Don't Be Bald!

Have you seen this?



I have seen pretty scary hairlines but this scared me the most. I mean someone with access to cosmetologists, all the hair professionals one can think of and still have this issue. What is the hope for us mere mortals?

Well, it is never too late to try.

I know i know you have tried funny nameless concoctions and concluded that people in your family do not have "front hair".



Let science work for us.Biotin for hair growth is something you may have heard about. But is it something worth trying or just more hype to sell hair care products?



What is Biotin?



Biotin is a naturally occurring vitamin that is found in a number of common foods. It is essential to human health in general for several reasons. It is a B complex vitamin and is also sometimes called Vitamin H. The right amount of this vitamin helps the body metabolize fatty and amino acids in the body so that they can efficiently be used for energy and there is also some research that suggests it can help stabilize blood sugars as well.



The idea that biotin can also help promote healthy hair is rooted in science. One of the early signs of a biotin deficiency in the body is otherwise unexplained hair loss and hair breakage, as well as dry skin and cracked, brittle nails. Therefore many people feel that if they get extra biotin logically the result will be healthier hair.



Where is Biotin Found?



Biotin occurs naturally in a number of different foods especially



liver and kidney

swiss chard

halibut

carrots

almost all nuts (almond, walnut)

egg and dairy

and some soy

wheat products

vegetables (red beet, cabbage, spinach) and fruits

beans and the mushrooms.



Technically most people should get all the biotin they need from their daily diet but as is increasingly the case for most vitamins the poor diets many of us follow these days do not supply is with all the vitamins and minerals we need and taking a supplement is an idea worth considering.



Before going into the different kinds of products that are available it is important to remember that biotin is a vitamin, not some wonder substance that has been recently discovered and can miraculously produce healthy shiny hair that grows long and strong! Biotin might help hair growth but you also need to look after your hair , avoiding subjecting it to too many chemical processes or high heat treatments. Subjecting your hair to continual bleaching, blow drying and high heat treatments using a tool like a flat iron which does more to damage and break hair as well as limit its growth than almost anything else.



With that in mind though if you are concerned about thinning hair, hair loss or just want to try to make your hair grow faster here is a little about some of the types of products that are available that contain biotin and are designed to do that:



Hair Vitamins» - These days a great many people take a vitamin supplement of some kind on a daily basis. Vitamin supplements that are marketed as hair vitamins are formulated with the recommended dosage of vitamins that are considered to be especially beneficial to healthy hair, including biotin.



Biotin Enriched Shampoos and Conditioners – They range from the affordable to the rather expensive but the price difference does tend to be more about the brand than the actual ingredients which are fairly similar across the board.



Why not give these a try?







For more options and categories of health and wellness vitamin supplements, Please visit in Nigeria;



GNC Live Well

1 B Opebi Road,

Ikeja



GNC Live Well,

Leisure Mall,

Adeniran Ogunsanya Street,

Surulere,

Lagos



GNC Live Well,

Ceddi Plaza,

Garki,

Abuja

Hair...You Do Not Want It Here!

There is nothing as distracting as feeling a strand of hair on your chin ( that's if you are a woman). I find that once i feel that strand of hair i become obsessed with getting rid of it. I have to will my fingers away from my face after that.

I might forget it or pretend to forget it but the most annoying moment is when a guy notices the stray hair.



If you have ever felt uncomfortable about been hairier than the average woman, cheer up! You are not alone.

There are simple ways to get rid of unwanted hairs.



*Use tweezers to reduce facial hair.



Sterilize the ends of the tweezers with rubbing alcohol before and after plucking to avoid infection. Stretch the skin gently around the area that you want to pluck. Grip the hair near the root then firmly pull the hair.

Plucking facial hair is inexpensive, but time consuming. It can also be painful and lead to ingrown hairs if the hair breaks off underneath the skin. You can avoid ingrown hairs by pulling the hair gently as opposed to yanking it out with the tweezers.

