Not Just For Wrinkles, The Many Uses Of Botox

Not Just For Wrinkles, The Many Uses Of Botox By Barbie's Beauty Bits

Botox is a popular cosmetic and medical treatment that targets specific muscles to reduce the signs of aging. The treatment effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles on your face. However, many off-label uses make Botox a blockbuster in the cosmetic industry.

Are you aware that Botox can be used for nine medical and several cosmetic conditions? According to Statista, Allergan, the company that owns Botox, has over 800 more patents for potential uses, with over 6.2 million treatments performed globally in 2020, according to Statista.  

Of those, approximately 18,000 Botox-related cosmetic procedures were done throughout Canada in 2021. Thus, if you are looking for Botox in Vancouver, you can easily find physicians and specialists with years of experience in cosmetic surgery.

If you are considering getting Botox injections, Barbie's Beauty Bits is here to share the many uses of Botox.

Botox Cosmetic Uses
Botox has several treatment options and can be used for dynamic and static wrinkles and in conjunction with some dermal fillers.

How Botox Injections Work To Reduce Wrinkles
Botox is an FDA-approved drug made of clostridium botulinum toxin type A. When injected in tiny, controlled doses, it prevents muscle contractions in the facial muscles.

As a cosmetic treatment, it’s incredibly effective at fading what are known as “dynamic wrinkles.” These facial wrinkles are caused by repetitive facial movements, such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. With age, the skin slows down its production of proteins like collagen and elastin that allow it to bounce back after certain movements.

By preventing some of that movement in the first place, Botox keeps the skin looking smooth and helps the face appear more serene and youthful.

Botox Minimizes Crows Feet
Botox treatment can eliminate crow's feet, which are the wrinkles that appear around your eyes when you smile. As age progresses, your face tends to lose muscle tone, and you begin to get crow's feet at the corners of your eyes when they're pulled up by muscles when you smile or laugh.

Botox temporarily reduces underlying muscle activity, minimizing the effects of crow's feet.

Contour And Slim Your Jawline With Botox
Women's faces can become more masculine as they age because their masseter muscles become more pronounced. By injecting Botox into these muscles, you can slim down your face and give it a more feminine, symmetrical appearance.

Botox Can Smooth Out Wrinkles In Your Neck
Neck lift without surgery? When it comes to the battle against wrinkles, most of us are guilty of neglecting one part of our body that deserves equal TLC... Our neck! Stupid on us, this area is one of the first to show signs of aging, especially with a constant downward movement from using our cell phones and tablets.

There is something dermatologists call a "Botox necklace" that temporarily smooths neck wrinkles by injecting small amounts of Botox into the muscles above and below them.

Not Just For Wrinkles, Other Uses For Botox

Different Botox Treatments

Treat A Gummy Smile With Botox
A gummy smile is a condition in which the upper lip and gum area are not correctly aligned. A gummy smile can result from aging, genetics, or jaw surgery.

Whatever the cause, it can be challenging to hide and negatively impact your self-esteem. However, according to a report reviewed by Colgate, this condition is quite common and affects around 10% to 29% of the population, especially females.

Botox treatments can help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile by relaxing the muscles around your mouth and jawline. This cosmetic procedure can be done under local anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete.

Nonsurgical Nose Job Using Botox
Many people are concerned about the size or shape of their noses. A nose job (rhinoplasty) is one of the most popular facial surgeries.

However, rhinoplasty requires anesthesia, a lengthy recovery period, and a lot of downtime.

Botox injections are an option for a nonsurgical rhinoplasty by beautifying the nose, fixing bumps, straightening crooked appearances, and even changing the shape.

Plumper Lips, A Lip Flip With Botox
Whether on Instagram or a reality show, it seems everywhere you look, there are plumper, poutier lips. While some are obvious, they had some treatment. Others are subtle.

With the trend growing, so have the options for creating a fuller appearance for your lips, aside from dermal fillers. Botox can be used to alter the shape of the lips in a procedure called the "lip flip." 

