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Neck Wrinkles and Sagging Treatment Options

 

Neck lines, sagging and wrinkles are a normal part of aging. They are caused in part by skin losing elasticity and being exposed to UV light over time. You may also notice premature wrinkles because of repeatedly looking down at the phone, smoking, or not using sunscreen. So, you probably are not giving your neck the attention it needs. Because the skin on our neck is thin and sees quite a bit of sun, it can often show signs of aging sooner than other parts of the body.

The Causes of Neck Sagging

The dermis, the layer that contains collagen, is very thin, making it more prone to aging than other parts of the body. A lack of sunscreen application would also contribute to this.  Also, use of our cell phone addictions are not helping the cause.

What are my Options?

  • Products – Look for products designed specifically to fight signs of aging, look for ones with retinol and peptides as well as hyaluronic acid, which plumps and hydrates skin. They will help to firm sagging skin over time. This may not be a good option for everyone based on the skin age.
  • Neck Wrinkle Pads – These pads prevent & eliminate neck wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging, phone scrolling and texting. They also improve elasticity for smoother, younger & uplifted skin. You can find them on Amazon. Please read the reviews and make decisions based on other people experiences.
  • Adjust Your Diet and Drink a lot of Water – It is important that you provide your skin with the vitamins, minerals, and moisture it needs to function properly. These nutrients can, and should, be supplied from the outside in the form of creams and serums. But more importantly, they should also be supplied from the inside through your diet. You need to get enough vitamin C, E, and A in the foods you eat. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of these, and other vitamins, so be sure to consume them every day. A piece of fruit with breakfast, a salad with lunch, and steamed or raw veggies with dinner is a great way to give your body what it needs.
  • Exercise Your Neck – Regular neck exercise can also help treat existing neck wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. When your muscles are tighter, they pull on the skin the covers them. This can result in a tightening of sagging skin and a smoothing of neck wrinkles. One of the simplest neck exercises is to sit in a chair and tilt your head up toward the ceiling. Pucker your lips like you are trying to give someone a kiss. Then, stick out your tongue and try to touch your chin. You should feel the muscles and skin of neck tighten as you do this. Hold for a count of five and then return to a normal position. Start with 2 sets of 5 reps and work up from there.
  • Plastic Surgery – While these treatments can be very effective at reducing neck wrinkles, they can be costly with weeks of downtime. There are many good surgeons that do a great job.
  • Botox and Fillers – They can work similarly on the neck, helping reduce the appearance of vertical banding by relaxing the platysma muscle. They work for mild to moderate banding. In most cases, results can last from 6-12 months before a refresher treatment is needed.
  • Laser Treatment – This could be a good choice for skin rejuvenation that provides immediate results. It can be combined with peel and other lasers with more noticeable results. Suggest using Picoway laser technology and Yag plus medical grade peel with better results.
  • PDO Treatment – The PDO thread neck lift offers patients a non-surgical solution to help eliminate various age-related changes like sagging neck skin and an undefined jawline. Side effects are minimal but may include swelling and bruising that lasts 2-3 days, and patients can continue with normal activities immediately after. The thread last about 4+ months.
  • Micro-Needling – Using Profound Minco-Needling is a great option. It is an innovative, non-invasive technology that combines the power of radiofrequency energy and micro-needling to tighten and tone skin at the deepest dermis level. In addition to heating and tightening the dermis, Profound triggers the production of three vital building blocks for younger-looking skin: collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. On most cases, you will only need one treatment and results can be seen in few short weeks.

So, which option is best for me?

During initial free consultation, we examine the patient skin to customize a package based on skin condition, skin color and tone while considering cost. Book your initial appointment here >>>

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$12,800 Stimulus Payments

 

Time and money are running out. Federal unemployment benefits are expiring in less than a month while many people are suffering from this uncertainty. Our president is trying to quickly to pass a stimulus package that offers the financial help he believes struggling families need during the pandemic.

The proposal includes stimulus checks, as well as an expanded Child Tax Credit. With these two sources of financial relief, a family of four could get as much as $12,800 in stimulus money, depending on income and the children’s ages.

Where would the funds come from?

