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HOW TO DRESS | FOR LAKE HOUSE WEEKEND FUN
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Cosmetic surgery can be life-changing, and its effects go beyond physical. Most do it not only to look more attractive but also to raise self-esteem and gain social acceptance. Because plastic surgery is optional, many people only think about its benefits and believe that it’s a hundred percent safe. This is a misconception. Similar to any other medical procedure, it does have risks.
If you’re thinking about undergoing cosmetic surgery, being aware of the risks as well as the benefits will enable you to make a more informed decision on whether or not it’s the right step to take.
Poor surgery results
The worst thing you could experience is looking worse than you did before the surgery. This is unfortunate, but it does happen. In fact, some plastic surgeons are specialized in fixing botched procedures.
Cosmetic surgery has become a lucrative industry, and some individuals have taken advantage of the demand by passing themselves off as experts even if they are not properly trained and certified. The patients of these so-called specialists usually end up with bad results.
At the onset, make sure that the surgeon you choose has a board certification and has sufficient experience in the particular procedure that you want. Go to this site to learn more about the different kinds of cosmetic surgery procedures.
Scars
Scars develop when damaged skin begins to heal after surgery. What’s unpredictable is how much scarring will occur. Too much of it is unsightly and runs against to your goal of having surgery in the first place.
A skillful surgeon can minimize the appearance of scars, but cannot prevent them altogether. This is because scarring depends on various other factors such as age, genetic predisposition, and depth of incision.
If you’re prone to scarring, you can minimize it by:
● Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes. Alcohol is dehydrating, which is not good for the skin. Smoking, on the other hand, is a dangerous habit that hinders the healing process. Most doctors order their patients to quit smoking two weeks before the operation.
● Eating right. Eat lots of protein like chicken, beef, and dairy, which provides the building blocks for skin and muscle repair.
● Proper incision care. Take steps to ensure that your wound stays free from infection, which prevents it from closing up and prolongs recovery.
Excessive bleeding
Bleeding is normal after a medical procedure, but when it continues afterward, then it becomes an issue. Most cases of excessive bleeding occur due to certain medications. Hypertensive patients are also likely to experience this.
It’s best to consult with your physician first before seeing a cosmetic surgeon, especially if you’re taking maintenance drugs. Some of these may be blood-thinning, which increases the risk of bleeding.
Blot clots or hematoma
Blot clots are the body’s natural defense against bleeding when it’s injured; thus, you might notice some discoloration, swelling, and pain within the wounded area for a week after the surgery.
If the hematoma continues to swell, this might be a cause for concern. Blood circulation in the wound area is likely hindered, cutting oxygen supply. This will lead to inflammation and numbness, and even skin death if left untreated.
Another dangerous consequence of hematoma is when a clot reenters the bloodstream and blocks a vital artery in the lungs and heart. In this case, you will need immediate medical attention.
The risk of forming blood clots is low, but you can still benefit from it by applying these post-surgery preventive measures:
● Drink eight glasses of water every day. This will keep you adequately hydrated so that your blood platelets are less likely to clump together and start clotting.
● When lying down, prop your lower extremities with pillows to elevate them at a level above the heart. The reason for doing this is to stimulate blood flow all over the body.
● Don’t stay in a single position for too long. Doing so can cause blood to collect at the ankles, where clots can form. Even if you’re experiencing post-surgery tiredness, try to move around after the operation.
Reactions to anesthesia
Anesthesia-related issues are rare but are severe when they occur. Sometimes, they can even result in patient’s death. Risks from anesthesia include allergic reactions, respiratory problems, coma, and cardiac arrest. Some patients feel nauseous as an after-effect of anesthetics.
Even if these issues have very minimal chances of occuring, you should take steps to avoid them.
● If the procedure requires you to have general anesthesia, make sure that the anesthesiologist handling your care is board certified.
● Talk to the surgeon and anesthesiologist about your medical history so that adjustments can be made on protocols and medicines. If you are requested to stop using a drug or a product, you have to comply for the sake of your health and safety.
● Quit smoking since it raises surgical risks.
● Adhere to any post-surgery instructions that your doctor recommends.
Going through cosmetic surgery is a big decision, and its results can affect you for the rest of your life. It has rewards, but there are also risks. Do your research and consider all the pros and cons carefully. Being an informed patient helps ensure that you get some gain from the pain.
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Each year, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show stage comes alive with 60 models including Elsa Hosk, Martha Hunt, Lais Ribeiro, Adrianna Lima and more. Next month, these Angels, in NYC, will rock their wings by the lingerie brand and their glow will be courtesy of Celebrity Makeup Artist, Charlotte Tilbury and her covet worthy line as the official makeup partner for this year. We had a moment to find out more about the collection as well as how to get the glow as we get into the holiday season.
