Skincare

Published Jan 11, 2021

Does your dark upper lip bother you? Well, the first thing you should know is that it is usually should not be a cause for concern. However, discoloration of the upper lip can be embarrassing for some.

If you have an awkward dark upper lip, here are some awesome, proven, and tested natural ways you can try to lighten them.

What Causes Dark Upper Lips?

The most common cause of lip discoloration is hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation happens when there is excessive production of melanin – the pigment responsible for one’s skin color. (e.g., tanning of skin when exposed to sunlight.) While it is harmless, it is sometimes an indicator of another medical condition. Here are the causes of hyperpigmentation:

• Pregnancy: Due to hormone level changes, pregnant women are prone to hyperpigmentation. 
• Medications: Several drugs can cause hyperpigmentation, such as cytotoxic agents, analgesics, anticoagulants, antimicrobials, antiretrovirals, and many more. 
• Smoking: Exposure to nicotine can result in lip discoloration. 
• Sun exposure: Exposure to sunlight stimulates the melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which then stimulates the melanin to produce to protect your skin from UV light.  
• Medical Condition: Some diseases can make your lips look pale and dark such as Anemia. 

How To Lighten Dark Lips Naturally

Citrus Fruit

Grab an orange or lemon, or whatever citrusy fruit you may find at home, and then rub its juicy part all over your lips. Leave it until the next morning, then rinse it with cool water. Wait until you see your desired result. Study says that citrus fruits have a substance that can inhibit the production of melanin. 

Turmeric 

Turmeric is famous for its ability to treat several skin problems. That being said, it is also a powerful tool in lightening dark areas of the body as it can inhibit the formation of melanin. Before bedtime, mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with three tablespoons of lime juice until it forms into a thick paste. Apply it over your lips and rinse the next morning with lukewarm water. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is popular in the cosmetic industry. It has been used by many as an effective moisturizer in the face and body. But, unknown to many, aloe vera can also be used in treating dark lips. Aloe vera has skin lightening properties called aloin and aloesin, which are proven to have promising results in inhibiting melanin formation. 

Apple Cider Vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps in lightening pigmentation. But before applying it, make sure you mix it with water first to avoid the unwanted and undesirable result. 

Published Jan 11, 2021

If you’re looking to get rid of dark circles and puffiness around your eyes, then yes, PRP injections are effective. But unlike facial fillers, you may have to wait for months before you will see significant results.

As its name suggests, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection does not use chemicals or toxic substances. Instead, it uses the blood plasma that your body produces to tighten skin and bring back its natural glow.

The process involves taking a small amount of your blood and putting it in a centrifuge. The machine’s spinning motion separates the plasma and platelets from the red blood cells. This concentration of plasma and platelets are then injected into your skin.

Aside from being all-natural, PRP injection is also more economical than other treatments. For one, it requires minimal after-care in most cases. Secondly, most people only need 2 to 3 PRP sessions to achieve that fresh, glowing and younger-looking eyes.

How PRP Injections Work

As we get older, our skin slowly loses its elasticity and the ability to heal itself causing it to sag and wrinkle. Unhealthy habits, pollution, stress, and poor diet can also dry out the skin and accelerate the aging process. All these triggers the formation of dark circles and puffy “bags” under the eyes.

By infusing blood PRP directly into the skin, you’re giving it the ability to regenerate and heal itself. The PRP contains certain growth factors, proteins, and stem cells necessary for tissue rejuvenation, especially under the eyes.

Because of it’s regenerating properties, PRP had been used for many years by medical professionals to treat wounds. It’s also used to promote hair growth, reduce acne and surgical scars, stretch marks and skin pigmentations.

Published Dec 28, 2020

Whenever we see posters of models with seemingly perfect skin, we usually assumed it’s photoshopped. And most of the time, it probably is. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have that radiant glowing skin without resorting to computer magic.

So, how can you get glowing skin naturally?

First off, you need to remember that all good things take a while. That includes achieving that perfect, dewy glow. There is no skincare treatment or routine that can transform your skin dramatically overnight. Skincare should be a habit. It needs to be repeated day in and day out to get the best results.

