by | | Curated Content
December 4th 2023
–
Wellness Mama Blog | Simple Answers for Healthier Families
–
I’m talking again with my good friend Maggie Berghoff about inflammation and lowering our toxic burden. Maggie struggled with some pretty serious autoimmune diseases and became increasingly frustrated with the lack of answers from modern medicine. She went from being a conventional nurse practitioner to helping her patients find natural healing of their own. Maggie’s …
Continue reading 715: How to Know if You Have Inflammation and Lower Your Toxic Burden With Maggie Berghoff…
Read the full article here:
https://wellnessmama.com/podcast/715/
by | | Curated Content
December 4th 2023
–
Greatist Health RSS Feed
–
Hair masks offer a simple way to restore your mane game. You can skip the salon and pick up a hair mask from any drugstore. Or, you can get fancy and DIY your own!
Here’s how you can work a hair mask into your hair care routine.
What is a hair mask?
A hair mask is not that thing when you cover your face with your hair like the girl who climbed out of the TV in The Ring. (Trigger warning!) The hair mask we’re talking about is a hair treatment product that can help give you shinier, stronger, and softer hair.
Made with various nourishing ingredients, hair masks hydrate your hair more intensely than your average conditioner or shampoo.
Certain hair masks are tailored for specific hair needs and cover all hair types:
- Hair masks formulated to nourish and protect dyed hair
- Moisturizing hair masks with plant oils for curly or frizzy hair
- Clay-based hair masks that absorb oil from a greasy scalp
- Rich hair masks for damaged or dry hair
How to use hair mask
In general, hair masks are worked into wet hair and left for anywhere from a few minutes to overnight, depending on your specific hair goals and the particular brand of hair mask. Here’s how it’s done:
- Wash your hair with shampoo (or not) and rinse thoroughly.
- Apply the hair mask evenly, paying particular attention to the damaged areas. Work the product evenly through your hair with your fingertips or a wide-toothed comb
- Let your hair mask rest on your hair for five minutes. While you’re waiting in the shower, you can take care of other business like shaving or exfoliating.
- Rinse the hair mask thoroughly with tepid water.
- Gently towel your hair dry and enjoy your rejuvenated hair!
The specifics of each type of hair mask can vary from brand to brand, so be sure to check the instructions on the package.
Hair mask FAQs
How often can you use hair mask?
If you’re aiming to rehydrate parched hair, go ahead and use your hair mask once a week. If your locks are super dry, up that to two or three times a week in lieu of conditioner.
FYI: Using a hair mask too often can lead to product build-up, resulting in limp or greasy hair.
How long do you leave hair mask on?
Most hair masks can rest on damp hair for about 5 minutes. Depending on the type of hair mask and the damage you’re trying to soothe, you can leave it in your damp hair for up to 20 minutes. To be safe, follow the directions on the product’s package.
Can you leave hair mask on too long?
In general, your hair type, length, and dryness level tell you how long you should leave the product in your hair. Clay or protein-based hair masks are designed to help tame oiliness, so be sure to rinse out these types of hair masks after 3 to 5 minutes or risk drying out your hair even more.
Why use hair mask?
Hair masks replenish all hair types by using a potent combination of naturally healing ingredients such as shea butter, avocado, argan, and coconut oil. If your hair is long, dry, naturally frizzy, or damaged, you may benefit the most from using a hair mask.
Takeaway
Hair masks hydrate and nourish your hair with more intensity than your average conditioner or shampoo. Tailored to suit all hair types, there’s a mask just for you. Rinse, towel dry gently, and enjoy your rejuvenated hair. But beware, too much of a good thing can lead to a hair product buildup.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/how-to-use-hair-mask
by | | Curated Content
December 4th 2023
–
Greatist Health RSS Feed
–
You’ve sailed the turbulent waters of adolescence, complete with mood swings, skin surprises, physical awkwardness, and, of course, meeting Aunt Flo for the first time. Puberty typically raises its (spotty) head at around age 8 to 14, bringing with it a whirlwind of emotional and physical changes.
But just when you’ve finally come to terms with adulthood and thought it’d be plain sailing, surprise! Your body has other plans. Now, let’s get one thing straight — there’s no official “second puberty” in the medical textbooks. Still, some folks use the term to describe the natural age-related changes that gracefully make their entrance during adulthood.
If the whole “puberty 2.0” concept is a revelation to you, and you’re itching to learn more, let’s dive in!
What is women’s second puberty?
Women’s second puberty is a surprise sequel to the hormonal adventures you remember from your teenage years. During adolescence, your body underwent a whirlwind of changes, and guess what? Adulthood decided to throw you a curveball by bringing some of those changes back for an encore performance.
But, even though these changes may resemble those of puberty — acne, weight gain, and hormone fluctuations — there’s no such thing as a true second puberty. It’s all just normal, age-related changes.
Signs of women’s second puberty
Thanks to your hormones doing a merry dance, you could experience an exhilarating range of second puberty symptoms. Yep, you thought you left those pesky hormone shifts behind in high school, but here they are making a comeback.
