Beauty Treatments

My Top Nine Blog Posts in 2019

Happy New Year! Thank you to all my loyal and new followers!

I love you!

It’s been a hectic year. Stretching my product knowledge from Aesthetic Medicine to Alternative Medicine. Working hand and hand we are learning about ways to ease pain after surgery, help treat skin conditions and gain a better understanding of overall wellness.

As a look back, I though it would be fun to share with you my Top 9 Blog Posts for 2019. So here you go….

Filling Eye Hollows continues to be my  #1 Blog post year after year.  Despite all the times I’ve had mine filled, I’ve never been totally happy with my results. It’s very frustrating!! Despite going to some the best in aesthetic medicine.  Maybe  2020 will be my year for great filler results!! 

  1. Filling Eye Hollows- the Risks Part 1

  2. Filling Eye Hollows- Part 2

  3.  Sublative Laser Rejuvenation : What To Expect

  4. 10 Cosmetic Treatments You Should Not Do

  5. Plastic Surgeons Lure Patients on IG

  6. Thermage- Skin Tightening without Surgery- Five Months Later

  7. My Favorite Cannabis Products

  8. Let Talk Boob Talk Podcast Recap

  9. Bathing in Hemp

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10 Cosmetic Treatments You Should Not Do

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may make a commission.

You want to look your very best!!

‘Tis the Holliday season. Dinner with friends and family, holiday parties, weddings and special dates.  You’ve bought your dress, shoes, accessories, scheduled your hair and make-up.

You look into the mirror feeling you need a little perk. I know that feeling all too well!!  I’ll wake up one morning thinking I must get some fillers, botox and a facial stat! I’ll look at my calendar and try to plan. If I’ve had a dental cleaning or any dental work, I’ll wait three weeks before any fillers. I don’t want to get a  Biofilm infection.

There is a menu of services and specials at every medical spa, dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s practice during the holidays. It’s very tempting. 

Plan!! Schedule these treatments allowing yourself the proper time for healing or any adjustments. You don’t want to look bruised, swollen or red before your event. Since I am a bruiser, I’ll  schedule my treatments 3 or 4 weeks before any event because sometimes my bruising  lasts 10 days. But, there are times I want a quick fix and this maynot be the wisest decision. If you can’t get in to see your favorite dermatologist, esthetician or injector, my advice is to schedule after your event. I wouldn’t suggest going on Instagram and choosing  a doctor you’ve never meet before. This is not the time to experiment. f you do bruise there are many makeup tips to help cover your bruising or redness. Ask your  doctor or injector about zapping the injection sites with laser. You can usually see bruises  pop out quite quickly. I always get zapped before I leave the office and sometimes have to go back a few days later.  

My favorite cover-up  is from Colorscience. It helps to cover bruising, uneven tone and redness.

Colorescience Mineral Makeup Palette, Beauty On the Go, 5 Neutralizing Makeup Shades

Schedule these treatments at least two weeks before your event

  1. Botox– you may bruise, need a tweak or develop a droopy eye which is very rare but a reality.
  2. Laser– depending on the type and depth you could be red, swollen, itchy, and peeling. One treatment may not give you the results you are seeking.
  3. Mico-needling – you may look red, and slightly swollen. This usually resolves quickly unless its a combination of laser and micro-needling.
  4. Don’t change your skincare routine or introduce new products. Start 6-8 weeks before an event on the off chance you may get a reaction.
  5. Stop any Retin-A treatments a week before you are planning a trip or event so you are not red and peeling.
  6. Lip Fillers- Swelling, bruising and soreness is very common. You may be swollen for 7 days and you really will not see the final result for two weeks. Juvederm swells more than Resytlane.
  7. Filling your eye hollows or tear throughs. This can be very tricky. Bruising and swelling is very likely. There is a chance you could be  overfilled or underfilled. Tweaking this area is common.
  8. Facial Fillers – Two to three weeks in advance. You may bruise, and have swelling. Plus if you need any adjustments you will have time. This includes Juvederm, Volumna, Restylane, Radiesse and Sculptra. Hyaluronic acid fillers (HA) like Juvederm swell. 
  9. Hand rejuvenation with fillers. Your hand will be swollen and may feel hard for several days.
  10. Looking to rid of brown spots with IPL? Chances you will need to have several treatments. Those ugly brown spots turn dark brown before they go away. 

