Tag: care

As the leaves turn their vibrant colors this fall, we are all reminded to take pause to appreciate nature’s glory—and to prepare for its ugly side. Unfortunately, although the cold months of winter are filled with fun like the holidays, hot chocolate, and warm days in front of the fire, they’re are also the perfect time for many viruses to make their moves.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the timing of the official influenza (flu) season can vary, but it usually begins in October with peak incidence lasting all the way into February, although it sometimes goes through May.

Ever wondered why more instances of the flu seem to occur in the winter?There is a reason. Contracting the flu is more common during the fall and winter months as the seasons change and people tend to spend more time in close proximity indoors. With less fresh air, less sunshine, and a lot more exposure to germs, people in general are more susceptible to the flu.

Studies also show the influenza virus itself is more likely to survive and spread in dry, cold climates as opposed to warm climates. It’s not enough that we’re all freezing cold…apparently we all have to be sick too.

Honestly, the flu is no fun for anyone, but it seems like an inevitable part of life in the dreary months of winter.

Here are some ways you can help fight off the flu this year.

1. Just do it.

No one likes shots, and there are a lot of people who claim the flu shot doesn’t even work, so why bother getting poked? I’m a nurse and I confess that even I am afraid of shots. So trust me, I get it. And although it’s true that there are many different strains of the flu, it’s also true that the flu vaccine is your best bet to stay protected and to avoid spreading the flu to people who are at very high risk, like infants, the elderly, and anyone who is immunocompromised.

So just do it. You can get a vaccine from your primary care provider, stop in pretty much any local store with a pharmacy (such as Walmart or CVS), or use the CDC’s Flu Vaccine Finder (just enter your zip code) to find a vaccine provider near you. Don’t forget to schedule one for everyone in your family who is age 6 months or older.

2. Air it out.

Am I saying you need to start finally saying yes to all those essential oil parties and pyramid schemes? No, but using essential oils may actually help ward off the flu. One study found that On Guard—which contains a blend of wild orange peel, clove bud, cinnamon leaf, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus leaf, and rosemary leaf and flower essential oils—actually helps kill the influenza virus.

Influenza does travel in the air and lives on surfaces, so using a diffuser in your home or workplace might help the flu get the message to move on. This could be especially helpful if you have young kids who may not be the best at washing their hands or are spending time at school and daycare and bringing lots of germs home with them.

3. Get sudsy.

It’s simple and effective, so be sure to wash your hands more frequently. Perhaps more importantly, if you have kids, make sure they’re sudsing up regularly, too. Trust me on this one—kids are gross. And truth be told, a lot of adults are too. The point is, studies prove that washing your hands with plain soap and water is more effective than using hand sanitizer to kill off viruses. If you’re experiencing dry hands from all your beefed up hand-washing, try sleeping overnight with lotion or Vaseline on gloved hands. You’ll wake up with baby smooth hands, promise.

4. Ask for help.

There are antiviral medications available that can help fight the flu, but the CDC currently recommends that only individuals who are most at risk from the complications of the flu—such as immunocompromised people, children under age 2, adults over age 65, or pregnant women—see their doctors for an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu.

5. Supplement wisely.

With vitamin D, that is. Not only does vitamin D help boost our immune systems, especially in the winter when we aren’t exposed as much to sunshine, but one study found it might be especially effective against influenza. Most adults can take around 600 IU of vitamin D as a supplement, but talk to your doctor about how much you should take.

And lastly, if you feel like you may be coming down with the flu and are experiencing any symptoms such as fatigue, achy joints, fever, and a runny nose, the CDC recommends that you give yourself a sick day. Too much people push through when they are sick. That’s a bad idea not only because it makes it harder for your own body to get better, it also spreads the virus around and gets more people sick.

Just say no to pushing through when you’re sick. Instead, stay home and catch up on This Is Us. Don’t forget the tissues (for obvious reasons).

Aging is the one thing that literally none of us have any control over whatsoever. We’re all going to get old. That’s a fact of life. And yet for many women, the prospect of aging is absolutely terrifying.
Of course, women don’t want to find the fountain of youth and achieve immortality (well, not all women). Their real concern is the mere appearance of aging, and consumers are willing to pay big dollars to hide the fact that they, too, are vulnerable to the effects of biology.

How much exactly? Well, let’s just say there’s a reason the global anti-aging industry is estimated to be worth $191.7 billion by 2019.
You don’t have to be familiar with that number to know that makeup companies have cottoned onto something big. Have you seen the price of a good concealer these days?
[pullquote align=”center”]“The most important thing for yourself is to buy what’s good for your skin and health, and not buy into the idea that you’re anything but beautiful at whatever age you are.”
—Steph Elkington[/pullquote]
Makeup artist Steph Elkington knows a thing or two about the industry. She’s worked in it for five years, and she knows all too well the tricks used by major makeup companies to keep women invested in products.
“I think that aging is undoubtedly the greatest marketing tool there is as people want to maintain their health, which is linked to youth,” she says. “And youth is linked to being attractive by most standards.”

It’s a depressing reality, but it’s unavoidable. As women pour more and more of their paychecks into the beauty industry, there’s one question that few of us are actually addressing: Does any of this anti-aging stuff actually work?
According to Elkington, yes—but there’s more to it than that.
“Anti-aging products can and do work but I think there’s such an influx of them all the time that it’s hard to know what works and what’s just a fad,” she says.
So what does work? And more importantly, what should we be avoiding?
When it comes to makeup mistakes that age you, there are five common mistakes that most women are guilty of. Hint: It’s got nothing to do with how you apply your eyeliner.