Stimulus checks. These are $1,400 per adult and eligible dependent including adult dependents. For a family of four, these payments would provide $5,600. This money would be delivered in a lump sum via direct deposit into your bank account, or via check or debit card. Expect it around mid-March or early April.

Expanded child tax credits: These would be worth $3,600 per child under the age of six, and $3,000 for older children up to the age of 17. A family with two children under the age of six would thus be entitled to an additional $7,200 on top of the stimulus check. Half of the year’s credit could be delivered in July, and the rest would be delivered monthly.

Who would be eligible for the stimulus money?

The $12,800 number is specifically the amount of money that could be available to a family of four people with two children under six. But if you are single, or have more or fewer children, you should be entitled to stimulus money and/or Child Tax Credits as well. You can figure out how much you would receive by assuming a $1,400 stimulus check for each person in your family and a $3,000 payment for each child over 6, or $3,600 payment for each child under that age.

There are income limits under the proposal

You are eligible for the full amount of stimulus money with an income up to $75,000 as a single filer, $112,500 as head of household, or $150,000 as a married joint filer. You are eligible for a partial payment with income up to $100,000 as a single filer, $150,000 as a head of household, or $200,000 as a married joint filer. Above those numbers, you receive no payment.

You are eligible for the full Child Tax Credit with an income up to $75,000, or $150,000 for married joint filers, after which eligibility phases out (ending at a maximum income level that has not yet been reported).

Well, we are not quite there yet. We still must wait until Congress turns the current stimulus proposal into law.

To learn more, Click here >>>

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Cause Of Hair Loss

Cause Of Hair Loss

Understanding The Causes of Hair Loss

Hair fall affects many people and can impact both appearance and confidence. They are understanding the causes of hair loss is important to finding the proper treatment. Genetics, hormonal changes, and medical conditions often contribute to hair thinning or baldness. Identifying these causes early can make a big difference in managing and treating the issue. One potential solution for many is hair restoration without surgery, which offers a non-invasive approach to regaining hair. By addressing the root causes of hair fall, individuals can explore effective treatments and restore their hair’s health and volume.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Understanding what are the causes of hair loss is essential for effectively addressing the issue.

Hormonal Changes and Hair Loss

Hormonal fluctuations are an important contributor to Growth loss. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid issues are common causes of hair loss in women. These shifts can disrupt the natural growth cycle, leading to thinning or shedding. Similarly, causes of hair loss in males often include hormonal factors, particularly those related to testosterone levels.

Hereditary Hair Loss

Genetics is another major factor. Hereditary hair loss often leads to conditions like female-pattern baldness and male-pattern baldness. In men, this usually presents as a receding line or bald spots on the crown, highlighting what are the causes of hair loss in males. Women might experience diffuse thinning across the scalp, making hereditary hair fall a shared concern across genders.

Hair Thinning and Significant Permanent Baldness

ongoing hair thinning can lead into significant permanent baldness if not addressed early. This is particularly true for those with a family history of hereditary hair fall, including causes of hair loss in males. Recognizing the hair thinning and loss causes early allows for timely action.

Baldness Due to Specific Conditions

Some individuals experience baldness linked explicitly to causes of female hair loss baldness. These can include issues in the body’s defense system, stress, or nutrient deficiencies, especially affecting women, leading to fall that can become permanent without treatment. Similarly, causes of hair fall in males may also involve specific health conditions that necessitate targeted treatment.

Hair loss due to stress

Stress can significantly affect the health of your hair. When you’re stressed, it can throw off your hair’s natural growth cycle, leading to noticeable thinning or even bald spots. The positive aspect is that this kind of loss is usually not permanent. By managing stress, you can help your growth stay strong and reduce the effects of stress.
causes of sudden hair loss

Causes of Sudden Hair Loss

causes of sudden hair loss
Sudden hair loss can be alarming, and several factors might be responsible. It includes stress, significant medical conditions, and hormonal changes. For some, sudden loss of hair causes may be related to an autoimmune response, where the immune system mistakenly attacks follicles, leading to patchy hair fall.
Age also plays a role in health, with hair loss age often affecting individuals as they grow older. Another concern is whether the amount of growth shed daily is normal.
Lose hair due to weight loss is another common issue. Rapid weight loss can stress the body, leading to increased shedding. Addressing these triggers, especially as age increases, can help manage and prevent further fall.

