Featureds

Fight Off Your Sinus Infection This Fall

16 septiembre, 2019 by Admin

The changing of the weather doesn’t just mean falling leaves and sipping hot apple cider. It also means a wave of infections and sick days. Ugh! One of the most common illnesses that people get during the fall season is sinus infections. This inflammation of the nasal cavity can leave you feeling miserable, but it doesn’t have to! These at home remedies will help you fight off your sinus infection and have you feeling better in no time!

What Causes A Sinus Infection?

Back to school (and work) after the summer holidays means back to being surrounded by a sea of germs. Whenever a bacteria or irritant gets in our sinuses, it can block the «drainage system» and lead to a build up of mucus. When this gets infected, it then leads to- you guessed it- a sinus infection.

woman sneezing with different home remedies for her sinus infection.

The most common symptoms people experience with a sinus infection include pressure around their face and nose, headaches, and major league congestion. If the infection is viral, taking some over-the-counter decongestants and pain relievers should do the trick in a week’s time. If it’s bacterial however, you might need to visit a doctor for an antibiotics prescription. Regardless of the cause, you are likely to have the same symptoms, all of which can be reduced and kicked in the bud with these at-home remedies.

Nasal Rinse

a neti pot designed for a sinus infection.

The quickest relief for your congestion and blockage is with a nasal rinse. The easiest way to do this is with a neti pot, which helps to get warm saline solution through your sinuses. You can use it over a sink or in a shower by pouring a saline solution through one nostril, and it will flow out the other. This method helps to clear out mucus and any bacteria that could be growing in your nasal cavity.

Humidifier

We need moist air more than ever when we have a sinus infection. This is because the mucus can more easily flow and not get blocked, causing us to have trouble breathing. It can also increase your chances of getting more infections and bacteria trapped in your sinuses. Time to invest in a humidifier and kick that sinus infection goodbye!

Hot Shower

Woman's face under a shower head to clear out her sinuses.

Asides from helping you to relax and feel clean during your bacteria-filled days suffering a sinus infection, a hot shower can help you recover faster. The steam and water help to both keep your sinuses moist and eliminate mucus. You’re sure to feel a million times better after you step out of the shower with squeaky clean skin and the gratifying sensation of finally being able to breathe again!

Photos: Freepik, Pixabay, Amazon ComfyPot

Can Dry Brushing Help Reduce Cellulite?

15 septiembre, 2019 by Admin

The thought of using a dry stiff brush on your behind sounds anything but fun and relaxing. Nevertheless, many spas offer this dry brushing technique as part of the pampering process, claiming it works wonders in reducing cellulite. Is this ancient technique of sloughing off dead skin really worth it?

the legs and behind of a woman lying on a mat, showing smooth skin from dry brushing.

The Technique Behind Dry Brushing

Dry Brushing is not some futuristic technique that uses advanced materials. In fact, the basic concept behind dry brushing is simply exfoliating. Using a bristle brush across your body helps to remove dry and dead skin, which helps your skin to hydrate better afterwards when applying moisturizer afterwards.

Not only does dry bushing help to exfoliate the skin, but it also detoxifies the skin. The pressure from the brush helps to push lymph node fluid and eliminate it from your skin. This process in turn improves circulation to ensure all the organs function at their best.

How To Properly Dry Brush

First and foremost, you need the correct type of brush. The best ones have firm bristles and a long handle so that you can scrub in all the inconvenient to reach areas. Additionally, the best time of the day to dry brush is in the morning right before a shower. The exfoliating motions will help to open your pores, meaning lotions can better absorb into your skin.

«Bottom» Line- Can Dry Brushing Truly Reduce Cellulite?

The answer is two fold. It is true that dry brushing can eliminate toxins in the body, especially ones that wear away at connective tissue. When connective tissue breaks down, the result is often the formation of dimpling along the skin. However, this is not the only thing that influences ones’ cellulite. Fat deposits as well as genetics have a big impact on the appearance of cellulite, which is why 93% of women have it.

