9 Weight Loss Challenges That Are Totally Doable

30 Day Fitness Challenge

Of all the items you take care of, your smartphone ranks pretty high up on the priority list—because it’s home to your email, your connection to friends and family, your entertainment for long grocery store lines, your countless feeds, and frankly, everything else. While you’re on your phone perhaps checking out the best health and fitness apps, add one more: The straightforwardly named 30 Day Fitness Challenge app is a free way to make sticking to a “work out every single day” goal that much easier. Depending on whether you’d like to tone your full body or focus on glutes, arms or abs, you can select a program that matches your needs. New to working out? No worries! This program features easy, medium, and hard levels, as well as hands-on instruction. Though each workout usually takes under 15 minutes, it’s enough to motivate you to head to the gym and log in a longer sweat sesh.

Whole30

Staying physically active is essential to health—The Mayo Clinic recommends 150 minutes of fitness a week, but what you consume is equally, if not more, important. After all, if you finish every run with two cheeseburgers, fries, and a shake, chances are slim that you’ll drop a dress size in time for your cousin’s wedding. The issue many dieters face is pinpointing their specific areas of weakness in their eating habits. To the rescue is Whole30, a clean eating program that cuts out the common culprits—dairy, gluten, soy, legumes, alcohol, and sugar—for 30 days. It’s a bit tricky to follow since so many foods have hidden ingredients, but once you’ve completed the 30 days, you gradually add back these foods to see how your body responds. Armed with this information, you can shape your meal plans to steer clear of dairy, if it’s making you bloat, gluten if it’s not sitting well with your tummy, or another food that’s causing you to hold onto weight.

Whole30 says no-no to dairy, so here are some alternatives.

Meditation

Believe it or not, a little om can actually be a game-changer in weight loss. A study conducted at Carnegie Mellon University found that 25 days of meditation three days in a row can make a dramatic impact on your stress levels. And since stress causes you to hold onto weight thanks to the cortisol hormones that gets overworked when you’re overscheduled, the more in control you are of your habitual mental thoughts, the easier it will be to put your best foot forward with exercise and weight loss. Countless apps—like Headspace and Calm—offer challenges to keep you inspired to incorporate meditation into your routine. Even if you can’t squeeze in 25 minutes a day, consider implementing a meditation practice before bedtime to encourage better sleep, which hey, also contributes to a lower number on the scale!

Here are some ways to sneak some meditation into your life.

Pinterest targeted challenges

If you’re a new parent or a super-busy professional, or if logging sessions at the gym isn’t your style, an at-home fitness challenge might be your best bet. When you search Pinterest, you’ll find plenty of targeted challenges that will help you plank longer, go deeper into your squats, build some killer abs, or improve the lift of your bum in your go-to denim. Many of these challenges are created by trainers and won’t take more than 10 minutes out of your day. Even better, it could inspire you to try other methods of fitness when your calendar clears. This resistance band workout will work your whole body.

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Aaptiv

Though technically not a challenge per se, Aaptiv is a smart choice for a seasoned exercise enthusiast who already knows how to burpee, mountain climb, high knee and jab, cross, hook, and uppercut. With a variety of workouts and fitness levels, this audio-only instruction is a smart way to stay focused and perfect your form. Consider encouraging a few pals to sign up for a membership so you can work out together from your respective homes, or at the very least, hold one another accountable to at least squeeze in a half hour on the daily.

Can you pass these everyday fitness tests?

Kayla Itsines Challenge

As the name of her program suggests, famous Australian fitness Instagrammer Kayla Itsines wants you to get swimsuit ready at any time of year. What started as a social media account has blossomed into a wide variety of workout plans—including the original Beach Body program, with workouts, meal recommendations, and other helpful tips. With very little equipment, you can complete all of Itsines’ workouts and potentially see changes in just a few weeks. It’s ideal for travelers or a newbie to fitness who is ready to get serious. Just watch out for these exercise moves that actually work against you.

FitGirlsGuide

If 30 days feels a tad overwhelming, why not adopt a leap-year mentality and go for 28 instead? FitGirls Guide, which was also made popular thanks to Instagram, is a 28-Day Jumpstart Program with all the tools you need to transform your lifestyle. In addition to a full workout plan that requires zero equipment, FitGirls also gives a meal plan that can be tailored to any diet, regardless of whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian. If your pals aren’t along for the adventure, don’t worry: There’s a huge community behind FitGirls, so you’ll always have some online support if you need a push. With your real-life friends, try these fun social activities that double as workouts.

Dry January

After the countless holiday parties and New Year’s celebrations, your liver is basically begging for a break. In addition to causing some major headaches and dehydration, excessive drinking can pack on the pounds. Since most alcohol is high in sugar and tough for your body to break down, boozing it up on the regular could be adding more to your waistline. One 30-day challenge that’s to-the-point is dry January, in where you forgo any vino, beer, or cocktails until February. While it might be a tad awkward in social settings, challenge yourself to grab a soda water with lime and be the designated driver—and ahem, Instagram photo taker—for the evening. If you’re doing the bartending, try whipping up these delicious mocktails.

Daily Burn

Especially if you work from home, wrangle children 24/7, or travel for work, online workouts make squeezing in exercise less stressful. If you get bored searching through countless YouTube videos to find one that’s actually effective, consider a Daily Burn membership. You’ll get specialized workout plans based on your goals, the opportunity to buy fitness equipment, including a heart-rate monitor to ensure that you’re putting in maximum effort and other features, as well as a live workout every morning. Make it your goal to complete a full month of these, kicking your mindset—and your bum!—into healthy gear. Check out the secrets of women who work out every day.

