Summer Beauty Tips And Deals

While we may love Summer, it doesn't always love us back. From sun-parched skin and hair, damage for chlorine, confusion on SPF safeties, melting makeup, and other summer woes. These Summer beauty tips and deals help you stay looking glowing and radiant throughout the Summer.

Summer Skincare: Guide For Dry Skin
Summer is here. And while we love the warm weather and sun, it doesn't always love us back, particularly when it comes to dry, parched skin. Not only can the climate be a cause, but other culprits are causing our skin to become scaly and dry as the Sahara Desert!

So, if you want to understand some of the dry skin culprits and how you can combat them, continue reading this guide for "Summer Skincare Guide For Dry Skin." 

Sunscreen Ingredients, More Harm Than Good? And Safer Alternatives
Did you know that EWG has investigated the safety and efficiency of USA sunscreens and ingredients over the past decade? Unfortunately, due to the weak federal rules set by the FDA, many inferior products reach store shelves, touting overstated sun-protection claims, with ingredients that can be potentially harmful.

People are becoming more aware of the dangers of overexposure to the sun and its links to cancer and premature aging. But the scary part is Americans have fewer choices, and notably, more inferior protection than other countries because of the sunscreen ingredient options.

So, if Sunscreen Ingredients Are More Harm Than Good, what are we to do? Obviously, vowing to never go in the sun isn't an option, but there are a lot of what we like to call "Common Sense Approaches To The Sun," and we'd like to share these alternative approaches with you today.

How To Protect Your Skin From Chlorine And Salt Water
There is nothing like taking a refreshing dip in a nice cool pool or spending a beautiful day at the beach. But what is not cool is what chlorine and too much salt water can do to the skin. Hence you owe it to your skin to take a few precautions before jumping in if you want to enjoy that summertime fun.

Depending on what type of water you're immersing yourself in, you could be taking a toll on your skin. Let's take a look at "How To Protect Your Skin From Chlorine And Salt Water."

Tips For Healthy Summer Hair
I love Summertime, weather! However, it doesn't always love us back, especially when it comes to our hair and skin. Every year, people suffer the results of the sizzling summer sun. From sunburns to damaged hair, the sun wreaks havoc upon us in many ways.

So, what is a girl to do? Like my expression, plan your tan, you need to spare the hair before the sun leaves you with none! So, if you want to find out how you can protect your hair from the blazing sun rays continue reading.

PIN ME!

Beauty Deals 

Read more

Thyroid Testing Without Going To A Doctor

 
I can get "Thyroid Testing Without Going To A Doctor?" Yes, you read correctly. And if you are a female, this blog post is something you need to be reading!

Why? Because more women are more likely to have thyroid disease than men. Unfortunately, one in eight women will develop thyroid problems during her lifetime, especially right after pregnancy and after menopause, it can happen to women in the age range of 35-55.

What Is The Thyroid Glands Function
Your thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck, below the adam's apple. It's part of your endocrine system that manages your body's hormones and controls many activities in your body, including your energy level, how fast you burn calories, and other bodily functions:

• Body temperature
• Brain development
• Cholesterol levels
• Digestive function
• Hair growth
• Heart rate
• Metabolic rate
• Mood and energy levels
• Muscle control
• Nervous system

Diseases of the thyroid cause these hormone levels to become too low or too high, and when this happens, you may experience a wide range of symptoms.

When Your Thyroid Goes Array
Is it menopause? Are you hormonal, or could your thyroid gland be to blame? Your thyroid can become overly active (Grave's Disease) or underactive (Hashimoto's Disease). Either way, these symptoms can be confused with menopause.  For example

• Being overly fatigued
• Hot and cold sweats
• Unexplained change in weight
• Memory loss

When this starts to happen, DO NOT BRUSH IT OFF  as I'm just getting older, or heck am I premenopausal, as it could be more of a severe health problem, like thyroid disease. This is especially so if you have additional symptoms like swelling in the neck, hair loss, brittle nails, muscle weakness, trembling hands, or change in heart rate. As if left untreated can cause some severe issues.