What Are the Medical Conditions and Deficiencies Leading to Hair Loss

Various hair loss conditions and hair loss diseases can lead to thinning or baldness. Alopecia areata is a condition, where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Another condition, frontal fibrosing alopecia, often causes of growth loss in women, leading to a receding hairline.

What vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?

Nutritional deficiencies are another significant factor. What vitamin deficiency causes hair loss? Deficiencies in vitamins like D and iron can weaken growth and cause increased shedding. Addressing these hair loss deficiencies through diet or supplements can promote healthier hair.
Medical conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders can also contribute to growth loss. Can diabetes cause hair loss? Yes, it can, as diabetes affects circulation, impacting growth.

External Factors that Causes Hair Loss

external factors that causes hair loss
Several external factors Cause hair loss. Frequent curling irons and harsh styles can damage over time, leading to breakage and thinning. Scalp infections are another concern, as they can damage the follicles, making it harder for hair to grow back healthy.
External factors can significantly impact your hair health. Everyday elements like environmental factors can weaken your growth over time, leading to hair loss. Additionally, certain hair loss medications and drug treatments can unintentionally cause your growth to thin or fall out. Being aware of these external influences allows you to proactively protect your hair and keep it healthy.
external factors that causes hair loss

How I Stop My Hair Loss: Tips for Prevention

Stopping hair fall requires a proactive approach. Here’s what worked for me to stop my hair loss:
  • Protect Your Scalp from Sun Exposure: Sun protection is essential to prevent damage to your scalp and hair.
  • Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair, which can cause further thinning.
  • Consider Non-Surgical Hair Restoration: Consider hair restoration without surgery as a preventive measure. This non-invasive approach can help stimulate hair growth and prevent further loss.
  • Know How to Stop Hair Loss Early: Knowing how to stop hair loss early can also help you maintain a receding hairline and prevent thinning hair.

FAQs

Here are some responses to frequently asked questions about growth loss:
Does creatine cause hair loss?
While creatine is widely used for muscle building, limited evidence suggests it directly causes hair fall. Some believe it may affect hormones, but more research is needed to confirm any solid connection.
Does lack of sleep cause hair loss?
A lack of sleep can significantly stress the body, which lead to increased hair shedding. When your body is under stress, it can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, resulting in more noticeable loss.
Can lack of vitamin D cause hair loss?
Vitamin D plays a vital role in growth health, a deficiency in this nutrient can contribute to thinning hair. Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels is important for maintaining strong and healthy growth.
Does stress cause hair loss?
Yes, stress can have a major impact on your hair. It disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, causing more hairs to enter the shedding phase.
Does dandruff cause hair loss?
While dandruff doesn’t directly cause hair loss, the itching and scratching associated with it can damage the follicles.
Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?
Hair loss deficiency can be linked to several vitamins. vitamin D, B12, and iron Deficiencies is particularly common and can contribute to hair loss.
What is a lot of hair loss?
It’s typical to lose around 50-100 hairs each day. However, if you notice more significant shedding, it could indicate an underlying issue. If you’re concerned, it may be worth consulting a specialist to understand the cause.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes of hair fall is a key to finding the best solutions. Whether due to medical conditions, deficiencies, or external factors, addressing these causes can help manage and prevent loss. Consider exploring hair restoration without surgery at Spade Skin Care for a non-invasive option for regrowth. Consulting with a specialist at Spade Skin Care can help you determine the best course of action for your growth health
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Butt Treatment Options

 

Over time, it’s natural for your butt to lose some of its fullness, shape or color. Your butt may start to sag or look less shapely as the result of weight fluctuations, aging, and gravity itself. This is not a medical condition that you need to be concerned about. But some people begin to feel self-conscious about their butt looking “flat” or less perky than it used to appear.

So, What are my options?