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The Best Acne Scar Treatment for Even the Toughest Scars

Ice pick scars

As the name suggests, ice pick scars are very deep holes in the skin that look like the skin has been punctured with… an ice pick. When the body produces too little collagen in response to an injury, depressed scars such as ice picks can form. “Ice pick scars represent the result of infected sebaceous gland openings on the skin. They are usually the most difficult to correct,” says New York City plastic surgeon Gerald Imber, MD.

Acne scar treatment: “Treatment may include excising the scar with a small ‘punch,’ and suturing the defect closed, but this only works for isolated ice pick scars,” he says. New York City dermatologist Judy Hellman, MD, adds: “We can also do skin grafts and take skin from behind the ear to fill the scar, and then we can use a laser or radiofrequency device to smooth it out.”

If there are multiple ice pick scars, acne scar treatment devices that use radiofrequency energy are Dr. Hellman’s first choice. “These treatments help build collagen from the inside out, and collagen helps to fill the scars from within,” she says. Several treatments are usually needed. The procedures are done using local anesthesia, and it’s effective in all skin types, she says. In one study, published in a 2015 issue of the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, Dr. Hellman found that approximately four treatments with a radiofrequency device produced significant improvement in the depth of the scars. A follow-up study in a 2016 issue of the same journal showed that these results held for up to two years, although some people had touch-ups.

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12 Simple but Powerful Ways Psychologists Ward off Depression and Anxiety

Name your feelings

Science has identified exactly how many emotions you can feel—your job is simply to acknowledge them. “Since depression and anxiety can be the result of suppressing feelings over time, I make a point of naming, acknowledging, and accepting negative emotions as they arise,” says Tina Gilbertson, author of Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings by Letting Yourself Have Them. The Colorado-based psychotherapist has noticed that many people do not give themselves permission to feel bad, even in private. Unfortunately, policing negative emotions can damage both mental and physical health over time. “When you don’t like how you feel about something, instead of trying to change your thoughts, give the feeling a name. For example, ‘I feel envious right now,’ or ‘I’m ashamed of how I handled that,'” Gilbertson says. “It keeps you from building up a backlog of unexpressed feelings, which can fuel depression.”

Light your way to lighter emotions

Kelsey Torgerson, MSW, LCSW, of Compassionate Counseling in St. Louis, often shares with her clients that she experiences seasonal depression. The child and adolescent therapist combats her winter blues with therapy lights. “During the winter, I regularly use a SAD lamp to help with my seasonal affective depression,” she says. “I find that sitting with it in the morning helps with anxiety as well, perhaps because stress and depression can get so linked.” These are the silent signs you could have seasonal depression.

Namaste yourself happy

Therapists know that yoga is more than a method for increasing flexibility; studies have proven that it can reduce depression and anxiety. Using this age-old practice to elevate mood is easy and powerful. “I practice yoga regularly. It helps me burn off my anxious energy, and lets my body and mind re-focus,” Dr. Torgerson explains. Try joining a yoga studio to get the added benefit of socializing with others, another depression buster.

Accept that you can’t fix everything

Your therapist’s job is to remain a neutral source of guidance and support. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t absorb the pain her clients express day in and day out. “Working as a crisis clinician evaluating suicidal and homicidal clients can bring a different perspective to everyday living,” says crisis clinician and life coach Angela Tennyson, MHP, CADC. She regularly sees people in their worst-ever state of mind. “The challenge for me is to know my boundaries and abilities, with the realization that not everything can be fixed,” she explains. “I firmly believe that in order to be an authentic clinician, I must practice what I preach with my own life recommendations to my clients.” Understanding what you can control, and what you are unable to control, can be very freeing. It also provides a pathway to self-forgiveness and understanding. These traits can go a long way toward eliminating depression and alleviating anxiety in the face of adversity.

Nurture yourself first, so you can better give to others

Another of Dr. Tennyson’s tips is to take care of yourself, body and mind, so that you are refreshed and strong enough to take care of those around you. This will help reduce the anxiety you might feel if you think are not “good enough” or the depression that could creep in if you feel overwhelmed or unable to care for those you love. “It is the best thing ever to give yourself and your talents (to others),” Dr. Tennyson says. “However, I have found that if I haven’t given to myself first, I will not have my best to provide.” Her suggestions for self-care include getting enough sleep, spending time with family and pets, having a good laugh, getting a massage, reconnecting with nature, and, of course, lazy pajama days. Another pro-tip: Know when to say no to others.

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Learn the lessons of the day before

We all make mistakes, but we often try to forget them out of embarrassment or shame. Dr. Tennyson suggests making an effort to learn from failures and near-misses and deriving insights for the future. “This helps us be the best we can be the following day,” she says. Moving forward from set-backs and embracing the ups and downs of each day can help manage your depression and anxiety. Make sure you avoid these everyday habits that raise your risk of depression.

Channel the power of meditation

Therapist Kareen Puranda, NCC, LPC, LCAS, calls meditation his depression repellant. “None of us are impervious to life stressors,” he says. His meditative practice consists of prayer, affirmations, and controlled breathing. “These actions help me to reset and bring things back into the perspective that works best for me. I can only control my thoughts and behaviors.” he explains. Meditation can heal your body as well as your mind.

Do those healthy things the doctor ordered

Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi, PhD, fights depression and anxiety with healthy habits geared towards keeping the mind occupied and refreshed and the body rejuvenated and nourished. “I exercise daily for 30 to 40 minutes, eat healthy food, avoid junk food, get enough sleep, and do relaxation exercises,” he says, adding that creative hobbies like writing and painting are also important. Medical professionals across multiple fields back up the claims that lifestyle habits, such as healthy eating and exercise, increase the body’s production of natural antidepressants, according to the pros at Healthline. Try eating these foods that are proven to calm anxiety.