We caught up with Charlotte to find out about her approach to creating the makeup vision for this show with an angelic filter for the face to enhance what nature has given to you naturally. The show was infused with fresh glowing looks for the complexion, the ultimate dreamy eyes and of course, a supermodel glow.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the inspiration behind this year's show?
CHARLOTTE TILBURY: Darlings, I am beyond thrilled to share with you the official NATURAL, FRESH, GLAMOUROUS look I created for the Victoria’s Secret Show 2018! This look is all about enhancing the most beautiful, dreamy angel version of YOU. I designed the look to act like a glowing, angelic filter for the face and body, and to enhance what nature naturally blessed you with… so they can light up the runway and casts a spell on the world!
One of my inspirations for the look was inspired by the healthy, happy, naturally flawless beauty look of Gisele – she embodies that signature fresh, glowing ANGEL gorgeousness! I also wanted the makeup to channel that Victoria’s Secret feeling! Victoria’s Secret is all about pure fun, joy and abandon! It is a world of confidence, glamour, sexiness, power and magic that we all sail off to for the night! Whether you are watching it at home, or front row - everyone gets lost in the hypnotising allure of the angels! And this year we have such an inspiring group of women who light up the runway and people’s lives - 60 amazing women each with their own unique story, from over 20 different countries! It is so incredible to see so many sexy, brilliant women sharing the power of makeup with the world!
AM: How would you define the Natural, Fresh, Dreamy Goddess look for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show this year?
CT: It’s an angelic filter to enhance what nature naturally gave you and make you feel like a beautiful, celestial angel… A look that lights up the runway and casts a magic makeup spell on the world! The skin is all about enhanced goddess skin, it’s natural and flawless at its best!
AM: Walk us through how we can achieve the Natural, Fresh, Dreamy Goddess look that will be in the show?
CT: I prepped the Angel’s skin with my Magic Skincare Trio for a healthy, lit-from-within glowing angel complexion:
1. First, I used my secret to supermodel skin, Instant Magic Dry Sheet Facial Mask, for a glowing radiant looking complexion. The genius ingredients including vitamin B3, crocus bulb extract, peptides, oils and butters penetrate deep in to the skin providing nourishing nutrients where skin needs it most.
2. I applied my award-winning Charlotte’s Magic Cream. An instant turnaround cream for the complexion that floods the skin with moisture and provides the most beautiful, glowing base for makeup. It is made up of oils and actives that feed the skin, Hyaluronic acid and peptides that give a plump-effect to the compleion, vitamin C and E that brighten and soothe the skin, and Frangipani and Aloe Vera. It's my secret to the ultimate runway glow! The cream is applied to model's skin using famous Angel Wing Motion Magic Skin Massage to wake up the complexion.
3. Next, I gently tapped my Magic Eye Rescue to revitalise the eye area. The time released retinol molecules in the formula resurface the skin around the eye to help your eyes appear younger and more radiant, hour-by-hour
The secret to flawless, poreless Angel skin:
4. I applied the ultimate glow primer, Wonderglow to the model’s skin. The primer is full of Hyaluronic Acid and has a genius fluorescent core that redirects light to more flattering angles of the face.
5. I buffed on my Light Wonder Foundation for a natural skin but better effect. I used a shade which was slightly warmer than their natural skin tone to give them a healthy glow.
6. For any areas which needed a little extra coverage, I applied my best-selling Magic Away Concealer to conceal any redness or blemishes, brighten darkness, smooth fine lines and hide the appearance of pores
7. Next, I applied my Hollywood Flawless Filter. With the versatility of a primer, the mega-watt glow of a highlighter, and the perfecting properties of your favourite digital filter it soft-focuses and instantly illuminates the Angel’s complexions.
A naturally killer contour and ethereal glow…
8. I wanted every Angel to have a natural contour and ethereal glow under the lights of the runway. I used my Filmstar Bronze & Glow palette to sculpt the appearance of the face and carve out killer cheekbones, add warmth to the complexion with the most natural bronze tones and give a celestial candlelight glow to the skin.
9. The glow was then amplified by using Charlotte’s ‘Diva Light’ Beauty Light Wand. The rose-gold highlighter gives a soft-focussed glow to the cheekbones that plays with the light beautifully.
10. To finish the complexion, I dusted my Airbrush Flawless Finish powder onto the T-area, soft focusing and blurring away any lines and imperfections and creating a soft micro-fine cashmere veil to the complexion.
The ultimate natural supermodel brow
11. To reveal the shape of the brows, I brushed them up using her magical Brow Lift tool and then used the soft pencil to fill in any gaps using upward strokes. I used Victoria’s Secret Brow or Never Clear Eyebrow Gel to fix the perfect supermodel brows.