Mistake 1: Not Investing in Skincare

Even expert-level makeup application is useless without the proper canvas—your skin. It’s our body’s largest organ, and it often reflects externally what’s going on internally—or at least, it can give that impression. Ever wonder why especially pale women get asked if they’re sick all the time? Exactly.

Makeup can be used to express yourself, but it can also be used to conceal. And this is where the problem can lie. Covering dull, dry skin with a thick layer of foundation is only a bandage solution, and it’s not going to make you look any more radiant in the long-run. You can’t mask dehydration with highlighter, no matter how dewy.
The best way to let that inner light shine? Turn it on, of course! Fuel your body with whole, healthy foods, include plenty of healthy fats. As if we needed an excuse to eat more avocado.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, either. Forget what you might have heard about eight cups a day. The Mayo Clinic recommends women have around 11.5 cups of water every day for optimum health. Trust us, your skin will thank you.

Developing a skincare regimen that best suits your skin is another important step to not only being a proper adult, but achieving some seriously great skin days.
“The most important thing for your skin and maintaining your skin as anyone of any age is to understand what it needs, what skin type you are and find a few products that take care of it,” says Elkington. “Visit a dermatologist and get advice! Always wear sunscreen!”

Mistake 2: Relying on Built-in SPF

Yes, your mother was right about sunscreen. Not only does sun exposure increase your risk of cancer, but it causes some nasty damage to your skin. Hello, wrinkles!

Think the SPF in your BB creme is enough to protect you? Wrong. Products like moisturizers (both tinted and un-tinted) and BB or CC cremes often come with an inbuilt SPF factor, but they’re not nearly as effective as applying actual sunscreen.
But why? Well, think about how you apply sunscreen at the beach. You more than likely slather it on and reapply it after a few hours (and if you aren’t reapplying, you should be). But do you apply your beauty products this way? No. Chances are, you apply one pea-sized amount of SPF-containing product to your entire face in the morning.
Not only are you applying less actual product to your skin, but that SPF factor has worn off after a few hours—leaving you exposed to the elements. Include a stand-alone sunscreen in your daily makeup routine, and try to either reapply later in the day or avoid the sun. There’s never been a better time to justify buying that extravagant hat.

Mistake 3: Using Products With Damaging Ingredients

There’s a lot of debate about what should be avoided when it comes to makeup, with many proponents of all-natural products arguing that some chemicals can even cause cancer. Considering makeup is often absorbed by the skin, or inhaled and even ingested when applied, that’s pretty concerning.

If this is to be believed, then what’s in those anti-aging products might just accelerate the aging process in a far more sinister way.
Organizations like the Environmental Working Group assess common beauty products and their ingredients and rate how hazardous they may be to your health. Particularly concerning ingredients include parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, and the ambiguously named parfum (which can actually include a whole litany of ingredients).
If you’re more concerned with an ingredient’s effectiveness than its chemicals, then you might want to be wary of any big claims made by makeup companies. Elkington says these “miracle” ingredients are often nothing more than a marketing ploy. Instead, look to science.

“Anything developed from a scientific point of view and not a big name brand usually have great effects; or something developed by a makeup artist will be for the benefit of your skin, not simply your wrinkles,” she says. “Natural oils and acids are what to look for more than ‘essence of unicorn, baby skin extract, some fruit in the jungle has just been discovered and will make you 10 years younger and not as insecure as we’re trying to make you feel’.”

Mistake 4: Improper Application

Now that you’ve sorted out your makeup bag, you should probably reassess how you apply those products.

You might think that hiding the signs of aging under enough layers of foundation is the perfect con, but it actually makes you look older. Heavy foundation will settle into the lines of your face and accentuate them. Similarly, too much powder can make the skin appear dry and dull.
Try opting for a lighter base instead. Remember, wrinkles aren’t something to be ashamed of—they’re a sign of a life well-lived. There’s no need to try and wipe evidence of their existence from our face completely.
It’s also important to apply makeup gently rather than attacking your face with that damp beauty blender. Getting aggressive with your skin will only traumatize it and actually cause wrinkles, especially around the eye area.

Mistake 5: Playing It Safe

When should you stop wearing winged eyeliner? How about highlighter? Or Contouring?
The answer to all of these is, whenever you can’t be bothered to do these things anymore. Sticking to a limited amount of “age-appropriate” makeup looks is only going to reinforce to you and the rest of the world that you’re giving into the beauty industry’s idea of what “age appropriate” is—and that idea is kind of ridiculous.

Elkington doesn’t believe any beauty look should be off limits. She says that she’s done any number of makeup looks on her more mature clients, and they’ve all looked great.
“Women particularly have that classic old societal pressure to remain a certain way and ‘take care’ of themselves,” says Elkington. “I hear a lot of clients over the age of 35 lamenting on how ‘old’ they are. Which is a little distressing as it’s like they don’t value their age or wisdom. They’re just giving into the marketing that being older is basically wasting away and running out of time, particularly where your looks are concerned.”