Talk it out with a pro

As you might imagine, therapists think therapy works. Many see therapists themselves to process their feelings and experiences. Some types of therapy include counselling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and group therapy. If you think working with a therapist can benefit you, approach finding a therapist the same way you would any professional. Do your research, seek out recommendations, read reviews online, and treat your first session as you might a job interview, with you as the interviewer. You’re not required to hire the first therapist you meet with. Find one you think you can trust and feel comfortable with.

Go play

According to child psychiatrist and author Gayani DeSilva, MD, play is the best stress relief. “Adults can take a lesson from children, who use play to work out conflicts, relax, have fun, and reduce worries and stress,” explains Dr. DeSilva, author of A Psychiatrist’s Guide: Helping Parents Reach Their Depressed Tween. She suggests doing something silly to make yourself giggle. “Yodel, make funny faces, do the chicken dance. Act in ways that make you laugh at yourself. This releases endorphins and causes immediate relaxation.” Try getting a wind-up toy for your desk, and wind it up when that feeling of being stressed starts to develop. Getting active by running or playing a game of pick-up basketball can also reduce stress. If you have children, immerse yourself in their make-believe playtime or play with them at a local playground. Check out more simple ways to instantly boost your mood.

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Keep a journal

Journals don’t judge. They don’t interrupt you while you’re writing or make suggestions that aren’t in your best interest. Keeping a daily journal can help you understand your feelings in real time and reduce depression and anxiety, much of which is based on unresolved feelings and patterns of behavior. According to life coach and author Jackee Holder, daily journal writing can help you track behavioral patterns you might not realize you’re stuck in. It can also help you solve your problems and get in touch with your creative side. Boston-based psychotherapist Angela Ficken, LICSW, manages her own stress and anxiety by journaling.

Listen to music

Maybe you remember how you loved to belt out or cry to a favorite song when you were a kid. Your therapist remembers too. According to Psychology Today, music therapy has the power to lift depression and reduce anxiety. Turning on your favorite tunes is more than just a feel-good behavior. Research indicates that music can work directly on the autonomic nervous system, lifting mood and making us feel better. Turning on the tunes is one of Ficken’s favorite hacks for reducing on-the-job stress—she loves to switch on her favorite music or podcast when she needs to shift her focus or relax. Don’t miss these other science-backed ways to overcome depression naturally.

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11 Dermatologist-Approved Facial Masks for Acne

Charcoal

Charcoal acts like a magnet, attracting, binding, and drawing out impurities, dirt and oil, thus purifying, decongesting, and shrinking the appearance of pores—making it great weapon against comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads). “Weekly charcoal facial masks for acne are helpful for adults with blemish-prone skin, as it’s usually less harsh and drying than classic acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide,” explains Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills. Try: boscia Charcoal Pore Pudding Intensive Wash-Off Treatment or Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask. And don’t miss these drugstore acne treatments that really work, according to top dermatologists.

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16 Incredible Beauty Destinations from Around the World to Add to Your Bucket List

Blue Lagoon in Iceland

It’s not hard to believe that this stunning turquoise pool has been considered a world wonder by National Geographic. Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is a man-made open air spa comprised of mineral-rich water and silica-rich geothermal mud. Located just 30 minutes from Reykjavik, it’s a great place to spend a few hours applying its white mud on your face, which is said to give you radiant skin.

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6 New Skin Tightening Treatments That Really Work

Radiofrequency for neck and jowls

There are plenty of topical products that promise to firm and tighten the appearance of neck skin, but when you want to see real change in the mirror, most experts agree that radiofrequency (RF) energy is the best way to go. RF energy heats the collagen under the skin’s surface, causing it to contract and to also create more collagen naturally. Collagen is one of the building blocks of healthy, youthful skin that dwindles with advancing age.

For sagging jowls and turkey necks, Inmode’s new FaceTite RF device packs a solid one-two punch, says Hardik Doshi, MD, a facial plastic surgeon at Discreet Plastic Surgery in New York City. “We tighten skin from the inside out and the outside in, sandwiching it between two wands,” he explains. “One wand goes on top of the skin, causing collagen to contract and tighten, and the other goes underneath the skin where it emulsifies, or liquifies, the fat.” The process is known as radio-frequency assisted lipolysis.

A tiny puncture in the skin is needed to access the deeper level. Results appear gradually within six weeks to three months, he says. More than one treatment may be needed if skin is extremely lax. Dr. Doshi may combine FaceTite with other treatments for maximum results. “I can do chin liposuction because the fat is easier to remove, since it has already been emulsified by the RF energy.”

FaceTite is not the only RF-based tightener in town. “Thermi RF is like a sparkler delivering RF energy under the skin,” he explains.” You have an external camera checking heat to make sure you don’t get too hot, so there is limited fat-melting. It is more for skin tightening.” With FaceTite, however, the two wands allow for different internal and external temperatures, which can lead to more substantial fat melting.

Radiofrequency for the body

Inmode’s BodyTite device earns high marks for tightening excess skin in the arms, tummy, and thighs from Christopher T. Chia, MD, the surgical director of Bodysculpt in New York City. “RF is the king of the energy modalities, and with this device, I get a lot more oomph,” he says. “We do it with local anesthesia, and there are no scars because it involves no more than a 1/4 inch incision through which we pass the straw underneath the skin.” It’s not for everyone, he says. “If you lost 100 pounds, your skin won’t contract enough with this technology, but for those who may not be candidates for liposuction, this is an impressive alternative.” And one treatment is usually all it takes. Today’s liposuction techniques may also offer some skin-tightening benefits.

