GlamityCalamity

Joe was sharing an experience that he had the other day. He was going deep sea diving but before he even hit the water he could not help but think that all the fish had died in the ocean. 

“Should I say something?” he asked.

I mean I know what I’d do. Speak up and ship on the hell out of that piece.

But, I understand that this is a sensitive issue. That’s like having to answer your girl’s question “Does this make me look fat”. Your answer should be that either it does or doesn’t, but nothing more. Nothing about the fact that with her ‘natural’ curves she shouldn’t be wearing that, or nothing about horizontal stripes. Nothing that descriptive.

Or for example, answering your man when he asks if he’s the best that you’ve had. Tricky? Indeed. But at least whether you answer it truthfully or not you don’t have to smell it. Ew. 

The way I see it, if you choose to keep your reaction to yourself, your libido surely will speak. For some of us this is more obvious than others, isn’t it Jr.?

So I say if it’s a fling; you are never going to see this individual again and you don’t want to say anything, reach for the phone explain “Damn” you forgot something and bounce. Otherwise, keep it missionary and get it over with quickly. I wouldn’t take the time to figure out if it’s just a bad day, because as far as one night stands go you gotta bring it or you get left behind. No hard feelings. No long talking. Anything that frowses or limps on Hit-it-and-Quit-it night needs no explanation. 

But if you are in a long term relationship or are are having ’something’ with the individual, unless you want to live through that hell for the rest of your time together, it may be best to say something. 

Now ladies and gentlemen I’m no doctor, so I can’t diagnose this, but my layman point of view would be that seeing some sort of person who specializes in that area would be a good idea, especially if it’s a condition that’s persistent.

I have absolutely nothing to back this up, but from what I’ve learnt in life, everything is correlated. Assuming that it’s not an STD, it’s possibly harmless. If it’s something that just ‘popped’ up maybe it’s :

- Diet related.
Garlic and onions maybe? I’ve also read that asparagus can bring on the funk as well. A diet rich in fruit acids like pineapple is thought to keep the smell pleasant, but as far as if this is scientifically proven I have no idea. 

- That time of the month.
Lets just say not only the personality gets thick during PMS.

Then too, if you are getting it in with your girl regularly unprotected, (*side eye* but no judgements), remember that your spunk is living matter and, like any other protein, it stinks when it starts decaying. So… it could be your fault guys.

I’ve also read that it can be possibly linked to smoking or having multiple partners. Apparently the privates no likey too much mixing and mingling between the proteins. That thought alone can bring on the frowz.

I’d say that maybe it’s a latex allergy but if it funks before you even get it in, I’d second guess that. 

Some other common things you can ensure, well common to me I guess, are:

- Wear clean undies daily. 
- Wash genitalia daily. Even if, for whatever reason, you don’t shower daily at least clean up the privates.

Ladies some particular no-nos:

– Extended wearing of thong underwear.
Two different types of bacteria going on down there, don’t want to mix them up. 

- Mystery fabric.
It just can’t breathe in lycra and other fabric that’s difficult to pronounce. Polyester underwear with spandex leggings is not a good idea. Nothing can breathe in that.

- Excessive douching.
Dries out area and removes good bacteria, or so I’ve read.

But in general, getting checked by a doctor is your best bet, even if it’s just to rule out that it’s not an STD in hiding. I mean Valentine’s Day is coming up and all, lets keep it fresh. 

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Mystery Fabric 

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Guys, if you have dirty balls that need cleaning, check out this very important message from Axe.

Me likey mucho thiso concepto.

It’s that much more enjoyable to play with clean equipment.

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Thanks for looking out Lise.

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In the Caribbean, we are familiar with ‘dry scalp’, a term that is used to explain almost any scalp condition that involves powdery flakes – on the scalp, in the hair, on someone’s back and on their clothing, which usually serves as a source of embarrassment. Some also use this state as an indication to shampoo their hair.

The term ‘dry scalp’ is also used to refer to another condition, also called dandruff – thick patches of scale that are caked to the scalp, that may also be associated with acne-like bumps on the head.

