Escape To Your Happy Place With Kristen Bell's CBD Skincare

If you're a HAPPY CBD lover, you already know that National CBD Day falls on August 8th. And if you've been under a rock and not aware of the benefits of CBD, well pour yourself a glass of wine as I share with you the many skin-loving benefits and a must-have new CBD premium product- Happy Dance, created by Kristen Bell, which can now be found at Ulta.

Before I get into the benefits of CBD-infused beauty products, I want to tell you what it isn't, as many have some preconceived perceptions about what CBD is actually all about.

Will CBD Get Me High
First and foremost, CBD will not get you high! CBD stands for cannabidiol, a compound found naturally in hemp plants. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating. And yes, we are sure it won’t get you high.
 
Ok, So I Will Not Get High From CBD, But What Is The Heck Is It
CBD is a cannabinoid that is extracted from cannabis. Like any other plant species, cannabis comes in various shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors. One group of cannabis strains is called hemp, which is high (no pun intended) in CBD with negligible amounts of THC. While hemp is excellent for things like building materials, textiles, food, and even CBD-based beauty products, what it is not suitable for is getting you high!

It's Time To Look Alive With The Help Of CBD
Okay, now that we got that out of the way, let's talk about this buzz-worthy ingredient found in beauty products. This cannabis compound is favorable for health and wellness and has incredible benefits when used topically, especially for the skin. CBD is known for its healing properties and offers some serious antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This is why this superstar ingredient is one of the newest skincare must-haves!

Not only is CBD impressive for anti-aging, moisturizing, bringing that dull skin back to life, boosting hydration, and neutralizing free radical damage. This holy grail ingredient is the secret weapon to fighting the tired mom face syndrome by giving you that alive, fresh face and glowing complexion you had before giving birth! How, you may ask? Find out below.

Stress Is Spoiling The Skin
We all know that stress is horrible for our mental health, but not many know that stress can wreak havoc on the skin. Yep, stress causes our body to produce a hormone called cortisol, aka the stress hormone. This hormone breaks down elastane and collagen, which leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles~~WTF? It can also trigger acne and dull skin from neglect. With our minds preoccupied with work, laundry, kids soccer, dance, and cheerleading practice, moms barely have time to breathe, let alone skincare or a mom beauty routine. 

Look Alive CBD Face Moisturizer
While those kiddies are a blessing, they can be stressful, and that is why Happy Dance, a line of premium CBD products, was created with millennial moms in mind. Why moms? Because if anyone could use a little more boost in their beauty routines, it’s moms.

Just ask co-founder Kristen Bell. Her personal experience with CBD skincare inspired her to create the Happy Dance brand and their newest product, Look Alive CBD Face Moisturizer. As when you can care for yourself, you can better care for those I love.

Tell Me The Benefits Of Happy Dance CBD Face Moisturizer
This replenishing hydrating face cream is the perfect first line of defense against stressed skin, your moisture barrier. CBD has moisturizing properties that can help combat dehydration and dryness that you may have misplaced along the way… under piles of laundry, 4 hours of sleep, or your 8th cup of coffee.

This face moisturizer has some other excellent benefits, making anyone wanting to do the happy dance. See some of them below.

CBD oil is an antioxidant that contains vitamins and other powerful, anti-inflammatory properties that your skin will love! Not only can CBD oil help to maintain a more youthful complexion, but the antioxidants found in it can also assist in:

• Promoting cellular turnover
• Balancing out your skin tone
• Reducing inflammation and puffiness
• Soothing the skin
• Simulating blood flow to help improve the skin's elasticity
  

Other Skin Loving Ingredients In Kristen Bell's Happy Dance CBD Face Moisturizer
If the above wasn't enough to win you over, I know this will! Not only is this face cream infused with Full Spectrum CBD, but it also contains avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, and plant squalene to soften skin and improve moisture barrier function, which defends against dry, stressed skin.