Ultrasound skin tightening

Ultrasound energy delivered via a treatment called Ultherapy employs sound waves to boost collagen stores under the skin’s surface, firming skin. It certainly has its fair share of advocates for tightening the neck, chin, and brow. “Ultherapy can penetrate at different depths based on how we focus the energy,” Dr. Doshi explains. “Proponents of Ulthera skin tightening say that because it can skip the superficial layer of the skin and go deeper, you can get more heat without burning the inside of the skin.” Here are some non-surgical tricks to mask the signs of aging on the face.

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Microneedling with other technologies

Some newer procedures combine multiple technologies in one device to tighten skin. For example, Vivace is a new treatment that starts with microneedling and adds radiofrequency and laser light. “It is the first device to use a robotic motor to gently push the needles into the skin, allowing smooth, precise control, no downtime, complete comfort, and the optimal delivery system post treatment,” says Sejal Shah, MD, founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City. “Both the microneedling and the radiofrequency components stimulate collagen, resulting in skin tightening,” she says. “I use the treatment primarily on the face, neck, and chest, but have used it in other areas of the body as well such as, hands, knees, abdomen.” And so far, so good. “Most people have noticed immediately that skin appears more radiant and even tighter. Over time, the skin should appear smoother and firmer, with improved texture and reduced fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. Some people also notice improved tone and more even pigmentation. The number of treatments needed varies, but it typically ranges from three to six. Here’s why microneedling is such a hot skin-care trend right now.

Surgical skin tightening

Plastic surgery is the gold standard when it comes to skin tightening. “There is nothing more effective than a surgical mommy makeover, tummy tuck, lower body lift, or arm lift for patents who have excess skin after childbirth or massive weight loss,” says Mark H. Schwartz, MD, FACS, Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. There are always trade-offs. These procedures may have longer recoveries, require general anesthesia, and some may leave scars. “The results, however, are immediate, long lasting, and can be very dramatic when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon,” Dr. Schwartz says. (PS: If you’re considering plastic surgery, you might want to stay off social media when searching for a doctor. Only 18 percent of plastic surgery Instagram posts are by qualified doctors.

Spillover skin tightening

With some procedures, firmer skin is more of a bonus than a goal. The results are not as dramatic as what can be achieved with procedures specifically designed to tighten skin, but for the right person, these benefits may be enough to make a meaningful difference. “Both Kybella and Coolsculpting yield some skin tightening of the submental (chin) area, but they are primarily for volume reduction of fat,” explains Jeffrey S. Dover, MD, a dermatologist of SkinCare Physicians in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Kybella injections work by gradually melting away pockets of unwanted fat, while Coolsculpting freezes fat cells to death. Coolsculpting’s Coolmini, in particular, just got a nod from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for reducing lax tissue in the double chin area. Did you know that Coolsculpting is one of the beauty treatments you could get on your lunch hour?

Here’s what doesn’t work: laser skin tightening. “Lasers are generally not ideal for skin tightening,” Dr. Dover says. “While we get some tightening after knowing ablative and ablative fractional resurfacing but they are really better for texture.”

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31 Secrets the Beauty Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know

The main difference between designer cosmetics and their drugstore counterparts?

Fancy packaging. In fact, some manufacturers make both high-end and drugstore product—using similar formulas! This is what the symbols on the back of your beauty products mean.

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11 Symptoms of Shingles You Might Be Ignoring

Shingles symptom: Painful blisters

Painful blisters aren’t usually harmless bug bites. “Some people mistake shingles blisters for spider bites, says Tracy Lippard, MD, geriatrician for Kaiser Permanente in Colorado. “Getting care quickly is important, as the medication to treat shingles works best if it’s started within three days of the rash.” (Check out these eight diseases that are written all over your face—literally.)

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The Secret to Picking the Perfect Red Lipstick

There’s no doubt about it—red lipstick is daring. “Red lips are sign of power, femininity, and sex appeal,” says Eve Pearl, makeup artist for Jolii Cosmetics. “Red on your lips is like high heels for your legs.” she says. Think of all the glamorous style icons who have famously worn a red hue, from Marilyn Monroe to Lucille Ball, Madonna and Gwen Stefani to Rihanna. Perhaps it wasn’t their confidence that allowed them to rock a red lip, but the red lip that gave them that confidence!

The next time you don’t feel like applying makeup or even doing your hair, let your lips do the talking with a pop of fearless red. To pick the best red lipstick for your skin tone, be prepared to try on as many as possible—and then choose the one that makes your face light up. Pearl offers these guidelines to help you find the perfect hue for you.

(Watch out for these sneaky ways that you’re applying your makeup all wrong.)

Fair to Light Skin

Think Kate Winslet or Gwen Stefani, and go for a true red. If the red turns pink on your lips, apply a brownish pencil all over before applying lipstick. Try Laura Geller Iconic Baked Sculpting Lipstick in Big Apple Red or Terry Rouge Expert Click Stick in My Red.

Medium to Tan Skin

This range can be a little tricky because it’s so wide, ranging from Jessica Alba and Jennifer Lopez to Kim Kardashian West and Halle Berry. For this skin tone, Pearl suggests an orangey red or pinkish/blue reds. If your lipstick looks too orange after application, try adding a wine-colored gloss. Try Jolii Cosmetics Hollywood Affair or Amore Matte Veluto, which will complement anyone in this group.

Dark Skin

If your skin color is like Zoe Saldana, Viola Davis, or Solange Knowles, stick with wines and orange reds. If you find that it looks too pink, top it off with a gold or orange lip gloss. Try Urban Decay Bad Blood, or L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Classic Wine.

Found your shade? Here’s how to apply a red lip like a makeup artist.