In it’s mildest form, ‘dry scalp’ is harmless, although it can do a number on your social life. 

Dr. Patricia Yap, a dermatologist who practices in Jamaica and specializes in black skin, states that:

The medical term for ‘dry scalp’ is Seborrheic Eczema/ Dermatitis. It is a condition that is usually accompanied by itching, redness or whitening of the scalp and face. Other parts of the body can also become involved, such as the hairline, eyebrows, and the sides of the nose, behind and in the ears, in the middle of the chest and back and in the groin. These areas have the highest concentration of sebaceous (oil) glands. It can also be found in infants and when present during infancy, is called cradle cap when present on the scalp but can affect the entire body of the enfant. 

Seborrheic eczema is a subdivision of eczema and is based solely on clinical grounds. The term “seborrheic” is thought to be misleading because seborrhoea (a medical term applied to describe an accumulation on the skin of the normal sebaceous secretion mixed with dirt and forming scales or a distinct incrustation) is not always present and is not required to make a diagnosis.

It has been proven that pityrosporum, a type of yeast, plays an active role in Seborrheic eczema. These yeasts are oil-loving organisms, (lipophilic) and are normally found on the skin in areas where oil (sebaceous) glands are abundant. 

Findings

In her Jamaican practice, Dr. Yap has found that Seborrheic eczema:

- Exists in infants

- Is commonest in young adults, females more so than males

- Is common in patients with Parkinson’s disease and immuno-suppression.

Symptoms

Large quantities of these organisms can give rise to the following:

1. Inflammation, which results in redness, scaly or dry patches on skin, especially after washing face.

2. Itching and burning of the face when hot or after face is washed.

3. Hair loss when combing or even tugging on hair. This worsens after the hair is chemically processed, as often during chemical treatments, there is excessive burning, which causes acute damage to the scalp.

4. Uneven skin tone – whitening or darkening of the areas involved, especially those on the face. 

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Dr. Yap found it interesting that, in the the Jamaican culture, it is not uncommon for hairdressers to suggest oiling of the scalp for effective treatment of this condition. While oiling of the scalp makes the flakes less obvious (masking the flakes), it worsens the condition as the presence of this oil provides a rich breeding ground for the reproduction of the Pityrosporum yeasts, and so they remain. 

Some factors she highlights that contribute to the high incidence of Seborrheic eczema in Jamaica are:

1. Genetic

This condition is hereditary, i.e. the patient has a first degree relative e.g. a mother, father, daughter or son, with this condition. 

2. Cultural Practices

Because of certain hair styles and processes, it is not uncommon for many women to wash their hair no more than twice a month. This natural oil buildup, coupled with oiling of the scalp provides an ideal environment for multiplication of these yeasts. 

3. Environmental

Heat worsens this condition, and the tropical climate of Jamaica provides the ideal temperature for growth of these yeasts, which grow best between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius - the temperature of Jamaica in summer when the condition has been found to be most prevalent. 

4. Stress

During stress, oil glands are more active. It is then perhaps as a result of the increased production of oil, the yeasts multiply and conquer. It is then no coincidence that individuals who are often under stress, for example police officers, lawyers, accountants and students who are studying for exams for example, often are affected by this condition. 

5. Hormonal

Seborrheic eczema has been shown to be more active near menstruation as well as during pregnancy. 

6. The overuse of harsh cleansing soaps like blue soap, Protex and Lifebuoy.

The pH of the skin is about 5.5, which is the optimal pH needed for the skin to fight off infection, bacteria, yeasts and potential viruses. 

Using harsh soaps, which are alkaline in nature, alters the pH of the skin, leaving it susceptible to the invasion of the yeasts that perpetuate this condition.

The use of antibacterial soaps kill the normal bacterial flora needed to fight the growth of the yeast.

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In my view, many of Dr. Yap’s findings may be applied to the wider Caribbean, and possibly to other areas of the world where such conditions and/ or practices, as listed above, are found.

