmetic Procedure, Know There’s No Miracle Treatment or Product

Dr. Stephen Mulholland — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 20:23:35 +0000

Going to a cosmetic surgeon, dermatologist or medispa isnt so simple anymore. Weve made many advances in non-surgical rejuvenation of the aging face, but the number of different approaches and technologies has proliferated wildly. While theres much more available to you than I can discuss in one column, I can certainly hit the high points, demystify facial treatments for you a little and share a few things Ive learned in my 20-plus years in the business.First, lets be clear: No one type of treatment is going to address all the ways your face is aging. Over time, your face deflates; you lose fat. It descends; muscle and tissues droop. And it deteriorates; pores enlarge and redness, brown spots and wrinkles develop. While whatever you choose to do will likely have an impact, theres no single non-surgical treatment or panacea that will turn back the clock. When you book a consultation, go in looking for a customized action plan that will address all of your concerns over time.

Where to start

Most people start with injectables and, from our point of view, theyre pretty much essential. There are muscle-relaxing neurotoxins, like Botox, that wrestle wrinkles into submission and dermal fillers, like Revanesse, Teosyal, Restylane and Juvderm, that fill deeper wrinkles, folds and furrows and restore some of the fullness lost. Though injectable manufacturers want you to ask for their brand by name, dont get hung up on that. Your physician will use the injectable he knows from his experience will get you the results you want. Theres no downtime after Botox, but fillers can cause a little swelling and, occasionally, bruising. You may want to take that into consideration.While injectables diminish lines and give you back some fullness, fractional radiofrequency (RF) and laser devices get you closer to the smooth, translucent skin of your youth, delivering energy to the skin and stimulating collagen and elastin growth. These lasers can help lessen discolouration, diminish brown spots, even out pigmentation, improve texture and soften wrinkles to some extent as well. (Psst: Check out theeveryday habits make your wrinkles worse.)Your physician or medical aesthetician will prescribe a series of facial treatments over a few months and youll see results progressively from the first treatment. Expect a little swelling, redness and downtime. There are a lot of RF and laser devices available to physicians and, as with injectables, they do very similar things, so dont get too hung up on brand names. That said, a few stand out. Fraxel, one of the early-generation fractional lasers for diminishing wrinkles and improving skin, is widely used. And youve likely heard of the Pico laser, with treatments known as the PicoFacial and PicoSure. The Pico was developed to remove tattoos, but its great for acne scars, wrinkles and overall skin rejuvenation. Photofacials combine a number of light wavelengths to eliminate damaged skin cells and give collagen production a boost, with less downtime than fractional lasers.RF energy heats the lowest levels of the skin to repair and regenerate from the inside out. Forma, a gentle treatment that uses RF energy, is great for subtly tightening the skin. There are fractional RF devices, like Fractora and Morpheus, that tighten skin as well.

Confused? The differences between the technologies can be hard to grasp.

Professionals who work with them every day will know whats going to work best for you. Ill repeat myself: Theres no miracle treatment or procedure, despite what clinics, which may have invested pretty heavily in a new procedure, may imply.The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facial, heavily marketed as the vampire facial, is sometimes touted by clinics as the answer. PRP adds growth factor from your own blood to skin on your face and has a nice additive effect when a fractional treatment is performed before the procedure, but its no panacea.Choose a physician or medispa that has a wide range of procedures and technologies available to help you get the results you want. Id love to tell you that one laser treatment or one round of injectables is all youll need but, alas, no. If youre going to embark on this journey, plan on regular, though not necessarily frequent, treatments over the course of a year.(Psst: Here’s how tocultivate a healthy self-image.)

With that said, is there one single thing that most women can do that will make a significant difference?

Yes, and it may surprise you. Nothing ages you more than the loss of volume in the periorbital area around the eyesthe tear troughs above the periorbital bone. Its the hollowing under the eyes more than, say, the smile lines youve developed on each side of your mouth that ages you most. Treating the periorbital area with a filler can make a huge difference.Dr. Stephen Mulholland is a cosmetic plastic surgeon and founder of SpaMedica, a full-service cosmetic surgery and medical spa in Toronto.