Hair regrowth after plucking can occur in 3 to 8 weeks.





*Shave unwanted facial hair with a disposable razor.



( For more than a few strands)

Apply a shaving gel or foam to the chin or upper lip. Glide the razor across the skin in the direction that the hair grows. You can also use an electric razor for wet or dry shaving.Hair regrowth after shaving is fast: from a few hours to a few days.



*Try an at home waxing kit.



Waxing removes hair from the root. Warm wax should be applied to the desired area using the applicator that comes the kit then allowed to cool. Use your fingers to pull the cold wax off of your skin in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Regular waxing can reduce regrowth because this technique interrupts the development of hair follicles.

Regrowth can occur in 2 to 3 weeks.



*Try threading



Visit an expert. Hair regrows in 3 to 4 weeks.



*Use a hair growth inhibitor.



Visit your dermatologist to get a prescription for a hair inhibitor. Hair inhibitors

are plant based products that change the structure of hair follicles so that

the hair grows thin and soft and eventually it does not grow at all.

Apply the cream to the areas of your face where you want to reduce hair growth. The cream will remain on your skin. Follow the instructions that accompany the product.

Hair growth inhibitors can be used with other hair reduction methods such as threading, waxing and tweezing.

Results may take 4 to 6 months.



*Try a Laser Hair Treatment.



Laser hair treatments are very useful for getting rid of that unwanted hair. The

Laser gives off beams of heat and light to the roots of the hair and stops the

hair from growing after a period of time.To get the end result it will take 9 or more months but is much more worth it. It is more expensive at first, but in the end you save money



Caution



Shaving can lead to ingrown hairs. It can also result in cuts to the skin. Use a shaving lotion or gel to reduce irritation.



Waxing can be painful and may cause irritation and/or bleeding. Follow the directions provided with the home waxing kit you choose very carefully





See a doctor If:

#The hair grows rapidly

#You also have male features such as acne, deepening voice, increased muscle mass, and decreased breast size.

#You are concerned that medication may be worsening unwanted hair growth

Fine Girl; No Bleaching

Is it possible to get rid of spots from your face or any part of your skin without bleaching? Is it possible to have a clear smooth complexion minus unnatural light skin? I have more questions. Are you Suffering From Low Self-Esteem because of how dark or uneven your skin color is? Tired of Wasting Money on Expensive Skin Whitening Products that do NOT Work? Applying strange creams in funny containers waiting to see a new you in the mirror? Feeling less attractive because you have dark skin? Applying excessive foundation or make up to get a false complexion? Frightened of having your picture taken because you hate the way your skin looks? I promise I am not trying to call anyone out. It just happens that for a while now I have searched up and down, high and low for what will give me that creamy Megan Good complexion or Paula Pattons’. I envy their skin tones. I realized I am more of a bronze goddess ( Okay that’s veering off topic and very close to falsehood.) I want great skin but I do not want to bleach( Egyptian milk is not for everyone). Then it came to me, why not just have clear beautiful skin dark or not! In my quest, I noticed that some of what was holding me back from my dream skin were these dark spots on my face. Some from acne, some parts of my face just darker than others. Also some patches on the other parts of my skin. I discovered it was Hyperpigmentation. In dermatology, Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin or nail caused by excess melanin. Hyperpigmentation may be caused by sun damage, inflammation, or other skin injuries, including those related to acne and pimples. People with darker skin tones are also more prone to hyperpigmentation, especially if they have excess sun exposure. Many forms of hyperpigmentation occur affecting areas such as the face and the back of the hands. Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by using skin lightening lotions, this becomes obvious especially after discontinuing the use of those creams or lotions. Another form of hyperpigmentation is Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These are dark and discolored spots that appear on your skin following acne that has healed. Hyperpigmentation is very difficult to treat. It may take months to get the desired results. Laser Skin treatments produce good results but they are quite expensive, if you can afford them, go for it. You can always start with the basics. Cheer up! Long lasting results take time to achieve. You should know by now that quick solutions fail or fade fast. These simple lifestyle changes are a great place to start to treat your dark spot and patches. We know hyperpigmentation is caused by skin cell damage, so you give your body the tools to repair itself! • Exfoliate your face regularly - use a high quality scrub 3 to 4 times a week to encourage cell renewal and remove old, darker skin. New fresh skin will gradually emerge. Use a sponge or loofah for your body. • Use a high SPF sunscreen daily and avoid excessive sun exposure • Drink lots of water, when your skin tissues are hydrated they function properly and a lot of skin problems resolve on their own. • Avoid refined sugar and heavy carbohydrates • Eat lots of high anti-oxidant foods like fruits, vegetables and fibre • Take a daily Omega 3 supplement encourage skin cell repair • Get your daily dose of vitamin C with your diet or a quality supplement. Vitamin C actively reduces the production of melanin, and that means lighter dark spots and patches. We would talk more on this subject soon. Please share any tip orproducts that has worked for you.