Seborrheic Eczema/ Dermatitis is a treatable condition, you do not have to live with its symptoms for the rest of your life.

When present on the scalp in it’s mildest form, this condition can be rectified by washing hair regularly, at least 2-3 times a week – not necessarily everyday because then you may develop other issues, especially if your hair is naturally dry. 

For other acute forms, or if for some reason you are unable to wash your hair that regularly, seek the advice of a dermatologist. Seborrheic Eczema/ Dermatitis shows up very differently in darker skins than it does in lighter skins, so if you fall in the former category, it would be in your best interest to seek the advice of a dermatologists who specializes in black skin.

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Source, (Reproduced with permission):

Pamphlet: “This Thing called Dry, Itchy, Scalp”, Dr. Patricia Yap -  MBBS, Dip. Derm.; F.A.A.D

Presentation: “Seborrheic Dermatitis: The Jamaican Experience”, – Dr. Patricia Yap -  MBBS, Dip. Derm.; F.A.A.D

Dr. Yap is a dermatologist practicing in Jamaica. She is a member of the Dermatology Association of Jamaica and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.  She runs her own practice at:

Apex Skin and Laser Centre
2A Molynes Road
Kingston 10
Jamaica W.I.
 

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Yes. It’s as nasty as it sounds, but can you always identify it?

Like when that chick at the party grabs a chip and dips it in the salsa, bites half the chip off and dips the same damn slobbery chip back in the salsa. Now no-one else can savour the salsa dip; done gone and ruined it for errryone.

Or the hot rod at the bar who goes in for a handful of nuts, eats them all, licks the yummy seasoned salt off his fingers and then goes back in for more. Are you really expected to eat from those nuts? Maybe. But if you take some time to think about what just happened you probably wouldn’t.

Double dipping can happen in the Spa as well, or at someone who offers spa services.

Lets talk about that good ole wax pot. Now I love me some waxing; Gets all the hair removed in one whack, don’t have to deal with it for a good couple weeks.

So you’ve made your appointment to wax the little fuzzies off your upper lip. No-one even knows that you have hair up there but the fact that YOU can see it is good enough reason for you to get them removed. I’n mad at ya’.

You walk into your spa, greet the receptionist, link up with your esthetician, riiippp…, pay for your service, tip your girl/guy who did an excellent job, and then you are off to catch up with your hot lunch date; 15 minutes flat you are out of there. 

Only that in about a week or so, you notice some irritation or bumps on your lip.

Hmmmmmmm….

What you didn’t know was that just before you arrived, the Spa performed another waxing service – a brazilian bikini wax, in the same treatment room you had your lip wax done. Same pot of hot wax, same pallet stick. 

Are you getting that picture?

All the bacteria that was present around that frowsy genital (we don’t really have any idea now do we) now in contact with your upper lip, and backstroking the the wax pot with the peewbs. Fantastic.

Suppose the individual had an STI, or worse? Suppose it was that time of the month?

Spas don’t always discriminate. We are in a recession, money is money. But even if the person was clean as a whistle and in great health, is that really acceptable practice?

Disgusting.

Waxing sticks are disposable. They are wooden, porous and cannot be disinfected.

Good practice dictates that Spas do not double dip in soft-wax services. That means, if a spa chooses to use the same wax pot for different services, it MUST discard the waxing stick after each, single dip. ie it should follow the following procedure:

- Dip the clean wax stick into the wax,
- Wipe it on the area to be waxed
- Throw the used stick in the garbage
- Remove wax and hair from the skin with fabric or paper sheets.
- Repeat steps as often as required to complete entire area.
- Remove any wax residue from skin using suitable product
- Disinfect area with a suitable product, to reduce any bacterial action and soothe irritation or keep potential irritation at bay.

A lot of wax sticks?
Sure. But that’s why the service isn’t free.

Expensive?
Well, it will certainly add some to a Spas operating expense. Alternatively, just one  wax stick can be used per client and the entire pot of wax can be changed after each client.  The wax stick option doesn’t seem so expensive now does it?.