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Make Your Hands Look a Decade Younger

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Truth About Cosmetic Procedure Pain

Anti-Aging Treatments That Really Work

The post Before Getting a Cosmetic Procedure, Know There’s No Miracle Treatment or Product appeared first on Best Health.

The Best Face Moisturizers for Your Skin Type

Denise Mann, MS — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 22:06:54 +0000

Which moisturizer is best for your skin type?

Whether your skin is oily, overly dry, sensitive, acne-prone, all of the above, or even none of the above, choosing the best facial moisturizer for your complexion can make a big difference in the look and feel of your skin.A moisturizer’s main task is to hold water in the skin’s outermost layer. Many moisturizers contain some combination of humectants (such as glycerin, urea, and hyaluronic acid) to attract water; emollients (including lipids, ceramides, mineral oil, and lanolin) to soften skin, and occlusives (such as petroleum jelly and cocoa butter) to create a protective layer that locks the moisture in. Some formulas also have sunscreen or tinting agents. They can come as creams, lotions, gels, ointments, oils and/or serums, all available at drug stores, department stores, and doctors’ offices.When paired with the correct skin type, moisturizers can prevent and treat dry skin, protect sensitive skin, and possibly even improve skin texture and tone. Here’s how to find the right product for you. (Just be sure to avoid the ingredients that could be making you break out.)

Best moisturizer for normal skin

If you have normal skin, or skin that’s not too dry or oily, you’re in luck when it comes to finding a moisturizer. Almost any product can be used on your face, according to Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.Your skin is so easy to care for, that you can likely get away with borrowing your body moisturizer out of the shower, he says. Find out that’s”strong enough for your body, but gentle enough for your face.”Try: Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, $27, amazon.caPsst: See how dermatologists wake up with amazing skin.

Best moisturizer for oily skin

Here’s a beauty secret for women with oily skin: There may not be a “best” moisturizer for you, since “people with oily skin don’t always need or want to use a moisturizer,” says Cheryl M. Burgess, MD,medical director at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Washington, DC. (Check out the worst skin care advice dermatologists have ever heard.) “Oil traps moisture in your skin, while moisturizers replenish it.” If your typically oily complexion appears to be dry and flaky, the culprit may be your cleanser. “If you use a stripping cleanser, your oily skin may dry out and then you overcompensate with a moisturizer that is heavy, which leads to clogging of pores and acne,” she says. “It’s a vicious cycle.”Stripping ingredients that tend to over-dry oily skin often include alcohol and witch hazel. If you do want a moisturizer and have oily skin, try this: “Open the jar and turn it over. Does the moisturizer stay in the container? If so, it is too heavy for oily skin,” she says. Dr. Zeichner advises steering clear of facial moisturizers that contain petrolatum, which can be heavy and weigh you down. Instead, look for moisturizers that contain lightweight dimethicone.Try: EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer, $48, amazon.ca

Best moisturizer for combination skin

In classic combination skin, some areas are dry (i.e. your cheeks) and othersare oily (usually your forehead, nose and chin). In fact, these common culprits could be the cause of your oily skin. “It’s a challenge,” Dr. Zeichner says. “Using a heavy product will weigh down the oily areas, so err on the side of a light moisturizer,” he says. (Did you know that an essence can make your mositurizer and any other product more effective?)Try: Tata Harper Rebuilding Moisturizer, $140, geebeauty.com

Best moisturizer for dry skin

If you have dry skin, find a product that will solve your condition once and for all. “Look for super hydraters such as hyaluronic acid (HA), which acts like a sponge to draw hydration into the skin’s outer skin layer,” Dr. Zeichner says. HA is one of the hottest ingredients in skincare products today. “We stop producing HA at age 40, and it is considered a super humectant because it holds 100 times its weight in water,” addsMaritza I. Perez, MD, a dermatologist based inNew Canaan, Connecticut. “People with dry skin don’t have a good barrier function,” she says. “The skin’s barrier is tasked with protecting the skin from stressors, which is why many people with dry skin are more likely to have itchy and inflamed skin, which are hallmarks of atopic dermatitis.” (Have eczema? This cream is for you.)Try: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $163, amazon.ca