Injectable Butt Lifts – Injectable butt lifts use fat transfers or dermal fillers to enhance the shape of your butt, making it appear round and curvy. This procedure is considered safe as long as they’re performed by a licensed and experienced provider. Side effects can include moderate pain in your buttocks and infection. If you undergo a Brazilian butt lift, it is considered surgical, and the risks and side effects are more serious. This procedure may be more convenient than a butt implant procedure, with less downtime for recovery and lower risk of serious complications. The average cost of an injectable butt lift depends on the type of treatment you choose. One using dermal fillers such as Sculptra will cost between $5,000 and $7,000. A Brazilian butt lift costs more, starting at $10,000.

Exercise – If you want to avoid plastic surgery, exercise is always a good choice. You should target the gluteus maximus muscles. The stair master, elliptical machine, lunges with weights, dead lifts, and squats. Many yoga poses can also increase the size of your butt. You can even exercise your butt while sitting in your chair right now by flexing or pinching your butt. Exercise is not an overnight fix, however. A life-long dedication to a buttock work-out routine is essential to creating and maintaining bigger buttocks.

Buttock implants – Most patients do not have significant fat pockets for fat transfer. For these patients, there is another great option for permanent buttock augmentation–buttock implants. Buttock implants are safe and are FDA approved. Buttock implants have been used for years to enhance people’s derrières permanently. Contrary to saline breast implants, buttock implants do not leak. Unless one is having problems, buttock implants do not need to be changed. The buttock implant procedure takes about two hours to perform. The Brazilian butt lift is best performed under general anesthesia. Usually, the buttock implant incision is placed at the top of the buttock cleft or crack and measures about 4cm. Recovery time is about two weeks.

Profound Radiofrequency Micro-needling – It is a new, advanced procedure that is capable not only of tightening the patient’s skin, but can also dramatically increase volume, plumpness, and elasticity in the treatment area. For these reasons, when applied to the face, Profound Radiofrequency Micro-needling is occasionally referred to as the non-surgical facelift. It can be used to tone and tighten the buttocks, the procedure is sometimes referred to as a “non-surgical butt lift”. Despite only taking about an hour or so to administer, the Profound butt lift provides an impressive roster of benefits. The Profound butt lift can lift and tighten the skin on the buttocks, eliminate loose, saggy skin, add plumpness and volume, reduce the appearance of cellulite, and improve appearance of stretch marks including cellulite.

Butt Acne – Acne can be uncomfortable no matter where it forms on your body. And unfortunately, your butt is not immune to those troublesome red bumps. Butt acne is a little bit different from facial acne, both in what causes it and how it is treated. When acne forms on the butt, it is because of folliculitis. Folliculitis is usually caused when the Staphylococcus aureus, or staph bacteria, infects a hair follicle. The best remedy is Yag laser treatment combined with medical grade peel. You may also use whitening or bleaching products to get rid of dark spots.

Butt Dark spots – This is a big problem on butt. Anyone, at whatever age can get dark buttocks. Unlike skin on the other parts of the body, skin in the butt area is usually rough and if neglected during baths slowly becomes darkened. A combination of laser, medical grade peel, whitening products plus Picoway laser are the best options.

Book an Appointment – Conveniently schedule your free initial consultation with our trained and professional healthcare providers and take the first step toward looking and feeling great. Click Here >>>

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The Basics of Healthy Eating

 

Losing weight is not as easy and I have been trying for years to stay fit. Well, I have had my ups and downs. Here are few tips to maintain your weight. You should eat a wide range of foods to make sure you are getting a balanced diet and your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs. It is recommended that men have around 2,500 calories a day and women should have around 2,000 calories a day. Most people consume more calories than they should.

Few ideas for you:

Consume food with higher fiber.

Starchy carbohydrates should make up just over a third of the food you eat. They include potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, and cereals. Choose higher fiber or wholegrain types, such as wholewheat pasta, brown rice, or potatoes with their skins on. They contain more fiber than white or refined starchy carbohydrates and can help you feel full for longer. Try to include at least 1 starchy food with each main meal.

More fruit and vegetable

It is recommended to eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and veg every day. They can be fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or juiced. You may want to chop a banana over your breakfast cereal or swap your usual mid-morning snack for a piece of fresh fruit. A 150ml glass of fruit juice, vegetable juice or smoothie also counts as 1 portion.