It’s a minimal expense in the grand scheme of health.

You get what you pay for; It’s what differentiates the good spas from the excellent ones.

You can’t protect yourself from EVERY bacteria on the planet, so that’s more reason to keep  your health and nutrition in check. The body is constantly fighting against bacteria, which is probably the reason why more people aren’t seriously affected by popular unhygienic practices such as soft-wax double dipping.

Don’t be a statistic. For all that is sanitary in this world, take a look around and take the necessary precautions regarding your health.

Just eww.

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Supernova

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Related GC post:
HAIs: Infections anyone?

So now you know how to spot and prevent potential skin or nail infections when you hit up your nail tech for your weekly nail fix. Homey don’t play with nail infections; we’re entirely too fabulous for that. But what about HAIs? Healthcare-Associated Infections. That which happens when you go to the hospital or your doctor’s office and leave sicker than when you arrived.

A nail infection is bad enough, but what about one that takes over your entire body, one that can potentially result in death? Ain’t nothing scarier than leaving your healthcare provider with a more deadly condition than you went there with.

It’s not as far fetched as you may think. Actually, it’s a global crisis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that at any one point in time, 1.4 people worldwide suffer from infections that they have picked up in a hospital. 

A 2007 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximated 98,987 deaths from healthcare associated infections in 2007. If you think that’s alarming, multiply this number by anywhere from 2 to 20 and you get the approximate amount of deaths from HAIs in developing countries.

That’s easily the entire population of your dream Caribbean destination wiped off the face of the earth in one year, just because a procedure as simple as hand sanitization or wearing gloves/ masks was overlooked by a healthcare facilitiy. The best defense is to control the spread of diseases before they start through awareness and education of both medical professionals and patients alike. 

Indeed, healthcare associated infections greatly increase the cost per patient as they often lead to lengthened hospitalization and increased likelihood of readmission; an estimated $6.7 billion to healthcare facilities in U.S. annually. However, the cost of human life is even higher. 

The top three types of HAIs are:

1. Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP)

A global issue, VAP is one of the top concerns of practicing doctors today. It is the source of the highest morbidity and mortality of all HAIs and may account for up to 60% of all deaths from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in the U.S.  Read more about VAP. 

2. Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)

Any opening of a patient’s skin can lead to surgical site infections. SSIs may be caused by:

- Complications from surgical hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature)
- Contamination of the incision area by micro-organisms that reside on the skin
- Bacterial cross-contamination i.e. spreading germs, bacteria and/or disease by carrying them from an infected area to a non-infected area
- Surgical instrument contamination

 Read more about global SSI statistics. 

3. Cross Contamination (Contact Transfer)

Touch contamination is the number one source of HAIs. Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that, “Clean hands are the single most important factor in preventing the spread of dangerous germs and antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings.”

Most of us have been bombarded with PSAs regarding hand washing, especially in the wake of the H1N1 virus. Image taking your healthy kid to the pediatrician and then leaving with the swine flu virus. 

HAIs can also result in infections in the blood stream, a surgical wound, urinary tract, as well as pneumonia. Still, the reality is that even with the best intentions, just like us, healthcare workers do not always wash and disinfect their hands as much as they should.

According to Kimberly-Clark Health Care, hand hygiene, the use of gloves, masks, and other personal protective apparel are the first line of defense in preventing the spread of infection from person to person within healthcare settings. Read more on cross contamination.

HealthCare Associated Infection (HAI) Hand Washing Video

More information on the impact of healthcare-associated infections on both medical professionals and patients can be found at www.hainews.com 

Just as you would expect your nail tech to sanitize hands and disinfect nail implements, don’t be afraid to say “Hold up there buddy!” and request that your doctor or health care provider sanitize hands and wear gloves/ masks, where appropriate. See that instruments and implements are stored appropriately and are clean. See that disposable items that come into contact with your skin are ripped right out of a spanking new package. Are there hand sanitizers in the office? If what you can see is not right, what does that leave for that which goes on behind the scenes? I mean, it’s only your life we are dealing with here.