• Avocado Oil is a nutrient-dense oil rich in omega 6 & 9 fatty acids. It’s great for softening skin and acts as a hydrating hug, locking in good ingredients.
• It contains four types of hyaluronic acids; WHAT??? Yes, you read correctly. I said four hyaluronic acid types creating a sponge-like matrix that fills the skin with moisture for bouncy, hydrated skin.
• Bisabolol and Ginger Blend, a combination that possesses antioxidant properties and provides skin with a more even tone, combating the appearance of redness.
• All ingredients are vegan and cruelty-free.
• The product packaging components are made from recyclable materials, not to mention the packing peanuts are biodegradable.
• 150 MG OF CBD
  
• Certificate of Analysis that lets you see exactly what’s in each product (and more importantly, what’s not)
  

Phew, now that was a mouthful! So what are you waiting for? It's time to get your Happy Dance on with some CBD and Kristen Bell, they both will make you happy!

IMPORTANT: Since this product is targeting moms, you probably have the kiddies around when your attempting to have your 'Me time." Hence, please be aware to keep this product out of reach of children. Hemp or cannabidiol use while pregnant or nursing may be harmful. Consult your doctor before using if you are pregnant or nursing, have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs. Take precaution when using multiple hemp or cannabidiol products at the same time or together.

Top Reasons Why Women Choose Breast Augmentation

Plastic Surgeon, Dr Lahar Shares Top Reasons Why Women Choose Breast Augmentation With Award Winning Beauty Editor, Barbie Ritzman

Breast augmentation remains the most popular plastic surgery procedure in the United States, with at least 30,000 women having breast implants per year. I know that women choose breast augmentation for many reasons, not just vanity, like most assume. Therefore, I got with Dr. Lahar Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills, to determine why women choose breast augmentation.

Dr. Lahar was excited to share these details on this popular cosmetic procedure with Barbie's Beauty Bits. He wanted to stress above all that:

It's important to note that choosing to undergo breast augmentation is a highly personal decision and should be carefully thought through. The decision needs to be one that someone is doing for themselves, not anyone else.

So if you are considering breast augmentation, know that you are not alone. With its wide range of exciting and compelling benefits, there are many different reasons why millions of women decide to have breast augmentation surgery, and we're here to share the top 8 reasons:

A Breast Augmentation Can Boost Self-Esteem
A woman's breasts are often central to her identity. If you are displeased with your breasts' size, position, or shape, you may feel a lack of self-confidence that can even make you dissatisfied with life.

Studies show that breast augmentation is connected to improved self-esteem in women, making a boost of self-esteem a popular reason women opt for implants.

This does not mean that every patient getting breast augmentation lacks self-esteem, but even a woman with high self-confidence can enjoy an enhanced self-image after this procedure.

Obtain A Fuller Appearance With Breast Implants
You may have breasts that developed usually, but perhaps they are not as full and round as you want. This is where the skill of your plastic surgeon is essential; if they put in breast implants that are too big for your body, it will look unnatural. And there is a trend these days for breast augmentation to look natural and proportionate to a woman's body.

If you work closely with your surgeon, you can select a cup size and shape that makes you look fuller without appearing fake.

Remember that several factors affect which size of the implant is right for you. These include your body proportions, anatomy, and how much natural breast tissue there is. Your surgeon will consider these factors and your goals to decide the ideal volume of the implant.

A Breast Augmentation Can Correct Asymmetry
Did you know that most women's breasts are not symmetrical? This is another reason why many choose to enhance their upper body with breast implants to achieve better proportions overall. Although the difference is barely noticeable, it can be a problem with some patients. Women with mild to moderate breast asymmetry can have a lopsided look, making buying bras, shirts, and swimsuits hard.

Your surgeon can work with you to ensure that your breasts are both fuller and rounder as well as symmetrical.

A Breast Lift With Implants After Significant Weight Loss
Many women lose a significant amount of weight but find that their breasts sag. Your surgeon may recommend a breast lift and breast augmentation to provide a perkier look that makes you look years younger. These procedures can be done at once, and the difference can be stunning.

Some patients choose to have other work done with breast surgery, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction. This is a cost-effective way to have plastic surgery, and you get all of your recovery done at once.