The Supermodel exagger-eyes eye filter
12. To start, I curled the eyelashes for definition using my Life-Changing Lashes curler.
13. For the ultimate Supermodel eye, I brought back my sell-out sensation Exagger-Eyes Luxury Palette. Part of my Beauty Filters collection, the palette makes the eyes appear bigger and brighter just like an Instagram filter. Using a blender brush, I washed the enhance shade forwards and backwards across the eyelid like a windscreen wiper. The smoke shade was used along the lash line to add definition.
14. To enhance the Angel eye look, I used a second best-selling favourite Eyes to Mesmerise in Rose Gold. Using a smudger brush, I applied the metallic rose gold shade underneath the lower lash line to make the eyes naturally pop.
15. To elongate the eyes and create a seductive, sexy lifted shape I lined the eyes with an Angel Wing using my chocolatey powder pencil eyeliner in The Sofia.
16. For extra richness and depth, I applied my Colour Chameleon pencil in Amber Haze along the lash line.
17. To complete the Supermodel eye filter look, I used Victoria’s Secret Major Lash to give a dreamy Angel flutter in seconds!
Natural, pillowy, supermodel lips
18. For the supermodel lips that everyone wants, I started by re-shaping the lips with her iconic Lip Cheat lip liner in Pillow Talk. The best-selling lip liner loved by celebrities, supermodels, beauty editors and influencers all over the world mimics the natural shade of your lips and gives you the most pillowy pout.
19. I then applied Victoria’s Secret Velvet Matte Cream in Showstopper. A luscious Pillow-y pink matte that makes the lips look instantly fuller and wider.
20. I applied Collagen lip bath for a natural dewy veil of gloss on top of the Velvet Matte Cream.
Blush-bronze like an Angel
21. To create the look of a dewy, fresh, natural health to the complexion, I applied a combination of blush and bronze Beachsticks in Las Salinas and Ibiza. The soft, dreamy makeup sticks blend with the complexion for a natural looking sun-kissed blush effect.
The secret to a healthy glow from head to toe
22. As the finishing touch to this year’s look, I applied my glossy Supermodel Body. This product created glossy-skinned perfection in minutes. Applied down the centre of the limbs using the cooling roll applicator, it makes the skin look and feel firmer, toned and supple, so every model could stride down the famous runway with the confidence of an Angel.
AM: When creating the makeup look with this aesthetic in mind, how will it appear on the 60 models in the show?
CT: The natural, fresh glamorous look will be tailored to suit each individual Angel’s beauty, and to enhance their magnificent custom-designed outfits and those famous VS wings.
About Charlotte Tilbury
One of the fashion industry’s most in-demand beauty professionals, Charlotte Tilbury has completely revolutionised the face of the global beauty industry.
The makeup artist turned entrepreneur has created cover looks for top fashion magazines, started trends on the runways of New York, Milan, Paris and London, led beauty campaigns for the biggest luxury fashion houses, collaborated with the industry’s most well-regarded photographers and has a client list packed full of the World’s most beautiful celebrities including Amal Clooney, Kim Kardashian-West, Emily Ratajkowski, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Cindy Crawford, Kaia Gerber, Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Poppy Delevingne, Miranda Kerr, Kylie Minogue, Jennifer Aniston, Julianne Moore, Carina Lau, Nicole Kidman, Eva Green and Blake Lively to name just a few.
Charlotte spent several years acting as creative director for many large beauty houses before launching her own makeup revolution in September 2013. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, an award-winning, revolutionary makeup, skincare and scent brand is now available in stores throughout the UK, USA, Canada, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Germany, The Netherlands and sold online to more than 65 countries.
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty has won over 160 global awards to date, including Walpole Emerging Luxury British Brand 2014, CEW Best British Brand of the Year 2015, and the CEW Best New Brand of the Year 2015, CEW Best British Brand of the Year 2018. Personally, Charlotte Tilbury has won Fashion Creator at the British Fashion Awards 2005, Rodial Award for Best Make-up Artist 2012, won a CEW Achiever award in 2014, was named InStyle’s Makeup Artist of the Year 2015, was a Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year 2016 nominee and won NatWest every woman Award 2017.
ATHLEISURE MAG EXCLUSIVE:
Charlotte Tilbury shares Beauty Backstage of Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2018 - watch the show Dec 2nd at 10pm EST.