Ultimately, there is not enough scientific research to justify that dry brushing can reduce cellulite long term. If anything, it is more of a temporary reduction that requires daily use to upkeep. That said, if you are looking for a quick fix to confidently strut your stuff, this might be the trick for you!

Photos: Freepik, Youtube Best buy

Time To Stop These Terrible Skincare Habits ASAP

11 septiembre, 2019 by Admin

When it comes to taking care of our skin, we each have our own routine. Some keep it simple– a swipe of micellar water and done, whereas others use treatments, rollers, and exfoliators… The list goes on. While there is no definitive «right» way to take care of your skin, since we all have different types, there are certain regimens that are doing more damage than good. It’s time to stop the following terrible skincare habits ASAP.

Going Overboard with Skincare Products

Using multiple products to treat any skin problems might SEEM like the smart solution, but it can actually cause more irritation and inflammation. Whenever we see a new product on the market, it can be tempting to believe the benefits. However, the smartest way to cure any skin issue (acne, redness, dryness) is by using only two or three products max. This will both a) save you money on skincare products and b) calm your skin down.

Popping Your Pimples

This should be a given by now, but squeezing your own zits is never a good idea. While almost all of us are guilty of attempting to attack that new planet that popped on our faces overnight, in the long run this only leads to more acne. All the squeezing can actually press the pimples deeper into your pores, which can cause a skin infection. What’s more, the oils on your fingers can spread and cause infection and zits on other spots on the face. If you do get the urge to squeeze, you should try putting a spot treatment on the area with a cotton swab to directly improve the skin.

Skipping The Sunscreen

woman rubbing on sunscreen as part of her skincare regimen.

Regardless of the time of year, it is important to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. If you are worried about causing your skin to be greasy, fear not for there are many SPFs designed oil-free. Everyone should be using SPF because without it, the collagen in skin breaks down which brings on wrinkles and discoloration.

Excessive Washing And Exfoliating

You might think washing more means cleaner skin, but the reality is that over cleansing and exfoliating can dry out the skin. The result can vary depending on your skin type, but you can expect to have redness and inflammation. There is also the chance of getting worse acne, because your oil glands start to work in overdrive. When it comes to skincare, less is more!

Photos: Freepik

The Top Hair Trends To Try This Fall

9 septiembre, 2019 by Admin

Summer hair is all about letting it loose and wild, au naturale. The best head turning hair during the hotter months is never slicked and pulled back. I mean, they don’t call it beach waves for nothing! But with the turning of the seasons, so do the trends, and this fall is all about being chic and sophisticated. Whether it’s back to school or back to work, you want to make a statement with your hair, and these upcoming fall trends are sure to help you achieve it.

Half-Up, Half-Down Hair

Just because you are going for sophisticated, doesn’t mean you can’t leave your hair down too. The half-up, half-down hair is perfect for creating some volume while also channeling our former style icon, Serena van der Woodsen (xoxo, Gossip Girl). You can wear the top half high on your head for a more statement-making look, or the midway down the head for a simple, yet classic look. Either way, it’s simple and making a serious comeback.

Bows

Hair accessories are growing in popularity, and this fall the bow is bound to be the item to wear. Ribbons with an interesting texture, like velvet, are especially great for catching all eyes and perfectly pairing with darker fall colors. What’s more, this look is extremely simple to achieve if you’re running late in the morning. You can tie a bow around a ponytail or just around your hair as a bow-tied headband.

Low Ponytail

Although Ariana Grande made the high ponytail a popular trend to try, the style we really will be latching onto this fall season is the low ponytail. This loose, relaxed version will ensure both a) your scalp doesn’t hurt from a top style and b) you look effortlessly slick. Although this style is easy to accomplish, it’s also easy to go wrong...we recommend spraying a shine or gloss in your hair to make your fall hair look fashion forward, not frumpy.

Photos: Freepik, Unsplash

Are Biotin Pills Truly The Beauty Cure-All?