Restore Body After Pregnancy With A Breast Augmentation
Pregnancy is one of life's wonders, but it can change a woman's body. One change that usually happens after pregnancy and breastfeeding is drooping or sagging breasts that may become smaller after you've stopped nursing. That's why many new mothers get a breast lift and augmentation when they are finished having children.

However, if you plan to have more children in a few years, it's best to wait on breast augmentation. This is because having more children could undo the work your surgeon has done.

Reconstruct Breasts After A Mastectomy With Breast Implants
Women who had a mastectomy to treat breast cancer usually want breast augmentation or reconstruction cosmetic surgery to restore how they looked before. But, unfortunately, this can have a significant impact on a woman helping with self-esteem and quality of life.

If you are thinking about breast augmentation after mastectomy, it's vital to consider a plastic surgeon highly skilled and experienced in breast reconstruction. There is a great deal of artistry in breast reconstruction to resemble a natural breast, so please choose your surgeon carefully.

Breast Implants Offer A Solution For Helping To Make Your Clothes Fit Better
Some women find that clothes don't fit their chests the way they want. Or, they struggle to find a bra or bathing suit that fits properly. This can be because of asymmetrical breasts or breasts that are too small or large for the rest of the body.

Breast augmentation can fill you out on top so that buying attractive, well-fitted clothes is much easier. This can make you feel better about your body and give you a jolt of self-confidence.

Breast Augmentation Can Offer A Solution To Those Whose Breasts Didn't Develop
Some women have breasts that did not fully develop during puberty, giving them tiny breasts in proportion to the rest of the body. This is a health condition called macromastia.

This condition is often genetic, but it also can be caused by radiation exposure, surgery, or trauma.

More About Lahar Plastic Surgery
Dr. Nicholas Lahar is a full-service plastic surgeon serving Beverly Hills, California, and surrounding areas. He earned his bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Next, Dr. Lahar earned his M.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He refined his surgical skills and knowledge further through general and plastic surgery residencies at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Lahar also completed aesthetic plastic surgery training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Learn more about Dr. Lahar Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills by visiting him online.

References
How Will Breast Implants Change Your Life. (n.d.). Accessed at
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/how-will-breast-implants-change-your-life#1

The Reasons Women Get Breast Implants. (2019). Accessed at https://www.huffpost.com/entry/real-or-fake-reasons-wome_b_5537372

Why Today's Breast Augmentation Is Better Than Ever. (2018). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/why-todays-breast-augmentation-is-better-than-ever

Dr. Lahar Plastic Surgery - Breast Augmentation. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.laharplasticsurgery.com/procedures/breast/breast-augmentation/

End Of Summer Curly Hair Repair Guide

 Barbie's End Of Summer Curly Hair Repair Guide For Your Curly Haired Beauties!

August is the hottest month out of the year and one of the worst months for curly hair. While many of us love August because it represents the last month of the summer. Those with curly hair will be singing a different tune. 

When it comes to the health of the hair, the month of August is a buildup of everything from sun damage, salt water, chlorine exposure, and of course let's not forget about the August humidity! Mix that all together and you've got the perfect storm for making those curls into a damaged, hot, frizzy mess.

But fret no more you curly hair beauties, as all your summer-related hair problems can fade away with our "End Of Summer Curly Hair Repair Guide!" From protecting and treating your sun dried, damaged hair, to washing, hydrating and a lot more, we have you and your curls covered.

Protect Your Curly Hair From The August Summer Heat
Any source of heat is going to burn your hair and the UV rays from the sun will do the same to your once beautiful curls. The scorching summer sun can also strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to breakage. Luckily, we are here to help you restore your curly hair to its pre-summer glory, with these four simple steps.

1. Use a good conditioner after you wash your hair. It should contain heat-protecting ingredients, for example, argan oil or coconut oil.
   
2. Apply a leave-in hair moisturizer that will hydrate your curls and reduce frizziness.
3. Use hair oils that contain fatty acids which can coat and seal the hair follicles to make them healthy and strong. Hair oils also work great for a nourishing mask for damaged hair.
   