Sum It Up
To sum it up, clearly, Botox isn't just used to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to the cosmetic options, there are some other benefits of Botox cosmetics, like helping with excessive underarm sweating, muscle spasms, overactive bladder, chronic migraines, strabismus (crossed eyes), and more.

Looking to find a qualified Botox Injector? Search here:  Find a Botox Cosmetic Specialist Near Me.

Tips To Treat And Prevent Brassy Hair

Tips To Treat And Prevent Brassy Hair From Award Winning Beauty Blogger, Barbie's Beauty Bits

Brassy and sassy. Hell no! On the list of bad hair days, brassiness is high on the list. Brassy hair rears its scary arrival, significantly when tresses are lightened at home.

While brassy hair can and does happen at a salon, when done at home, you are now faced with how the heck can I fix this ASAP?

Help, Why Did My Brown Hair Turn A Brassy Orange
Before we get into how to fix brassy-ass hair, let me briefly explain the reasons for brassiness.

The brass effect results from an overabundance of unwanted warm tones and pigments in your hair—turning the highlights to a reddish-gold or orange in brown hair. (you know that copper penny color).

You see, a person with darker hair tends to have brassy hair when trying to lighten. Why? Because dark hair has many natural underlying pigments that give it depth and dimension. You can end up with an unflattering brassy yellow-orange or red tone if you don't remove enough of those natural pigments.

Other factors play a part in color, especially if you are trying to bleach your hair at home, and it's like a Russian Roulette on your hair.

For example, is your hair colored treated, the hair products you've used, not using a good shampoo for color-treated hair, even the water you are washing. The single-colored process, which is what most home coloring offers, is so hard to determine the outcome.

Choose The Best Color For You To Prevent Your Hair From Becoming Brassy
Instead of using a single-process all-over color like a box color, go to a salon and have a colorist work in highlights and lowlights.

As a result, there is less chance of having a whole head of brassiness. Remember that the closer your final color is to your natural hair color, the less chance it has of turning brassy.

A gradual process and, more than likely, will require a double-color process if you intend to lighten your hair beyond two shades of your natural color, which we will explain below in more detail.

Double Process Vs. Single Process When Going A Few Shades Lighter
Truthfully, the double process, a two-step process, is ideal for those with darker hair when trying to go much lighter. First, the hair is bleached to remove all the color, and then a new color is deposited to create the desired color.

Double-processed is best when you want to go a few shades lighter than your actual hair color. Purchasing a single process over the counter to lighten the hair more than a few shades is a sure ticket to the brassy hair train. Hence, go to a salon when trying to lighten your hair. 

Ways To Prevent Your Hair From Turning Brassy

Wash Your Hair With Cool Water To Prevent Fading
While the thought of a cold shower is not the best, hair color fades away when your rinse your hair with hot water. And when the color fades, it can start to appear brassy.

Therefore, the optimum temperature to cleanse your hair is lukewarm to cool water. Not only with this preserve the color it will lock in the moisture and seal the cuticle resulting in shining, healthy hair. 

Invest In A Shower Filter To Prevent Your Hair From Turning Brassy
I can attest to this one moving to another state with mineral-rich water. But the truth is these minerals can turn your hair brassy. Hence investing in a shower filter that sifts out the hard water and other chemicals wreaking havoc on your hair is a must.

Color-Correcting Purple Shampoo For Brassy Hair
Because yellow and violet are opposite colors on the color wheel, purple cancels out warm, brassy tones. Invest in a neutralizing purple shampoo and conditioner to help crush brassy tones for a cooler, brighter color. 

Use A Toner To Neutralize Brassy Hair
Toners are the go-to for treating brassy hair as they deposit color on it like a color shampoo to neutralize unwanted tones. The key, again, is knowing the correct color. Again think of the color wheel. For example:

• Violet toners to neutralize yellow tones
• Blue toners to balance orange
• Blue-violet to neutralize gold

Protect Your Hair From UV Rays
UV rays of the sun are the biggest culprit in making your brown hair brassy. While you may love the sun, it doesn't love your hair back.