At the end of the day, would you rather base your beauty routine on a multi-billion dollar industry’s expectations of their consumer, or what makes you feel good?
The world of makeup can be confusing, and it’s hard to tell genuine advice from a marketing ploy. But Elkington has some final advice for makeup lovers of any age:
“The most important thing for yourself is to buy what’s good for your skin and health, and not buy into the idea that you’re anything but beautiful at whatever age you are.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so you’re probably seeing pink ribbons everywhere from NFL games to your local gym. It’s no wonder that breast cancer gets a lot of attention. After all, it is the most common type of cancer among women and is the second leading cause of cancer death for women (falling just behind lung cancer).
Shockingly, one in eight American women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime, and 85 percent of those women have no family history of the disease according to non-profit organization breastcancer.org. Sadly more than 40,000 American women will die from breast cancer this year, according to the Susan G. Komen organization.
Breast cancer affects women of all races, ethnicities, and ages. The most significant risk factors are being a woman and getting older (although the disease can occur in younger women as well). However, there is one way to level the playing field: early detection.
Catching the disease early dramatically increases your odds of survival according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Women over the age of 40 should receive an annual mammogram, but since the disease also affects younger women, it’s important to know about signs and symptoms that could indicate breast cancer.

Don’t just look for lumps.

When most women think of breast self-exams, they think about checking for lumps. But according to breastcancer.org, the first step of any breast exam is to stand facing a mirror and actually look for any visual changes to your breasts.

If you see any redness, puckering of your skin, or changes to the nipple, that could be indication of a problem. Be sure to raise your arms and look for the same signs in the breast tissue that extends beneath your arm toward your armpit.

Notice your nipples.

The Susan G. Komen organization says that the most common sign of breast cancer is a change to the look and feel of your nipple or nipple discharge.
Take time to learn what’s normal for your body (especially after changes caused by pregnancy or nursing) so you can quickly spot anything that’s awry.

Know the difference between harmless lumps and the dangerous kind.

Breast cancer awareness efforts have taught women to be alarmed by finding lumps in their breasts, but breast are lumpy by nature, and those normal, harmless lumps can change during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and nursing.
If you feel a lump, don’t panic. If you have lumps in both breasts, they’re less of a risk, according to the Susan G. Komen organization. Lumps that are particularly hard or only on one side, however, can be a sign of cancer. If in doubt, it’s always best to take questions and concerns to your doctor.

Talk to the men in your life.

Although breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women, men get breast cancer, too. About 1 in 1,000 men will get breast cancer during their lives, according to the American Cancer Society. Signs of breast cancer in men are the same as they are for women: lumps, redness, puckering in the breast tissue, and changes to the nipple or nipple discharge.

Unfortunately, men may be more likely to ignore these symptoms because they are not educated to check their breast tissue regularly. Just as early detection is important for women, it can save the lives of men as well.
Takeaway: Don’t be shy about bringing up boobs, breast tissue, and self exams with friends and loved ones of both sexes the next time you find yourself in a conversation about health and self-care.

It’s important to have some kind of skin care regimen. These 17 products will help brighten, soften, smooth, and make your skin look more radiant without breaking the bank. Try some of them today. Heck, try them all. Probably not all at once, though.
1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Solution
This is a cleansing water that can remove the toughest of makeup without being too harsh on your skin. That’s right; it’s totally water-based, but it still removes water-resistant and oil-based makeups. That’s the magic of Sensibio.

A space-age blend of dermatological micellar water and fatty acid esters work in harmony with your skin to remove makeup and pollutants without drying. You can even use it on your eyelids. It’s that gentle.
Get it from Amazon here.
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Hydrate your skin without the greasy feel. This water-based gel offers the best of both worlds. It goes on easy like a cream, it lasts a long time like a lotion, and it’s gentle on the skin like, pure, clear water.

In fact, no oil in this formula. Just skin-brightening, nourishing hydration. You can even wear it under your makeup to keep your skin hydrated all day and into the night.
Get it from Bed Bath & Beyond here.
3. Mario Badescu Rosewater Spray
This spray is the perfect pick-me-up for dehydrated, tight skin. Its mix of aloe, herbs, and rosewater is refreshing and works for all skin types.

This is a refreshing mist, not a lotion you rub into the skin, so it’s ideal for a moisturizing touch-up even when makeup is already on your face. Refresh yourself and enjoy the gentle fragrance.
Get it from Amazon here.
4. Garnier Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water
This all-in-one cleanser is oil- and alcohol-free. It removes makeup and refreshes your skin without drying. In fact, it’s about as gentle as cleansers get.

This formula is based on the power of micelle technology, which relies on molecular power to draw pollutants away from the skin. This is a great choice for people with sensitive skin because it doesn’t require any scrubbing.
Get it from Amazon here.
5. Burt’s Bees Brightening Eye Treatment
Reduce dark circles and even out the skin tone around your eyes with this deep-hydrating eye lotion. It treats wrinkles and puffiness while brightening the skin.

Almost every ingredient in this tube is totally natural, and it’s water-based for gentle hydration. Shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and apricot kernel oil will help keep your skin bright and healthy.
Get it from Target here.
6. Poppy Austin Rose Water Facial Toner
If you’re looking for a natural and organic facial toner, the rose water toner from Poppy Austin is just what you need. This toner contains spa-grade organic Moroccan rose water, which will instantly rejuvenate tired, dull skin.

Every bottle contains real hand-made, totally natural, and responsibly sourced hydrating rose water. The water comes straight from a mountain stream around Morocco, and each batch is naturally aged for premium effect.
Get it from Amazon here.
7. Garnier Skinactive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller
This is the perfect formula with the perfect application method. Get rid of puffiness around the eyes with a refreshing blast of mint, vitamins, and caffeine. Just roll it on and go.