4. Use a thermal heat protector before styling your hair with a curling iron, straightener or blow dryer.
   

Use Hair Products Made For Curls
It's not to late to give your curls an extra layer of protection by using styling products designed for curls.  Start by using a creamy deep conditioner or a hair mask once a week. It will help retain moisture and prevent frizzy hair. Also, use a lightweight gel that will hydrate your hair while giving it hold - it's ideal for days when you want to achieve defined curls that aren't too tight or feel heavy on your hair.

Cut Your Hair With Texturizing Shears
If your hair gets weighed down easily, you can give it more body and bounce by trimming it with texturizing shears. What can texturizing shears do to your hair? It's a simple and inexpensive technique that will make your hair look healthier and less frizzy. You can get texturizing shears from any beauty supply store. Just remember to cut your hair when it's damp, and trim approximately one inch off from each strand.

Use Dry Shampoo When Going Out In The Summer Heat
If you have to go out even though your hair isn't thoroughly dried, you can give it a little boost by using dry shampoo. It will absorb excess oil and grease and make your curls look bigger and bouncier. That way, you’ll be able to leave the house with your hair looking fresh and healthy.

Deep Condition Your Curly Hair Once A Week
A great summer hair recovery is deep conditioning your curls once or twice a week, this will ensure that they become sufficiently hydrated, soft and frizz-free from the summer heat. If your hair doesn't require frequent washing, apply a deep conditioner once every three days, and if you shower every day, do it once a week.

Don't Wash Your Hair Every Day
You may think that washing your hair more often would ensure that it stays clean and healthy, but it actually has the opposite effect. Curls tend to get weighed down easily, so washing them every day can cause hair breakage and loss.

Instead of doing it every day, wash your hair twice a week at most and use a mild shampoo - it will not weigh down your hair but still will get rid of excess oil and product buildup. If your hair is prone to frizziness, use a leave-in conditioner or a curl cream after shampoo.

Don't Rub Your Hair When Washing It
Rubbing your curls while washing them will only cause frizziness and breakage because your curls are very fragile when wet. Instead of rubbing them, massage your scalp with your fingertips to stimulate blood flow. Thus, you will not only maintain the overall good condition for your lock but will also promote healthy hair growth.

Ditch The Towel On Humid Days And Dry Your Hair With A T-shirt Instead
Something as simple as how you dry your hair can make a big difference for your curls when the humidity is high, and boy is it ever so high in my neck of the woods. A trick we use is ditching the towel and replacing it with a cotton t-shirt. The extra moisture will result in frizz as soon as your hair is exposed to the humidity and towels retain more moisture.

Another reason why using a t-shirt to dry your hair instead is it is flat with no roof edges, so the t-shirt will glide through your hair with less friction. Less friction equals less frizz and damage to your beautiful curls. 

Let Your Curls Air Dry Whenever Possible
If you want to have bouncy curls let them dry naturally as much as possible. You can do this by air drying or blow-drying your curls with a hair diffuser. This way, your curls will hold their shape longer afterward. However, if you want to use a hairdryer, always use a low heat setting and protect your locks with a thermal heat protector.

Final Note
It is essential to remember that the way you take care of your curly hair throughout all summer months will impact its overall condition. While the above tips are for end of summer curly hair repair, you can get a head start by implementing these summer hair-care tips in June, this way you will ensure that your curls look amazing even in the hottest month of summer!

Body Contouring - How To Get The Figure You Want

Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Stark shares with award-winning beauty blogger, Barbie's Beauty Bits on Nonsurgical Body Contouring Treatments To Help You Get The Figure You Want.

You may have worked hard with diet and exercise for months even years to get the body you want. Perhaps you have spent hours on a treadmill or Peleton to get rid of fat and give you the body of your dreams.

But despite all that work, you still have excess fat on your belly, sides, or under your chin. This is where body contouring can help you take the final steps to get rid of those stubborn pockets of fat and give you the svelte shape you have dreamed of. 