Besides drying your hair out, excessive sun exposure can fade your color. When your hair is exposed to oxygen and UV rays, its warm tones are revealed, resulting in, you guessed it, brassiness.

If you can't avoid the sun, wear a hat to protect your locks or apply UV-protectant spray to prevent brassiness.

Use The Right Products To Keep Your Hair Hydrated
Using the right products to keep your hair hydrated and healthy is essential. Highlighting, even lifting a darker shade lighter, can be a very harsh process, taking away many oils and nutrients that it has sealed within the hair's cuticle.

These processes can cause dry, stretchy, brittle hair. I recommend investing in a high-quality leave-in conditioner and/or deep repair mask to ensure your hair looks its healthiest.

Some Ways To Correct Brassy Hair

Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Help With Brassy Hair
Due to its immense hair benefits and comprehensive medicinal properties, ACV is considered a post-shampoo hair treatment.

As a result, the scalp pH is balanced, and the hair is given a natural shine. It is also used to maintain and preserve the color of hair.

Use Baking Soda To Tone Brassy Hair
It is known that baking soda lightens hair, which is why it helps remove brassy tones.

Consult With A Hair Stylist To Help With Your Brassy Hair
While preventing your hair from turning brassy can be fixed at home, some remedies above may not correct it. Hence you need to seek professional help.

Dealing with brassy hair can be frustrating. But the key is prevention, and hopefully, with the information in this article and the correct products for your colored treated hair, not only can you prevent but also neutralize those brassy tones to unlock the best color ever.

Eight Ways To Upgrade Your Skincare Routine

 

New Year, New You; eight ways to upgrade your skincare routine by Barbie's Beauty Bits.

You can continually improve your skincare routine no matter how healthy your skin is. While beauty trends come and go, some skincare advice stands the test of time, and it can truly transform how your skin looks and feels.

There are several ways to step up your skincare game, from double-cleansing and shaving your face to using led light therapy and adding antioxidants to your routine. We are sharing our 8 top ways to improve your skincare game, so continue reading.

How To Improve Your Skincare Routine: 8 Top Tips

Look At The Ingredients In Your Skincare

Many people are aware of clean makeup and will read up on reviews like Clean Beauty mascara review. But what many need to realize is that the same approach to skincare is a healthy one.

For some skincare obsessives, a product isn't working unless it's tingling or burning, which is not how it works.You want to avoid irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Products that irritate are unsafe for the skin and usually contain toxic ingredients like sulfates, which are essentially detergents.

Parabens are another ingredient to avoid. Parabens are a synthetic preservative. They don't just cause health problems but also contribute to premature skin aging since they increase sensitivity to the sun.

On the same token, all-natural skincare doesn't always work. The key is a balance of the right antioxidants, which brings us to our next tip. 

Add Antioxidants To Your Skincare Routine

In a nutshell, antioxidants protect the body against the harmful effects of oxidative stress caused by environmental factors like UV rays, makeup, unhealthy diets, and pollution.

Oxidative stress on the skin can lead to damage. Causing a breakdown in collagen, which leads to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark spots, which result in premature aging.

In skincare, antioxidants are critical because they help limit free radical production and neutralize them when they enter the skin. As a result, they play a vital role in skincare.

Vitamin C, E, and retinol are examples of antioxidants.

Use Skincare Products With Vitamin C In Them

Vitamin C, also known as L-Ascorbic Acid, is a highly effective antioxidant that protects against free radicals by neutralizing them. Vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants and a critical ingredient that aids anti-aging.

Vitamin C is a game-changer in getting brighter, younger-looking skin. This water-soluble antioxidant is a natural component of healthy skin. The younger we are, the more vitamin C we have on our skin. But as we get older, we lose these nutrients over time.

Luckily, skincare products, like a vitamin c serum, can help lessen this damage, so the skin looks healthier and radiant. Vitamin C is an ingredient that should be part of everyone's skincare routine—regardless of age or skin type.