This eye roller is designed to even out skin tone while reducing puffiness. It’s a one-stop eye-beautifying solution, and the roller-applicator makes it easy to apply wherever you are, day or night.
Get it from Target here.
8. e.l.f. Hydrating Bubble Mask
This mask will definitely wake your skin up. As you rub the gel into your face, small bubbles are activated to give you a deep-clean feeling like never before.

Like all of e.l.f’s products for the skin, this contains zero phthalates, sulfates, or parabens. Enjoy the refreshing fizz, then marvel at the cleanliness and brightness of your face after rinsing the formula away with warm water.
Get it from Amazon here.
9. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Just like the label says, this clay will give you the most powerful facial you’ve ever experienced. Made from all natural calcium bentonite clay, this mask has no added fragrances or animal products, and will leave your skin feeling brand new.

Bentonite clay naturally draws impurities out of anything it touches. Just mix equal parts of this facial with apple cider vinegar or, if you prefer, water, then apply the mask. This works fast, so people with sensitive skin will only need to leave it on for five or 10 minutes. As the label suggests, get ready to “feel your face pulsate!”
Get it from Amazon here.
10. PRELAB Skin Energy Sheet Masks
While we’re on the subject of masks, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention this little miracle. These sheet masks just might be the easiest skin treatments in the world. Just wash your face, pull one out, and apply it your facial skin for 15 to 20 minutes.

So what does it do? What doesn’t it do? It helps to reduce wrinkles, tighten sagging skin, and clear up your complexion. At the very least, it will provide a powerful deep-moisturizing treatment that’ll leaves your skin glowing.
Get it from Urban Outfitters here.
11. e.l.f. Soothing Serum
If you’re looking for a facial moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration and even reduces the severity of fine lines, this is your product. This nourishing serum hydrates with jojoba oil and shea butter and it’s packed with vitamin E for skin health.

Give it a try, and this might just end up a new part of your daily skin routine. Note that the brand name e.l.f. stands for “eyes, lips, face.” Which is exactly what this products protects.
Get it from Amazon here.
12. Sephora Blotting Papers
Never leave home without them. The all-natural blotting papers draw out impurities while removing excess oil, shine, and perspiration. They can even help to unclog pores on the go.

This package of 100 is ideal for tossing in your purse or even sliding in a back pocket. Next time you realize you’re getting a little shiny while you’re out and about, you’ll be ready to manage the problem discretely and in an instant.
Get it from Sephora here.
13. Simple Moisturizing Face Wash
Simple facial cleanser contains no artificial perfumes or dyes, and is a great to use on any skin type, even sensitive skin. Infused with chamomile and vitamin B5, this will leave your face with a healthy glow.

Plus, the price is right. While you can’t really put a price tag on your skin’s health, this moisturizing wash from Simple might be the best bang for your buck, facial-cleansing-wise.
Get it from Amazon here.
14. No7 Skin Hydration Mask
If you struggle with severe dry skin, the Boots No7 face mask is the product you need. The No7 mask uses glycerin and cocoa butter, essential oils, and vitamin E to give your skin deep, restorative moisture.

It’s even packed with cutting-edge facial care ingredients including cholesterol and ceramides, which strengthen the surface of your skin. Plenty of vitamins and minerals provide deep nourishment.
Get it from Amazon here.
15. SkinActive Clearly Brighter Brightening Daily Moisturizer
Get brighter, smoother, healthier looking skin in just one week with SkinActive Brighter moisturizer. This product uses hydrating agents and vitamin C to smooth and brighten your skin, without any oily residue.

Even better, it provides broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection, meaning this facial moisturizer hydrates and nourishes the skin while protecting it from further damage from the sun.
Get it from Amazon here.
16. Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil
Bio Oil is clinically proven to help diminish the appearance of dry, aging skin and uneven skin tones. Its hypoallergenic formula works well for any skin type and it’s non-greasy so you don’t have to worry about it clogging your pores.

Bio-Oil can even help to clear up scars and stretch marks. This one is dermatologist recommended.
Get it from Amazon here.
17. Burt’s Bees Exfoliating Facial Towelettes
These towelettes cleanse your face and remove makeup all in one step. Salicylic acid derived from willow bark exfoliates your skin, while peach extract helps refresh your skin.

This package is ideal for travel, your gym bag, or any time you just can’t commit to an involved facial-cleansing routine. These cleansing towelettes will keep your skin clean and clear even when you don’t have access to your typical arsenal of facial beauty products.
Get it from Amazon here.

Do you remember those giant picture books from your childhood? You know the ones—with massive spreads full of facts and figures, little tidbits, and interesting photos of how things work. I specifically recall one we had about the human body. I found it fascinating because it gave an inside view of me and how I worked. Nothing cooler than that!

One section that always stood out was about the skin—a person’s largest organ. It baffled me, because all other organs are inside, tucked away and protected by muscle and bone, but not the skin!
Not only is it the largest organ, it’s on the outside of us, which means it takes a beating from life day in and day out. The average adult has about 8 pounds and 22 square feet of skin, which means this mighty organ deserves a fair amount of care. But do we give it the care it needs?
I’ll confess that I don’t. Granted, over the years, I’ve tried to pay more attention to my face. At my annual wellness appointments I always have my moles checked. On a daily basis do I love on my skin like I should, though? Nope. But I’m going to resolve to. My skin deserves it—and yours does too.