That’s why instead of offering you tips, we’re listing the habits you should practice to get that perfect radiance. Here are some of them:

1. Remove Your Makeup Before Bed

You’re probably already aware that sleeping with makeup on is bad news for the skin. The powders in your make-up can clog the pores. When combined with dirt, oil, and bacteria, it’s a recipe for disaster. Clogged pores tend to get inflamed which leads to acne breakouts along with a host of other skin problems.

Make sure to choose non-comedogenic makeup removers to avoid clogging your pores even further. If you don’t have a makeup remover, you can just dab some honey in a cotton pad and wipe away. Honey has antibacterial properties and leaves your skin soft and supple.

2. Cleanse Daily

We cannot emphasize the importance of daily cleansing to maintain clear skin. In fact, dermatologists recommend you should wash your face at least once a day. But if you can manage it, washing your face in the morning and evening would be a lot better. Just like with makeup removers, make sure to use non-comedogenic face wash. If you don’t have one, the classic soap and water will do too. But just remember that soap tends to sap the skin of natural oils so use it sparingly.

3. Moisturize

Facial wash and cleansers may remove the bacteria and dirt from your face. But it also strips your skin of natural oils. Continuous use can leave your skin dry and flaky. This is why you need to moisturize.

Note that different skin types require different kinds of moisturizers. Determine your skin type first before choosing a moisturizer. Also, if you live in an area with four seasons, you can’t use the same moisturizer in summer like that in winter. The skin tends to produce less oil during winter making it a lot drier. So you’ll need a thicker moisturizer than usual.

4. Exfoliate

You already know that our skin’s surface is usually littered with dirt and bacteria. But what many people don’t know is that it also has a layer of dead skin cells thrown into the mix. Our skin regularly sheds skin that accumulates at the top layer. When these dead skin cells get trapped in your pores along with oil and bacteria, it can lead to acne.

Thus, exfoliation should be a part of your skincare routine. You don’t have to do it every day though or you’ll scrub your skin raw. Doing it once a week should suffice. You can also opt for cosmetic procedures like microdermabrasion. Exfoliation also allows serums and skincare treatments to better penetrate the skin.

Published Dec 14, 2020

Using microdermabrasion for stretch marks is a relatively new practice. But it has already proven to be very effective in terms of reducing a stretch mark’s appearance.

Before microdermabrasion became a thing, stretch mark treatments usually consist of topical creams. Though some may also opt for pricier options like cosmetic surgery and laser therapy. Unfortunately, not all of us can afford them. So it’s no wonder why microdermabrasion became a popular alternative.

You may think that stretch marks are only common among pregnant women. But according to research, it is also prevalent among teenagers with up to 86% of them getting it.

Stretch marks aren’t that much of a health concern as it is an aesthetic one. But it can do a number on your self-confidence. Most people who have it tend to be more self-conscious, socially isolated, and have body image issues.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

There are a lot of reasons why people get stretchmarks. But in a nutshell, stretch marks happen when our skin stretches or sinks quickly. Our skin might be elastic but it has its limits. The sudden change causes the collagen and elastin supporting our skin to break apart. As the skin heals, stretch marks appear.

Though stretch marks are pretty common, the risk of getting one is increased during:

• Pregnancy. Baby bumps tend to stretch the skin to its limits thus creating stretch marks. It’s estimated that over 50% to 90% of women get stretch marks during and after pregnancy.
• Puberty. Growth spurts during puberty also cause the skin to stretch in such a short period of time leading to stretch marks.
• Bouts with certain diseases. If you are battling illnesses like Marfan and Cushing syndrome, that might be the reason behind your stretchmarks. Marfan syndrome reduces the skin’s elasticity making it prone to breakage. While Cushing syndrome encourages the production of growth hormones causing rapid growth in just a short timespan.
• Rapid weight gain. Gaining a lot of weight in just a short period of time also causes the skin to stretch to its limit.

Corticosteroid use. Corticosteroid creams and lotions, when used for extended periods can reduce our skin’s collagen level. With lesser collagen, our skin becomes more prone to stretch marks.