It's known and loved for its brightening and anti-aging abilities. Dermatologists also tout it as one of the most potent protective antioxidants to help reduce skin inflammation and irregular pigmentation while promoting healthy collagen production.

Reduce The Signs Of Aging With A Facial Massage

Fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots are a part of aging. But with a facial massage, you can lighten your appearance and keep your skin youthful.

My favorite facial massage is a guasha facial! It is a highly effective technique to lift, shape, and contour the face. When performed regularly and correctly, this skincare technique will improve circulation, tissue health, and facial muscle strength, reduce puffiness, lessen the appearance of fine lines, and soften skin.

This will leave your skin looking more youthful, toned, and glowing naturally.

Double Cleanse Your Skin

We tend to follow the "wash and repeat" method when washing our hair. But what about a lather-rinse-repeat of skincare?

The anti-aging step that you should never skip is washing the face. And a double cleanse is a way to step up your face-cleansing game!

A double cleanse involves washing your face in two steps: an oil-based cleanser followed by a cleanser.

Introduce Red Light Therapy Into Your Skincare Routine

Let there be light; for your skin that is, with Led Light Therapy. According to WebMD, light therapy "uses skin-safe, low-level light in different wavelengths and colors." These rays penetrate the skin barrier to provide a range of skin benefits, from better skin tone, and even texture, to added firmness and more tightness.  

At-home versions are gentler on the skin because the bulbs are not as intense. That's good because it enables you to use these devices for anti-aging and skin healing without going to a spa. One of my favorite places for these devices is the Currentbody, which has the best at-home led-therapy masks.

Vow To Shave Your Face For Younger Looking Skin

The desquamation process slows down as we age, meaning that our bodies produce and shed old skin cells more slowly.

Shaving your face is one of the most effective techniques for exfoliating the skin and speeding up cell turnover. And no it does not make you grow facial hair, that is an urban myth.

Shaving Your Face Helps To:

• Rid dead skin cells
• Improve your skin tone and texture
• Promote cellular turnover
• Diminish fine lines and wrinkles
• Minimizes the appearance of age spots and other sun damage
• Gently exfoliates to even out skin tone and texture
• Unclog and reduce the appearance of pore size
• Stimulate blood flow to help improve the skin's elasticity
• Can apply makeup flawlessly
• Offer better penetration of your skincare products, like your SPF 30 or glycolic acids

Mask Mapping: Multi-Masking

One size does not fit all, which also comes to skincare. Everyone's skin features its very own personality, with specific needs, individual concerns, and personal likes and dislikes. Enter Mask Mapping...

Instead of applying the same mask to your entire face, there is a better approach called mask mapping. This technique allows you to use multiple face masks for different areas of your face for a customized treatment that checks all your anti-aging needs!

In this case, a facial mask is a vital addition to any skincare routine. There are countless options no matter if you suffer from irritated skin, pimples, blackheads, or anything else, you can find the best mix for you.

So there you have it beauties eight ways to upgrade your skincare routine, so you will be glowing in 2023!

Black Friday And Cyber Monday Beauty Deals 2022

Black Friday and Cyber Monday beauty deals are here! So grab your phone, computer, wallet, cash apps, and get ready! It's time to rejoice, beauty bargain hunters!

 

Take advantage of Barbie's Beauty Bits great selection of beauty products, including lashes, LED skincare devices, anti-aging pillows, skincare products, hair products, and more!

 

Best Holiday Beauty Gift Ideas

Luxurious Long Lashes

It is time to start living a life of lash luxury. Imagine waking up to perfectly full, long, and luscious lashes every day without needing a high-maintenance beauty routine. Well, LashLuxury can do just that with their natural eyelash serum!

OFFER: 30% OFF EYELASH SERUM, Plus a free lash and brow kit added to every serum purchase. Buy now before it ends! Don't forget their100% money-back guarantee + free shipping. 

 

Anti-aging Pillow On Sale

Standard pillows tend to leave creases and wrinkles on your cheeks after you sleep on your side or stomach.