Eat more fish, including a portion of oily fish.

Fish is a good source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. Aim to eat at least 2 portions of fish a week, including at least 1 portion of oily fish. Oily fish are high in omega-3 fats, which may help prevent heart disease. You can choose from fresh, frozen and canned, but remember that canned and smoked fish can be high in salt.

Cut down on saturated fat and sugar

You need some fat in your diet, but it is important to pay attention to the amount and type of fat you are eating. There are 2 main types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Too much saturated fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases your risk of developing heart disease. On average, men should have no more than 30g of saturated fat a day. On average, women should have no more than 20g of saturated fat a day.

Regularly consuming foods and drinks high in sugar increases your risk of obesity and tooth decay. Sugary foods and drinks are often high in energy, and if consumed too often can contribute to weight gain. They can also cause tooth decay, especially if eaten between meals. Free sugars are any sugars added to foods or drinks, or found naturally in honey, syrups and unsweetened fruit juices and smoothies.

Eat less salt: no more than 6g a day for adult

Eating too much salt can raise your blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke. Even if you do not add salt to your food, you may still be eating too much. About three-quarters of the salt you eat is already in the food when you buy it, such as breakfast cereals, soups, breads, and sauces. Use food labels to help you cut down. More than 1.5g of salt per 100g means the food is high in salt.

Get active and be a healthy weight

Regular exercise may help reduce your risk of getting serious health conditions. It is also important for your overall health and wellbeing. Being overweight or obese can lead to health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease and stroke. Being underweight could also affect your health.

Do not get thirsty

You need to drink plenty of fluids to stop you getting dehydrated. The government recommends drinking 6 to 8 glasses every day. This is in addition to the fluid you get from the food you eat. All non-alcoholic drinks count, but water, lower fat milk and lower sugar drinks, including tea and coffee, are healthier choices.

Do not skip breakfast

A healthy breakfast high in fiber and low in fat, sugar and salt can form part of a balanced diet and can help you get the nutrients you need for good health. A wholegrain lower sugar cereal with semi-skimmed milk and fruit sliced over the top is a tasty and healthier breakfast.

Conculsion – Book an appointment with one of our train provider to prepare a plan for you. Click here to book >>>

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Acne and Acne Scar Treatment Options

 

Acne will eventually diminish but not the acne scars. They are a bit tougher to remove, however there are ways to remove these unpleasant scars.

Acne scars are created when skin tissue is damaged. Doing things like picking at and popping pimples can damage your skin and cause scarring. But even if you are careful with your skin, scars can still develop. Severe blemishes are more likely to scar. Some people are just very prone to scarring with even minor blemishes leaving scars. There are few options to consider:

Medical Grade Peel

It is used to improve the appearance of the skin. It is an effective treatment to improve several skin conditions and issues including acne, uneven skin texture, uneven tone, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, sagging skin, age and sunspots, enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation. The side effects could be Redness, scabbing and swelling.

Topical Retinoids

Topical retinoids only work on dark marks. Pitted or depressed scars need more than just topical creams. The side effects are Dryness and irritation, Skin color changes, Sensitivity to sunlight, Redness, swelling, crusting, or blistering.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments come in two forms: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers resurface the skin by removing outer layers. Non-ablative lasers create changes in the dermis without causing damage to the skin’s surface. The most common ablative lasers used to treat acne scars are the carbon dioxide, Picoway and erbium-YAG lasers. These lasers burn skin tissue in a controlled manner to a specific depth. The usual result is that “new” skin is smoother, atrophic scars are reduced in-depth, and the overall look of scarring is softened. Non-ablative lasers tighten the skin and stimulate new collagen formation. They can be done quickly with no down time. The side effects could be hypopigmentation, or the loss of skin color, is a possible side effect of laser treatment, especially in darker skin tones. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you are a good candidate for laser treatment.