8 septiembre, 2019 by Admin

Women around the world aim to get the best hair, skin, and nails that they can. This often includes turning to different fad creams, superfoods, and some might say questionable practices. Most recently, biotin pills have been considered the cure-all beauty vitamin to promise the best of all three. However, are all the supposed benefits really scientifically proven?

Biotin Pills Bought At A Booming Rate

It is clear that the reported benefits of biotin have women crazy for the vitamin. In fact, 20 percent of people who take supplements in the US say they take this pill for beauty purposes. And biotin isn’t the only beauty supplement being taken. In 2016 the beauty supplement market was $133 billion worldwide! Many beauty experts believe this approach comes from the new trend of «beauty from within.»

a jar of supplements like biotin with a glass of water.

While the phrase originated as a way for people to focus on the personality attributes of individuals over the superficial, it has transformed as a nutritional beauty approach. Biotin pills have been at the forefront for supplements taken by women, given its affordability and 3-in-1 claims.

Do The Supplement Claims Stack Up?

It’s not a straightforward answer, largely due to the fact supplements in the US don’t need human trials to prove their «beauty benefits.» Therefore, many supplements don’t have any scientific trials, or only studies that were paid for by the company, thus killing a lot of its reliability. Additionally, some ingredients do work topically, but if ingested in a pill don’t work.

Several vitamins like Vitamin C and E have repeatedly proven their beauty benefits. Biotin however, has only been proven to help individuals that have a true biotin deficiency in their system. Otherwise, researchers say there is limited data to show if people with normal biotin levels actually gain any benefits from using a supplement. This is true for the majority of vitamins and supplements on the market; they only work if you have a true vitamin deficiency in your system.

That said, if you are thinking about taking any supplements in the future for beauty purposes, you should ask your doctors if they think you personally could benefit from taking a supplement. Otherwise, don’t waste your money!

Photos: Freepik

Swipe Left For Tinder, Facebook Dating Is Here!

6 septiembre, 2019 by Admin

Tired of using Tinder with absolutely zero luck? There’s a new dating app in town, and it’s being run by none other than Facebook, the biggest social network in the world. Facebook Dating (yes, a super original name) will accompany the platform, allowing you to create a separate profile for dating. And it’s completely free!

Facebook Dating launches in the United States today https://t.co/g5jY0tK9LB pic.twitter.com/5M74qz2tJq
— The Verge (@verge) September 5, 2019

How Will Facebook Dating Work?

Rather than have a separate app entirely, Facebook Dating will be located within the app with its own tab (next to Events and Groups). It will function like other dating applications that require you to select to join the app in order to be seen and also view other possible matches. Unlike Tinder, Facebook Dating will use an actual algorithm to help you find a suitable contender, based on your interests, location, mutual friends, and preset preferences. Finally, you might actually have a chance with that guy you crushed on in high school!

How Will You Appear In Your Profile?

Since it is connected to your Facebook account, only the first name that you have listed will show, along with your age. You then have the option to share other information, such as your gender, the gender you are interested in, any photos from your profile, job, hometown, etc.

So Long, Swiping!

If you have had enough with the swiping, you can rest easy knowing that there is NO swiping on Facebook Dating. Instead, if you are interested in a person’s profile, you can leave a comment or hit a like button for them to know. If you don’t like a profile you see, simply hit «X» and you will be shown the next one.

Fear Not- No Family Here!

If you are worried about your family members popping up among potential matches, fear not! Facebook Dating does not pair you with any Friends, only «friends of friends.» However, if you have been thinking about that one cutie from high school, you still have the potential to become matches. How? By the «Secret Crush List,» where you add all the people who you have «crushes» on, and if they add you then you are both notified.

Increased Safety With Facebook Dating

Many people have been afraid to use dating apps for the fear of going out with a total stranger. What if they are a serial killer?! While the chances of that are very slim, Facebook Dating has implemented a feature to make it safer than its counterpart dating apps– by adding the option to share your live location with your friends on Messenger. You can step out in confidence your next date, and who knows… Maybe finally find the one!

Photos: Twitter: @MichaelFNunez , @verge