MODELS | PG 94 Stella Maxwell + Charlotte Tilbury | PG 96 Josephine Skriver | PG 98 Leomi Anderson + Duckie Thot | PG 101 Adriana Lima - r |
PHOTO CREDITS COURTESY | Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2018
@ctilburymakeup #CharlotteTilbury
@VictoriasSecret #VSFashionShow
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Many people in their 20’s are stressed out about high post-college student loan debt requiring long work hours and side hustles to pay it off. They’re noticing their work hard play hard lifestyle is leading to tired eyes and premature wrinkles. They turn to filters to optimize their social media photos. Many are influenced by celebrities their age not to mention the countless millennial “social media influencers” who are setting the new standard for beauty and youth. Bottomline, millennials are stressed, and they don’t want to look it. Dr. Manesh Shah, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery urges the under 30 crowd not to overdo it with expensive treatments and procedures that can actually make them look older and put them further into debt. Here is his list of 6 things millennials can do to maintain their youth.
1. Use sunblock every day.
“The best way to make sure your face is protected from the sun is to use a daily moisturizer with SPF of no less than 30,” explains Dr. Shah. He also suggests applying cream
Read s to your neck and chest to postpone wrinkling and sagging in these areas. “The sun protection done daily in your 20’s will pay off greatly in your 40’s,” he says.
2. Get your Vitamin C.
“Vitamin C is a huge collagen booster and it also reduces pores and brightens skin, and these are the exact things women in their late 30’s and 40’s complain about most,” he reveals. Foods such as cantaloupe, mango, pineapples, oranges, grapefruits, and berries are all packed with this antioxidant which when eaten regularly does wonders to sustain a youthful glow.
3. Ditch the fast food and eat more fish.
Those late night post partying fries and pizza are to be expected and at 25 are difficult to avoid. Perhaps your metabolism can handle it, for now. Offset these weekend indulgences by eating fish during the week. “Fish oil has fatty acids can erase early wrinkles you may notice. It prevents inflammation which can only make wrinkles more noticeable and deeper over time. A lot of millennials who are picky eaters and avoid seafood can get Omega-3’s via supplements but getting it directly from eating fish is best,” Dr. Shah suggests.
4. Quit smoking.
Nothing will age you quicker than smoking. “It is possible for a 25-year-old to look 8-5 years younger, within just 3 months after quitting smoking. This number increases after age 30. Women over age 40 who don’t smoke typically look up to a decade younger than their counterparts who still smoke,” says Dr. Shah. There are a gazillion reasons to quit smoking. Linking it to vanity is a pretty powerful motivator.
5. Decrease your sugar intake.
You really want to start getting mindful about your sugar intake in your 20’s for many different reasons. “Sugars and carbohydrates are a beauty killer because they are proinflammatory. Pasta, ketchup, candy, ice cream, and fruit juices are often dietary staples for those under 30. Any inflammation in the body will show up on the face in the form of adult acne, sagging and wrinkling not to mention sallow skin tone,” warns Dr. Shah.
6. Maintain your glow with facials and peels.
While many millennials are starting off with “Baby Botox” which can postpone wrinkling, Botox isn’t cheap. It also can be a “gateway” treatment which leads to lip injections and fillers that oftentimes have a reverse effect making younger women appear older, cautions Dr. Shah. “Lasers and peels have come very far, offer and excellent solution for sun damage, skin texture, pores, acne scarring and cell turnover to stimulate collagen growth. These treatments are still a bit costly for millennials, many of whom are on a strict budget,” he adds.
Dr. Shah concludes that millennials who get into a good solid habit of taking care of themselves both inside and out, will create a lifestyle of longevity. “Millennials raised by mothers who may have had breast implants, Botox, lip injections feel that getting things “done” is normal. This is exactly why I am always very honest when advising patients under 25 on procedures they’re considering.”
About Dr. Manish Shah
Plastic Surgeon Colorado | Dr. Manish Shah, M.D. | Denver
Manish Shah, M.D., F.A.C.S. is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. After completing his formal plastic surgery training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Univ. of Tennessee College of Medicine, he moved to New York City and was selected for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. He underwent extensive, advanced training in aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body at the hands of some of the most renowned cosmetic surgeons in the world. Dr. Shah is one of only a select few plastic surgeons in the country who have undergone formal post-graduate training in aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery. Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you!
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We all know that cosmetic-plastic surgeons and dermatologists earn their living by operating or non- invasive procedures. Most of these endeavors are costly for patients. It’s rare that any aesthetic surgeon will let us in on things we can do daily that don’t require us to visit them! We are fortunate to have Dr. Manish Shah, a Denver board -certified plastic surgeon share secrets with us, that in many cases cost nothing or less than a gourmet cup of coffee.
DR. MANISH SHAH’S TOP BEAUTY HACKS
1. Cleaning your phone screens – Dr. Shah offers that, “A great way to avoid blemishes is to routinely clean the makeup and bacteria off of your phone screens. It is easy to spread harmful skin bacteria from the surface of your phone. Washing your hands goes a long way to avoid skin contamination as well.”