It is your right to protect your health.

Don’t let healthcare associated infections happen on your watch. 

Supernova

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Works Consulted:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.hainews.com
HAI News Release
 

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What would you do?: Infection Control

The mood is set.

It’s Friday. Sally’s been sexting that guy for a couple days now and by golly yes, she’s gonna get some this weekend, whole weekend. She caught up on her laundry. *Sniff* Ahhhhh…” Crisp Linen” . She put aside that extra lacy number, the one that comes attached to the thigh-high fishnet stockings, parachuete style.

She cranks up the music and starts the two hour long mission that it takes to get herself together. She scrubs, bushwacks, tweezes, paints, flatirons, shimmerizes and glamourizes. Looking at herself in the mirror, she nods in agreement and strikes her fiercest ’smize’ cause hot damn, as the David Guetta mix that’s blaring through her speakers raves, she’s a Sexy B!tch. She slips into her FMPs, walks through mists of some celebrity inspired cologne, clutch in one hand, BlackBerry and keys in the other, and she’s out the dizzoor. Money don’t matter tonight, no sir, Mama’s gonna get her some.

The night goes as exactly as she planned it, just call her the Master Creator. The fine piece of man meat is back at her apartment and it’s getting hot and steamy fast. Blame it on the blubbly. Clothes are stripped off and things get touchy feely. She thinks to herself “YYYYEEEEESSSSSSSSS!” hardly believing that it’s all coming together. 

That is until ” RRIIIIIIIIIIIIIPP”.  Her fishnets are scoured by brillo pads and she starts to bleed. 

Oh.My. God. Ugh. Crusty foot bottoms. Total mood buster. Oh, and ashy skin. 

Fellas, might I suggest some ‘M.E.‘ time.

‘Moisturize & Exfoliate’

All skin needs to be exfoliated and moisturized. The skin on your face as well as the skin on your body.

- A simple hand towel (changed at least once a week) or some body gloves with your shower gel used everyday will take care of body exfoliation.

- A simple foot file will take care of exfoliation on the soles of the feet 

- And a lotion/ cream/ oil (depending on how dry your skin is) will do it for sexy, healthy, nourished skin from neck to toe.

Yes, it is an extra step, but not only is there no algebra involved, noone in the pharmacy is going to look at you funny, so it can totally be done.

And guess what? BOTH of these issues can be rectified in the shower. No-one has to know that you are paying attention to yourself. How lucky are you! You can do it whenever you shower, no matter how many times you shower for the week, no-one’s judging.

So lets get started shall we?

1. First hit that pharmacy and get yourself some lotion and a foot file.
Every pharmacy has them in any colour and size that you can imagine. Pick whichever appeals to you. The ones with the handles are easiest to use.

2. Put them both in your shower stall

3. Exfoliate your heels
In the shower after you lather up, grab that spanking new foot file and take a good go at your heels with it.  

I suggest doing this after you have done the soapy soap so that your feet will get some time to soak and soften up before you go in for the kill.

There may be some ’stuff’ well to work through, but easy truckin’…one day at a time. If you do a little every day, your job will be easier as there will be no build up. But I understand that you are super busy and this may be a stretch so  at least aim for twice a week, once the weekend and another sometime during the week. 

First half down

4. Lotion skin before leaving the shower.

After you turn off the shower and before you get out of the stall, wrap (not rub) the towel around your torso to absorb excess moisture and then  grab the bottle of lotion and lotion up. Yes lotion up while you are still misty. The bathroom is still foggy, you have that so fresh and so clean feeling, your skin is glistening… lotion it. 

Pay special attention to your feet, heels, elbows, rear and thighs, especially in the winter months because jeans can chafe something fierce on a rocket. 

Take some time, brush your teeth, cleanse & moisturize your skin or whatever else you do in there and then lightly towel off or wrap your sexy self the way only you do and step out like you own the joint. 

