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When it comes to removing unwanted hair, thankfully, there are a ton of options. Shaving and depilatory creams are the most affordable, but the results don’t last very long. The next most popular option is waxing, which can last for weeks.
During the COVID-19 quarantine, salons were deemed a nonessential service, however some of us disagree. This lead to lots of people having to wax themselves, or choose other hair removal methods.
In 2014, I started my journey with laser hair removal. After about two years of treatments, my hair eventually became lighter, thinner, and in some areas non-existent. It got to the point where I didn’t have to worry about my hair growing.
However, after 2 full years of not receiving any laser treatments, my hair started to grow back! And of course I noticed this right as the quarantine began.
I began reviewing my options. I did not want to go with waxing because I hate the pain. I did not want to use a razor because I ALWAYS get ingrown hairs. Therefore, I decided to choose a depilatory cream.
What are the Pros and Cons ?
There were many different types of depilatory creams available. However, I narrowed it down to one. Which product did I choose and why??
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During the COVID-19 quarantine, I found myself in need to remove unwanted hair. I decided to use a depilatory cream, and stumbled upon Nair “Glides Away.” What caught my attention was the fact that it looked like a stick of deodorant, and one of my trouble areas were my armpits. Perfect right?!
Before I choose any cosmetic product, I have to do my research. My main source has become The Environmental Working Group (EWG.com). They are a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated toprotecting human health and the environment. They provide a ratings of products based on the ingredients they contain. Knowing this information makes me feel more empowered when deciding on a product I use or recommend to any of my patients.
How did they rate Nair “Glides Away?”
EWG rated Nair “Glides Away” as a 6 which is considered “fair.” At first I thought ” A six on a scale of 1-10, this is BAD!” But after digging deep and looking at the break down, I calmed down and realized why.
The concerns is with the fragrance contained in the product. It can cause irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs). However, the product can still be safely used.
How can you safely use the product and still get the benefits?
Use the product only as directed. Make sure your skin is healthy before using this product. Applying this cream on broken skin increases your risk for irritation. Also, do not use if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions from topical products.
Make sure you apply the cream for no more than then recommended time, which is 10 minutes total. Leaving on longer than that will increase your risk for irritation, as well as exposure.
In addition, make sure you rinse the cream of thoroughly. If the product is not completely removed, you are increasing your risk of exposure.
Final Review
After using the product myself, I would definitely recommend (as long as your skin is healthy and you don’t have sensitive skin).
Watch review on YouTube
I got results within 3 minutes and it was very easy to use. I will continue to use until I can get in for a laser hair removal appointment!
My favorite way to get my daily dose of collagen is by mixing it with my green tea. I drink green tea first thing in the morning and right before I go to bed. It’s a delicious treat that not only keeps me satisfied , but helps me relax.
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With several collagen supplements flooding the market, its confusing when choosing which one may be right for you. When selecting a collagen supplement you want to make sure it’s a trusted brand and quality product. My approach when choosing any vitamin or supplement is to first make sure it passes my “Trust Test,” then I check at least two reputable sources for product reviews and literature.
After doing my research, I decided to choose Vital Proteins: Collagen Peptides (Original). It meets my “Collagen Checklist” and passed the “Trust Test.” My favorite way to drink it is mixed with green tea in the morning and at night.
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Disclaimer
The information provided on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this site is for general information purposes only. The content creator makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available on this site and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician.
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Collagen supplements have gained popularity in the past few years. Products are flooding the market and there are tons of brands out there. It’s confusing as a consumer as to which brand to choose. I didn’t know how overwhelming it would be to buy collagen until recently.
So what’s the hype about COLLAGEN?
Collagen has been called the “Fountain of Youth” for a reason. It’s been show to assist with strengthening hair and nails, improving the appearance of skin, and supporting bone and joint health.
Why supplement?
We start losing about 1% of collagen each year beginning in our mid-20’s. By time menopause hits, we can expect to have lost about 30%. It takes up to 12 weeks to see results, but some consumers report seeing results in as little as 2 weeks.
Choosing the right product
Since supplements are not evaluated by the FDA for safety or efficacy, I make sure I’m diligent when choosing the best product. When choosing any supplement, I first make sure it passes my “Trust Test,” then I do a label check. For the “Trust Test” I verify if the product meets consumer safety standards. My top sources for this are the NSF and USP. I check to see if the product has their seal, if not, I check their website to see if the company’s product is listed. If it’s listed, I trust that the company has done its job to ensure their product is safe.