Join me for a round of super interesting and useful skincare secrets from dermatologists and skincare experts. I’ve even included a few personal testimonies from skin-loving “normal folk.” Let’s all commit to loving (and better caring for) the skin we’re in!

1. When Age Isn’t on Your Side

I hear so often, “If only I had known this when I was younger…” in regard to skincare. I even say it! Because it’s true—had we known what we know now, wouldn’t we have been more careful with our skin? Of course! But eventually age catches up with us and anti-aging skincare products and techniques become a goldmine.

When it comes to fighting the effects of aging, California dermatologist Cynthia Bailey says, “Sunscreen is the most important skincare ‘secret’ to stop skin aging, since most thinning and wrinkling are due to UV damage (hint, look at the undersurface of your arm compared to the top or the buttocks compared to the V of the neck). Glycolic acid is a quick fix for crepe-y, crinkled, lusterless age changes.”
She also mentioned that retinol is important when it comes to reversing signs of skin age, so look for that ingredient in your skincare regimen.
Katie F., a mom of four, has seen routine sunscreen application pay off: “My mom is in her late 50s and looks 10+ years younger because she has always been meticulous about protecting her skin from the sun. I religiously use a moisturizer with SPF 30 every morning in hopes of following in her footsteps!”

Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, a dermatologist working out of Beverly Hills, has some very practical tips for reducing UV exposure aside from the typical SPF recommendation. She encourages us all to prevent damage by “minimizing direct UV exposure to skin during peak sun hours (10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.). This means covering up in longer clothing and higher necklines, wearing a hat and sunglasses outdoors.”

2. It’s all about routine.

Skincare routines can get intense and overwhelming, but esthetician Pamalee Perry breaks it down in to three easy to follow steps:
1. “Cleanse: Cleansing should be done morning and night. Never sleep in your makeup!”
2. “Exfoliate: It’s very common for people to overdo this step. Exfoliating your skin is important for manually turning over skin cells, but you only want to exfoliate 2 to 3 times per week.”
3. “Moisturizer: There’s a moisturizer out there for everyone!”

3. If You’ve Got a Bun in the Oven

Pregnancy can revolutionize a woman’s health awareness. All of a sudden, it’s not just about me. It’s about Baby too! It may not be a secret, but use this special time as a mama-to-be to truly assess your skincare routine and “avoid chemicals and go natural,” Bailey advises.

New York–based dermatologist Neal Schultz agrees that pregnancy is a special time for women to pay closer attention their skincare routine. He says to:
“Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize, especially your breasts, tummy, hips, and thighs—the areas most prone to stretch marks. Half of women with acne get worse, and half get better. If you are in the ‘worse’ half, avoid oral antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide products in the first trimester and NO products with retinol and NO prescription retinoids because they are not safe for the fetus.”

4. What Your Skin Needs at Night

Personally, I’ve always been a fan of a thick, potent night cream. Especially applied after a relaxing bath.
But thanks to Dr. Fayne Frey, a New York–based dermatologist, I learned a big-time secret about the truth behind night creams:
“Ingredients don’t know the time of day. If you work the night shift, do you think you need a day cream? Kind of ridiculous isn’t it. The myth that skin ‘rejuvenates at night’ is also commonly touted in the health and beauty magazines. Although there is some evidence that stem cells may have a circadian rhythm, superficial skin cells replicate 24/7. They don’t stop replicating when the alarm clock goes off at 7:00 a.m.

“The vast majority of ‘night’ creams are formulated like all other facial moisturizers. Water based, with humectant, occlusives, emulsifiers, a preservative, and on occasion with a ‘marketing tool’ ingredient, like caffeine, where little if any scientific evidence has shown it to be effective at changing the skin around the eyes, or anywhere else for that matter. A ‘night’ cream is a facial moisturizer without sunscreen!”

5. Zits be gone!

If this isn’t the age-old question… What do I do when I get a pimple? How can I make it disappear AND FAST?!?

Most over-the-counter acne products contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, but they may only eliminate 33 percent of acne.

Dr. David Lortscher, a dermatologist and founder of Curology says, “I have a trick for healing pimples quickly: hydrocolloid bandages. They can reduce a sore pimple overnight and usually take care of the pimple in a couple of days! The bandage absorbs pus and oil from the inflamed spot. It also creates an acidic environment to prevent bacterial growth.”
I also learned from Lortscher that “most over-the-counter acne products contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, but they may only eliminate 33 percent of acne.”

Uh! Total letdown! Since skin can be so different, especially when dealing with acne, it’s crucial to work with a dermatologist to get acne-related problems under control. Lortscher says, “Given how multi-factorial acne is (your skin is a combination of genetics, hormones, your habits, diet, etc.), there’s really no such thing as a one-size-fits-all cure for acne.”

6. Boys vs. Girls

Beauty products totally cater to the sexes. All over the place you see “this and that is best for men” and “every woman needs this,” but is it true?

Ingredients in skincare products can’t distinguish skin from a man or a women.

Frey says, “Manufacturers market product[s] for men that have a manly fragrance. Otherwise, the basic formulation for body and facial moisturizers are similar. Ingredients in skincare products can’t distinguish skin from a man or a women. By the way, neither can a skin pathologist when looking at skin under the microscope!”