Published Dec 14, 2020

Rhinoplasty cost tends to vary widely across the country. The same is also true in Florida. A rhinoplasty procedure in the sunshine state can cost anywhere from $3,000 to as much as $9,000. But it could be even higher since a nose job usually comes with other related costs.

Aside from the direct costs, you also need to consider the lost wages. Recovery time for rhinoplasty can take days to a few weeks at most. Since post-surgery bruises can extend up to the eyes (often resulting in “panda eyes”), you obviously can’t go to work. At least until the bruising is over. If you don’t have paid time off, this can lead to lost wages.

Many plastic surgeons accept credit cards or offer in-house financing. So if you’re planning to undergo rhinoplasty but haven’t got the money yet, ask your surgeon what financing options are available to you.

Factors Affecting Rhinoplasty Cost

As mentioned, the cost for a nose job in Florida can vary widely due to factors such as:

The Complexity of the Procedure

Like any cosmetic surgery, the more complicated the procedure is, the more expensive it will be.

Remember that rhinoplasty is done for many different reasons. Some go through it because of health concerns. The most common of which is to correct a deviated septum and allow them to breathe more freely. While others do it for aesthetic reasons reducing the nasal tips or elevating the nasal bridge.

Depending on your desired results, the procedures can range from trimming the nostrils to a controlled breaking of the nose. The more complicated the procedure is, the higher the surgeon fee will be.

Facility Fees

If the surgeon doesn’t own the clinic or if they’re their practice in a hospital, they’ll usually charge facility fees. This usually ranges from a few hundred to a thousand dollars.

Anesthesia

Obviously, going through an invasive procedure like rhinoplasty requires anesthesia. Just like facility fees, payment for anesthesiologist can be up to a couple thousand dollars.

The Surgeon’s Reputation

As they say, you get what you pay for. So if you’ll opt for a renowned cosmetic surgeon, you must be prepared to pay the price. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average surgeon fee for rhinoplasty is $5,350. But for really famous surgeons, you could be paying way more than that.

Published Nov 23, 2020

If you’re thinking of going through microneedling, it’s but natural to want to know what results to expect. After all, this procedure is relatively new. So it’s benefits and side effects are not yet that well-known.

Fear not. Microneedling is generally considered very safe. It works on all skin types and very few adverse side effects have been reported. Plus, it requires no downtime. Meaning, you can go back to your usual activities right after the procedure.

Aside from being safe, microneedling also rose to popularity because it delivers on its promise. A clinical review published in 2017 reported that most patients were satisfied with their microneedling results. It was able to address their varying dermatological concerns such as acne scars and hyperpigmentation.

If you’re still on the fence about it, here’s what you need to know about microneedling including what results to expect.

What is Microneedling?

As its name suggests, microneedling uses very small needles to create very tiny punctures in your skin. These punctures help boost your skin’s wound-healing response which, in turn, leads to healthier skin.

You see, when you are wounded, your skin works overtime to produce collagen to close up that wound. If you’re not familiar with the term, collagen is a type of protein that helps your blood clot. It’s also responsible for providing structure to your skin. The latter is what makes microneedling effective.

With excessive collagen production, your skin structure is slowly rebuilt. All the dips and marks are slowly filled-up. So with constant prickling, the scars will even out and your skin will become much more supple and youthful-looking.

Published Nov 16, 2020

Acne is commonly associated with puberty and often seen as a right of passage into adulthood. I mean, if you haven’t experienced a breakout at least once in your teens to your 20’s, then you are one of the luckiest creatures on this planet. But for some of us, the battle with acne continues right into our 30’s.

Yes, contrary to popular belief, acne doesn’t end in puberty. In fact, it’s very much possible to not have acne in your teens then experience the worst breakouts in your 30’s. According to a 2012 study, more than 45% of women aged 21 to 30 still suffer from acne. The same is also true for 26% of women aged 31 to 40 and some 12% of women aged 41 to 50.