Tackling the Mayhem of Oily Skin

This article is more for me than anyone i know. You see it is easy to spot me in pictures. I am the girl with the shiny face, the oily nose, the mirror forehead. So this is a reminder for me and some tips for you.



Oils produced by the body help keep skin healthy, but there can be too much of a good thing. Excess oil can lead to blemishes and acne flare-ups. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to cut down on oiliness and clear complexion.



Ways to Care for Oily Skin



Cleansers

Dermatologists agree that the most effective way to manage oily skin is to cleanse your face both morning and night. Always use a gentle cleanser since harsh soaps can trigger the skin to increase oil production.



If a basic facial cleanser doesn’t cut oiliness, try a product that includes an acid such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid.



Toners

I recommend applying toners only on oily areas of the skin, such as the forehead, nose, and chin. Avoid using them on areas that tend to be dry or you’re likely to create dry patches on your skin.





Medicated Pads

Pads medicated with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or other oil-cutting acid ingredients are another beauty routine option.You can carry them in your purse and use them on the run to freshen up your skin and remove excess oil.



Blotting Paper

Cosmetic blotting papers offer a great option for removing oil because they don’t dry out your skin. Apply it to oily areas, such as forehead, nose, and chin. Simply press it against the oily area long enough to absorb oil. Some blotting papers are lightly powdered, which further reduces shine.



Masks and Clays

Applying masks and clays to the skin helps draw out oils and cleanses pores, but there is also concern for over drying.



Moisturizers

People who have oily skin often steer clear of moisturizers, To be honest i avoid creams myself .That’s a bad idea. Even oily skin needs to be moisturized to look its best as I've now learnt. To avoid an oily sheen, choose an oil-free moisturizer.



Oil-free Sunscreen

Sunscreens can pose a problem for people with oily skin since they tend to be thick and can block pores.Even so, protecting skin from ultraviolet radiation is absolutely essential.



Adapt Your Facial Regimen

How oily your skin appears can vary season by season, week by week, even day by day. Oil production is influenced by hormones, by mood, even by the weather.It’s important to be aware of how your skin varies so that you can adjust your regimen That’s important to know since overusing these products can cause skin to dry out.



Creams laced with tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene can also help by altering pores and reducing oiliness. Since these products can be irritating, it’s best to use them only on oily areas and only as often as you really need it.



It’s worth remembering that oil production is a normal part of healthy skin. People with naturally oily skin tend to have fewer wrinkles and healthier looking skin so don’t go overboard in your efforts. ( Thank heavens there is something positive).



Remove excess oiliness when you need to look your best, but be careful to preserve your skin’s natural anti-aging mechanism.



I hope this helps.



Happy Sunday!

Stretch Marks

GIRL: Akpos darling, give me a pet name. You know we are in a relationship now.



AKPOS: Zebra girl



GIRL: Why?



AKPOS: Because of your stretch marks.





I found that joke quite funny even though i am a "Zebra Girl". I am on a quest to find the magic potion to get rid of stretch marks. If you have stretch marks, you would know they are one of the hardest things to get rid of.



