Before You Get Your Next Mani Pedi...

Manicure and pedicure safety is extremely important if you get your nails professionally done on a weekly basis. Here are a few Dermatologist-recommend tips before you make your next trip to the salon:

1. Apply a cream to moisturize your nails, especially after removing nail polish since most removers contain chemicals that dry the nails.
2. To prevent infection, never cut or forcefully push back your cuticles. If you must push them back, only do so gently after a shower or bath.
3. While most nail salons follow strict cleanliness and disinfection guidelines, look for the following when visiting a salon:

1. Does your nail technician have the necessary experience and/or license, if required?
2. Are the stations clean?
3. Does the nail technician wash her hands between clients?
4. Are there dirty tools lying around?
5. In addition, do not hesitate to ask how they clean their tools.

4. Shave your lower legs after getting a pedicure, not before. That means not shaving your lower legs for at least 24 hours before you get a pedicure. If you nick yourself while shaving, a pedicure could put you at risk for an infection.
5. If you get frequent manicures and pedicures, consider purchasing your own tools to be used at the salon.
6. In addition, check that the pedicure footbaths and filters are thoroughly disinfected before you use them. If they are improperly cleaned, they can harbor bacteria and fungus. If the salon does not appear clean, then move on.
7. If you want to wear a bright red or orange polish, prevent discoloration by applying an extra layer of base coat. If your nails become yellowed and discolored from the polish, your nails should return to normal color over several weeks if the same color is not reapplied.
8. While some people beg to differ, there is no scientific evidence that immersing nails in gelatin makes them stronger. Polishes that contain strengthening ingredients increase nail stiffness, which may make nails break more frequently.
9. Do not wear artificial nails to cover up nail problems as they may make them worse. Artificial nails are not recommended for people who are prone to fungal infections or have brittle nails. For people with healthy nails, artificial nails can be fine as long as they are not worn continuously.

1. Know what products are used in your artificial nails as the substances used can cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you develop a rash or other reaction, tell your doctor what products you used.

If you have any nail care questions, be sure to call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Talakoub. 

http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/skin-health-tips/manicure-and-pedicure-safety/manicure-and-pedicure-safety#.UWmoqu2zK-I

Tools to Tame your Locks

We have come a long way from hot rollers and velcro-based curlers. In todays hair care isles you will find items that sound like they were NASA’s brainchild. The terminology is confusing, but what’s worse is finding the right tool for you – that is where we can help! This is your go-to guide to take the turmoil out of the terminology and turn your mane into a head of hair any girl would envy.

First, lets start with the terms:

Ceramic – the heat source in your tool is made with ceramic instead of metal. Ceramic will regulate itself and will prevent over-heating (decrease in heat = decrease in damage). Ceramic will also make your hair smoother, shinier, and seal in the moisture.

Ionic – negative ions are used to shrink water droplets and neutralize static-causing positive ions. This cuts the drying time and prevents frizz.

Nano – water molecules are broken down into tiny particles. This allows more moisture to seep into your hair and decreases frizz.

Tourmaline – this is a stone that releases negative ions and far-infrared (aka long wavelength) heat. It knocks out static producing positive ions, reduces drying time, and closes hair cuticles leaving your hair silky smooth.

So what are the best tools for your hair?

Curly Girls – go for tools that say ceramic, ionic, or nano. These properties will smooth the hair and drop the drying time. Ionic dryers will save you time and ceramic or tourmaline curling irons can give your hair a more defined look.

-                Dryer: Chi Rocket Professional

-                Curling iron: Amika Curler

Stick Straight – tools with any of the properties are great for your hair. Try tourmaline to reduce drying time lessening the damage done by heat.

-                Dryer: Revlon Tourmaline Ionic 1875 Watt Dryer

-                Straightening iron: Sedu Icon Prive

Limp/Fine Hair – try using a round ceramic brush to give your hair volume and dryers with different heat settings are important for your thin delicate strands.  Preventing your hair from overheating will help deter breakage and maximize its growing potential. Using a dryer with multiple properties will help prevent static.

-                Dryer: Conair Infinity Tourmaline Ceramic Ionic Hair Styler 223X

-                Brush: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Mega

Girl-on-the-go –No need to subject yourself to damaging effects of a hotel wall-mounted dryer. Different ceramic dryers and flat irons now come travel-size!

-                Dryer: Andis 1875 Ceramic Folding Dryer with retractable cord.