If you’re a part of these statistics, then we understand your frustration. Having acne can be difficult as a teenager but it’s even more so as an adult. In your teenage years, almost everyone has acne. So people are more forgiving. But if you still have acne at 30, you’re bound to get some comments about it.

No worries. Adult acne might be difficult to deal with but it’s very much possible to get rid of. Read on to find out how.

Why Do You Still Have Acne Breakouts in Your 30s?

Acne breakouts, no matter your age, is usually caused by one or a combination of factors. But for adult acne, the most common culprits include:

Hormones

Most of us think that the raging hormones of our teenage years will finally settle down in our 30’s. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for everyone.

Some women, especially those with fluctuating hormones, are bound to suffer from acne well into their 30’s and even up to their 50’s. Women are especially prone to hormonal changes during pregnancy and even after it. Certain birth control methods can also wreak havoc on a woman’s hormones leading to acne breakouts.

Stress

Our 30’s are usually defined by demanding work schedules, financial woes, and familial pressures. This is why, in the US alone, more than 70% of people aged 30 to 59 years old reported that they often feel stressed.

Though stress can’t directly cause acne, it can trigger a breakout and worsen your current acne problems. When you’re stressed, your acne-causing hormones increases. This prompts your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. When the dirt and bacteria trapped in your pores mix with that oil, it causes inflammation which leads to acne.

Published Nov 16, 2020

For people with acne-prone skin, choosing a facial moisturizer is a nerve-wracking process. Making the wrong choice could mean an acne breakout of epic proportions.

You see, acne-prone skin is very sensitive. If you belong to this skin type, then you probably know that your skin is more prone to inflammation than most people. You also have strong reactions to dyes, fragrances, and many other types of chemicals. So one wrong ingredient in your moisturizer can set your skin on fire.

Unfortunately, most facial moisturizer brands on the market nowadays are laden with fragrances and harsh chemicals. This makes choosing a suitable one all the more difficult.

To help you out, we’ve scoured the web for recommendations on the best facial moisturizers for acne-prone skin. And we’re listing the most recommended ones here. But before that, let’s refresh our knowledge of acne.

What Causes Acne?

Acne happens when dirt and bacteria get trapped in your pores and clogs it. The oil that your skin naturally secretes can’t get out into the surface because of the clogging. So it mixes in with the dirt and bacteria. This harmful combination causes your pores to get inflamed which then leads to (you guessed it) an acne breakout.

This is why people with oily skin are much more prone to acne. But that doesn’t mean people with dry skin are immune to it. Dirt and bacteria can still irritate their pores and cause infection.

Genes, unhygienic practices, stress, and harsh skincare routine all contribute to acne breakouts. They make your skin too oily or too dry and your pores too sensitive.

Can Acne-Prone Skin Benefit From Moisturizers?

Contrary to popular belief, acne-prone skin needs moisturizers too. Remember that facial moisturizers keep the skin hydrated. It maintains the moisture level in your skin and keeps it from drying out. A well-moisturized skin is much more tolerant of harsh chemicals, sun damage, and infections among others. This, in turn, helps prevent acne.

Even if you have oily skin, you’ll still benefit from a moisturizer. In fact, your skin might be overproducing natural oils to compensate for the dryness. And if you’re using harsh chemicals to get rid of the oiliness, using a facial moisturizer can help counter its drying effects.

Published November 9, 2020

It might come as a surprise to you but the beauty products you’re using right now might be laden with clay. Yes, you read it right. Ever since humans discovered the benefits of clay on the skin, it has been a staple in our cosmetics. From masks to make-up, all use clay or clay minerals as an ingredient. There are many different kinds of cosmetic clay but for this post, we’ll focus on kaolin clay.

So what is kaolin clay?

Named after a place in China where it was originally mined, kaolin clay was traditionally used for pottery. It’s rich in kaolinite, a silicate mineral formed by the decomposition of feldspar. In its purest form, kaolin clay is bright white in color. Though some may appear in a variety of colors depending on what other minerals are in it.

Because of its color and soft, fine texture, kaolin clay is used in a wide range of applications. Aside from cosmetics, it’s also used in medicine and sometimes even applied to wounds to stop the bleeding.