Whatever you do you choose to do next with that exfoliated and moisturized piece of meat that you call yourself is totally up to you.

Aoowww.

Supernova

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Men’s Style file: Update your look 

You worked hard for the honey.

You put forward your best self, remembered to be engaging, to smile, to stand upright and to endure those awfully painful shoes. You even read up on sports a bit, skimming the Sports section of your Internet homepage, the section you never ever read before. Your hair and nails were always correct, legs and otherwise hair-free and you maintained your form by remembering to consume your veges and followed tips from Bob and Jillian on the Biggest Loser. You are always happy now, because of course, now you’re ‘dating‘. Life is great, you are your best self.

So now you got him already. What next?

You soon realise that getting him is not even half the battle you thought it was. It is only AFTER you have him you look around and think… “well THAT wasn’t so damn hard. What the hell was all the fuss about”.

You realize that you’re not so shabby, as a matter of fact you are pretty freakin’ awesome. You got ish going on, why wouldn’t he want to be with you? And so comfort starts to kick in. 

Time passes, things happen… and don’t happen in your relationship, but that’s life. It happens to everybody doesn’t it.

You’ve read tips on various websites on things you can do or introduce to ’spice’ up the relationship. Positions that you MUST try, contraptions you MUST buy, stuff you MUST ingest to ignite that FYAH!!!. You read and think that the writer may be unto something, and that people’s relationships must really suck out there if this is what they have to resort to,  and you smile thanking yourself that your relationship isn’t that messed up. 

Then one day you find yourself staring in the mirror wondering just how you reached to ‘this’ point and where it went all wrong.

Being in a relationship is not an excuse to let all the chickens out the coop. Personality and inner beauty are great yes, this keeps the love alive, but there is more to an intimate relationship. Forever is a long time, the fyah needs to be kept ablazing. It’s pretty difficult to get the sexy on when your partner can’t remember that you have a waist under that there muumuu. A little upkeep goes a long way.

~ Make yourself your first priority
Schedule some “you” time for if you wait for it to find you, it wouldn’t. Take some time to relax, and find the time to groom. Schedule a pedicure or give yourself one. Get some dead sea salts or some shower gel and soak your feet for a bit. When you are finished give your soles a lil scrub-a-dub and pass some polish on those nails. It doesn’t have to take you whole day. With proper maintenance it’s just a quick fix every couple weeks. Pick up a body scrub at the pharmacy. Change your hairstyle. Try a new lip gloss. Remember that you have other friends and give your relationship time to breathe. The possibilities are endless. Customize yours.

~ Get measured and invest in good underwear.
It helps keep the girls where they are supposed to be and in the line of sight. It is said that most women wear the wrong underwear size. It also helps improve your posture and they way you feel. Get  at least one itiem in a pretty colour; it doesn’t have to be red and lace, but this combo would definitely help, but really anything but ‘nude’.

~ Keep hair levels under wraps
The season has changed not your partner. Whatever method you use, make hair removal a priority. Eyebrows, arms, legs, underarms… Customize it however you like.

~ Get your own clothes.
Yes it was cute when you wore his shirt when you spent the night by him back in the day. But as you guys are now living in the same house, the novelity has worn off. Get your own ‘comfy’ clothing. ‘Comfy’ doesn’t necessarily mean oversized, it just means comfortable; they don’t constrict but they FIT. I’m not a big fan of sweats in general, but I do understand the need for them during the winter on occasion and, so that we are clear, anything outside of the confines of your home doesn’t qualify as an ‘occasion‘. So by all means sure, but at least honey get your own sweats. Ones that fit so that your rear doesn’t look floppier than you already think it is, because then the question “does my butt look fat” is just an argument waiting to happen.

~ Close one eye
Pick your battles. Noone likes a kill joy party-pooper. Perfection is in the eye of the beholder and yes that also that refers to how you want those chores are done. Quit complaining already, it’s not very attractive.

~ Smile
Enjoy your relationship. It’s all that you ever wanted and now you have it.