Most importantly always consult a board certified plastic surgeon, dermatologist or a certified aesthetic nurse.

Be Beautiful Not Botched!™

Love,
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Here’s to Beautiful Skin!! Top 30 List

Looking for the best anti-aging skin care products?

I first wrote this post in 2009- 10 year ago.  As we approach the holidays and winter, I thought this is a perfect time to update my list and add some cautionary tips.

Since buying skincare products is very confusing let’s first look at how to read skincare product labels to ensure that you are buying effectively.

  1. Read to to the end. The first 5 ingredients are the bulk of the formula. However low-levels can also be effective, but don’t expect much
  2. Watch out for alcohol listed as one of the first three ingredients – buy another product
  3. Some of the ingredients have long names which refer to their chemical structure
  4. Most brands add additional ingredients for the uniqueness of the brand, that does not mean it is more or less effective

Look for these ingredients when buying anti-aging skin care products. You can find many of these ingredients on your dermatologist and plastic surgeon’s shelf.

You can also find many of these ingredients in OTC products sold in Sephora or on websites like The Dermstore.

Keep in mind that many OTC products have some of these ingredients- however strengths differ.  Professional skincare products sold through aesthetic practices usually contain higher strengths of some of these ingredients especially Retinol.

Look for clinical trials

Here’s is my updated list of 30 good healthy skin ingredients. 

  1. Retinol- Vitamin A and Tretinoin (prescription)  best anti-aging ingredient
    Also available Retinol in none-prescription strength
  2. Vitamin C ester- the most stable form of Vitamin C Anti-oxidant
  3. Cerimides- seal in moisture
  4. Collagen- benefits your hair, skin and nails
  5. L-Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate – also Vitamin C
  6. Tacapherol and Tootrienol AKA Vitamin E- helps fight wrinkles and fines lines
  7. Alpha lipoic acid-superior anti-oxidant reduces the sign of aging
  8. Ferulic acid- antioxidant and anti-aging
  9. Hyaluronic acid-hydration. It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water
  10. Vitamin K- helps with dark circles under the eyes
  11. Squalane- hydration
  12. Jojoba oil- rich in Vitamin E, zinc and B-vitamins
  13. Vitamin F– linoleum acid – Omega rich for heath  looking skin
  14. Kojic Acid-brightens and is an anti-oxidant
  15. Niacinimide– brightening and hydrating
  16. Mandelic Acid– exfoliating sensitive skin
  17. Marula Oil– good for dry skin, anti-microbial
  18. Lactic Acid-caution it can be drying
  19. Coenzyme -Q-10– powerfull anti-oxidant and boosts collagen
  20. Kinetin- reduces signs of aging and uneven pigment
  21. Glycolic and other alpha and beta hydroxy acids-powerful exfoliants to boost collagen and elastin
  22. Argirelene, GHK, and cooper peptides-antibacterial and anti-infammatory
  23. DMAE– this ingredient is banned in Canada- anti-aging and fine lines
  24. Idebenone, thiotaine and other anti-oxidants- improves fine lines and wrinkles and prevents cell damage
  25. Peptides- are short chains of amino acids that are building blocks of proteins for texture, strength and resilience
  26. Green Tea– anti-aging
  27. Resveratrol- powerful anti-oxidant
  28. Waglerin-1 a peptide found in Temple Viper- helps fight against sagging
  29. Growth Factors- help to maintain height skin structure and function
  30. Plant Stem Cells-help to renew your skin

Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, 1.12 Oz  Skinceuticals Retinol 1 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream, 1 Fluid Ounce  SkinCeuticals Ce Ferulic Bottle, 1 oz.

And watch out for product containing Parabens, Sulfates, Artificial Dyes, and  too many acids with vitamin C.

To Beautiful Skin!!!

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may make a commission.

 

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