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The 40 Best Hairstyles for Women Over 40

Long and soft

The problem with long hair is that it’s not always easy to keep it out of your face—and long and flat isn’t usually flattering. “Debra Messing’s look works with the length because it keeps it off her face and has some wave to soften it,” says Nunzio Saviano, owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon. Here’s how to keep your hair healthy all year long.

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Here’s How You Can Create the Perfect Skin-Care Routine

Use a gentle cleanser twice a day

A gentle, water-soluble cleanser removes debris, oil, and most makeup without stripping your skin and disrupting its all-important protective barrier. Do not use bar soap; it’s too drying, dulls skin, and can clog pores. When you gently clean your face morning and evening, it allows the other products you use to work even better. You’ll have less dryness and even fewer breakouts (research has shown that being gentle on skin benefits all skin types). Keep in mind that it may take some experimentation to discover which products and frequency of application work best for you. Be patient, it can be easier than you think—and the results are worth it. Just take care to avoid these common face washing mistakes that could sabotage your efforts.

Paula recommends: Olay Gentle Clean Foaming Cleanser ($5.99), Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser Creamy Formula ($8.99), or Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Extra Mild ($17.50).

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Millions of People in the U.S. Have This Parasite—and May Not Realize It

Don’t panic, but eye mites could be crawling around your eyes right now. The parasites are tiny bugs that reproduce at night on your eyelids. Many people confuse eye mites with having dry or irritated eyes, but the treatment for eyelash mites is slightly different and the consequences, if untreated, can be much more severe.

The mites live on your floor, similar to ants. Dr. Norman Herskovich, an optometrist in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, says that eye mites are transferred to people through direct hand-to-eyelid contact or through direct contact with the face—unfortunately, the most common way that people are exposed to them is through their pets.

(These are secrets your eye doctor won’t tell you.)

But how? Basically, your cat or dog will lie on the floor and when you interact with them and possibly touch your face after, the mites are transferred to your eyes. Letting your pets sleep on your bed puts you even more at risk.

“Early symptoms can range from mild irritation to itching and slightly blurred vision,” says Dr. Herskovich. “More severe symptoms can become life-altering in that they can affect your vision and cause persistent ocular discomfort.”

People can also get eye mites from not removing their makeup at the end of the day or from traveling a lot and having their head come in contact with unknown surfaces, such as hotel pillows and airplane seats.

Dr. Herskovich says that it can be hard for you to diagnose yourself with eye mites without the proper equipment. If you feel like you’ve had irritated eyes for a prolonged period of time, you should visit an optometrist. Here are some other common eye problems that people tend to miss.

Luckily, if caught early, the treatment isn’t that difficult. Tea tree oil products specifically designed for eyelid use should be applied liberally two times per day. If the mites are more severe, an optometrist can perform other procedures to remove decomposed mites that live in the lashes and kill any eggs.

The most important thing to remember when avoiding eye mites is to be conscious of when you touch your eyes, and if you have to, always make sure that your hands are clean.

Here are some other ways to improve your eyesight.

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You Are a Completely Different Person at These Two Ages

Odds are, you look nothing like you did when you were 14-years-old. The decades can take a significant toll on your face, your skin, and—let’s face it—your belly. These daily habits, in particular, could be making you older.

But your physical appearance isn’t the only thing that changes as you age. You could also form an entirely new personality, according to a 63-year study published in the journal Psychology and Aging.

In 1950, researchers at the University of Edinburgh asked a group of 1,209 Scottish 14-year-olds to rate their personality, based on traits such as self-confidence, perseverance, moodiness, and curiosity. Then, 174 of the original subjects participated in a follow-up study in 2012, when they were 77 years old. Once again, the participants rated their personality traits, and a close friend or relative rated each participant, as well.

Despite using the same personality scale for both studies, the researchers found no relationship between the participants’ personality ratings at age 14 and age 77. In other words, the teens seemed to have formed entirely new personalities by the time they reached old age. And the longer the time interval, “the weaker the relationship between the two [selves] tends to be,” the researchers wrote. (By the way, this body part ages faster than the rest of you.)

While it may be hard to imagine being completely different in a few decades, the idea may not be as crazy as you think. Both late adolescence and old age are times of significant personality development and evolution, psychologists say.

There some significant drawbacks to the study, though. A larger subgroup of the original subjects, as well as a new assessment based on a more modern personality scale—one which was not developed in 1950, at the time of the original research—might yield different results.

Still, it’s good to stay tuned in to big changes as you age (and not just the physical ones!). Here’s another point to ponder: These are the two years when you’ll be the happiest, according to science.

[Source: Curiosity]

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The Best Skin Care Routine for Psoriasis, According to Top Dermatologists

Don’t scratch

This is easier said than done as psoriasis itches… a lot. In fact, up 90 percent of people with psoriasis itch, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF). Some describe the itch as “burning, biting sensation… or being bitten by fire ants.” Rubbing or scratching at the skin exacerbates psoriasis,” says Jerry Bagel, MD, director for the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey. If you can’t itch, what can you do? Take a cold shower or apply ice packs to calm the itch. Some OTC anti-itch creams including calamine, hydrocortisone camphor, diphenhydramine hydrochloride (HCl), benzocaine, and menthol can help as can some Rx remedies. “Store lotions in the refrigerator as the feeling of coolness soothes itchy skin,” Dr. Bagel says. Psoriasis is one of the many reasons that your scalp itches.

Cool it on the hot baths and showers

Hot water can make skin irritation and dryness worse which exacerbates psoriasis, Dr. Bagel says. “Try to limit showers to ten minutes or less.” Make sure to avoid these other common shower mistakes that can ruin your skin.