Nope, they like to make surprise guest appearances at various stages of life, like during pregnancy and perimenopause, and for many other reasons. And these hormonal shifts are the culprits behind the puberty-like symptoms you may experience. Here’s what to look out for:
Physical changes
You don’t stop growing at 18. In fact, researchers discovered that your pelvis might even expand in width until your thirties and then scale things down after you hit 40. Why, you ask? Well, it’s all down to fertility and hormonal fluctuations.
And speaking of changes, let’s talk about the girls. Your boobs undergo hormonal-driven changes that affect how they look and feel. Also, if you start or switch to a new hormonal birth control method, it can spur some noticeable changes that remind you a little too much of puberty. For instance, you may experience sore breasts or changes to your period, but they should settle down.
Skin and hair shenanigans
Prepare to face the unexpected when it comes to your skin. There could be a range of unwelcome surprises, from acne breakouts to sudden dryness, that can catch you off guard, even if you thought your skincare routine was locked down tight.
As you age, collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for maintaining skin’s elasticity and firmness, decrease in production and quality. The result? Fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. And if that’s not annoying enough, blood circulation also slows, affecting the skin’s ability to repair and rejuvenate itself.
Your hair might also decide to go through a rebellious phase — thinning, graying, or even sprouting in unexpected and unwelcome places.
Metabolism fluctuations
Metabolism shifts and body composition changes could lead to unexpected weight changes. You could find yourself gaining a few pounds or shedding them without any clear explanation. It’s more likely that you’ll gain weight as metabolism generally slows with age.
Your muscles and bones also undergo transformations. Muscle mass starts to decline, especially if you’re not actively engaged in strength-training exercises. Most peeps lose 3–8% of their muscle mass per decade after age 30.
Additionally, bone density decreases with age, making your bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures.
When to talk to a doctor
There are times to embrace change and times to consult a medical pro. Here’s when you should pick up your phone and call your doc:
- Unusual bleeding. If Aunt Flo makes random surprise visits or is much heavier or lighter than usual, it’s best to get a check-up to rule out any underlying conditions.
- Severe mood swings. Feeling like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster that just won’t stop? Perhaps something else is going on.
- Unexplained weight changes. Significant shifts in weight, whether up or down, without any apparent reason should raise a red flag.
- Other concerns. If something just doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. You know your body best
Takeaway
Officially, there’s no such thing as “second puberty.” That said, you could experience puberty-like changes to your hormones, skin, hair, and weight that occur as a natural part of aging.
It’s Mother Nature’s way of telling you you’re still a work in progress, so embrace those changes. But if anything seems off, check in with your doctor, and don’t forget regular health screenings.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/womens-second-puberty
by | | Curated Content
December 4th 2023
–
Greatist Health RSS Feed
–
Dermarolling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that punctures the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen and elastin production. The result? A smoother, more refined complexion with less noticeable wrinkles, scars, and pitted acne scars.
While microneedling has the potential to make your skin awesome, you’ve got to be careful. Too much derma rolling can lead to red, irritated, or inflamed skin. So, finding the right balance is crucial for the best results without messing with your skin’s natural harmony. Here’s how!
How often should you microneedle
How often should you grab your derma roller and get busy? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, as it depends on your goals. Your mission dictates the frequency.
- For general rejuvenation. Opt for a derma roller with shorter needles (around 0.2 to 0.5 mm) if you want to give your skin a little extra oomph. With this length, you can typically roll up to three times weekly. This is enough to increase collagen and elastin levels without overdoing it.
- For more specific concerns. Now, if you’re dealing with issues like deep acne scars, significant signs of aging, or stretch marks, you’re playing a different game. Here, you might need longer needles (1.0 mm to 1.5 mm), which means more downtime for your skin. For these cases, a session every 2 to 4 weeks is your sweet spot. It gives your skin ample time to heal and regenerate.
Another factor to consider is your skin’s sensitivity. Everyone’s skin sings a different tune. Some can handle frequent sessions, while others might need more time between gigs to avoid irritation. So remember to listen to your skin! If it’s getting red and cranky, it’s telling you to hit the pause button.
Also, be sure to start low and slow and be consistent. Regular sessions, tailored to your skin’s needs and tolerance, will help you see the best results over time. You won’t see your final results for around 3–6 months. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, folks!
Does needle size matter?
Does the size of those tiny needles really matter? Spoiler alert: Absolutely, it does! The needle size determines how deep into the skin the microneedling effects go.
Shorter needles are all about surface-level rejuvenation. They perk up the skin by boosting the absorption of products and gently stimulating collagen production. Because they’re shorter, they cause less trauma to the skin, meaning you can use them more frequently.
Stepping up the game, medium and longer needles work deeper in the skin, so you’ll need to give it more time to recover between sessions and pay attention to its response.
Using the correct needle size is crucial for both safety and efficacy. Too short, and you might not reach the depth needed for your skin concerns. Too long, and you risk unnecessary irritation and longer recovery times, not to mention potential damage if not done correctly.