7. When the seasons change, you should make a change.

Just like your makeup color might change with the seasons, so should your skincare routine. Your skin needs different things as the weather changes, and Schultz has some great tips on how to make necessary adjustments.
He says, “In spring/summer, the temperatures and humidity are both higher, and we sweat more and it evaporates less, so all your skincare products should be ‘lighter’ in weight since the air is less drying. Lighter in weight refers to the vehicle that the active ingredients are dissolved in. However the active ingredients usually remain the same including sunscreen, moisturizers (moisturizing ingredients can be the same, including both humectant ingredients which grab and hold onto water and emollient ingredients which seal or hold in that water), glycolics, peptides, antioxidants (vitamin C is the best), peptides to adjust pigment or build collagen, etc.

“An example is your nightly glycolic exfoliant: Change from a glycolic cream to a serum of the same strength. Cleansers, especially for the T zone, may need to be stronger to remove more oil and dirt/debris, or alternatively, use the same cleanser and bump up your toner to one with a small amount of alcohol. Also in summer, you will need less moisturizer and possibly only on your cheeks and not in your T zone depending on your oil/water balance. In winter it’s all the opposite—heavier vehicles and maintain sunscreen but in a moisturizing vehicle.”

8. Where the Real Hydration Lies

Our bodies are made of roughly 60 percent water. So, it’s safe to assume that without it, we will suffer. Water truly is the key to flourishing skin, so don’t skimp!
Perry says, “Drinking plenty of water is the number one skincare tip I can give you. You can apply all of the expensive serums and creams you want, but if you aren’t keeping your body hydrated from the inside, you won’t see the skincare benefits on the outside.”

9. Let’s talk about pores.

Shainhouse reveals the inside scoop on pores—regarding pore size and how to best manage it. She says, “Pore size is genetic, but you can prevent them from appearing even larger by maintaining skin and collagen health by minimizing UV exposure.

“UV rays break down collagen, which is needed to provide structural support to the skin. When broken, theoretically, pores can sag open.” Again, protect your skin from those harmful rays.

10. It’s not just about your face.

So much of skincare is focused on facial skincare. But Shainhouse reminds us all that skincare is technically body care. We’ve got skin everywhere!
To better care for our whole bodies, Shainhouse advises us all to “limit shower time to 10 minutes and lower the water temperature to max 112 F. This will help prevent the washing off of natural, protective skin oils that act as a barrier to preventing moisture loss and over-drying. If you are going to moisturize, apply a thin layer within 3 minutes of toweling off in order to trap in the hydration from the shower.”

11. A Little Something for Everyone

Even though dermatologists are the scientific experts when it comes to skincare, regular folk learn a lot through trial and error too. I loved this tip from a nurse from Washington:
“Moisturize! Every older lady I meet with beautiful skin says that’s what they did. And I’d say 100% of those I ask use Oil of Olay…believe it or not,” says Kathy P.

Along with these skincare tips that you can use at home, be sure to mark your calendar for annual checkups with your regular doctor, who can screen for various skin concerns, and/or a dermatologist who specializes in caring for any issues that arise.
Be prepared to invest in your skin! You’re worth it, and your skin will thank you by glowing a little extra.
Meet our experts:
Dr. Cynthia Bailey specializes in many sun-related skincare issues and has helped more than 13,000 patients over the last 25 years.
Dr. Fayne Frey is also a 25-year veteran of skincare and loves helping individuals home in on what their skin really needs.
Dr. David Lortscher founded Curology, which aims to make dermatology services accessible and affordable through one-on-one consults with dermatologists.
Dr. Neal Schultz has 35 years of dermatology expertise serving clients, and he oversees DermTv.com and BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz, which he founded.
Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse is a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical instructor at the University of Southern California.
Pamalee Perry has more than 10 years of industry knowledge and not only runs a successful waxing business in the Pacific Northwest, but she also constantly expands her skincare awareness with advanced training, most recently completing a master esthetics training and master brow course.

A study on marital satisfaction says that 93 percent of Americans list having a happy marriage as a meaningful purpose to pursue in life. From low-key nights making dinner and watching Netflix to major milestones and difficult challenges, relationships with a significant other have immense effects on people’s lives. But how often do folks think about regular maintenance of those relationships with a couples therapist?
Most wouldn’t think twice about taking a car driven for over 100,000 miles to a mechanic, yet many people in relationships are likely to have an easier time taking their Hyundai in than asking their other half to join them in a couples therapy session.

“The amount that we can heal ourselves is extraordinary.”

If you find yourself knowing very little about the world of couples therapy beyond a few Hollywood-heightened examples in movies and on TV: fear not. HealthyWay spoke with some couples therapy pros who shared what they really want people in relationships to know about what they do.

The Number One Thing About Couples Counseling

There is one point that our couples therapy experts—and likely all couples therapists—have to say to people curious about couples therapy: Please do not wait to go.

Promptness is the initial message from Colleen Cira, Psy.D., founder and executive director of the Cira Center for Behavioral Health, for anyone in a relationship. Cira says that “If you’ve ever had a fleeting thought about ‘Maybe we should go’ … Go! Don’t wait.” According to Cira, time is critical for any couple who feels that things aren’t quite as they should be: “The work is so much less painful and difficult when you get in there sooner rather than later. That’s really important.” By getting in sooner, it’s possible less emotional damage will be done and, as a result, the healing process can seem less daunting.
This is echoed by Jessica Miro, LMFT, therapist at Pinnacle Counseling, who stresses the importance of speaking with a couples therapist before too much resentment or anger can build up. Miro states that often times “the most effective work is done with couples who are coming in to improve their communication before problems arise, or who are coming in at the start of a struggle before they are both unhappy.”