Punch Techniques

Punch techniques including punch excision, punch elevation, and punch grafting are used to treat ice pick scars and other depressed scars. A small punch tool, which is often described as a tiny, circular cookie cutter, is used to cut the scar from the skin. After the scar is excised, the skin is sutured closed. The side effects are bleeding or bruising, tenderness, pain, infection, problems with the wound healing.

Subcutaneous Incision

It is used to treat rolling acne scars, as well as some depressed acne scars. It is a simple surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. A needle or small scalpel is inserted to run parallel to the skin’s surface. The instrument cuts the bands of tissue that tether the skin to deeper structures. It is painful, invasive, costly, and potential future skin condition.

Microdermabrasion

It is performed under local anesthesia. A rapidly rotating wire brush abrades the top layers of the skin. After healing, the look of scars has softened, and pitted scars are reduced in depth. The side effects are Uneven changes in skin color (temporary or permanent), Formation of a scar, Swelling, Infection, darkening of the skin (usually temporary but may be permanent); this is caused by sun exposure in the days and months following the procedure.

Dermal Fillers

Another treatment option for depressed acne scars is the use of dermal fillers. A filler substance is injected into the acne scar, elevating the base of the scar so it is more even with the skin’s surface. Results are not permanent, so treatment will need to be repeated after few months

Steroid Treatments

Steroid treatments are often used for raised hypertrophic and keloid scars. Steroids may be injected directly into the scar tissue, causing the tissue to shrink or flatten, softening the scar tissue and improving the overall appearance. It is painful, causes swelling with potential skin discoloration.

Conclusion

It’s important to be realistic and understand that most scars can’t be completely erased. But much improvement can be achieved with the right treatment or combination of treatments. After treating thousands of patients, we have developed a protocol to treat both acne and acne scars that are effective. During the initial consultation, we can examine the condition and customize a package for you. Click here to make your initial appointment >>> 

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Difference Between Hydrating and Moisturizing

 

What, exactly, is hydration and is it the same as moisture?

The Basic – Hydration is the absorption of moisture from the air and then infusing your cells with water to improve your skin’s ability to absorb moisture and nutrients. Moisturizing is about trapping and locking in the moisture to build your skin’s natural protective barrier.

With so many different products claiming to give you the hydrated skin you need. How do you choose one that actually gives your skin the potent dose of moisture it needs?

Hydrator and moisturizer are marketing terms and can be defined by the brands. There’s no gold standard for what defines a hydrator and a moisturizer, for the most part, brands use these terms to differentiate how your skin gets the moisture it needs.

Water plays a central role in making sure your skin stays healthy, smooth, and radiant. What many of us may not realize is that although they are often used interchangeably, moisturizing and hydration are not exactly the same thing. While both are key in providing skin with much-needed nourishment, knowing the difference will help you make the best choice when targeting your skin’s specific needs.

Difference Between Hydrating and Moisturizing

Moisturizers and hydrators both address the importance of making sure the skin is getting all the water it needs to fight dryness and dehydration, premature signs of aging and environmental damage. The difference, however, lies mostly in how they go about achieving these results.

Hydration refers to the water content within the cells that leads them to swell and be plump and bouncy, thus reflecting light well. If water flows out of the cells and the cells are dehydrated, they can become shriveled, which leads to lackluster skin. This means that when you are using a topical hydrator, you are infusing your cells with water and improving your skin’s ability to absorb moisture and nutrients. On the other hand, moisturizing is about trapping and sealing in moisture to build the skin’s protective barrier, prevent water loss and keep the skin soft and smooth.

How to Know If You Need a Hydrator, Moisturizer or Both

If your skin tends to be on the dry side, it is easy to assume that a healthy dose of moisturizer is all it takes to restore its plump appearance and youthful glow. While this may be true at times, it is also possible that your skin may not, in fact, be dry but dehydrated. And if the latter is true, then a hydrator is what you need to get the job done.

Which is best for your skin type?

There are a ton of different products on the market, from balms to oils to creams, gels to ointments to hydrators — but the truth is, most of them do the same thing. Most skin lotions and products will contain both occlusive and emollient ingredients and humectant ingredients — so they moisturize and hydrate at the same time. The form that a product takes, gel, balm, oil, cream, etc., does not really affect the performance of the product. It is the ingredients that matter. The form just affects the experience of applying the ingredients. That being said, read the ingredients and experiment. Sometimes your skin might do better with only a moisturizer or hydrator, not both. By learning exactly how your skin likes to drink, you maximize your way to hydrated skin.