Unlike other cosmetic clays, kaolin does not swell. Meaning, it does not soak up impurities like a sponge. Rather, it holds them on the surface like a magnet. This makes them ideal for deep cleansing as it does not clog your pores.

If you’re still unsure about using kaolin clay, here are ten reasons why you should:

1. It Works For All Skin Types

If you have sensitive skin, kaolin clay is perfect for you. Thanks to its light and very soft texture, it cleanses your skin without drying it out. That’s why it works for all skin types but is especially effective for sensitive skin.

2. It’s Milder Than Most Cosmetic Clays

Some cosmetic clays may be effective at drawing out impurities from your skin, but it also strips the skin of its natural moisture. This leaves it dry and lifeless. But since kaolin has the lowest pH level, it is milder than most cosmetic clays. So it does not irritate your skin. It’s so mild it can even be used as an all-natural alternative to baby powder.

3. It’s An Excellent Exfoliator

Since kaolin is light and soft, it’s an excellent exfoliator particularly if you have sensitive skin. It gently sloughs off dead skin cells without causing painful abrasions.

4. It Detoxifies Your Skin

It’s common knowledge that our pores are home to billions of bacteria, dead skin cells, and toxins. Combine it with sebum that your pores naturally produce and you have a recipe for disaster.

Like most mineral clays, kaolin draws out these impurities and detoxifies your skin. Think of it like a magnet that sucks out all those dirt from inside your pores. This leaves your skin refreshed and your pores as clean as it should be.

Published Oct 26, 2020

Each woman has her reason why she wants to undergo a breast reduction procedure. But it is generally prescribed for women who are suffering from health issues due to large heavy breasts.

Just like any surgical procedure, scarring is inevitable in breast reduction surgeries. No matter the expertise of your plastic surgeon, it’s impossible to have surgery without leaving any form of scarring. But that doesn’t mean you’ll have to live with a breast reduction scar for the rest of your life.

Thanks to technology, it is now possible to have a breast reduction surgery with minimal scars. And the expertise of your surgeon plays a crucial role in that. That’s why we cannot stress the importance of choosing a trusted and board-certified plastic surgeon.

Why Does Scarring Happen?

Scars are part of our body’s natural instinct to heal itself. In large deep wounds like surgical incisions, the damage usually extends to the inner layer of our skin (the dermis). This prompts the body to produce more collagen fibers to repair the damage.

These collagen fibers will form a new tissue which will differ in appearance from the surrounding tissues, resulting in a scar.

If your body produces too much collagen, you’ll most likely end up with a raised scar (keloid). This type of scar is also common in young people with a darker complexion.

But most of the time, breast reduction scars can appear sunken and pitted. This happens when the fat and tissues supporting the skin are lost as is most usually the case with breast reduction surgeries.

Types of Breast Reduction Scars

The type and size of the breast reduction scar depend on the type of surgical technique used. The two most common type of breast reduction scars are:

Lollipop Scar

As its name suggests, this type of scar is shape like a lollipop. The shorter-scar technique in breast reduction surgeries creates this type of scar.

The surgeon creates an incision around the border of your areolas. Then a vertical incision is made below your areolas running right down to the crease under your breasts. Once the incisions are made, the excess fat, tissues, and skin are then removed before the surgeon closes it back again. The resulting scar has a round top with a vertical line under it, hence the name.

Since the incisions are minimal, the scars are less noticeable. They are also contained in areas of your breast that can easily be hidden with a swimsuit.

This type of technique is usually performed on women who want to go down a single cup size.

Anchor Scar

The anchor scar is a result of the larger-scar technique. Unlike the shorter-scar technique, this requires three incisions:

• around your areola
• a vertical one running from the bottom of your areola down to your breast crease
• a horizontal or slightly curved one along the lines of your breast crease

The resulting scar, as you can imagine, is shaped like an anchor – hence the name.

Larger-scar techniques are generally reserved for women with sagging or asymmetrical breasts. It’s also more suitable if you want to go several cup sizes down.

But like the lollipop scar, this can easily be hidden even with skimpy clothing.