Mhmmm, there is a laundry list of things that your man can attend to, like that gut for example, but as we run the ish up in this bish, let us lead by example.

Besides, they are now busy manscaping, so one hurdle at a time.

Just because there is a clause in the vow that says that you are in it for life doesn’t mean that you have to get too comfortable.

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Nova monologue: This is it 

Male or female, we can all do a little more to help our side on the skin-care front. Here are some of the top foolish skin-care mistakes that we all make, heed where applicable.

1. Not having a skin-care regime
“Cleanse, tone, moisturize.” Let that be your mantra. It’s one of the most basic ways to help maintain your skin, keep it healthy and get it glowing. If you wear makeup, it is critical that you remove your makeup at night before bed as not doing so can lead to clogged pores, which can lead to blackheads among other things.

2. Not knowing your skin type
Because if you use the wrong type of skin-care products on your skin you can exacerbate skin condition(s) you may have. Get products that are suited for your skin type. A qualified esthetician can help you determine your skin type through a skin care consultation, which is normally complimentary.

3. Not moisturizing
As we age our skin loses moisture, gets drier and needs to be hydrated from both the inside and the outside. Replenishing the moisture that our skin craves, through the use of a moisturizer, will help skin maintain it’s vibrancy and elasticity.

4. Not drinking enough water
Our bodies and our skin need water to perform the processes required to detoxify itself. Coffee is a diuretic, meaning it causes increased passing of urine. It is recommended that you drink two (2) glasses of water for every one cup of coffee ingested. Additionally, cut down on your daily intake of soda and fruit juices (save the calories for dessert!) and replace with water.

5. Not re-applying sunscreen
Sunscreen, when applied, does not last forever, especially if you sweat or get wet. Do reapply. The sun’s ultraviolet rays only speed up the aging process by damaging skin cells. Protect your skin. For more the damaging effects of the sun see article here)

6. Yo-Yo dieting
This confuses your skin. “Am I only getting only protein today, or am I only getting only cayenne pepper?”. The skin needs nutrients: vitamins, minerals and various antioxidants to maintain itself and repair against environmental damage. Protein diets do not offer all the nutrients the body needs so do get off the fad dieting and start a healthy balanced lifestyle, one that encourages you to start moving and to stuff your face with green and leafy veges.

7. Drinking excessively
Apart from obvious health and cognitive issues, high alcohol consumption can severely dehydrate the skin. Moderation is key.

8. Smoking
Really a one-way first-class ticket to accelerated aging of the skin. Also your breath smells and your teeth get yellow. It also takes a huge toll on the health of your lungs. Generally not considered ‘sexy-aging’ in 2009.

9.  Popping zits and picking pimples
This is a big ‘NO NO’. Popping zits or picking pimples with finger nails on an uncleansed face increases the risk of a bacterial infection on site.  It also increases the risk of hyper-pigmentation on skins at are prone to discoloration or darkening, especially on darker skin tones. Instead, reach for of for a cleanser and spot treatment that specifically targets acne. Product ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sulphur specifically target acne. Do avoid using harsh alcohols directly on the skin. 

Do consider monthly professional facials to keep problem skin in check.

**If you cannot resist the urge to pop, do wash both hands AND face, and wrap each index finger in a sheet of tissue paper before you make your best go at it. Do not force the issue if the pimple is stubborn, it will come out eventually, maybe tomorrow. Over-squeezing will only break the outer layer of your skin causing damage, which can lead to hyper-pigmentation (darkening) and/ or scarring.**

10. Not getting enough sleep
The Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School states that sleep plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, memory, learning, and other vital functions. Most of us do not get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep every night. With respect to the skin, sleep deprivation can result in dull skin tone, under eye puffiness, dark circles and bagginess. 

11. Stressing unnecessarily
I know I said ‘10′, but this is just too important to leave out. Elevated stress levels can have an adverse effect on the condition of our skin and can potentially lead to break outs. Relax. If you can’t fix it today, leave it for tomorrow.

A little TLC goes a long way. 