So, What is the next step?

Schedule a skin analysis consultation with one of our trained professional to customize a package that is right for your skin type and condition. Click here to book>>>

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Compromised immune systems and Covid Vaccine

 

Drug makers are trying to find ways to protect the millions of people who can’t use vaccines. Is it doable and what is the cost?

For these people, vaccines will not be effective, because they are incapable of making their own antibodies to neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Instead, pharmaceutical companies around the world are racing to develop alternative treatments that bypass the immune system altogether.

While the exact number of the immunocompromised worldwide is unknown, estimates suggest that about 10 million live in the U.S. alone, or around 3 percent of the national population. The number encompasses a diverse range of vulnerabilities, including rare genetic immune deficiencies, chronic illnesses that impair the immune system such as rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer and organ-transplant patients who must take immune-suppressing medications.

You often find that patients who have had bone marrow transplants end up getting terrible flu and other infections, which they can’t clear without additional help. It was these heavily immune-suppressed populations who did very badly during the first wave of COVID-19.

While many scientists are excited about the potential of monoclonal antibodies to address gaps in the world’s vaccination programs, questions remain. The coming months will tell us whether these treatments are sufficiently cost-effective to be used on a large scale, if they can really provide adequate protection for months at a time, and whether using monoclonal antibodies may inadvertently do more harm than good.

In the past, the only means of protecting immunocompromised people during viral outbreaks was a product called intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIG. Taken from the blood plasma of healthy donors, infusions of IVIG are one way of supplying patients with natural antibodies against a broad range of infections most people are commonly exposed to. But supplies are limited, and IVIG is expensive, with a single patient’s cost sometimes reaching up to $30,000 a year. It also provides protection for only three weeks at a time, as the antibody concentrations in the product slowly wane, and it isn’t guaranteed to work against any specific virus.

Because of the time it takes to make a finished product, monoclonal antibodies were long considered impractical against viruses. Over the past decade, they have been most commonly used as treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

The U.S. government has so far committed to making 1.5 million doses ordered from Regeneron free for patients, regardless of whether they have health insurance. Currently this batch is being used as treatments for non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19, though future supplies could be used as passive immunizations pending regulatory approval. In addition, a donation strategy will be put in place specifically for lower- and middle-income countries, in conjunction with their manufacturing partner.

“For most of 2020, the majority of the population was immunologically naïve to this virus, and thus the virus was freely circulating among vulnerable individuals, including the immunocompromised individuals,” says Ali Ellebedy, assistant professor of pathology and immunology at Washington University School of Medicine. In the immunocompromised, the virus can keep replicating—and thus mutating—in the same person for weeks, providing what Ellebedy calls the “perfect platform” for new variants to emerge. In theory, protecting more of these vulnerable people can thus limit the virus’s chances of spawning new variants.

For the scientists leading the PROVENT trial, much depends on the coming months and whether monoclonal antibodies can be shown to provide long-lasting protection in vulnerable populations. If so, they feel this will open doors for monoclonal antibodies protecting more immunocompromised patients as part of standard medical care.

If we want to control this virus and get back into normal life, then being able to protect everybody, so we don’t have ongoing transmission in subgroups of the population, is important.

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Ways to Get a Raise

 

After working 40 years in corporate world and now running my own business, I do not believe women are given the same opportunities as men when it comes to expectations and salary increases. A report from staffing firm Randstad US revealed that 60% of women say they have never negotiated with an employer on compensation. In December alone, women lost a total of 156,000 jobs, while men gained 16,000 jobs, according to the National Women’s Law Center. And, of the net 9.8 million jobs lost since February 2020, women have accounted for 55% of them.

My advice is that you need to be upfront with your immediate manager and do not be afraid of highlighting your accomplishments. On most cases, they may be too busy with work. Here is a list of strategy to present your case.