2. Make your own exfoliating scrub at home – Dr. Shah shares that, “A woman I consider my second mother taught me how to create my own organic exfoliating scrub. She would dry peeled skins of oranges, lemons, and limes in the sun. She would then finely grate the white inside rind of the peel and then mix it with any facial cleanser or even add it to fine facial oils. Using the scrub would exfoliate the skin, treat it with Vitamin C, and prevent over-drying of the skin because of the fruit oils.”
3. I recommend treating the enlarged pores of the T-zone with over the counter hydrogen peroxide. The bacteria in the pores create inflammation that increases pore size, and this leads to blackheads and whiteheads. Dr. Shah explains that, “These bacteria can’t survive in high oxygen environments. 3% hydrogen peroxide is available over the counter quite inexpensively. Treating only the T-zone at night kills the bacteria, reduces pore size and blemishes. Because it can be quite drying, takes breaks from its use every now and then.”
4. Avoid fake nails. They harbor tons of bacteria that are easily transferred to the face when you touch your face. Instead, focus on growing your own nails with the help of oral vitamin C and any good quality hair, skin, and nails vitamin like Nature’s Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin, and Nails.
5. For teens, especially, it is so important to wash their pillow cases routinely. Dr. Shah is the father of three teens. From his first-hand knowledge he says that, “Teens aren’t very compliant when it comes to skincare and they suffer from hormones in a bad way. This 1-2 punch makes acne and blemishes the bane of most teens’ existences. Going to sleep at night on clean pillow cases after washing your face goes a long way to reducing bacterial burden and allows blemishes to heal.”
6. If you suffer from puffiness around the eyes, a quick trick is to use black tea bags. Wet them in ice water and lay them onto the eyes to soothe. The caffeine in the black tea causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing edema or swelling in the delicate, thin eyelid tissues.
7. Add baking soda to your toothpaste to easily polish away stains to keep your teeth white. Instead of bleaching your teeth, baking soda actually breaks the molecules that stain the teeth. It is less irritating to your gums as well, and way cheaper than teeth whitening strips.
8. Eat the rainbow - A white bread-based diet does not for clear skin make. That’s why Dr. Shah makes sure his diet is packed with brightly-colored fruits and vegetables. He says, “Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants which give glow to the skin.” Specifically, research suggests that pigments called carotenoids—found in foods like carrots, spinach and other leafy greens, and tomatoes have been linked to good complexions.” Adding fish oil to your diet also improves skin compliance and radiance.
9. Avoid Hot Showers - Disappointing as it may be, Dr. Shah says, “Hot showers remove too much of your natural oils and brings blood circulation to your skin, creating inflammatory reactions that result in rashes and aggravate those with eczema or dry patches.”
10. You may just need a brow wax instead of a lift
“I had a patient who wanted a brow lift because she thought she looked angry all the time. I sent her for a brow wax instead. It took 15 minutes, she looked great, and she saved herself thousands.” Other brow techniques like brow tinting can change how your eyebrows frame the eyes, improving on your looks.
About Dr. Manish Shah
Manish Shah, M.D., F.A.C.S. is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Rhinoplasty Society, and the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery. After completing his formal plastic surgery training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Univ. of Tennessee College of Medicine, he moved to New York City and was selected for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. He underwent extensive, advanced training in aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body at the hands of some of the most renowned cosmetic surgeons in the world. Dr. Shah is one of only a select few plastic surgeons in the country who have undergone formal post-graduate training in aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery. Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you!
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There are endless winter health myths that we have heard from well intentioned grandparents and parents. They have become so ingrained in us that we take them as cold hard facts. Many of these myths have no more basis in reality than Santa Claus. Of course, everyone wants to stay as healthy as possible during the frosty months. In order to do so sensibly, we turned to Board Certified NYC internist and gastroenterologist Dr. Niket Sonpal.
Myth: Allergies go away in the winter
Allergies might be the real source behind your stuffy nose and scratchy throat this season. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one in five people suffer from indoor/outdoor allergies, and the indoor variety can actually be worse in the winter. Dr. Sonpal cautions that, “If your symptoms last longer than 10 days or ease up after taking an antihistamine, it might be time to visit an allergist.”
Myth: I wash my hands all the time with hand sanitizer, so I should be fine.
Hand sanitizer will kill most viruses, but not all. You must make sure you use the right amount of hand sanitizer and let it dry completely. Dr. Sonpal points out that,” Some viruses, like norovirus, which causes vomiting, is not killed by hand sanitizer. Soap and water are best to get rid of all bacteria and viruses, but the hand sanitizer is better than nothing at all.”
Myth: It’s cold out, I don’t need sunscreen.
The sun’s rays are just as strong in the winter months as they are in the other seasons. Snow and ice can reflect even more sunlight, up to twice as much. Grab the SPF 30 and put it on, regardless of the temperature. Don’t forget those sunglasses to keep your eyes safe as well.