Let us take better care of ourselves.

Related GC posts
Tip | Skin Types
Anti-Aging Tip #1
HAIs: Infections anyone?
Premature aging
Sun and Skin Types
 

Saying goodbye to a barely used, safe-looking, I-paid-too-much-for-it eye-shadow may not be in your grand plan but your makeup can harbour bacteria. “Water-based makeup, such as mascara, are the greatest culprits because of the risk of contamination from bacteria which can lead to an infection” says Dr. Jason Rivers, a clinical professor at the University of British Columbia. Symptoms include redness, pain, swelling, pus, pimples or pink eye (ick!). Lynnette DaltonJames of M.A.C. Cosmetics recommends being especially vigilant about eye products.

How you handle your makeup in general can also affect it’s shelf life. If you take care of your products, it may be safe to use them a few extra months beyond the expiry date. 

Health Canada recommends that you keep cosmetics germ-free by:
~ Washing your hands before applying
~ Not sharing makeup
~ Not adding water or saliva to dilute makeup
~ Keeping cosmetics in a dry area, away from direct heat or sunlight.

Some warning signs that tell you that a product has expired include:
~ The product’s smell has changed
~ The product has been exposed to prolonged heat
~ There is an obvious colour or textural change
~ Mould is evident.

In general the following shelf life applies to makeup/ cosmeceuticals 

Mascara - 3 months (some say 6, but 3 months is recommended)

Liquid foundation and concealer - 6 – 12 months. The ones that are dispensed from a tube (with a small opening) rather than a jar or bottle (with a larger opening that facilitates contamination through double dipping of fingers or brushes) are safer to use for the 12 month period. If it contains sunscreen (SPF) in it, definitely do not use for longer than a year.

Cream blush and eyeshadow – 6 – 12 months. 

Powder blush and eyeshadow - 1 year

Eye-liner and lip-pencils – up to 2 years, 6 months for liquid eyeliner which is similar to mascara

Lipstick – 1 year

Moisturizer and skin care - 1 to 2 years. This is usually indicated by either an expiry date or an ‘open tuna’ tin on the packaging that usually shows ‘12m’, ‘18m’ or ‘24m’ on it. This indicates the length of time, in months, the integrity of the ingredient mix is valid for, once opened.

Makeup applicators – 4 weeks max

Makeup brushes – wash with soapy water at least once a week. Lay flat to dry. Do not dry standing up as water can settle at the base where the hairs are attached and compromise the glue, destroying the brush.

This is a shout out to all my product junkies. Cosmetics/ skin care products do not last forever, so you may want to lean back a bit on spending on every new item you stumble across in the department store/ pharmacy. It’s tough I know, trust me! But do try getting through the hundreds that are already piled up under the sink/ in the top cabinet before they all go to waste!

Buy smartly.

Toodles

Supernova

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What’s with men and armpit hair?

Seriously.

The hair is cut, the mustache is trimmed, the beard is shaved or ‘lined‘ in all different forms and fashions. So why does grooming of armpit hair seem so unnatural?

‘Manscaping’ my friends. A word derived from the magnificent combination of ‘man’ and ‘landscaping’.

I’m not asking for a daily commitment, just one day – every six weeks or so, when you are taking care of that beard in the bathroom maybe you can take that Phillips/ Andis/ Remington/ Wahl/ Braun (your choice, I’m not picky) beard trimmer on a little adventure into the armpit zone. 3 minutes max. Voila! A whole new person, 10 lbs lighter.

Once you get comfortable with dealing with that pesky armpit hair, then we can have a little chat about taking care of… the nether regions.

Women will love you for who you are don’t get me wrong, I’m just saying. It’s 2009 guys, don’t let your hedges take over your house and land.

It doesn’t necessarily improve your health or take care of that personality flaw, but trust me, when your gal sees that you take the time to manscape, she will know that you mean business. Grrrrrrrr

 Lets keep ourselves nice and tidy, shall we?

Go on ahead and organize your sexy self.

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