Next, I check the label. Are there any ridiculous health claims? Are the ingredients listed on the label? In addition, the product has to be reasonably priced. If this criteria is met, I evaluate if the product has the proper ingredients and dosage.
Collagen Checklist
There are 16 different types of collagen. When choosing a collagen supplement make sure it has Type I and Type III collagen (these make up 90% of the body). Next, make its hydrolyzed collagen peptides from grass-fed bovine (being hydrolyzed makes it easy to digest and bovine is the most potent collagen source). In addition, the product should have a diverse list of amino acids and at least 11 grams of collagen peptides per serving.
If you’re looking for a non-animal source, there are products that source their collagen from fish. This is called Marine collagen. Check the label to verify the source of collagen to be sure. However, if you don’t have any dietary preferences, grass-fed bovine is the most potent source.
Top Products on the Market
Based on reviewing research conducted by ConsumerLabs and ConsumersSurvey.org, I’ve listed below the top rated collagen supplements (in no specific order). Remember to verify the labels and pass the “Trust Test.”
● Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Power – Pure
● Vital Proteins Collagen Protein Powder Supplement – 10oz
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About boric acid
Boric was first marketed in 1939, and had many general uses, such as treating symptoms associated with vaginitis. It wasn’t until recently, in January 2016, when a commercially available homeopathic boric acid vaginal suppository (Hylafem Homeopathic RX Vaginal Suppository)came to the market. Although there are commercially available homeopathic products available, the FDA hasn’t evaluated these products for safety or efficacy. It’s unknown how boric acid actually works, but what we do know is that boric acid is effective topically against preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Studies show that boric acid may increase the pH of the vagina (making it more acidic), and this leads to the prevention of fungal growth. In addition, boric acid has been shown to exert slow-acting bacteriostatic activity against staphylococci and streptococci. Current guidelines recommend treating bacterial vaginosis with prescription only oral medications called nitroimidazoles. In addition to that, the CDC suggests that adding boric acid vaginal suppositories to the treatment regimen may be effective for women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis.
Important things to know before using boric acid
Do not ingest boric acid. Severe boric acid poisoning and fatalities have occurred. Boric acid is made for topical use only. There is still a risk of developing systemic toxicity even when applied topically. Infants and children are at the highest risk. Do not apply to skin that is cut or broken.
Signs and symptoms of acute toxicity following excessive absorption of boric acid may include: nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal pain; hemorrhagic gastroenteritis; CNS stimulation (weakness, lethargy, headache, and restlessness, tremor, twitching of facial muscles and extremities, and seizures) followed by CNS depression; metabolic acidosis; intravascular coagulation; and fever. Severe and fatal poisoning with boric acid may manifest as oliguria, anuria, renal tubular necrosis, hepatomegaly, jaundice, cyanosis, shock, circulatory collapse, and death. If accidentally swallowed or if systemic toxicity is suspected, seek medical help or contact a poison control center immediately.
Do not use if pregnant or breast feeding. Boric acid should never be administered to neonates or infants. Do not use boric acid vaginal products in children 12 years or younger. Keep all boric acid products out of the reach of children.
Boric acid vaginal suppositories are not recommended for use by patients with high blood pressure, cardiac disease or blood vessel disease. Vaginal use is not recommended in patients with immunosuppression, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); use is considered contraindicated by the manufacturer.[ Patients with known sexually transmitted disease (STD) or a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) should only receive the vaginal boric acid products under the close supervision and prescription of a health care provider. Patients should discontinue use and seek medical examination and advice for any vaginal bleeding, sores, ulcerations, nausea, fever or chills, sensitivity in your lower pelvis or abdomen, or suspected sexually transmitted disease (STD) or pelvic inflammatory disease Open genital or vaginal wounds can increase the risk for systemic absorption of boric acid and toxicity.
What side effects can I expect using boric acid vaginally?
When used short term and as directed, boric acid vaginal products generally won’t cause significant side effects. You can expect to have watery or gritty vaginal discharge, irritation of the vagina, redness, and slight burning. In addition, if you’re allergic to boric acid, some reactions you may experience include anaphylactic reactions, dyspnea or difficulty breathing, chest pain (unspecified), angioedema, pruritus, urticaria or other rash (unspecified), pruritus, and skin irritation or inflammation. If these occur, discontinue use immediately.