Best moisturizer for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, you should stick to products that contain ingredients such as oils, which are soothing and usually not irritating, Dr. Zeichner suggests.”Avoid any product with potential allergens, such as fragrances or dyes, as well as acids, which can irritate sensitive skin,” says Dr. Perez. (Check out the face oils your skin needs in cold weather.)Try: Skin Fix Barrier + Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, $67, sephora.com

Best moisturizer for acne-prone skin

Adult acne can be stubborn, annoying, and can make you feel embarrassed if you have it. “If you are acne-prone, consider a moisturizer that contains salicylic acid, which can help remove excess oil from the skin and exfoliate away dead cells,” says Dr. Zeichner. (Also, you probably want to know how to treat whiteheads.)Try:Aveeno Clear Complexion Moisturizer, $24, amazon.ca

Best moisturizer for mature skin

Skin tends to grow dryer with age due to decreased oil production and some hormonal changes. To the rescue: Oil-based moisturizers that contain petrolatum plus anti-aging ingredients such as antioxidants and alpha-hydroxy acids.Try:Exuviance Age Reverse HydarFirm, $70, amazon.caNext, check out the best exfoliator for your skin type.

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7 Body Parts You’re Not Washing the Right Way

Meghan Jones — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:15:28 +0000

Your scalp

Even if you regularly wash your hair, your scalp itself may not be getting fully clean, especially certain parts of it. “Sometimes scalp cleansing is inadequate,” says Dr. Prystowsky. “I see this in some people with thick hair who miss portions of the back of the head or get shampoo and or conditioner there but do not completely get it out.”So howshould you be washing your hair to ensure that your scalp gets squeaky clean? “It is important to separate the thick clumps of hair to be certain that the water is reaching and rinsing all of the products,” Dr. Prystowsky suggests. “Also, using the pads of your fingers to massage the scalp during hair cleansing (instead of using your nails) will help protect your scalp skin from irritation.”If you use lots of hair products, have especially thick hair, or are experiencing any scalp itchiness or irritation, take it a step further. “Get in the habit of using a scalp detoxifying shampoo at least once a month, and spend some time in the shower massaging it into your scalp to remove sticky product buildup, which can cause your scalp to itch and also hair to look less than clean,” saysAdam Perlman, MD, MPH, FACP, integrative health and well-being expert at Duke University.Psst: Check out the hairstyling mistakes that are damaging your mane.

Your face

There’s no shortage of fancy treatments, face scrubs, and masks available today. With their promise to purge your face of dead skin cells, they’ve become a commonplace part of many cleansing routines. Of course, trying them every once in a while is totally fine, but make sure that you’re not using them to excess. “One can become overzealous with products and can actually damage the skin on the face with too many powerful acids…by over-exfoliating,” warns Dr. Perlman. “Exfoliation is a treatment and does not need to be done every day.” (Try one of these cleansers that won’t strip your skin.)”Many people are under the mistaken impression that they have to exfoliate,” adds Janet Prystowsky, MD, PC, a Manhattan dermatologist. “The reality is that washing normally every day or two with your hands and mild cleanser like Dove and then drying off with a soft towel will remove your dead skin cells adequately. Your skin cells turn over regularly and naturally without scrubs.”Dr. Perlman also advises against relying on cleansing wipes to keep your face clean. “Cleansing wipes (whether for the body or face) are not an everyday wash,” he says. “They are meant for quick emergencies. Cleansing wipes will not do the same as a shower or proper face wash.“ Finally, no matter what you use to wash your face, make sure you’re rinsing it completely so that all of the soap or product is gone. Leftover soap buildup, especially under the chin, can cause acne breakouts. Check out the resolutions you should make to get your best skin ever this year.