Where Can I Order My Thyroid Testing Panel
I know with pandemic going on, if you are like me, the last thing you want to do is sit in a doctor's office where there are people there testing for COVID. So what can you do? Order the thyroid testing panel online!

For this post, I partnered up with Ulta Lab Tests - Direct Labs Online, as they offer a variety of tests that you can order online.  I was happy that I was able to find this service as not only can it save me money, but also time by skipping the middle man, the doctor's visits, (no script needed) and go straight to a testing facility, after ordering the thyroid testing panel online. Ulta Lab provides direct access to the nation's most cutting-edge testing facilities with the most medically-verified technology to complete your tests.

And on top of that, they were also kind enough to offer my readers a discount code: Thyroid20, which gives 20% OFF their already super low Thyroid Health Test Packages.

How Does Ulta Lab's Thyroid Tests Work? 
Get Started Today - Its Simple and Confidential - No Prescription Needed.

Step 1: Instantly & securely place your online thyroid test order. There are four different Ulta Lab Thyroid Health Test Packages

1. Thyroid Health - Basic - $55 + 20% OFF (Retail Value: $271.35)
2. Thyroid Health - Basic Plus - $79 + 20% OFF (Retail Value: $535.49)
3. Thyroid Health - Advanced - $153 + 20% OFF (Retail Value: $882.11)
4. Thyroid Health - Comprehensive - $326 + 20% OFF (Retail Value: $1,375.54)

Step 2: There is no doctor or prescription required. Simply take your Lab Requisition to the selected "Patient Service Center" to get your specimen collected. (selected at checkout - 2,100 nationally)

Step 3: Receive an email notifying you that results are available online (24-48 hours for most tests)



More Information About Thyroid Diseases
Thyroid disease is a serious issue and I am not a medical professional. Hence, if you feel you want to speak with someone over the phone, you can call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations:

• National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH
•  Phone Number: 800-422-6237
• National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, NIDDK, NIH
•  Phone Number: 800-860-8747
• American Thyroid Association
• Hormone Health Network 
•  Phone Number: 800-467-6663
• Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.
•  Phone Number: 877-588-7904

Read more

Top Ways To Treat Hyperpigmentation At Home

I've seen many people post on social media asking for ways to treat hyperpigmentation at home, especially since most aesthetician offices are still closed because of COVID-19. While I am not a medical expert, I did consult with a few aestheticians on some at-home remedies for hyperpigmentation, and I wanted to share with you my findings.

What The Heck Is Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless skin condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the surrounding complexion. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation
There are a few reasons for hyperpigmentation; hence, I suggest seeing a dermatologist to make sure that it isn't something more serious (you can even do these virtually). The common forms of hyperpigmentation are...

Age or liver spots: These are caused by overexposure to the sun.

Melasma or chloasma spots: Often a result of a hormonal change, like pregnancy, birth control, or menopause.

Acne:  With some severe cases of acne, once healed the acne can leave dark spots.

While some prescription creams can lighten the appearance of darkened skin, they are some approaches you can do in the comfort of your own home. Here's what to do.

Drink Green Tea To Help With Hyperpigmentation
Green tea has been making a big splash in the beauty world. Not only is it enriched in vitamin B-2, but it also has powerful skin-soothing antibacterial agents that help kill acne, which is why you see it in skincare.  However, drinking green tea also has benefits as it contains high contents of polyphenols called catechins that can help rejuvenate the skin.

The polyphenols also help to neutralize free radicals that can lead to premature aging by plumping up skin, nourishing, and evening out your skin tone. You can even reverse certain aspects of skin aging,  like age spots, saggy skin, and fine lines, now how cool is that?

Use A Dermaroller To Help With Hyperpigmentation
We're on a roll with this one, a derma roller, but what the heck is a derma roller? A derma roller is a skincare device with a wheel on the end that is covered in hundreds of fine needles. While I know to some, it might look like a mid-evil torture device; it is a must-have in your beauty arsenal.

So, What Exactly Does Dermarolling Do For My Skin
Derma rolling is a form of micro-needling, a technique that involves a series of tiny, very fine needles that are passed over the skin, creating micro-injuries that trigger new collagen and elastin synthesis as the skin begins to repair itself naturally. Those that have dark spots can lighten your hyperpigmentation by breaking up the melanin clusters. It's a tiny miracle.



Eat More Licorice
I love me some licorice, it is one of my favorite types of candy, but it is more than just Twizzlers. It's also a herbal root with many medicinal properties, like lightening skin, thanks to an anti-inflammatory called glabridin.

Glabridin interrupts the enzymes that activate melanin production, making it a natural skin whitening agent. You can find licorice supplements in pill form; you can also find it in skinfood!

Use Aloe Vera
While there are limited studies on whether aloe can help with hyperpigmentation. I do know that aloe juice helps with balancing your hormones. And since hormonal issues can lead to hyperpigmentation, it only made sense to me.

I also read on Healthline that aloe contains aloin and alosesn, which may lighten the appearance of dark spots by destroying existing melanin cells and preventing further formation of melanin in the skin.

If you decide to use aloe vera, it's best to both using topically and internally. The combination will get to work on your skin on the inside and the outside, helping you achieve results faster.

As you can see there are many treatments for hyperpigmentation out there. And if you understand what has triggered yours, you will be better prepared to know the ingredients and remedies you should look for to help you lighten your dark spots and treat your hyperpigmentation at home.

Read more

Pampering Yourself With A Massage In The Comfort Of Your Home

This month I've been sharing some ways to relax and relieve stress. This includes Beauty Secrets To Self Confidence, Regaining Focus To Help Relax, and, most importantly, some me-time. Which brings me to today's post, "Pampering yourself with a massage in the comfort of your own home using the Naipo Ocuddle Shoulder & Neck Massager."
 
If you've been following my blog, you see one consistent tip to relaxing and relieving stress; It is a spa-like treatment in the comfort of your own home.  Rewarding yourself with a luxurious feeling of a massage can relieve tension, stress, and anxiety, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated and we will discuss these below.

How Massages Can Help Reduce Stress
Massages can help to reduce stress and tension by putting you in a state of relaxation. The key is to find a dimly lit area, with candles, aromatherapy scented oils, calming music, and the Naipo Ocuddle Shoulder & Neck Massager. This massager is designed with ergonomic "U" shape to wrap around neck/shoulder area snugly like a reassuring cuddle, delivering optimum comfort for stress relief and peace of mind.

How Can The Naipo Ocuddle Shoulder & Neck Massager Help With Circulation
Improved circulation is a benefit of a great massage. When we have tension, even swelling and tightness, it can lead to poor circulation.

The Ocuddle has customized massage heads that rotate bi-directionally. This movement that replicates a masseuse effectively promotes blood circulation because the massage heads create friction with the skin. In turn, this action replaces the blood in your muscles with newly oxygenated blood carrying glycogen.

Glycogen and oxygen are essential for muscle repair, and more oxygen means better circulation. Combine that with the 2-level FocalHeat technology that is amazing at warming up that stiff neck from stress, allowing the massage to penetrate more deeply, and you are on your way to total relaxation!

-Speaking of relaxation that takes us to our next benefit! 

How Does The Naipo Ocuddle Shoulder & Neck Massager Promote Muscle Relaxation
In addition to improving blood flow, the Bidirectional rotation from two four-node massage heads replicates the feel of kneading and shiatsu by fingers, knuckles, and palms, holding, and loosening muscles rhythmically to relax the injured and tense muscles.

A lot of individuals are dealing with some type of postural stress, and unfortunately, I am one of those people. Most of the time, stress, even just the act of sitting at my computer, manifests into my shoulders and neck. And this massager has been beneficial with helping with this tension as well as decreasing the frequency and severity of tension headaches, improving sleep, and helping with that tech neck!

Now that you've seen some of the benefits that the Naipo Massager has to offer, I wanted to share some other details with you as this device is really cool!

Fits Just Right - It has adjustable shoulder bands to ensure that adapts to user height, so you won't have to worry about buying the wrong size. It was designed with both function and form in mind, as the control settings are convenient to reach and easy to see.

Multi-use -  Use this massager can on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, or legs. It's like you own personal masseuse at your beck and call!

Compact, Light, and Portable- It comes with a handy bag, so it is portable not only at home but also in the office or anywhere else.

Discount Code- Plus, there's a fantastic promotion going on right now that will save you 20% off the Naipo oCuddle Massager (valid until 7/31/20.) Simply use the following coupon code at checkout: OCUDDLE20

Pampering Yourself With A Massage In The Comfort Of Your Home boosts not only your physical health but also your mental health and happiness. When you're feeling your best, you can succeed, inspire, and care for others.

PIN ME

Read more

Simple Ways To Relax And Relieve Stress

Six Simple Ways To Relax And Relieve Stress, By Barbie's Beauty Bits

Your inbox is loaded with tons of emails, you have more zoom meetings then you can count, you're kids are over the pandemic, mom just called to tell you she is out of toilet paper and can't breathe with her mask on, and if you go to social media, the world seems like it may just go up in flames at any minute, aka "HELL IN A HAND BASKET." 

Boy was that a mouthful, but it is also many people's reality right now. And to say we all might be a little stressed and over it is the understatement of the year! However, dealing with this is can be frustrating and places a toll on our body and mind. And what's worse, many just do not know how to relax!

So, if you are looking for some simple ways to relax and relieve stress, continue reading!

 

Ways To Regain Focus To Help Relax And Relieve Stress

Having too many things on your to-do list can increase stress levels. From managing working at home, the kids, daily chores, and those honey do's that are on the backburner, it's easy to feel like, any time you try to relax, your mind gets bogged down about everything you need to do, and you start to feel guilty. Hence, you want to focus on what you can control and learn to prioritize. You can't do everything, and that is OK!

Find Your Me Time-And Enjoy It
Whether you have a family to take care of or spend a lot of your time working (or both), it can often feel like you rarely get a moment just to yourself. However, taking some time just for yourself without having to deal with anyone else is essential if you want to be able to function appropriately in the long term.

Something as simple as spending only 15 minutes alone every day, without distractions, can be a savior to those who feel overwhelmed. It can be things as simple as...

• Taking a walk
• Listening to your favorite music
• Reading a book
• Making the perfect bubble bath
• Meditation
• Watch a movie

You Need To Learn How To Say No
One of the things that many of us seem to find incredibly tricky is being able to say no when people ask something of us. Now, a lot of the time, this isn't a terrible thing. After all, being able to be there for people is an excellent quality to have. But if you're trying to be everything for everyone, then you're just going to end up with some serious problems down the line. The truth is that there's nothing wrong with saying no sometimes. If you can't prioritize your own wellbeing, you're never going to be able to do anything for other people.

Clutters Causes Choas
Did your mother ever use the phrase "a tidy house makes a tidy mind" to get you to clean your room? Well, get ready to feel seriously irritated because it turns out she was right. If your environment is in chaos, then being able to turn off your mind and relax will be a lot more complicated. The truth is keeping a tidy and clean home is going to allow you to get into the mindset of relaxing far more quickly than if you are surrounded by clutter.  Staying on top of things like chores isn't exactly the most exciting or fun thing in the world, but it can make your life more comfortable in the future.

Exercise To Help Relieve Stress
Working out releases endorphins and has many benefits for your body's health both physically and mentally, like: 

• Brings more oxygen to your skin cells, leaving you with skin that's nourished and firmer
• Better sleep
• Decreases anxiety and stress levels
• Gives you more energy
• Physical shape

Learn To Ask For Help
Medical professionals often identify social support as a critical component of strong psychological health. Unfortunately, many have difficulty asking for help, or even having someone we can vent too. You should not be ashamed to ask for help. Having a close friend or a loved one to lean on, gives you a chance to bitch, cry, hug, or even find ways to laugh about your problems.

This close group can help in other ways besides offering a lending ear, for example

• If someones offers support, take it
• When they ask what they can do for you, tell them
• Take the kids to their grandparents for the weekend, (heck they raised you)
• Let your husband cook dinner
• Have a girls night of wine and pampering

The reality is that none of us can get by without at least a little help from those around us, and you must take advantage of that fact.

The Takeaway
Stress is a part of our everyday lives, but that doesn't mean you should let it get the best of you. It's all in how you learn to deal with the cards you're dealt,  take charge, and control your stress by learning how to relax.

Read more