I’ll just drink some alcohol to keep myself warm.
Although it may feel like drinking alcohol is making you warmer, it does not. Dr. Sonpal says that, “when you drink, the blood vessels dilate or get bigger, and blood flows to your skin and away from your internal organs. So, it may feel like you are getting warmer, but you are not.”
Myth: The Flu Shot Gives You the Flu
According to a new survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and Rite Aide, 44 percent of American women view the flu as a serious threat to their health. Yet nearly half (49 percent) do not intend to get a flu shot this year because they believe the vaccine can give them the flu. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu shot for anyone older than 6 months of age. Dr. Sonpal stresses that, “The shot does not contain a live virus, making catching the flu from it impossible.”
Winter weather makes you store fat and gain weight
Our bodies do not go into some kind of winter hibernation mode, stockpiling every ounce of fat to use for the lean times. It seems logical, like a throwback to our days living in caves foraging for food, but in reality, any weight gain comes from our winter habits. Dr. Sonpal points out that, “we tend to exercise less in winter. We eat more hearty meals and comfort foods, including more sugary snacks and desserts (especially around the holidays).”
Myth: You Lose Most Heat Through Your Head
The saying goes “we lose 90 percent of our body heat through our heads.” But a 2006 study found that the head accounts for about 7 percent of the body's surface area, and that heat loss in the region is fairly proportional, according to LiveScience. "Your head is another extremity, and it's susceptible to cold, so you should wear a hat, but it doesn't lose any more heat than another part of your body," says Dr. Sonpal.
Myth: Chicken Soup Will Cure Colds
Many cultures teach us to drink warm liquids like tea, hot apple cider, and soups when we’re dealing with colds. It’s true that something like chicken soup may help soothe and ease congestion, but much like vitamin C, hot soup won’t do immediate wonders.
Myth: Being Cold Gives You a Cold
No matter what your grandma might have told you, spending too much time in the cold air doesn’t make you sick. One study found that healthy men who spent several hours in temperatures just above freezing had an increase in healthy, virus-fighting activity in their immune systems. In fact, you’re more likely to get sick indoors, where germs are easily passed.
Myth: Feed a cold, starve a fever
Dr. Sonpal says that, “This is another myth that comes from a time when people didn't understand the science of body chemistry. The thought was that if you had a cold, food would warm you up. Conversely, if you had a high fever, not eating would cool you down. This is just patently bad medical advice. In both cases, good nutrition gives your body the fuel it needs to fight infections and recover from an illness. When you have a fever, your body is burning energy at a rapid rate, and that needs to be replenished. So, by all means feed your cold; but also feed your fever, or any other illness. Even if you have stomach issues, find a way to take in lost fluids and electrolytes.”
About Dr. Niket Sonpal:
Dr. Niket Sonpal is a native of Long Island NY and a graduate of Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn. Dr. Sonpal has completedhis Fellowship in gastroenterology & hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and will continue his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookldale University medical center.
He is the co‐author for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.
About Dr. Niket Sonpal:
Dr. Niket Sonpal is a native of Long Island NY and a graduate of Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn. Dr. Sonpal has completedhis Fellowship in gastroenterology & hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and will continue his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookldale University medical center.
He is the co‐author for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.
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Read more from the Oct Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure Beauty in mag.
Read more from the Oct Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Pumpkin Beauty in mag.
Whether you see it on Pinterest, you're following your faves on Instagram, seeing your favorites on the red carpet and of course when you're at the nail salon selecting your favorite hues - the power of the nail is everywhere! From innovative shapes, techniques, nail art and more! We had to sit down and talk with Celebrity Manicurist, Sarah Bland who is also an ambassador of Smith & Cult to get the scoop on what we need to know about what's going on in nails.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What took place in your career that allowed you to include nail art within your portfolio?
SARAH BLAND: I think that most music videos that I have worked on and red carpet manicures that I have done require nail art to make it different from all the other celebrities.
AM: Who are some of your celeb clients that you have done nail art on?
SB: LaLa Anthony, Kelly Rowland, Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton, Zooey Deschanel and a bunch more that I’m not allowed to mention ;-).
AM: Can you share events that your nails have been a part of from Awards Season, NYFW shows and more?
SB: I tend to work on celebrities for different things like lifestyle manicures, red carpet, TV shows, concerts, and press/editorial.
AM: How did you become a nail artist and what inspires you in your work?
SB: I started painting nails when I was five years old, I’ve always had a passion for nails and nail art. I started doing nail art in fourth grade. A lot of natural landscapes and architecture inspire my nail art.
AM: What are your must haves in your nail kit and what do you suggest that we should have at home when we're in between our salon appointments just in case we have to do a touchup?