When should you have this conversation

Prepare a high-level discussion topics on your values and accomplishments and present it to him on a monthly basis. Discuss your increased responsibilities and seek advice on how to better yourself. One of the topics should be your compensation. Do not keep your manager in dark and begin to develop a reputation for being essentials.

Highlight values and results   

You must be able to effectively communicate the positive impact on the company bottom line. Find out your manager challenges and align your message to these challenges. If your position does not directly drive new profit for the business, you can still show the impact through personnel management. Before presenting your materials, share it with few and get feedback on its effectiveness. Include the feedback in the presentation.

Anticipate objections and adjust your strategy

The financial impact of the coronavirus means that even the most deserving employees may have to wait a little longer for a salary bump. If your supervisor says that a raise is not possible this year, ask for other forms of compensation and recognition in the form of benefits. Ask for a more advanced title, a larger workspace (if you are not working remotely), or more vacation time, or consider looking into stock options. Engage your manager about what resources the company might be open to offering.

If unbale to get the increase, aim for a promotion

You might deliver a perfect summary of your accomplishments, a complete picture of how you have affected the company’s bottom line, and only request a title change. One of the best ways to get through these periods is to look forward. Stop trying to boost the salary of your current role and commit to achieving a promotion in the future. Many promotions do come with raises, after all.

Do not assume that a promotion is earned through long hours on the job or decades of experience. If you want to be promoted, consider how your new role would have a positive effect on the company. Let your manager know you have an interest in taking on more responsibility and initiate a conversation with them to understand how you should focus your efforts.

Gather opinions from several of your colleagues and managers and mentors, rather than relying on the perspective of just one person. You can use the information you uncover to create a “road map” for your personal skill development. This should include a list of people who can give you an honest assessment of yourself and your role in the business, and help you chart the course for a well-deserved promotion.

Be ready to walk

If all fails, be prepared to move on. Sharpen your interview skills, search the job market to find a suitable position, investigate the company before applying. The hiring managers would be impressed about your knowledge of the company.

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Calf Slimming Treatment

 

The importance of legs is huge in how people see your appearance. Many patients are unhappy with how their lower legs look because of bulky calves. These patients want slimmer legs and to get rid of the bulkiness. This can be treated with an injection of Xeomin, Dysport or Botox which will help with reducing the bulk and muscle. It is able to sculpt and define the muscles into a more desirable, slimmer form. When it is injected into the calf, the muscles will shrink due to lack of use. It causes the injected muscles to go to rest and leads to the muscles reduction without the need for any invasive surgery. The result is a smoother and slimmer look.

Any restriction? 

This procedure doesn’t restrict calf function, and all regular activities can be resumed after the injection. There is no down-time and the whole treatment is painless and quick. In addition, it leaves no scars, reduces the overall prominence of the calf muscle and is a non-invasive procedure.

Function of calf muscle

There are two muscles that make up the calf; the gastrocnemius and the soleus. Both muscles are located at the back of the leg, with the gastrocnemius on top and the soleus on bottom. Through multiple means, the gastrocnemius can become enlarged and makes the entire leg look hard and interrupts the smooth line of the leg. For this reason, many people look to calf reduction methods to get this smooth line back.

Treatment

Using a series of syringes, 50-100 units of Xeomin, Dysport or Botox, per leg, will be carefully injected evenly through the calf muscles. The gastrocnemius muscle is the most superficial calf muscle that is responsible for bulkiness and definition of the calf. This procedure can often be performed in under an hour but typically requires at least 2-3 treatment sessions to see noticeable results. Maintenance treatments are also necessary to see continued effects.

Is it Safe?

While the procedure is safe if done correctly and if it is administered by an experienced and licensed healthcare providers, it carries the risk of affecting mobility if done incorrectly.

Advantages Calf reduction – Gives a balanced, more feminine contour of the calves, quick procedure, proven results, non-invasive, a low-risk procedure and FDA-approved

Limitation – Possible temporary side effects such as redness, pain, and discomfort at the treated area; revisits are required to maintain results; some patients with large and trained muscles may need more than 2 treatments within a month to get a more significant result.

How do I get started – Click here to make your initial consultation appointment >>>