Lube up

It’s essential that those with psoriasis regularly use over-the-counter emollient lotions, says Bruce Strober, MD, chair of dermatology at UConn Health and professor of dermatology at UConn School of Medicine, with offices in Farmington and Canton, Connecticut. Good brands are Cetaphil, CeraVe, Eucerin, Aveeno, and Neutrogena. “It doesn’t matter which one you choose, as long as you like it and use it,” he says. His RX? “Moisturize in the morning and night, and especially after showering, focusing on areas of the body highly prone to psoriasis outbreaks.” Follow dermatologists’ eight rules for using moisturizer and you will never go wrong.

Winterize your skin

Winter can be rough on psoriasis, Dr. Strober says. Because of the dry indoor air that winter inevitably brings, be sure to use a humidifier religiously. In addition, it’s doubly important to use emollients during the colder months of the year. Follow these other winter skin care tips from dermatologists.

Don’t pick

Raised, reddish skin covered with silvery-white scales are one of the hallmarks of plaque psoriasis, which is the most common form of the disease. “Do not pick or scratch at them and try to scrape them off,” warns Harold Farber, MD, in Philadelphia. “Don’t use a loofah in the shower as rubbing too hard may cause the scales to bleed and become infected.” In some cases, your dermatologist can remove some of the thicker areas in the office—do not try this at home. Here are some home remedies that may provide relief for certain psoriasis symptoms.

Choose gentle cleansers

Mild cleansers with no harsh ingredients or added perfumes for sensitive skin are best for people with psoriasis, Dr. Farber says. “Anything too harsh can further irritate or dry out your already inflamed skin.” Some top picks may include Cetaphil Restoraderm Calming Body Wash, Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash, and Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser. “The trunk, extremities, and scalp are most likely to be affected,” he says.”The face is usually last to get hit by psoriasis.” Whatever you do, don’t make these mistakes when washing your face.

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Sport sunscreen

Yes, exposure to certain types of the sun’s ultraviolet rays in controlled fashions can lessen psoriasis symptoms, but this does not mean skipping sunscreen. “Sunscreen is important as exposure to the sun’s rays can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging,” Dr. Farber says. “Applying a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is also critical for reducing skin cancer risk and preventing other damage.” Talk to your dermatologist about in-office treatments that tap into some of the healing power of the sun’s rays. These are the nine best sunscreens for every type of activity.

Use your medications as directed

There is no cure for psoriasis yet, but adhering to your treatment regimen can make it so that the plaques are barely noticeable. “Use topical moisturizer twice a day as well as the medications that your dermatologist prescribes as directed,” Dr. Farber says. These may include topical steroids to reduce inflammation, retinoids to slow the rate at which skin cells develop, salicylic acid products that take the top layer off of plaques, tar therapy, light therapy, and sometimes drugs such as biologics that work by cooling inflammation throughout the body. Check in with your doctor regularly to make sure you are doing all that you can to keep your psoriasis in check. Avoiding these seven foods that make psoriasis worse may also help.

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Here’s How You Should Treat Perioral Dermatitis, According to Dermatologists

Don’t try to diagnose it on your own

Dr. Google may lead you down the wrong path with this rash. “Perioral dermatitis can mimic other conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and acne,” says Chris G. Adigun, a dermatologist at Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill. “Thus, it is imperative to have a board-certified dermatologist evaluate your skin.” Is it eczema? Here’s how to tell.

See a doctor for antibiotics

For milder cases, antibiotics could do the trick. “Perioral dermatitis can be effectively treated with topical and oral antibiotics,” Dr. Adigun says. “Often treatment can be as short as one month in duration for milder cases.” Learn when you do—and don’t—need antibiotics.

Cut out offending products, if you can

Sometimes, clearing up the rash can be as simple as cutting back on what you put on your face—especially as some beauty products are notorious perioral dermatitis causes. “A ‘skin detox’ is often an effective strategy to treat mild perioral dermatitis,” says Mohiba Tareen, MD, a dermatologist at Tareen Dermatology in Roseville, Minnesota. “Stopping all products and just using a gentle cleanser and very light, unscented moisturizer may help.” According to Dr. Tareen, the most common culprits are fluoridated toothpaste, lip balm, or scented or flavored topical products. Try these tips and tricks for glowing skin every day.

Be wary of topical steroids

Topical steroids may work for a bit—but could become a problem in the long run. “Topical steroids can suppress the rash, and consequently the eruption may flare when the steroid is discontinued,” Dr. Adigun says. “Eventually, the eruption will not respond to the topical steroid, and may even worsen with persistent application.” Check out the 13 things dermatologists won’t tell you.

Try a sulfur mask

If you’re looking for a perioral dermatitis treatment to try at home, a little “spa” time could help. “Mild episodes may clear up on their own,” says Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD, in San Diego, CA. “A consumer could try a topical sulfur mask to help.” See what that rash could be.

Skip tea tree oil and other natural remedies

They may work great on acne or other skin ailments, but those natural remedies could backfire with this condition. “Over the counter and/or natural products such as tee tree oil can be extremely irritating to the skin and may worsen perioral dermatitis,” Dr. Adigun says. “Even natural products can cause stinging when applied to open skin.” Here is the worst skin advice dermatologists hear.

Be prepared for a regimen of multiple creams

For the most severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a series of different medications to clear up the condition. “Most cases we see in the office are moderate to severe in nature and require topical antibiotics, anti-yeast medications, anti-inflammatories, or even antibiotics to promote resolution of the rash,” says Dr. Palm. “The gold standard treatments for most cases require prescription-strength medications.”