In many ways—and this point is no exception—mental health is a lot like bodily health. The sooner you get a “problem” checked out, the quicker and hopefully easier it will be to treat. Like a primary care physician who praises a patient for coming in when they did, so do couples therapists encourage those with relationship struggles to see them sooner rather than later (but later still works, too).

Top Misconceptions About Couples Counseling

There are plenty of misconceptions about what happens during couples counseling. One, perhaps brought on by conflict-loving screenwriters in movies and television, is that therapy is some kind of no-holds-barred argument hour. “People think that you go in there and scream at each other,” says Cira.

In short, anyone heading into couples therapy is better served leaving their overwrought insults and debate prep notebook at home. “The therapist is not a moderator,” Cira continues. “Honesty is important in couples therapy, but it is not an excuse to be cruel.”
Another misconception is people misunderstanding the “couples” portion and expecting a focus on only their partner’s perceived dysfunction. Cira says that it is regrettable “when people go in hoping that a therapist will ‘fix’ their partner. In these cases, someone is not ready or able to focus on how they are relating to their partner.”

“I am amazed at the resilience of people.”

Relationships are a two-way street, and so it shouldn’t be surprising that couples counseling is as well. Treatment is unlikely to work if both parties aren’t willing to put the work in: “People need to come in ready and open to change themselves and not just engage in finger pointing and blame.” Any measure of success will likely be proportional to how willing each partner is to engage in their shared issues.

That said, it is also true that therapists will not just stand by like neutral arbiters, acting like some uninvolved Switzerland while a relationship goes to war with itself. Cira says she would look dubiously upon any therapist claiming “absolute neutrality.” She explains that “a good therapist should know when to take sides and see the other partner’s perspective.” It is critical that all parties involved, including therapists, possess empathy and understanding in each session.

Not Always Happily Ever After

Couples may be let down if they think that the very act of going to couples therapy will magically fix everything, as if the Relationship Fairy Godmother will sing “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” and you and your partner can go off happily ever after in a tricked-out pumpkin.

“It’s not going to automatically fix something.”

Cira says that expectations “are everything.” Don’t plan on never having to worry about your relationship again: “If you go in thinking that you’re going to come out and everything is going to be butterflies and rainbows—that’s a setup for failure and to be disappointed.”

The key for couples is determining what they’re looking for from therapy. And that is something that therapists can help with.
Miro frames success as a couple that feels “connected and safe with one another.” This does not mean that arguments are a thing of the past, but rather that “they aren’t intimidated by future fights and aren’t afraid that having conflict will disrupt their commitment to one another.” It’s not about stopping a couple from fighting; that’s an impossible task. The key is for that couple to be better to each other in an argument and not let it jeopardize the whole relationship.

And, of course, not all couples that go in to therapy will remain a couple. It is entirely possible that the therapy is there to assist a couple in a decision to break up. As Cira tells Healthyway, “You can go in to work on your relationship and end up pursuing a conscious uncoupling. It’s not going to automatically fix something.”

How to Think About Couples Therapy

While the greater public can have a variety of descriptions for what couples therapists are—antagonists, referees, miracle workers—the therapists themselves are unsurprisingly clinical about the work they do.
They are mental health professionals, with an emphasis on the professional. “If someone is opposed to seeing a therapist,” begins Miro, “I would challenge them to examine how they would treat a physical illness—if you broke your leg, would you be opposed to getting a cast and getting physical therapy?” Miro asks that people make a determination about the role that emotional health plays in their lives.

Similarly, Cira talks of understanding therapy as the routine maintenance that any relationship would have to undergo at some point. She says, “We talk about it in terms of oil changes. Or how you go to your primary care physician for a check up. The same can be said about couples therapy… and all therapy.”
Such framing is a reminder that mental health is ultimately about just that—health.

The Good News

When Healthyway sought to discover the biggest surprises therapists experienced in their work, the answers were resoundingly positive experiences regarding the strength of people and their relationships.

For all the negativity, heartbreak, and resentment that can come from couples who enter into therapy, Miro says that she remains “inspired by people’s ability to change.” Surprises for Miro come from couples who come in “with extreme egos and defenses” and individuals unwilling to “let their partner into the fortress they have built around themselves” only to “several months later to be willing to be vulnerable and open with this person in the spirit of deeper connection.”
Understand therapy as the routine maintenance that any relationship would have to undergo at some point.
Being open to change is one remarkable way couples can surprise therapists. Emotional strength is another. The durability of relationships can still stun a seasoned professional like Cira, who explains that “People can experience devastating things—miscarriage, losing a child, cheating—and they can work through them.”

In a profession that requires a fair amount of experience with pain and heartache, the buoyancy of the human spirit no doubt keeps these experts afloat. “The cool thing about working with couples is just how resilient people are,” Cira states, “I am amazed at the resilience of people.”

What to Do

If you are in a relationship and like the idea of improving how you and your partner communicate, there are a few bits of advice in order to make sure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. As mentioned, the first tip is to move on those instincts right away: don’t let it become another item that lingers on your to-do list for weeks.
Secondly, Cira highly recommends doing a fair amount of homework to find the right therapy provider—someone with “good training and good reviews.” It is really important that both partners know they are in smart and capable hands.