-                Straightening Iron: Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium

Bonus: To dry hair in even less time try a brush with synthetic and bore bristle combo. Bore bristles are gentle on the hair and synthetic bristles will dry hair faster!

Spring Cleaning Edition: Is Your Medicine Cabinet Up to Code?

The name “medicine cabinet” is unfit for what should be held in this very important space of your home. Believe it or not, medicines are not the best items to keep here. Not only is it open to anyone including kids and snooping houseguests, the medicines that are here may be altered by the temperature and moisture. Many topical creams and ointments need to be kept in a cool dark area. Oral medications also require non-humid, cool environments, where as some even need refrigeration.

This area is also a place for medicines to sit and spoil. We often forget about how fast medications expire. Skin creams with retinol, hydroquinone, and acne medications often not only become ineffective, they can cause rashes or skin irritation if expired. The best rule of thumb is ‘when in doubt, throw it out.’ Just be sure you are disposing the medicine in an FDA approved manner. See www.fda.gov, ‘How to Dispose of Unused Medicines.’

Even if you don’t keep medicines in your medicine cabinet you should always keep it clean! Most people simply wipe the mirror in the front of the cabinet! Do yourself a favor tonight (in light of spring) and give your medicine cabinet a deep clean.

1) Remove everything

2) Throw out the old medicines and cosmetics, check expirations

3) Wipe clean

1)  Organize your favorite products and replace anything you had to purge!

2)  Keep topical antibiotics, skin creams, sunscreen, all within a tight cap and in a locked drawer or linen closet.

Good timeline for products:

-       3-5 years: Eye and lip pencils, hair styling products

-       2-3 years: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, perfume, foundation, lipstick, lip-gloss

-       2 years: Bar soap, shaving cream, deodorant

-       1 year: Nail polish, bath oil

-       3-4 months: Mascara and liquid eyeliner

*Anti-aging, acne treatment, and sunscreen shelf life depends on expiration dates on the bottle.

Take the first steps to your Spring-cleaning efforts and give your medicine cabinet a check-up!

Get Rid of Grey Hair with the Touch of a Marker

In need of a quick touch up for those embarrassing grey roots?

Recently, several products have hit the market to do just that. One of the best selling products is a marker by TouchBack. These temporary markers range in color from Ash Blonde to Rich Black and retail from $19.99 to $29.99 on amazon.com.  

The markers are gentle on the hair and do not contain any harsh chemicals like ammonia or peroxide.  They consist of real hair color that actually bonds to your hair giving it a natural appearance and stretching your time between salon appointments. 

TouchBack markers dry in minutes and will not flake or brush off even when your hair is touched or brushed. Color stays on until you shampoo it out!

Remove that Polish in an Instant

Want to change your polish as often as you change your outfit?  Sephora stores sell a great product called "Bain Dissolvant Express," an instant nail polish remover that's supposed to work like magic!  Simply dip your tips into the pre-moistened sponge for a flawless and quick removal.  It's also safer than most common nail polish removers, formulated without paragons and sulfates.  Get rid of the cotton balls and get Sephora's Instant Nail Polish Remover.

Traveling Made Easy!

For many women (and men!) packing before a trip can be a feather-ruffling experience. Nobody likes leaving behind their favorite hair and skincare products just because of the “3 fluid oz. or less” rule implemented by the FAA. Here are a few tips to keep you looking your best when you travel.

• No product left behind! Companies like Bobbi Brown and MAC Cosmetics are now making 'empties' which allow you to bring all your favorites along with you! All the ‘empties’ are compliant with FAA guidelines, so you'll be able to stick to your skincare regimen and get through security.
• Your makeup doesn’t have to stray because you’re on a plane! Carry an all-in-one palette on the plane for touch ups. Cosmetic companies are now selling combination palettes that contain a tinted moisturizer (or foundation), bronzer, blush, mascara, and lip gloss all in one small container. Check out Benefit’s Cabana Glama palette, $36 @ benefitcosmetics.com. Your makeup will look just as good as when you put it on when you left your house. You can go straight from the plane onto enjoying your getaway! 
• Do not spend a lot of time on your hair before departing, it won’t look the same when you arrive at your destination. Take damp hair and put into a semi-loose braid. When you get to your destination, take your hair out to reveal beach waves. Set with a little hair spray and a texturizing balm and you'll be ready to go!

Hopefully these tips make your next retreat a little more enjoyable!