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6 New Rosacea Treatments That Will Help End the Redness

Rosacea treatment: Lasers

Lasers are the gold standard for getting rid of the redness of rosacea, says Gary Goldenberg, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. His two go-tos for rosacea treatment are Syneron-Candela’s V-beam and Cutera’s Excel V. Both apply laser energy to get rid of the spider-like blood vessels that cause redness. The Excel V, however, boasts an enhanced cooling mechanism that targets the exact area being treated. A series of treatments—with a minimum of two—is usually needed for the full redness-reducing effect. “These laser treatments get rid of the blood vessels, but they don’t prevent new ones from forming,” he says. “It’s similar to dyeing your hair in that maintenance treatments will be needed every 6 to 12 months to keep redness away.” Learn more about other ways to prevent broken capillaries.

Rosacea treatment: Smart skincare

Choosing and using the right skincare products can stop rosacea redness from returning, says Dr. Goldenberg. For example, PCA Skin’s Dual Action Redness Relief serves double duty as a moisturizer and a concealer. “I pair it with all of my laser treatments because it reduces redness and inflammation on contact with the skin.” Just as important as what is in skin care products is what is not. In fact, alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance, menthol, peppermint and eucalyptus oil—which are commonly found in skin care products—are also rosacea triggers, according to the National Rosacea Society (NRS). Always choose mild, fragrance-free products and do a patch test first to make sure they won’t irritate your skin, he says. Saying goodbye to the redness of rosacea starts with following these expert-approved make-up tricks.

Rosacea treatment: Sunscreen

Sun exposure is among the most common rosacea triggers, but the judicious use of sunscreen can help minimize the redness of rosacea, Dr. Goldenberg says. “Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen, and use it every single day,” he says. Some such as Colorescience’s All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50 are designed for redness-prone skin and contain a green tint, so you can protect skin from the sun and help minimize visible redness, too. Make sure you hit these trouble spots with SPF or your coverage may not be complete.

Rosacea treatment: Rhofade (oxymetazoline HCl) cream

This is the new kid on the block for reducing the redness of rosacea. Rhofade is a vasoconstrictor, which means that it reduces the size of the blood vessels linked to redness. “Rhofade is my new favorite,” says Judith Hellman MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “It reduces central face redness [and] unlike previous medications on the market, there is no rebound redness once it wears off after 10 hours,” she says. Many people with rosacea are anxious about the unpredictable nature of flares especially when an important event is on the calendar. “Count back 19 hours from an event and apply accordingly to have it most effective when needed,” advises Dr. Hellman. Finding medications like Rhofade that work helped Grammy- and Tony-winning star Kristin Chenoweth get control of her rosacea.

Rosacea treatment: Green tea-infused serums

“I tell my patients to put my Green Tea Antioxidant Cream in the fridge, so it’s cold and in addition to the other benefits, it constricts the blood vessels for reduced redness,” Dr. Hellman says. “Drinking green tea is not the same. Applying the serum directly to the skin is the most effective use. ” Other green tea-powered creams and serums include Pevonia RS2 Gentle Care Cream and Replenix CF Serum with Caffeine. Rich in soothing antioxidants, green tea has many health benefits.

Rosacea treatment: Tight trigger control

Figuring out what triggers your rosacea—and avoiding these triggers—is one of the best ways to keep rosacea redness at arm’s length. Sun exposure, stress, hot weather, wind, exercise, alcohol, and spicy foods are among the most common rosacea triggers, according to an NRS survey. Keep a journal to identify any patterns, and take steps to avoid your personal rosacea triggers. These seven foods may also trigger rosacea.

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The Surprising All-Natural Ingredient You Need to Get Rid of Blackheads

Looking to bid your pesky pimples goodbye? Look no further than your own refrigerator. Aside from the classic home remedies for blackheads, beauty gurus claim that the secret to squeaky-clean pores is an egg white mask.

Yes, you read that right. Eggs are staples in most kitchens, but they can also do wonders for your complexion. (Check out even more surprising uses for eggs.) Thanks to their high doses of collagen and protein, applying egg whites can not only soften your skin but doing so can also boost your skin’s elasticity, which protects it from wrinkles.

Still skeptical? Here’s one more reason to give egg white masks a shot: The proteins found in egg whites can clear up your acne and tighten your pores—which is essential for banishing blackheads for good. Learn Dr. Pimple Popper’s advice on how to get rid of blackheads, too.

Plus, the latest DIY pore-cleaning craze could not be easier. After washing and drying your face, crack an egg and separate the yolk, whisking the egg whites in a small bowl. Then, use a foundation brush to dab a thin layer of the mixture across your entire face.

Next, you’ll need to cover the areas that you have applied the egg white with tissue papers. Once the mask covers your face, dab another layer of egg white on top of the tissue paper. Leave the mask on for 40 minutes, or until you feel that the mask has fully hardened. Then remove it slowly, starting at your chin and ending at your forehead.

Voila! You’re now one step closer to a smoother, softer complexion. Just make sure you don’t make these exfoliating mistakes that could damage your skin.

[Sources: Tip Hero, The Dermatology Review]

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The Best Skin Care Routine for Rosacea, According to Dermatologists

Avoid triggers

Stress, heat, hot beverages, alcohol and these seven foods are a few common rosacea triggers, but it is often different strokes for different folks when it comes to what leads to a flare, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. “Rosacea is a condition in which the skin is hypersensitive to the environment, and it overreacts to triggers that should not upset the skin,” he says. Get ahead of your triggers by keeping a diary of daily activities, foods and drinks, and how your skin reacts to them.