If the research process seems overwhelming, you can brush up a bit on the different kinds of couples therapy approaches and then look for providers who specialize in the one that sounds best to you. There are a variety of different techniques that range from the Gottman Method, which has been in use for over 30 years, to the shorter-term approach of Emotionally Focused Therapy, to the more psychodynamic method of Exploring Unconscious Problem Roots.
Ultimately, experts say that the key is to be proactive about improving your relationship and mental health. And also to not distress, even if there is significant hostility. “Anger can be activating” says Cira, who notes that she has “a lot to work with” when there is anger in the room. Being mad is “a heck of a lot better than stuffing emotions down.”
The truth is that anyone in a relationship who wants to communicate better with their partner has tremendous resources before them in the form of couples therapists. The greatest surprise is that, in the end, the most valuable tools to interact with one another better come from within. “The amount that we can heal ourselves,” says Cira, “is extraordinary.”
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Buying secondhand is a great way to save money.
But sometimes the potential costs outweigh the immediate savings. Thrift stores and yard sales have long been popular among budget-conscious consumers, but they aren’t great for everything.

These days it’s even easier to find what you’re looking for used, thanks to Craigslist and buy, sell, and trade groups on various social media platforms. Whether it’s cars, clothes, furniture, or electronics, it’s never been so simple to save by buying secondhand.
Still, there are a few products you should stay away from no matter the savings, as there’s a good chance that buying them used could put the health and safety of you or a family member at risk. Here are the top four products that you should never buy used—and the reasons why.

1. Motorcycle and Bike Helmets

Both bicycle and motorcycle helmets work in essentially the same way—a hard plastic outer shell surrounds a thick layer of crushable foam inside. After a crash, a the foam in a helmet may develop hairline fractures that could cause it to crack into pieces during a later impact, leaving your head unprotected.

Unfortunately, you have no way of knowing a used helmet’s history. Even if a bike helmet looks fine on the outside, it just isn’t worth the risk to buy one secondhand.

2. Car Tires

Much like motorcycle and bike helmets, the outside appearance of a car tire doesn’t tell you what damage may be lurking inside. Whether from overloading, under-inflation, or being driven at excessive speeds, a variety of conditions can lead to invisible tire damage.

That damage could cause them to rupture unexpectedly while you’re driving. As in the case of helmets, the risk to your and your family’s safety just isn’t worth saving a few bucks.

3. Car Seats

As with helmets and tires, it’s impossible to know what a car seat’s been through and whether any of its components have been compromised. And even if a car seat hasn’t been through a harrowing experience, most used car seats won’t include the label or owner’s manual, meaning that you’ll be left without important information like the seat’s expiration date and instructions for use.

Aside from not purchasing a used car seat yourself, Consumer Reports recommends that when you’re ready to dispose of a car seat, you remove all harnesses, buckles, and fabric, then use a marker to write “Do Not Use” on the shell to prevent anyone else from picking it up and unknowingly putting their child in harm’s way.

4. Mattresses

The risks of buying a used mattress are nowhere near as severe as those of buying used helmets, tires, and car seats, but they could result in some serious headaches for you and your family.
First and foremost, there’s the matter of bed bugs. While the adult pests are visible to the naked eye, young bed bugs, known as nymphs, can be nearly invisible, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Bed bugs aside, mattresses soak up bacteria, bodily fluids, and dead skin from their previous owners. Pretty gross, right?
Finally, most mattresses generally only last a maximum of 10 years, and there’s no way of knowing how long one has been used.
Your beauty sleep is just one more area where it pays to splurge on a brand-new product.

Are you and your family prepared to deal with a natural disaster?
While you may have insurance, an escape plan, and savings, there may be a few things you haven’t thought of yet.

If it seems like there have been a lot of natural disasters lately, it’s because there actually have been.

And it’s not just Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Wildfires and floods have rocked California, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, while tornadoes have ravaged the Midwest. According to Munich Reinsurance America, thunderstorms and tornadoes in just the first half of the year accounted for $18.5 billion in losses.

So what can you and your family do to prepare for a natural disaster?
Below, we outline three simple steps that will help you to stay safe and minimize harm in the face of an unforeseen catastrophe. While this is by no means an exhaustive checklist, taking these basic steps in addition to whatever else you’ve already done to prepare can help you weather the storm, both literally and figuratively.

1. Gather and secure important documents.

One of the most frequently missed elements of disaster preparation is the protection of important records like automobile titles, birth certificates, and social security cards. While the physical safety of you and your family will be your first consideration in the moment, ensuring these documents are safe and accessible will make returning to everyday life far easier once the disaster is over.

Ideally, you should have two copies of each of these important documents—one in an easily accessible water- and fireproof container in your home and the other in a safe remote location. Backing up your documents digitally in the cloud is a great idea, too.

2. Know where to meet.

Depending on the nature of the disaster, phone and internet communication may not be possible. For this reason, it’s crucial that you designate a meeting place in advance.

The obvious first choice is your own home, but in the case that your home is destroyed or becomes inaccessible, you’ll need to have a backup meeting place. Check to see what locations your city or town has designated as emergency shelters, and find the one that makes the most sense for your family. Make sure that everyone knows where to go and how to get there, including babysitters and other caregivers if you have small children.

3. Have supplies ready.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that you build a supply kit and have it at the ready in case of an unexpected disaster.

The agency recommends, most importantly, that your supply kit contain enough food and water for three days (for however many people will be relying on it) as well as a first aid kit.
As far as electronics go, FEMA suggests you include a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and extra batteries for all three.

Additional suggestions include maps of the surrounding area, a manual can opener for food, and moist towelettes for personal sanitation.
For a full list of suggested supplies, as well as other disaster preparedness tips, visit FEMA’s website: www.ready.gov.