Can you overuse a derma roller?
Yep! Overusing a derma roller can stress out your skin. Rolling too often can lead to redness, irritation, and swelling. Not good!
And remember that your skin has a natural barrier that protects it from the outside world. Over microneedling can weaken it, making your skin more sensitive and vulnerable to dryness and infections.
In the worst-case scenario, excessively aggressive or frequent microneedling could lead to hyperpigmentation – the exact opposite of what you want.
So listen to your skin! If it’s irritated or taking longer than usual to calm down after rolling, take it as a sign to slow down.
Takeaway
Dermarolling is a legit skincare strategy that triggers your skin’s healing responses. But don’t overdo it, as a little goes a long way.
For general glow-up goals, shorter needles let you roll around three times a week. But for big-league skin issues, you’ll need longer needles and more chill time between sessions, like every 2 to 4 weeks.
So find your groove, keep in sync with your skin’s needs, and pretty soon, you’ll be flaunting more radiant skin.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/how-often-to-use-derma-roller
by | | Curated Content
December 4th 2023
–
Greatist Health RSS Feed
–
You know all too well that bleach and heat styling are the notorious villains of hair damage, wreaking havoc on your locks and causing brittle strands and split ends.
But there’s a plot twist! They’re not the only troublemakers in the world of hair drama. Your choice of hairstyle could be secretly damaging your locks, too! That’s right, folks — something as innocent as your go-to pony, braids, or bun might be causing more havoc than you think.
So continue reading to see which styles are more harmful than heroic and what you can rock instead to keep that potential damage in check.
Tight ponytails
Tight ponytails might provide that sexy, sleek, polished look, but they can be a real hair stressor. The constant pulling and tension can lead to breakage, particularly around the hairline. And if you have a fave spot where your pony sits every single time, it’s bound to experience friction and damage.
Tight buns and knots
It’s easy to fall into the routine of gathering your hair in the same style each day, but those neat buns can lead to hair breakage. If you secure that puppy extra tight, the risk increases significantly.
Over time, the continuous pulling can damage not just the hair strands but the follicles. Once the follicles are damaged, the hair cannot grow back. The result is permanent hair loss, aka traction alopecia.
Overzealous braids
Braids and weaves can be stunning, but there’s a caveat. If they’re too tight, or you keep them in for prolonged periods, they strain your hair excessively. The undue tension can lead to breakage, gradually thinning out your strands, and could lead to traction alopecia.
Extensions gone wrong
Growing long, luscious hair isn’t easy. For some, it’s an impossible dream. Enter extensions — the instant solution to Rapunzel-like tresses. But this sleek lewk can become a hair horror story when extensions go wrong.
Extensions can lead to tension and strain at the roots if they’re attached too tightly or if the hair isn’t strong enough to support them. The stress can damage your natural hair, leading to breakage and possible hair loss. Oh, and there’s also the risk of tangling, matting, and even scalp infections if you don’t maintain them properly.
Super straight styles
Smooth, flowing, glossy, pin-straight hair never goes out of fashion. Those ultra-sleek, super-straight looks achieved through a good going over with a flat iron might be jaw-dropping, but they come at a price.
Excessive heat styling can weaken hair’s protein structure, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage.
Overly long hair
There’s a fine line between fab ‘n’ flowing and excessively long hair. Keeping your hair too long, especially without regular trims, can lead to tangled, breakage, and split ends galore.
Long hair, while stunning, can be a weighty matter, literally. The longer it gets, the heavier it becomes, and this extra weight can pull on your scalp, potentially leading to headaches and hair loss in extreme cases.
Wet styles
Ah yes, the damp dilemma! Heat styling isn’t great for hair, but neither is styling wet hair. It might seem like a blank canvas for styling, but it’s when your hair is at its most vulnerable.
Drenched in water, hair strands swell and become weaker and more fragile. Brushing or styling while wet can stretch your hair, leading to loss of elasticity and breakage. It’s super-duper bad to stretch those wet strands up into a tight ponytail or bun. Remember how damaging they are? Well, it’s significantly worse when wet.
Instead, gently use fingers or a wide-toothed comb to detangle, and if you want to tie it back, go for a loose and low pony or braid and save the updo for when it’s dry.
What’s the least damaging hairstyle?
If you’re looking for a style that won’t stress your strands, consider these:
- Loose waves. Embrace your natural texture or create soft, loose waves with minimal heat to reduce damage.
- Low ponytail or bun. Keep it loose to reduce tension on your hairline.
- Looser braids. Opt for more relaxed braids that don’t pull on your hair.
- Messy updos. Go for casual updos that don’t require overt tightness.
- Short and sweet. A shorter haircut can reduce the risk of damage compared to longer styles.
Takeaway
Your hairstyle is more than a fashion statement — it’s a major player in the health and happiness of your hair. So, choose gentler styles that keep your crown healthy and happy.
Embrace options that reduce tension, minimize heat, and don’t wear the same style daily. Your mane will thank you for it in the long run!
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/live/damaging-hairstyles