SB: A few must haves in my nail kit are rhinestones and glitter. I also never forget to have Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in 1972 because it is a client favorite. In between appointments to keep your manicure looking fresh, I suggest adding a topcoat 1 to 2 days after you get your manicure to avoid chips and keep it shiny.
AM: We know that you are a Smith & Cult Nail Ambassador, what does this entail and what are your roles/responsibilities there?
SB: As the brand ambassador, I create all of the nail art designs that are seasonal, I travel around the world educating salons and nail artists on nail art and about the product. I also do special events for the brand.
AM: We’re in the thick of wedding season - what 3 nail art designs would you suggest that are perfect for weddings? We’d love to know about looks that play with negative space, nail art for those that are not afraid to be bold as well as for someone who is new to including this within their look and wants to dip a toe in?
SB: I would suggest doing a very neutral hombre French manicure with negative space in the background, I also think very dainty geometric designs look great with neutral colors. For a bride that likes something very blingy, I would suggest adding glitter and/or rhinestones.
AM: In terms of nail care - how can you ensure that you are protecting your nails ESPECIALLY those that are frequent users of gel as we get many questions on the type of gels that should be used as well as how often can one do gels before they need to take a gel break?
SB: Unfortunately, it's impossible to ensure you’re protecting your nails these days because there are a lot of dangerous products out there that uneducated professionals use. Especially when it comes to artificial nails. The biggest piece of advice I can give is to stay away from drilling your natural nails. A lot of salons will even drill the soft gels to remove them which is extremely damaging to your nails and the laziest way of taking them off. I also suggest staying away from hard gel if you want to protect your natural nails. They are only removable with a drill which is very damaging. I tell my clients to take a break from gel every few months and to use Smith & Cult as the in between polish. In my personal experience and my clients’, I’ve seen drastic improvements of the health of my nails since I’ve been wearing Smith & Cult. It literally dries so quickly and lasts over a week without chipping! It is also 8 free so it’s almost like you’re repairing your nails without the nasty chemicals.
AM: Since you're based in LA, where would we find you this summer from grabbing cocktails and dinner with friends, shopping and do you have a fitness studio you like to go into?
SB: Rumble is my new favorite spot after I discovered it for the first time in NYC. Grabbing cocktails & dinner is super fun at Zinc or Gracias Madre on Melrose. Rooftop at the Nomad Hotel in Downtown LA is amazing for a fancy night out of summer cocktails. Shopping is a must downtown at the ROW. It’s a new historical development that has one-off unique shops. LA is always fun in the summer!
PHOTO COURTESY | via Sarah Bland's Instagram
IG @SarahBland
Read more from the Oct Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | The Scoop on Nail Art.
On Nov 9th, Daylight Savings Time will make its way back into our calendars again. In order to be prepared, we sat down with Beautyrest Sleep Expert, Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep researcher at the NYU School of Medicine. We talked with her about getting a full night of sleep (even when we lose an hour in our day due to the change), how we can get into a proper sleep routine, meditation and how much sleep we honestly need.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Why is Daylight Savings time such a shift for us as we experience it every year?
DR. REBECCA ROBBINS: Human beings are creatures of habit, particularly when it comes to sleep. Our sleep is largely governed by a 24-hour cycle, or circadian rhythm. Small changes to this schedule, such as ‘sleeping in’ on the weekends, but also daylight savings time of even one hour can have a dramatic effect upon our sleep schedule, and subsequently our mood, alertness, energy, and health. For instance, workplace research shows employee performance declines significantly in the week after daylight savings time while employees adjust to a new sleep schedule.
AM: How can we prepare or Daylight Savings Time?
DR. RR: The transition to a new time and improved waking success can be eased with a few key strategies:
-Start going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night leading up to daylight savings time
-Practice good sleep hygiene (e.g., avoid caffeine after 2pm, keep your bedtime and rising time as consistent as possible)
-Make exercise a priority, this can help you adjust to your new sleep schedule
-Get as much blue light to boost your alertness during the day as possible, even on a cloudy day, walking outside in the morning and afternoon can help your body adjust to the time change
-Avoid light at night close to bed, including cell phones, as this can trigger our alertness when our bodies need to power down
AM: How can we create a successful sleep environment at home and when we travel?
DR. RR: Our bedrooms must be a sanctuary for rest, relaxation, and sleep. The best bedroom design features neutral tones and optimally, is devoid of technology such as cell phones or cable boxes. Most important, the mattress is the foundation to a good night’s sleep. I recommend the Beautyrest Black line, which features individually pocketed coils for low-motion transfer and optimal airflow, as well as memory foam on top for support and comfort.
AM: How important and linked are meditation and sleep?