Stretch marks are often the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth or rapid weight changes. Stretch marks may also be influenced by hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, bodybuilding etc.



Stretch marks don't look the same on everyone. The appearance of stretch marks depends on the color of your skin; they can start out pink, reddish brown, brown, or dark brown, and fade over time to a more silvery color.Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, but are most likely to appear in places where larger amounts of fat are stored. Most common places are the abdomen (especially near the navel), breasts, upper arms, underarms, back, thighs (both inner and outer), hips, and buttocks. They pose no health risk in and of themselves, and do not compromise the body's ability to function normally and repair itself.



How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks



When stretch marks show up, it's best to treat them as early as possible

Research has focused on the early stages of stretch marks, when they are still red or purple and most readily respond to treatment.Once stretch marks pass the initial stage, when they are red or purple, to the later stages, where they become white or silver -- often with deep indentations -- they are much more challenging to treat.





Moisturizing three or four times a day with products that contain cocoa butter or shea butter as a prime ingredient will help. Using pure shea butter ( ori in yoruba language) is also beneficial.Massage the moisturizer deep into breasts, belly, hips, and buttocks.



Many products claim to "repair" stretch marks. But only a few a work.

Here is a list of ingredients in products which may help in treatment of stretch marks;



Wheat germ oil: There is not much scientific data on whether home remedies for stretch marks, such as wheat germ oil, can help. One recent study did find it helped improve stretch marks in their early phase.



Glycolic acid: Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid. It most likely works on stretch marks by boosting collagen production. Glycolic acid can also be administered in higher doses by a dermatologist.



Vitamin C: Certain formulations of vitamin C may also increase collagen production and help early-stage stretch marks.For maximum effect, combine with glycolic acid. Vitamin C supplements may also be effective about 500 milligrams three times a day.



Retinoids: Retinoids have been shown to be fairly effective in increasing collagen and elastic production during the early stages. But you should avoid them if you're pregnant or nursing. Retinol, tretinoin, and the prescription medications Differin, Renova, Retin-A, and Tazorac are examples of retinoids.



There are a few options on how to get rid of stretch marks actually. Cosmetic surgery or laser stretch mark removal is one option if you can afford it. Too many risks and costs associated with it.



Most people can get away with stretch mark removal cream. How effective it is depends on your skin. But at the minimum they definitely help reduce sketch mark to a large degree.

Myself personally, I was able to remove some of my sketch marks using creams. It is a slow process but i am making progress.



How do you deal with stretch marks?

You are doing that in public!

Good Looking girl.



Nice Shoes.



Nice outfit.



Lovely skin.



Scratching her weave in public without shame.



Tapping that head like its a drum.



We know what you are doing.



I feel your pain.



Treat your scalp!



Most likely you have dandruff.



Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the population at the post-pubertal age and of any gender and ethnicity. It often causes itching. The severity of dandruff may fluctuate with season.



Causes



As the epidermal layer continually replaces itself, cells are pushed outward where they eventually die and flake off. For most individuals, these flakes of skin are too small to be visible. For people with dandruff, skin cells may mature and be shed in 2–7 days, as opposed to around a month in people without dandruff. The result is that dead skin cells are shed in large, oily clumps, which appear as white or grayish patches on the scalp, skin and clothes.



Dandruff has been shown to be the result of three required factors:



Skin oil commonly referred to as sebum or sebaceous secretions



The metabolic by-products of skin micro-organisms (most specifically Malassezia yeasts)



Individual susceptibility



Treatment



When brushing your hair (your real hair), brush from your scalp down with steady, firm strokes. This will carry oil from your scalp where it can cause dandruff, along the hair strands where it will keep your hair shiny and healthy.



You can treat flaking and dryness with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. Shampoo the hair vigorously and frequently (preferably daily). Loosen scales with the fingers, scrub for at least 5 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Active ingredients in these shampoos include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium.



To apply shampoos, part the hair into small sections, apply to a small area at a time, and massage into the skin. If on face or chest, apply medicated lotion twice per day. Recently, creams classified as topical immune modulators are being used.





Also look out for shampoos and other hair products with these ingredients;



Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) heals the scalp by normalizing the epithelial keratinization or sebum production or both.



Steroids

The properties of topical corticosteroids depend on the structure of the agent, the vehicle and the skin onto which it is used. Corticosteroids work via their anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects i.e inhibits excessive cell growth which causes dandruff.



Selenium sulfide

It is believed that selenium sulfide controls dandruff via its anti Malassezia (organism which causes dandruff).



Coal Tar

Coal tar is a keratoplastic causing the skin to shed dead cells from the top layer and slow skin cell growth.



Imidazole antifungal agents

Imidazole topical antifungals such as ketoconazole ( Nizoral)



Hydroxypyridones

Ciclopirox is widely used as an anti-dandruff agent in most preparations.



Neem

Neem has anti-fungal properties that can be effective in treating dandruff.



Black Pepper

Black pepper contains the dandruff fighting minerals zinc and selenium. In Indian traditional Ayurveda, powdered black pepper has been used to treat dandruff.



Egg oil

In India,Japanese and Chinese traditional medicine, egg oil was traditionally used as a treatment for dandruff.



Sandalwood

Sandalwood and Lemon: Application of an emulsion prepared with the oil of sandalwood and lemon juice has been proven effective to cure dandruff. In traditional Ayurveda, sandalwood has many benefits. Its main component beta-santalol (~90%) has antimicrobial properties.

The Eyebrow Story

1) Outline the bottom with eyebrow pencil. 2) Outline the top. 3) Fill in leaving a little bit blank. 4) Using an angled brush fill in with brown eyeshadow. 5) Remove excess of product on your brush and brushing upwards gently fill in the blank spot for a “natural look” 6) Using a concealer brush clean the edges with a little bit of concealer. 7) Blend in the concealer and you’re done!

Light Skin Craze

I had an encounter with a woman recently. She came up to me saying she wants to look good, she wants to glow. She wants her skin to be really fine. I knew what she wanted but was not saying, she wanted to be lighter. Seeing as i am dark skinned well to be honest i have a bronze-like complexion.

She brought two Q** products to me and asked me to pick one. I had not ventured in to this "skin glowing" business then so i picked the product that contained carrot. I heard from a number of people who have used carrot products about how good it is for the skin and how it helps with burns. However my skin has the opposite reaction to carrot. It makes me darker.

Three weeks later, it was the grace of God that saved me. The woman stormed into the pharmacy screaming, "Where is She?" . The people around tried to calm her. She continued,"I told her i wanted my skin to look good, to be fair now she has made me dark!"

When did being dark become a bad thing?



Anyway I have done my research and experimented on myself. If you can not be lighter skinned or do not aim for that, would it not be nice to have your skin at its best?



Here are simple tips for better skin.



#1. Hydrate



Drink a lot of water. Experts have suggested at least 7 glasses a day.

Water helps the body get rid of toxins. I have discovered that a glass of water first thing in the morning is beneficial as it helps bowel motility.



#2. Do what your mother always told you to do.



Quit Smoking. Do not overdo the alcohol and caffeine. Get enough sleep.



#3. Antioxidants



Eat more fruits and vegetables, they contain antioxidants and are good for the skin.



#4. Eat more Fish



Fish oils are very good.



#5. Most of us do not eat enough fruits and vegetables.



I advise daily supplements they should however not replace a proper diet.

Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Cod liver capsules are good choices.



#6. Sunscreen



Most people have the wrong impression about sunscreen. Not only caucasians need sunscreen. Your melanin rich skin also has to be protected from the harsh rays of the sun. Buy a sunscreen that has at least SPF 15.



#7. Moisturize



Fancy, expensive moisturizers are not necesarily more effective. Look for a name you trust and a price point you are comfortable with for every day use.