Showing posts with label antioxidants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label antioxidants. Show all posts

Sunday, November 11, 2018

A PLASTIC SURGEON UNVEILS BEAUTY HACKS THAT WILL COST YOU LESS THAN A STARBUCKS COFFEE



We all know that cosmetic-plastic surgeons and dermatologists earn their living by operating or non- invasive procedures. Most of these endeavors are costly for patients.  It’s rare that any aesthetic surgeon will let us in on things we can do daily that don’t require us to visit them!  We are fortunate to have Dr. Manish Shah, a Denver board -certified plastic surgeon share secrets with us, that in many cases cost nothing or less than a gourmet cup of coffee.   

DR. MANISH SHAH’S TOP BEAUTY HACKS 

1.    Cleaning your phone screens – Dr. Shah offers that, “A great way to avoid blemishes is to routinely clean the makeup and bacteria off of your phone screens. It is easy to spread harmful skin bacteria from the surface of your phone. Washing your hands goes a long way to avoid skin contamination as well.”

2.    Make your own exfoliating scrub at home – Dr. Shah shares that, “A woman I consider my second mother taught me how to create my own organic exfoliating scrub. She would dry peeled skins of oranges, lemons, and limes in the sun. She would then finely grate the white inside rind of the peel and then mix it with any facial cleanser or even add it to fine facial oils. Using the scrub would exfoliate the skin, treat it with Vitamin C, and prevent over-drying of the skin because of the fruit oils.”

3.    I recommend treating the enlarged pores of the T-zone with over the counter hydrogen peroxide. The bacteria in the pores create inflammation that increases pore size, and this leads to blackheads and whiteheads. Dr. Shah explains that, “These bacteria can’t survive in high oxygen environments. 3% hydrogen peroxide is available over the counter quite inexpensively. Treating only the T-zone at night kills the bacteria, reduces pore size and blemishes. Because it can be quite drying, takes breaks from its use every now and then.”

4.    Avoid fake nails. They harbor tons of bacteria that are easily transferred to the face when you touch your face. Instead, focus on growing your own nails with the help of oral vitamin C and any good quality hair, skin, and nail vitamin-like Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin, and Nails.

5.    For teens, especially, it is so important to wash their pillowcases routinely. Dr. Shah is the father of three teens. From his first-hand knowledge, he says that “Teens aren’t very compliant when it comes to skincare and they suffer from hormones in a bad way. This 1-2 punch makes acne and blemishes the bane of most teens’ existence. Going to sleep at night on clean pillowcases after washing your face goes a long way to reducing the bacterial burden and allows blemishes to heal.”

6.    If you suffer from puffiness around the eyes, a quick trick is to use black tea bags. Wet them in ice water and lay them onto the eyes to soothe. The caffeine in the black tea causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing edema or swelling in the delicate, thin eyelid tissues.

7.    Add baking soda to your toothpaste to easily polish away stains to keep your teeth white. Instead of bleaching your teeth, baking soda actually breaks the molecules that stain the teeth. It is less irritating to your gums as well, and way cheaper than teeth whitening strips.

8.    Eat the rainbow- A white bread-based diet does not for clear skin make. That’s why Dr. Shah makes sure his diet is packed with brightly-colored fruits and vegetables.  He says, “Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants which give glow to the skin.” Specifically, research suggests that pigments called carotenoids—found in foods like carrots, spinach and other leafy greens, and tomatoes have been linked to good complexions.” Adding fish oil to your diet also improves skin compliance and radiance.

9.    Avoid Hot Showers- Disappointing as it may beDr. Shah says, “Hot showers remove too much of your natural oils and brings blood circulation to your skin, creating inflammatory reactions that result in rashes and aggravate those with eczema or dry patches.”

10. You may just need a brow wax instead of a lift
“I had a patient who wanted a brow lift because she thought she looked angry all the time. I sent her for a brow wax instead. It took 15 minutes, she looked great, and she saved herself thousands.” Other brow techniques like brow tinting can change how your eyebrows frame the eyes, improving on your looks.



About Dr. Manish Shah
https://drmanishshah.com/

Manish Shah, M.D., F.A.C.S. is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 
the Rhinoplasty Society, and the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery. After completing his formal plastic surgery training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Univ. of Tennessee College of Medicine, he moved to New York City and was selected for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. He underwent extensive, advanced training in aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body at the hands of some of the most renowned cosmetic surgeons in the world. Dr. Shah is one of only a select few plastic surgeons in the country who have undergone formal post-graduate training in aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery. Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you!



Guest Post. Not sponsored

Friday, September 23, 2016

Montlhy iHerb Haul | Health, Beauty, Vitamins, Superfoods, Essential Oil!




Happy Friday, everyone!

Welcome to another haul! This haul includes some health and beauty products. My favourite combo!

Some of this month's purchases are staples in my home and a few are new to me.

I'll link to each item in the name of each product incase you want to read more about any of the items.

Grocery


Madre Labs CocoCeps / $10.95
I use this organic dark chocolate, sugar-free cocoa powder in my daily protein shake. It's a great source of natural energy without the jitters. It has healthy immune boosting cordyceps & reishi mushrooms in it. I have an aversion to eating mushrooms but they are so healthy that I wish I could eat them, this cocoa powder allows me to get their benefits. The taste is delicious too and you don't taste any trace of mushrooms.

Now Foods Raw Almond Flour 10oz / $6.38
I try to eat healthy and low carb, so I don't bake with regular flour anymore. I use this healthy low-carb almond flour as a substitute in all my recipes. It's also gluten-free and a source of healthy fatty acids. It tastes great in all my recipes and makes them so much healthier. This also comes in a 22 oz bag. 


Supplements


Now Foods 5-HTP 50mg 90 caps / $11.46
This product is great for mood and sleep. I use it for sleep. I take one or two of these when I can't sleep and it usually works to put me to sleep. It's also supposed to help control weight by controlling cravings.

MD Formulas BioAstin Supreme Hawaiian Astaxanthin 60 caps / $20.99
This was the daily deal when I placed my order so I just had to get it. I've taken Astaxanthin before but not this brand. If I notice any difference once I start taking it, I'll do a review on it. BioAstin Astaxanthin is supposed to be the most powerful natural antioxidant known. It's said to help with joint & tendon health, skin health, eye & brain health, and recovery after exercise. It says that results are usually seen within 2-6 weeks of daily use. This product is gluten-free, non- GMO , and 100% Vegan.


Beauty


Real Techniques Powder Brush / $9.99
I've wanted to add this Real Techniques powder brush to my brush collection for quite some time. She's finally mine! I love Real Techniques, they make great products and they are cruelty-free! Review to come on this brush!

Now Foods 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil 30ml / $7.94
I love to use this in skincare and for aromatherapy. I use it in my bath with some Epsom salts for a relaxing spa-like bath. I also add some to my diffuser, or put some on a cotton pad and put it beside my pillow before bed to help me unwind. I also make my own DIY spray using this oil. It can also be used in skincare with carrier oils.

Prices shown are current prices and could change.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I purchased this month.

I've been shopping with iHerb for too many years to count. They have the best selection of natural health and beauty products at the best prices (they even sell ELF cosmetics). I paid a flat rate of $2.50 USD shipping for this whole order!

If you are vegan, gluten-free or only shop cruelty-free etc. you can actually type any of those terms into their search bar while shopping and it will only show you items that fit into that category. It's a very helpful tool.

You can get $5 off your first order by clicking HERE. (no minimum purchase required). If you do shop on iHerb don't forget to check the links at the top of the page for daily specials, trials, and other great deals!

Happy shopping!


#notsponsored , all products purchased by me, some links are referral links. Thank you for your support if you choose to use them. 



Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Pure + Simple and Holistic Vanity #earthday Celebration Specials!



I have been shopping at Pure and Simple Spa's for a few years now. For the last two years, I have participated in their amazing Earth Day celebration and I already can't wait until next year!

All you have to do is bring in some empty skincare products from any brand for recycling and they will give you 50% off of their products (Maximum 3 products per person.) Included in this sale is the Pure + Simple line, Holistic Vanity as well as their Minimalist line. They have 3 spas in Toronto and  1 in Waterloo. If you live out of town they even offer a mail-in program to participate. 

I stocked up on 2 of my favourite skin serums: 100 ml Algae Serum
And I traded in my empty Holistic Vanity Argan oil to try their Camellia Oil: 100 ml Camellia oil
I even received a free sample size of their all-natural deodorant. 

Remember, you will get 50% off on Earth Day, April 22nd. If you miss this sale they always have monthly sales on different products, usually 15%-20% off.

I'm excited to try the Camellia oil. It's not only for Rosacea! It's supposed to be very calming to the skin and it has great reviews on their website. After a quick "google" search, I see that Camellia oil has numerous skin benefits and it's non-comedogenic (won't clog pores or cause acne.)

If you're in the Toronto or Waterloo area and want to participate, they are open until 9pm tonight (Waterloo is open until 7 pm.) Or you could call their head office and ask about the mail-in program.  
Pure + Simple Contact info

How are you celebrating Earth Day?

(this is not sponsored and I purchased everything with my own money. I just love their products and service!)

Xo Amy


Saturday, March 14, 2015

Saturday Smoothie! Superfood Blueberry Kale Chia Protein Blast!

To say i haven't been eating healthy lately would be the understatement of the year. So, I decided to make a protein smoothie loaded with fruit, veggies and proteins today.  This one is chock-full of anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals and protein, basically a superfood smoothie.

I decided to go with a ton of kale, organic frozen blueberries, Chia seeds, Almond/coconut milk, some stevia and kelp (for the thyroid). Note: I don't use kelp powder regularly as I am acne prone and it can cause acne for me if I use it too often.

The kale and chia seeds are packed with protein, add in some protein powder of your choice and you've got protein packed smoothie!  I left out bananas in this one as I wanted a lower sugar content. I might crave it, but sugar is NOT my friend!


This is my favourite, go-to protein powder by Natural Factors. It's a whey powder so for dairy sensitive individuals or vegans, there are many other plant based protein powders on the market, Natural Factors carries some as well. I purchase mine at my local health food store for around $30.


Here is the finished product:


I can barely taste the kale as their is so much flavour and sweetness from the blueberries and a bit of stevia.

RECIPE:
Superfood Blueberry Kale Chia Protein Blast

  • 2 cups of kale (packed down in the mug) 
  • Frozen Blueberries to the fill line
  • Silk Almond/Coconut milk blend to fill line
  • 1 Tbsp Chia seeds
  • 2 scoops of Kelp powder-  Now Foods Kelp powder
  • 3 drops Now Stevia (alcohol free) - Now Foods Alcohol free Stevia( I have this is so many different flavours!)


Let me know if you try it or share one of your favourite smoothie recipes with me!

Happy smoothie making!

Amy xo






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