With the Sleep&Glow anti-aging pillow, your face isn't pressed against the pillow even if you sleep on your side. Thanks to the unique side bolsters, your skin will remain smooth after a full night's sleep.

 

Currentbody US LED Light Therapy Devices  

From the best led light therapy masks to lip masks and sleep masks to massage devices, sauna blankets, and beyond, check out these thoughtful gifts for the self-care enthusiast in your life from Currentbody US. 

Delivers the perfect dose of red and near infra-red light to renew your complexion on a cellular level.

USE CODE: BARBIECB for 20% OFF off Currentbody products ONLY. (look for the currentbody skin logo on product, as they carry other name brand products that are not discounted)

 

Best Skincare Gift Ideas

There are so many to share it would take days. Below are deals from my favorite brands, and you can also check here for a quick list. 

 

Three Ships Black Friday / Cyber Monday BOGO + Make-A-Wish Foundation donation match! Did some say BOGO? So many great products with Three Ships skincare

Avène Black Friday Sale | 30% Off Sitewide

Enjoy 30% off sitewide + free shipping FRIDAYFEELS

Dermelect Black Friday Sale  | 30% OFF

Skincare doesn't end at the Jawline with Dermelect.  

 

 

No-Tox Skin Smoothing Elixir

One of my go-to anti-aging skincare treatments lately is this 30-day anti-wrinkle elixir on the market that is non-toxic and has been independently evaluated by dermatologists in clinical trials on actual people. 

BARBIE10OFF for 10% off this anti-wrinkle elixir

 

La Roche-Posay Deals | 25% OFF 

A skincare brand recommended by dermatologists is a must in my book.

Get 25% OFF at La Roche-Posay

Colleen Rothschild Skincare Deals | 20% OFF SITE-WIDE!

*Promotional offer cannot be combined with any additional offer, sale, or promotion. Offer valid on colleenrothschild.com. Free Standard U.S. Shipping on Orders of $49+ | 30-Day Money Back Guarantee

 

Best Collagen Supplements

Collagen skin-supportive supplements can revitalize and rejuvenate your skin by improving the health of your skin cells from the inside out!

And Taut Premium Collagen Transformation System is here to help you to produce new collagen again! 

Ulta Beauty Black Friday Deals

There is something for everyone this holiday season at Ulta. Click here for Deals at Ulta

 

Best Hair Product Gift Ideas

VOLOOM Hair Volumizing Irons On Sale - Classic, Petite, or Rootie = $99 Sale.

 

Neither a curling iron nor a flat iron, this spectacular beauty  tool is the secret to voloumous hair, that actually lasts. And guess what no teasing! 

By creating hidden "volume pockets" in the underlayers of hair, these special plates lift the top layers away from the scalp. No wonder it is trending on social media and is one of my must-have beauty products for 2022.

Vitabrid C12 Scalp Shampoo

Powered by unique Secret Code P-151™, this Scalp+ Shampoo effectively yet gently cleanses the scalp and hair while helping to protect the scalp from aging, encouraging to maintain of healthy, stronger hair.

40% OFF all Vitabrid C12 products

The Best Hair Dryer To Achieve A Salon Blowout At Home

Hair Cares Shop Professional Salon Fast Drying Hair Dryer, IG INGLAM Brushless Motor Blow Dryer with Negative-Ion Low Noise is the perfect gift this holiday season. Doing your own blow-out this holiday season can really save some money

PRIZM Bloom Automatic Automatic Hair Curler

31% Off Hair Automatic Hair Curler on Amazon

Coco & Eve Hair Necessities Kit

Upgrade your hair routine with Coco & Eve haircare essential sale! Complete with a refreshing Scalp Scrub, award-winning Hair Masque, and multi-functioning Hair Elixir.

Beauty Subscription Boxes

Not sure what to get that beauty lover in your life? Try a subscription box like Boxy Charm for the perfect holiday gift.

 

So there you have it, Barbie's Beauty Bits Black Friday And Cyber Monday Deals for 2022. Please keep checking back as I update.