Your ears

The most common use for Q-tips is for cleaning out the ears, which is problematic, since it’s not what they’re for. In fact, that can even be dangerous. “While we want to get the wax out of our ears, it is there for a reason and one should be very, very careful when using Q-tips,” advises Dr. Perlman. Using Q-tips actually pushes earwax further into your ear rather than removing it. This can cause earwax to build up against your eardrum, putting you at risk for hearing loss or a blocked ear canal. So how do you clean inside your ear? Well, you really shouldn’t have to. The interior of your ear actually cleans itself; the wax will drain out on its own, lubricating and protecting the inside of your ear.If you really want to clean your ears, Dr. Perlman recommends natural earwax removal drops.The exterior of your ear is a different story. Make sure you’re washing it regularly using gentle pressure and a soapy washcloth. Don’t forget to wash behind your ears either. They’re one of the body parts that most often go neglected by bathers.Learn another way you can safely and effectively clean your ears.

Your teeth

“People think brushing their teeth cleans their teeth. They’re wrong,” cautions Bill Dorfman, DDS, a celebrity cosmetic dentist. “Brushing their teeth is only half of what they really need to do. If you don’t also floss, you’re leaving the most detrimental bacteria in your mouth.” Dr. Dorfman warns that neglecting to floss allows the development of lactic acid, which eats away at your tooth enamel and causes cavities. He advises flossing just as often as you brush your teeth, at least twice a day.What’s more, Dr. Dorfman adds that many people aren’t even brushing the right way. “The best cleaning motion for a toothbrush is to angle your brush at a 45-degree angle into your tooth, right where your tooth meets your gum,” he suggests. “Do small circular motions there for about eight to ten seconds per area.” He adds that an electric toothbrush can also provide that motion. If you prefer manual toothbrushes, softer is better. Dr. Dorfman strongly advises against getting a manual toothbrush with a “hard” or “firm” setting, since these can permanently wear down the surface of your teeth and gums. “People think [a hard toothbrush] is better for you, but it’s actually worse,” he says.Check out what dentists wish you knew about teeth whitening.

Your hands

You’re probably washing your hands all , but you may not be washing them thoroughly enough to prevent the spread of germs. “People should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, lathering the palms of hands, the backs of hands, between fingers, and under fingernails, advises Debra Hagberg, MT, CIC, director of clinical affairs for PDI Healthcare, a leader in infection prevention products.(Psst: See what can happen if you don’t wash your hands.)Skimping on hand-washing can allow the spread of germs from person to person and cause yourself and others to become sick. Yet the majority of people still dont wash their hands as well as they should. According to a study performed by Michigan State University in 2013, only 5 percent of people out of 3,749 individuals observed in public restrooms performed hand-washing long enough to kill germs, reports Hagberg. Not washing long enough wasn’t the only negligent behavior the study found. About a third of the subjects didn’t use soap, and 10 percent didn’t wash at all. “The importance of hand hygiene in public health and global health cannot be understated,” Hagberg insists.

Your belly button

Never mind doing it wrongunless you have it pierced, you probably don’t wash your belly button at all. And that’s not good. A study by the Public Library of Science found that the belly button is the dirtiest part of the body, populated with a multitude of different bacteria. Due to its location and shape (especially if you have an “innie”), the water that runs across it when you shower is not enough to get it fully clean. Worse still, if you touch your belly button, you can spread those germs throughout the rest of your body and even contaminate other things you touch. Keep your navel clean by gently washing it with a cotton swab soaked in warm water and soap.Check out the skin-care ingredients you should use all over your body.

Your feet

Even though you may think your feet are getting clean when you’re in the shower, because all the water and soap from your body flows down onto them, that doesn’t constitute a thorough cleansing. After you shower, make sure your feet get a little TLC. Scrub them, especially the bottoms and sides, with a pumice stone at least every few days.Also, don’t forget to dry your feet out of the shower. “Common foot conditions, such as toenail fungus, Athlete’s foot fungus, and plantar warts, can be caused by excessive moisture,” warns Dr. Bruce Pinker, DPM, an associate at the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. “Although many individuals’ feet perspire excessively, often causing the aforementioned conditions, these foot ailments can also be caused by not drying one’s feet properly after bathing.”Dr. Pinker suggests that you thoroughly towel off your feet, including between your toes, after every shower. “This action takes only a few seconds, and it is essential to reducing unnecessary moisture in feet.”Next, check out these homemade foot scrubs, perfect for pampering your feet.

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