How to use Boric acid vaginal suppositories
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Take out the capsule suppository from the foil pouch (if applicable) and insert the capsule suppository into the open end of the applicator.
Gently insert the applicator with the vaginal capsule suppository into the patient’s vagina as far as possible, following the directions of the product.
Depress the plunger so that the capsule suppository is released.
Withdraw the applicator and discard the disposable applicator.
Wash hands after insertion.
Patient may wish to wear a panty liner after product is inserted as directed
Avoid sexual intercourse during the treatment period.
Do not douche
Keep the area around your vagina and rectum clean (wash the area daily with warm water).
Wipe yourself from front to back after using the toilet
Use only as recommended by a physician or as directed on the product package
If you have a female sexual partner, tell her that you have a vaginal infection. She should see her health care provider and be treated if she has symptoms.
If you have a male sexual partner, he does not need treatment.
Wipe yourself from front to back after using the toilet.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important
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Reasons why you may develop BV
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the vagina which occurs when the normal vaginal bacteria is thrown off balance, and other harmful bacteria start to overgrow. It most commonly affects sexually active women of reproductive age (ages 15-44).
Having a new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners.
Having unprotected sex.
Douching.
Having an intrauterine device (IUD).
Smoking.
Drug and alcohol abuse.
Taking certain antibiotic medicines.
Being pregnant.
Myths about Bacterial Vaginosis
You can get BV from toilet seats or from contact with objects. – No.
You can get BV from swimming pools, hot tubs, or taking a bath. – No.
BV doesn’t require treatment. It will go away on its own. – No.
✔️ It’s important to get treated because bacterial vaginosis increases your risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Getting treated can help reduce your risk for chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and HIV
✔️ Treatment is also important for preventing complications in pregnant women, because this condition can cause an early labor.
How do I know if I have bacterial vaginosis?
Verify your signs and symptoms:
Grey or white vaginal discharge. Watery or foamy discharge.
Fish-like odor with discharge, especially after sexual intercourse or during menstruation.
Vaginal itching in and around the vagina.
Burning or pain with urination.
Some women with bacterial vaginosis have no signs or symptoms.
Verify your vaginal pH
There are kits available without a prescription to test your vaginal pH. A healthy vaginal pH ranges from 4-4.5.
Your condition will be diagnosed based on your medical history, physical exam of the vaginal and sample of vaginal fluid or cells.
How is this treated?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is treated with prescription antibiotics and/or Boric acid. Prescription antibiotics may be give as a pill, a vaginal cream, or vaginal suppository. If the condition comes back after treatment, a second round of antibiotics may be needed.
The effectiveness of boric acid in treating BV has been gaining popularity amongst doctors recently, and is often used in conjunction with prescription antibiotics. The commercially available product is homeopathic and has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety or efficacy in treating vaginal conditions.
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To get rid of a boil do the following:
Step 1: Apply a warm compress (with a clean wash cloth) 3-4 times a day for up to 20 minutes. Step 2: Clean the area with antibacterial/antiseptic soap at least 3 times a day
Step 3: Apply icthamol salve to unpopped boil 3-4 times a day after application of warm compress (OPTIONAL)
Step 4: Once the boil comes to a head (forms pus/whitehead) continue steps 1-2 until it drains/pops.
Step 5: Once boil drains, apply antibiotic ointment/cream (ex. Neosporinto the site 3-4 times a day after cleaning, then apply a bandage to keep it covered.
Step 6: Other options: In place of neosporin- apply Tea tree oil (diluted with coconut oil or olive oil) or castor oil 3-4 tmes a day to site, then apply bandage to keep it covered.
Important note: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRAIN THE BOIL WITH A NEEDLE OR POP WITH YOU FINGERS.
****SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IF : THE BOIL DOES NOT IMPROVE WITHIN 2-3 DAYS, YOU HAVE A FEVER, SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES, MRSA/STAPH INFECTION, FEEL ILL, HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION, OR IF OTHER BOILS ARE SURROUNDING THE PRIMARY BOIL. ***
Boils can occur anywhere on the body.
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Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Tired of DRY/CRUSTY lips? Me Too!
I’ve been using my homemade Green Tea Lip Scrub and have been getting amazing results!
I recommend scrubbing your lips with this at least 2-3 times a week, before bedtime. Be sure apply petroleum jelly afterwards and let moisturize overnight.