Avoid overly drying cleansers

Harsh cleansers and scrubs will strip the skin of essential oils leading to dryness and inflammation, Dr. Zeichner warns. “This can lead to a rosacea flare,” he says. “Stick to gentle, soap-free cleansers that remove dirt and oil without compromising the skin barrier.” Top picks include Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser For Sensitive Skin, Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and/or Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser. The cleanser should be devoid of such rosacea irritants as alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance, menthol, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil. Expert Rx? Wash your face twice daily with warm water and a non-soap cleanser, and blot your face dry with a towel. Find out the top 10 things you need to know about rosacea.

Shower smarter

We may like long, hot showers, but our skin does not, Dr. Zeichner says. “Excessive exposure to water, especially hot water, can strip the skin of essential oils and lead to dryness, irritation and rosacea flare-ups.” Instead, stick to short showers, that means ten minutes or less. “Water should be the temperature that you imagine a heated pool to be, around 84 degrees.” In fact, You might be better off showering less frequently (here are some other ways you might be showering wrong).

Moisturize

If you have rosacea, stick to gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers sans any irritating anti-aging ingredients, Dr. Zeichner says. “In some cases, I even recommend using the most gentle moisturizers that I would have my eczema patients use,” he says. Look for such ingredients as purified petrolatum or ceramides. (An eczema study actually found that rubbing petroleum jelly on a baby every day for the first six months of life can greatly reduce the infant’s chances of developing eczema later on.) Some MD-approved moisturizer picks for rosacea skin care include Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion, CeraVe lotion or SkinMedica’s Redness Relief CalmPlex^®. “While some products may be thought of as body lotions, they certainly can be applied to the face as well,” he says. Always apply a moisturizer on damp skin to lock in moisture, adds Adam Friedman, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at George Washington School of Medicine and Hospital in Washington DC.

Be sparing

With your skin care products, that is. “Less is more if you have rosacea so you want to minimize how many things you apply to your face,” says Dr. Friedman. Multitaskers are your BFFs. This can include a green-tinted base that also contains sunscreen. (Green camouflages red according to the color wheel theory of complementary colors.) Mineral makeup tends to include calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as zinc which is also a sunscreen. Cetaphil Redness Moisturizer SPF 35 or Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base SPF 15. There are some other makeup hacks that can help minimize flushing and blushing.

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Turn up the humidifier

Winter’s dryness and the indoor heaters that we often turn up during winter can worsen rosacea. To combat that, turn on a humidifier to keep the air moist and flares at bay. But summer also heralds its fair share of rosacea triggers. “Grill with caution during summer weekend barbecues, the National Rosacea Society recommends. “Use a long-handled spatula and tongs so you can stand farther back from the heat, or hand over cooking duties to someone else,” they suggest. “To avoid flushing and overheating, chew on ice chips; cool your face with a spray bottle filled with water; or drape a cold, wet towel around your neck.”

Go easy on the eyes

While it mainly strikes skin, rosacea can also affect the eyes. So-called ocular rosacea is one of the causes of bloodshot eyes. In addition, your eyelids may become red and swollen, and styes are common. Severe cases can result in corneal damage and vision loss without medical help, according to the National Rosacea Society (NRS). Be kind to your eyes by choosing and using only allergy-tested, fragrance-free formulas such as mineral powder eyeshadow and mascara that can be removed with warm water. “Neutral colors, both in shadow and eye pencils, may also be less irritating than strong jewel tones since they have less pigment,” the NRS states.

Shave safely

Men with rosacea should consider an electric razor to avoid the irritation of a dull blade, the NRS suggests. When choosing shaving cream, opt for gentle, unscented products and follow shaving with a post-shave balm and/or moisturizer. When removing unwanted facial hair, “the idea is to create as little trauma and inflammation as possible so you do not provoke a rosacea flare,” Dr. Zeichner says. For a woman with the concessional hair, plucking is fine, he says. But “if you have a lot of dark hair, permanent options like laser hair removal or electrolysis may be best because you do not need to treat in the future,” he says. Curious about laser hair removal? Here’s what you need to know before you go. “Depilatories may cause irritation depending on how sensitive you are,” he says. “Many women do not like the idea of it, but I commonly recommend shaving.”

Slather on sunscreen

Fully 81 percent of people with rosacea cite sun exposure as a top trigger for rosacea, according to the NRS. What’s more, sunlight may also bring out visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) and severe redness of rosacea. Fight the redness with non-chemical sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium dioxide and protect against UVA/UVB with an SPF of 30 or higher, Dr. Friedman says. Colorescience All Calm™ Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50 is a 3-in-1 product that corrects, protects and relieves rosacea-prone skin. (Remember how we told you that multitaskers are your skin’s BFF if you have rosacea.) Just be sure you’re not making these sunscreen mistakes!

Don’t exfoliate

Yes, you read that correctly. Regular exfoliation is important for many people, but it you have rosacea, it is adding insult to injury, Dr. Friedman says. “I am really against physical exfoliants,” he says. They are abrasive and in rosacea, the barrier is already disrupted.” If you do have broken capillaries, try these 10 ways to erase and prevent them completely.

Lose weight

The latest research suggests that obesity may also increase the risk of rosacea in women. The findings show that risk for rosacea increases significantly with increased body mass index (BMI), weight gain after age 18, and larger waist and hip circumferences. Rosacea has also been linked to other conditions outside of the skin including Alzheimer’s disease. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight may be a rosacea remedy, not to mention and help lower your risk for a host of diseases.

See your dermatologist

Is it acne or is it rosacea? It can be hard to tell, Dr. Friedman says, Unfortunately, acne medications may worsen rosacea symptoms. Better safe than sorry, so see your dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis and expert advice on the best rosacea treatment or acne therapy. Learn more about the 17 daily habits of people who never get acne. Yup, they exist.

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