There are several ways to contour your body that is minimally invasive and without surgery that may give you ideal results. Lets see what Double-board-certified Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Stark is sharing with Barbie's Beauty Bits on how to get the body you want with body contouring.

Top Nonsurgical Body Contouring Treatments

Laser Lipolysis For Body Sculpting
This is known as SculpSure, and it uses laser energy to heat and destroy fat cells. The high temperatures created by the device cause the fat cells to overheat and die. Your lymphatic system will flush out the fat cells out after about 12 weeks.

The most popular areas of the body are the flanks (love handles) and abdomen. Each SculpSure treatment takes about 25 minutes, and there is no recovery time. You will usually need three or four treatments for the best results.

Radiofrequency Lipolysis For Non-Surgical Fat Reduction
This is a nonsurgical body contouring procedure that features ultrasound technology to contour your body. The advantage of this technique is it’s gentle to your skin as it treats fat pockets. Patients report that the treatment is effective and causes no discomfort.

It’s used most often on the flanks and abdomen, with each treatment taking about one hour. Most patients can go back to their activities the same day. Several treatments within those treatment areas are required to get the body shape you desire.

Injection Lipolysis For Effective Reduction Of Chin Fat
This technique uses the FDA-approved Kybella injectable treatment to treat fat tissue under the chin, also called a double chin. Kybella uses a form of deoxycholic acid that helps the body to absorb fat. When used in the chin, it reduces fat by killing undesirable fat cells.

Your body will metabolize the dead fat cells for several weeks after the treatment. Kybella is usually used under the chin only to treat a double chin.

The treatment takes about 30 minutes, and there is some bruising and swelling afterward. But you should be able to return to daily activities the same day. 

Body Contouring Compared To Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is an effective way to remove undesirable fat pockets from the body. The surgeon places a cannula under the skin that injects lidocaine and epinephrine to reduce swelling and bleeding.

Next, fat is suctioned out with the cannula to give your body the contours you desire. However, liposuction is surgery, and there are risks, including:

• Infection
• Anesthesia risks
• Damage to organs
• Fluid accumulation
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary and cardiac complications
  

The advantage of nonsurgical body contouring is fewer risks because it isn’t surgery and doesn’t require anesthesia. Also, non-surgical body contouring is usually less expensive than surgical procedures as liposuction.

The other factor is liposuction requires recovery and downtime. You also will need to wear a compression garment for several weeks after surgery.

Are You A Good Candidate For Body Contouring?
Body contouring is nonsurgical, so many people are good candidates for these procedures. Ideal candidates include:

• People who are close to their ideal weight. Remember that body contouring, like liposuction, isn’t a way to lose weight. It does get rid of fat cells, but body contouring is designed to fine-tune your shape, not eliminate many pounds of fat. The best body contouring patient is within 10 or 20 pounds of their ideal body weight. If you are above that weight, you should probably work with your doctor to slim down first.
• Those with realistic expectations. As with any cosmetic procedure, you should go into it with realistic expectations. If you have reasonable goals, you should be pleased with your body contouring results.
• People who want to firm up sagging skin. Some body contouring can tighten up the skin as well as eliminate fat pockets.
  

Body contouring can be an ideal way to help get the figure you want by fine-tuning your shape after significant weight loss. It is also is a great way to take that final step to give you the body you have worked so hard to achieve.

Experience The Stark Difference
More About Dr. Ran Stark And The Practice

Dr. Ran Stark is double board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. After medical school, he finished more than 10 years of surgical training, including an aesthetic surgery fellowship under Dr. Louis Bucky.

Dr. Stark was born and raised in Philadelphia and earned his bachelor’s in biology from the University of Delaware. He completed medical school at Tel-Aviv University, where he won the Hillel Nathan Award for Academic Excellence in Anatomy.

To learn more about StarkMD Plastic Surgery in Philadelphia, visit him online.

References

• Body Contouring Overview. (n.d.)
• What Is Body Contouring?
• Body Contouring by Dr. Ran Stark
• Liposuction by Dr. Ran Stark. (n.d).