DR. RR: Meditation is the practice of quieting the mind and focusing on the breath. It is a deep form of relaxation. Individuals who practice meditation frequently can reap many benefits, including improved sleep. Also, the strategies of medication (e.g., quieting the mind, slowing the breath) are tools that can help with sleep onset (i.e., the process of falling asleep), so meditation and sleep are indeed linked! To showcase this correlation, I recently led an in-bed meditation session for 150 attendees after an overnight Max Richter concert in New York City.
AM: How much sleep do we really need?
DR. RR: The duration of sleep we need to perform at our peak when we are awake changes over the lifespan. Children need almost as much sleep as they can get to support healthy development, teenagers actually need between 8 and 9 hours and adults typically require between 7 and 8 hours for optimal health, well-being, and cognitive performance. Many people tell me they need only 5-hours of sleep, but odds are they don’t even realize how much better they would feel if they slept for a few more hours.
AM: Are power naps beneficial?
DR. RR: Absolutely! A ‘power nap’ is a nap of 20 minutes. This is a great way to recover if you have to stay up late or have a hard time sleeping. Make sure to get up after 20 minutes or you may wake up groggy. One exception to this, however, is that power naps or naps of any kind are discouraged for individuals suffering from insomnia.
AM: What happens while we sleep beyond getting a good night's rest?
DR. RR: During sleep our brains, body, and skin go into deep repair mode. Sleep plays an important role in removing toxins from the brain and body. Sleep is also the time during the day when our blood pressure and body temperature, for instance, dip to their lowest points. Allowing our bodies to process through this complete and total repair and is what allows us to be optimally awake. This is actually something Beautyrest is focused on with the development of its mattresses. The brand believes that a great night’s rest can help you reach your full potential the next day which is why they are dedicated to using the latest in sleep technology and innovation.
AM: With Awards Season, how can we get great sleep and is there such a thing as a sleeping plan to ensure you are at your best?
DR. RR: A healthy sleep routine is a great idea all year long, but especially when you have an event and want to be fully awake and at your best. Unfortunately, we often make exercise and nutrition a priority during these periods but ignore sleep. You can certainly create a sleeping plan similar to a pre-event workout or nutrition plan to help you stay on-track. The best practices for maintaining any healthy habit, such as keeping a journal or schedule, apply here as well.
AM: What are 3 things that we can do to be mindful of getting good sleep?
DR. RR: Tracking sleep is increasingly common among the population! According to our research, as many as 80% of people use a mobile or wearable device to track their sleep. A new, low profile way to track your sleep (which is a great way to increase your mindfulness) is with the Beautyrest Sleeptracker monitor, which lies seamlessly under your pillow, allowing you to wake up to a breadth of data and insights about your sleep!
Another way to be more mindful about sleep is to set a gentle alarm at night for your bedtime routine. Optimally, we all take time to unwind and unplug with a routine that is relaxing. Set a gentle alarm to go off about 30 minutes before you want to be slipping into bed as a peaceful cue to you that it is time to start to unplug from electronics, take a bath or do some reading.
Finally, enhanced mindfulness about sleep can be achieved with simple journaling about your alertness level the next day in a notebook or word document.
AM: What yoga moves are conducive to sleep?
DR. RR: Exercise that is high intensity is undesirable before bed, but restorative yoga or a gentle flow from up dog to down dog are optimal for relaxing and softening any tense muscles before bed.
AM: Is there such a thing that people can work on projects in their sleep and if so, is it healthy?
DR. RR: Sleep is a time when we actually rehearse events and things we learned from the day before, making sleep an essential component of ability to remember and recall. Thus, healthy sleep is a critical part of memory and cognition.
AM: How important is it to dream and to remember them?
DR. RR: Dreaming largely takes place during Rapid Eye Movement sleep. It is neither important or unimportant to remember dreams, but we do find that if you start to talk about dreams with a spouse or friend, or journal about them, your ability to recall dreams is enhanced.
Read more from the Sep Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Getting a Good Night’s Rest in mag.
Read more from the Sep Issue and see Cupuacu Beauty in mag.
Read more from the Sept Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag.
Read more from the Sept Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure Beauty | Fall Prep Skincare in mag.
Read more from the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Argan Beauty in mag.
We happened to be on our IG feed and saw Sol De Janeiro’s most excited video! We have been fans of all the products for years and we religiously use their Bum Bum Cream which makes your skin feel so soft, has a bit of shimmer and of course, the smell is amazing with the mixture of Cupuacu, Acai and Coconut Oil. We’re obsessed with the scents of Pistachio and Salted Caramel which just a yummie combination.
The large Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream that we have come to love has just gotten better with their newest size and limited edition - dropping today, you can get the supersize version for $75 which is 500/ml. It’s kind of like Christmas coming early and your skin will thank you for it!
Read more from the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag.