by Mia Barnes
6 Surprising Ways the Sun Can Affect Your Skin — and What to Do About It
Do you slather on sunscreen each day? You should, for more reasons than reducing your cancer risk. The sun can affect your skin in surprising ways. Fortunately, protecting yourself is as simple as covering up and choosing the right SPF. Why should you bother? Here are six reasons you should treat safeguarding your skin from the sun seriously.
1. Photoaging and Premature Aging
It’s no secret that too much time in the sun can result in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and an uneven complexion. The term “photoaging” refers to the cumulative effects of radiation from the sun or artificial ultraviolet (UV) sources. It results in collagen breakdown, which causes deep wrinkles, sagging skin, “hollow” cheeks and other signs of aging older individuals experience.
2. Hyperpigmentation and Other Skin Conditions
Hyperpigmentation refers to the appearance of blotchy or mottled skin with alternating patches of light and dark. This condition can have various causes, and sun damage is one of the most common — hyperpigmentation spots are also sometimes called “sun spots.”
Aside from hyperpigmentation, sun exposure and excessive sun damage can lead to vitiligo and mole growth.
3. Eye Damage
You should wear sunglasses as well as sunscreen when in the sun. The skin around your eyes is more prone to damage, and UV light exposure can also damage your vision. For example, women account for 63% of age-related macular degeneration cases, and failing to protect your eyes is one of the biggest and most preventable risk factors.
4. Sunburn
Sunburn doesn’t feel good and spurs premature aging, photoaging and hyperpigmentation while upping your chances of disease. Having five or more severe sunburns throughout your life doubles your skin cancer risk.
Keep yourself safe by slathering on sunscreen and pay attention to the type and when you apply it. Sunscreen can take up to 15 minutes to absorb into the skin, so make sure you apply it a bit before you head out for the day.
5. Skin Dehydration
Dehydrated skin looks flaky and ashy, making you look older and more tired. Furthermore, you sweat more in the sun, accelerating moisture loss.
Keeping yourself hydrated is key. While the general rule is to divide your weight in half and consume that many ounces of water per day, you may need more if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
6. Heat Rash
Those little angry red bumps on your chin might not be pimples. Heat rash occurs when your eccrine glands, which let sweat escape from your skin’s surface, become blocked. The result is tiny, red, inflamed bumps that can itch like crazy.
Treatment includes cooling yourself down in a shower or pool and applying topical anti-itch creams. As heat rash often occurs where fabric meets your skin, opt for breathable cotton over synthetics that prevent airflow.
Is the Sun Ever Good for Your Skin?
In some cases, the sun can be good for your skin. For example, mild exposure prompts your body to produce natural vitamin D, which boosts your mood and improves immune function.
Furthermore, some people with autoimmune diseases do better with mild sun exposure. The trick is finding the right amount of exposure to improve symptoms without prompting a severe flare-up.
How the Sun Affects Your Skin
The sun affects your skin in multiple ways. Understanding the risks prompts you to take simple proactive steps, such as applying sunscreen and wearing other forms of sun gear. Protect yourself before you venture out and enjoy a healthier, more glowing complexion for life.
Cover Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Inside photo by Lukas Rychvalsky
by Dennis Richardson
Formulated by Doctors for Targeted Effects
With pushes for federal legalization, and more studies into its medicinal and wellness properties than ever, it’s only fitting that we’ve seen more and more functional cannabis products come to the market.
KANHA is the latest brand to make its entrance, and it’s a grand one! CEO Cameron Clarke spent years of hesitating to bring functional products to market, due to the science behind extraction methods for getting mass amounts of minor cannabinoids not being well-developed. However, KANHA assembled a team of scientists and triple-board certified physicians to tackle the problem. They consider KANHA’s newest release to be the next-generation of cannabis wellness tools, formulated with cannabinoids, terpenes and nutraceuticals to elicit specific moods.
The first functional line authentically developed by doctors features advanced formulas like ENERGY, SLEEP and LOVE that help consumers achieve their lifestyle goals.
Sunderstorm’s award-winning edibles brand is proud to welcome KANHA FX, a new line of functional gummies that heralds groundbreaking advancements in precision, innovation and targeted effects. Formulated by doctors to help consumers do what they love, KANHA FX launches with three fast-acting gummies: ENERGY, SLEEP and LOVE.
“The scientific community knows more about cannabinoids, terpenes and entourage effects today than it has at any time in history,” explains Cameron Clarke, CEO and Co-Founder of Sunderstorm. “As the science advances, our products will follow suit, and that commitment helps make KANHA FX the driving force behind the next generation of functional gummies. As industry leaders that leverage proven science in all of our products, Sunderstorm continues to follow the science to bring you the most effective cannabis products available today.”
Clarke, who studied science and engineering at Stanford and founded labs in San Diego and Berkeley, initiated the project by assembling a team of accomplished scientists, textbook authors, published professors and triple-board certified physicians. Through rigorous research and testing, the team developed formulas that elicit specific effects by harnessing an optimal entourage of cannabinoids, terpenes and nutraceuticals.
Among the standout products in the inaugural lineup, ENERGY helps you get more done with a precision 1:1 combo of THCv and THC paired with green tea extract and natural sativa terpenes. For those battling insomnia, SLEEP helps you drift into dreams with a soothing 3:2:1 blend of CBN, THC, CBD and indica-derived terpenes. LOVE, with a delicious blend of rose and raspberry flavors, sets the mood with a 2:1:1 entourage of THC, CBG and THCv paired with hybrid terpenes and green tea and damiana extracts.
Recognizing that no one wants a long wait for energy, dreams or romance, the entire KANHA FX line proudly features the only proven fast-acting technology in cannabis. The NANO in KANHA products is backed by peer-reviewed studies, affirming its rapid onset times and superior cannabinoid absorption.
KANHA FX redefines expectations with precision formulas that deliver the most-targeted effects in the cannabis market. The trio of LOVE, ENERGY and SLEEP is available now at KANHA and Weedmaps. Stay tuned to KANHA to learn more and for upcoming announcements about additional KANHA FX formulas and product categories.
About Sunderstorm
Sunderstorm, a trusted family of brands, is an industry leader in breakthrough innovation and scientific standards. Trusted by budtenders and consumers alike, the values-driven company introduced the first fast-acting edible in 2015 and the first edible line authentically formulated by doctors and chemists. Sunderstorm currently serves dispensaries in California, Massachusetts, Illinois and Nevada in addition to national e-commerce with KANHA Life.
by Dennis Richardson
Gone are the days of mom’s old aromatherapy practices. Oils and sprays were nice, but what if the trusty candle did the trick in a new way?
In the latest breakthrough, Neuroscents – scents created to elicit emotional responses that are neurologically backed – are carving a new lane with Caftari. Caftari uses science backed formulas to elevate one’s well being, with a mission to help individuals lead happier and healthier lives through the use of fragrance. Caftari’s science-backed formulas are carefully crafted to support joyfulness and rejuvenation through Neuroscents, not just making spaces smell good, but leaving you feeling good, too!
This past November, Caftari entered the home + fragrance market with the launch of two mindfully scented candles – Elixir and Dolce. Caftari is elevating fragrance through science & wellness – by creating daily moments of mindfulness with scents designed to modulate brain waves and in moments of bliss, relief, and deep relaxation through science-backed formulations. Caftari candles are curated in a luxury ceramic vessel, and etched with the pattern of the specific brainwave that the candle hones in on.
Caftari’s leading candles are broken down below:
Dolce Far Niente: For a Glimmer of Bliss – Experience the Italian adage at home.
With its romantic and warm floral profile, this blend incorporates rose oil to encourage the release of serotonin, which promotes happiness and is present when we are daydreaming or practicing mindfulness.
Elixir:For a Bright Awakening – Reawaken your mind and body any time of day.
With its citrusy profile & purposeful aroma to light and encourage a sense of revival, this blend features bergamot essential oil, which promotes the release of endorphins, a neurotransmitter also known as the feel-good chemical.
Caftari’s Founder, Shreya Aggarwal, was born in India and immigrated to the US as a child, with her earliest memories linked to fragrance notes like her mom’s rose-scented hair oil & dad’s perfumed talc powder. Aggarwal always thought she’d major in Neuroscience, but eventually pivoted to pursue her passion for fragrance as a buyer in the industry. Throughout her career, Shreya noticed a lack of results driven, neuroscience-backed fragrance products created to address overall mental health and wellbeing. After suffering from her own anxiety and trying numerous different methods to tackle it, Aggarwal paralleled her love of fragrance and passion for neuroscience to create solutions with Caftari for her own needs and the similar needs of others.
To help breakdown how neuroscents work and enforce Caftari’s message and goal, they partnered with PhD and MIT Professor, Dr. Tara Swart, who answered a few of our questions. If you’re looking for insight into how neurotransmitters work on our brains, and more, keep reading!
Q&A With Dr. Tara Swart
Hi Dr. Swart! Caftari is not just your typical candle company, but something deeper. Can you explain how scent can modulate brain waves and impact mental wellbeing?
Dr. Swart: Caftari candles contain essential oils of sufficient potency, and proven by science to have beneficial effects on our mental state. These are known as neuroscents because they travel via the olfactory nerve to the memory and emotion centres of the brain evoking moods that correlate with the release of certain neurotransmitters and the relevant brain wave states.
What specific scientific principles support the idea of fragrances like rose oil and bergamot essential oil influencing neurotransmitter release?
Dr. Swart: Rose essential oil heightens the release of serotonin—a neurotransmitter renowned for its happiness inducing effects. Serotonin, the architect of alpha brainwaves, is released during moments of daydreaming or mindfulness, creating an ambiance of tranquility and joy. The Dolce Far Niente candle contains rose oil as a major ingredient. The Elixir candle’s fragrance blend includes bergamot and helps uplift mood. Bergamot essential oil stimulates the release of endorphins—the brain’s feel-good chemicals. Endorphins correlate with gamma brainwaves, and accompany heightened states of awareness.
How do different neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and endorphins, interact with brain waves, and how might this interaction be influenced by fragrance?
Dr. Swart: The release of various neurotransmitters leads to the brain producing the associated brain wave patterns. Molecules of the scents interact with the olfactory nerve through the nose and lead to neurotransmitter release into synapses in the memory and emotion centres of the brain which are deep in the brain behind the bridge of the nose and where the olfactory nerve travels to.
Do individual differences, such as genetics or personal scent preferences affect the response to neuroscented products, or does nearly everyone have the same brain-chemistry response?
Dr. Swart: The actual chemical response is broadly the same (particularly with natural and floral scents), unless there are particular memories that trigger a stress response, but the emotional response or memory induced will vary from individual to individual.
Can neuroscented products like these candles be used as complementary therapies alongside traditional treatments for anxiety or mood disorders?
Dr. Swart: They can be used as an additional element to creating a pleasant and calming environment but this cannot be compared to the efficacy of psychological therapy for actual mental health disorders. However, olfactory enrichment (being exposed to a variety of smells throughout the day) can help with cognition as we age.
In what ways might the field of neuroscience further contribute to the development of fragrance products aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing?
Dr. Swart: Further research into neuroaesthetics (the health, mental health and longevity benefits of beholding and creating beauty), the benefits of nature on well-being, and olfactory enrichment on neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to grow and change throughout life) are key areas.
by Dennis Richardson
Just in time to keep those New Year’s resolutions going strong, there’s a new expansion sure to keep you on track — no matter where you are in the U.S. If you didn’t meet them during the holiday season, now’s the next best time!
Magic Mind, a mental performance shot engineered with nootropics, adaptogens, antioxidants, and vitamins, announced today that their product is launching nationally at all Sprouts Farmers Market locations across the United States. This retail partnership is the first of many that Magic Mind plans to introduce this year.
In one shot, Magic Mind is scientifically designed to boost energy, enhance focus, create a sense of calm alertness, and increase overall productivity. Magic Mind will not only enhance your daily routine but also provide sustained energy, preventing those energy spikes and crashes, keeping you energized throughout the day – while also suitable for taking at any time of day.
A matcha-based swig, Magic Mind shots are jam-packed and infused with nootropics and adaptogens from:
- organic lion’s mane mushrooms
- organic cordyceps mushrooms
- organic ashwaganda
- bacopa monnieri
- vitamin C
- turmeric
- phosphatetidylserine
- rhodiola rosea
- vitamin D3
- vitamin B complex
- choline
- organic agave
Keto, paleo, and vegan-friendly, plus nut, gluten, and BPA-free, this concoction won’t encourage addiction, but will help provide up to 7+ hours of energy, focus, and stress management. The next best part of Magic Mind is its taste, which is a smooth and sweet mix with a barely bitter aftertaste. Easy to down, and small enough to go anywhere, Magic Mind is one of our favorite morning boosts that last through the day.
Credit: Magic Mind
With expansion into Sprouts, Magic Mind can now be found in over 400 retailers and directly on their website, MagicMind.com. Traditionally, consumers boost their energy via coffee, energy drinks or soda. Magic Mind is a different class of product that works alone or alongside your daily caffeine ritual, elevating your mental state and well being. Formulated with a doctor-validated mix of nootropics, adaptogens, antioxidants and vitamins, Magic Mind increases mental performance while decreasing stress; clearing brain fog, sharpening memory and boosting productivity without the risk of crash or withdrawal.
“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market, a company that shares our ethos in empowering individuals on their journey to a more enriched and balanced life,” said William Hicks, Magic Mind CEO and Co-Founder. “With Magic Mind, we’re revolutionizing the way people access mental clarity and focus. Our unique formulation brings together the best of science and nature. This isn’t your typical sugar and caffeine boost— it’s a carefully crafted formulation designed to enhance cognitive function and mental well-being in an innovative, health-conscious way.”
Magic Mind’s mission is to help humans grow their mental wealth— the way people feel and mentally perform. The concept of mental wealth refers to the psychological assets and emotional resilience that allows individuals to effectively navigate life’s challenges, harness opportunities, and maintain a state of well-being.
Shop Magic Mind individual bottles for $4.49 or their 6-packs for $24.00 at all Sprouts locations and directly at MagicMind.com.
About Magic Mind
In one shot, Magic Mind is scientifically designed to improve cognition, enhance focus, create a sense of calm alertness, and increase overall productivity. Magic Mind enhances your daily routine by providing sustained clarity, focus and energy, throughout the day without anxiety, spikes or crashes.
About Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.
True to its farm-stand heritage, Sprouts offers a unique grocery experience featuring an open layout with fresh produce at the heart of the store. Sprouts inspires wellness naturally with a carefully curated assortment of better-for-you products paired with purpose-driven people. The healthy grocer continues to bring the latest in wholesome, innovative products made with lifestyle-friendly ingredients such as organic, plant-based and gluten-free. Headquartered in Phoenix, and one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, Sprouts employs approximately 31,000 team members and operates approximately 400 stores in 23 states nationwide. To learn more about Sprouts, and the good it brings communities, visit about.sprouts.com.
by Dennis Richardson
At Langers, the legacy of joie de vivre and longevity intertwines with the brand’s second-generation family-owned heritage. Founded by Nathan Langer, a man whose life was dedicated to purpose, community, and a deep connection to the earth, Langers transcends the realm of providing pure fruit juices to American households. Instead, it embodies the lifestyle practices of the world’s healthiest and longest-living people in the renowned Blue Zones, or longevity hotspots. These practices include moving naturally, discovering one’s purpose, relishing an abundance of fruits and vegetables, and indulging in the age-old tradition of tea. In celebration of these unique regions, Langers proudly introduces two exceptional unsweetened teas: Bergamot Black and Green & Jasmine. These teas are infused with nourishing ingredients historically enjoyed by the centenarians of Ikaria, Greece, and Okinawa, Japan, two of the world’s Blue Zones.
Credit: Langers
Bruce Langer, the President of Langers, encapsulates the brand’s essence, stating “Langers Juice is a family brand, and it’s always been about just that: family and juice.” He goes on to explain the family’s unwavering commitment to crafting more than just juices; they are cultivating a legacy, a journey through flavors and traditions that extends beyond pure fruit juices. Langers embodies a dedication to moving naturally, knowing one’s purpose, savoring fruits, and sipping tea. These beverages reflect the vitality of centenarians in the Blue Zones, offering a sip of life’s most precious moments from nature’s finest gifts.
This exciting launch of Langers Blue Zones-inspired products coincides with the release of the Netflix docuseries, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” hosted by National Geographic Explorer and Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner. The series identifies the world’s healthiest, longest-living populations in various Blue Zones, including Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California, where the Langer family’s farms and headquarters are located.
Langers’ latest venture represents a flavorful odyssey with no added sugars or sweeteners, epitomizing longevity and vitality. Each sip transports you to the extraordinary regions of the Blue Zones, inviting you to explore and savor their culinary secrets.
Easy To Drink Teas With Blue Zones-Inspired Ingredients
Green & Jasmine Tea inspired by Okinawa, Japan: Inspired by Okinawans’ practice of enjoying anti-inflammatory green tea with jasmine flowers and turmeric called “shan-pien,” Langers’ tea infuses real juices such as pineapple, mango, ginger, and dragon fruit. With the addition of turmeric, this tea offers a gentle lift in energy and mood restoration.
Credit: Langers
Bergamot Black Tea inspired by Ikaria, Greece: Bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit that thrives in Ikaria, is at the heart of this antioxidant-rich blend. Combined with the juices of stone fruits, watermelon, and strawberry, this tea is designed to restore and renew.
For more information on Langers’ Blue Zones-inspired teas, visit their website and follow @langersjuice on Instagram.
To learn more about Blue Zones and the proven ways to increase longevity, visit the Blue Zones official website and watch “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” on Netflix.
Langers’ Blue Zones Teas are available now at WinCo Foods, shoplangers.com, and Amazon.
About Blue Zones®
Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live better, longer. The company’s work is rooted in explorations and research done by National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner in blue zones regions around the world, where people live extraordinarily long and/or happy lives. The original research and findings were released in Buettner’s bestselling books The Blue Zones Solution, The Blue Zones of Happiness, The Blue Zones, Thrive, Blue Zones Kitchen, Blue Zones American Kitchen, and the Blue Zones Challenge – all published by National Geographic books. Using original Blue Zones research, Blue Zones works with individuals, organizations, cities, counties, regions, and states to make healthy choices easier through permanent and semi-permanent changes to our human-made surroundings. Participating communities have experienced double-digit drops in obesity and tobacco use and have saved millions of dollars in health care costs. For more information, visit bluezones.com.
by Randy Dunbar
With Mother’s Day around the corner, Burke Williams luxury day spa is featuring some specials.
Beginning Thursday, April 13, Burke Williams is offering an assortment of expertly assembled Mother’s Day gift card packages. Packages include an array of signature luxurious and rejuvenating Burke Williams treatments, including massage therapy, facials, manicures and spa baths. The all-new Tranquility Massage, included in the “Mom’s Day Off” package, integrates massage therapy with the healing effects of sound from Nepalese singing bowls for a uniquely calming experience.
LOS ANGELES, CA — California’s premier luxury day spa, Burke Williams, is pleased to introduce three customized Mother’s Day gift card packages to honor mothers this holiday with the quintessential gift of relaxation and self-care. Mother’s Day packages will launch on Thursday, April 13, welcoming mothers and mothers-to-be to partake in a luxurious and rejuvenating experience at ten Burke Williams locations statewide.
Custom-tailored gift card packages feature a variety of signature and innovative wellness treatments including massage therapy, facials and spa baths, plus spa passes that never expire. The “Mom’s Day Off” package includes Burke Williams’ all-new Tranquility Massage treatment which integrates massage therapy and the healing effects of sound to create a one-of-a-kind calming experience.
Burke Williams celebrates expectant mothers, providing a complimentary exchange for any of the packages to be utilized towards a specialty Pregnancy Massage.
Mother’s Day Gift Cards (Available Starting April 13)
Do Not Disturb – $180 (gift card value: $240)
• 80-min. Pure Relaxation Massage or Spa Facial
• Enhancement of Choice
• 1-Day Spa Pass
Out Of Office – $290 (gift card value: $390)
• 80-min. Pure Relaxation Massage
• 50-min. Spa Style Facial
• Enhancement of Choice
• 3-Day Spa Pass
Mom’s Day Off – $495 (gift card value: $675)
• 80-min. Tranquility or Vitality Massage
• 80-min. Regenerate Facial
• 20-min. Spa Bath
• 3-Day Spa Pass
Prices and services for gift card packages may vary at the San Francisco and San Jose locations. For more information on all of Burke Williams’ Mother’s Day gift card packages, please visit burkewilliams.com.
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ABOUT BURKE WILLIAMS
Burke Williams created the original urban day spa in 1984, elevating the spa experience to a new art form. Drawing inspiration from world-class European day spas, the destination worked to combine the finest traditions with nourishing innovations to transport guests from the stress of everyday life. Today, with 11 locations across California, Burke Williams is a luxurious sanctuary, a place for wellness and beauty, inspiration and optimism. For more information, please visit burkewilliams.com.
by Randy Dunbar
Getting hydrated and plump skin can be hard to achieve, especially if you live in a place with a hot and dry climate. Dr. Caren Campbell, a dermatologist in California, stated that residents living in places with hot and dry climates are more likely to suffer from dry and dehydrated skin. Due to the lack of water in the air, the natural moisturizing components on your skin evaporate at a faster rate than normal. Recognizing the impact of the climate on your skin, you need to hydrate regularly to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Here’s what you need to do:
Maintain a regular skincare routine
You may not be able to control the climate in your area but you can still provide the best conditions for your skin by practicing a regular skincare routine. Though this may sound like a lot of commitment, a proper skincare routine for dry skin can be completed in just three steps. First, you need to cleanse your skin from irritants and dirt using a cleanser. Next, you can address dullness and dehydration by applying a moisturizing treatment at least twice a day. Then before heading out, you must protect your skin against environmental aggressors by applying sunscreen all overexposed areas.
Apply a hydrating serum for an added boost
On extra hot and dry days, you can apply hydrating serums to complement your regular skincare routine. Many people prefer serums since they contain high concentrations of ingredients for maximum efficiency. So, if dry skin is your concern, you can apply serums with humectants before you put on moisturizer. An example of this ingredient is glycerin/glycerol, a moisturizing component that naturally occurs in the body. Another kind of humectant is urea, an organic compound that is part of your skin’s natural moisturizing factor. Thus, applying serums with humectants on extra hot and dry days can help in restoring your skin’s natural hydration levels.
Keep yourself hydrated from within
Aside from following a moisturizing skincare routine, you need to maintain your body’s natural hydration levels by drinking lots of water. After all, your skin contains 64% water, so you need to consume enough of it to maintain optimal health. In fact, our article on the bad habits that affect your skin emphasizes that dehydration can actually lead to dryness and even breakouts. Aside from drinking about eight glasses per day, you also need to avoid drinking sugary beverages and coffee, which can make you urinate faster. On top of that, limit your alcohol consumption because it causes your body to remove fluids from your blood, making you dehydrated at a faster rate.
Use a humidifier at home or in your office
Finally, you can improve the air quality in your own space during extreme weather conditions by utilizing a humidifier. These appliances produce and disperse water vapor that adds more moisture to the air. Since your environment can affect your skin’s health, humidifiers can ease irritation and dryness caused by poor air quality. You can even opt to purchase humidifiers that emit cool mists to further balance the environmental conditions in your home. To illustrate, evaporative humidifiers contain a fan that evenly distributes the cool humidity across a room. You can also alleviate dryness by using an impeller humidifier, which has a rotating disc that releases mist into the air. Whichever option you opt for, a humidifier should make it easier to maintain your skin health.
You can keep your skin healthy and hydrated by caring for it, both inside and out. Following a proper skincare routine, adding a hydrating serum, drinking enough water, and using a humidifier are good practices that can boost the hydration levels of your skin. Stick to these tips and, before you know it, you’ll have hydrated skin all day long.
by Mia Barnes
6 Expert Ways to Protect Your Skin From Scarring, Injury and Blemishes
With the warm season here, you bare more skin. However, you want to keep your appearance glowing and blemish-free any time of year.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and many things can damage it. Here are six expert ways to protect your skin from scarring, injury and blemishes.
1. Leave New Pimples Alone
While sitting in your 8 a.m. chemistry class, you notice a bump on your chin that feels like a fresh blackhead. Your tendencies might scream, “pick at me!” Please try not to yield to the temptation. Picking at your skin can introduce new dirt and germs into pores, making existing acne worse. Trying to pop a newly erupted pimple can push bacteria and oil deeper into the infected pore, increasing swelling, pressure and redness. Icing such spots can reduce swelling and redness until they reach the point where you can perform an extraction.
2. But Treat Injuries Quickly
The old cliché may advise you to never trust a man who has no scars — but the originator of this saying spoke metaphorically. In reality, you want to practice proper wound care to prevent scarring.
If you get a cut or a burn, your first order of business is to thoroughly clean the wound to remove any debris. You also need to cool burns before applying any ointments that might seal heat inside your skin. Once you’ve cleansed and cooled the area, apply a dab of petroleum jelly to the affected area to keep the wound from drying out and forming a scab. You can also use silicone or hydrogel sheets for larger wounds.
Bruises fade in time, but they can distress you if you end up sporting purple and green blotches that contrast with your sleeveless pink bridesmaid’s gown at a summer wedding. Icing your bruise immediately after the bump occurs can help minimize discoloration. Please ensure that you use a fabric bugger between the ice pack and your skin to avoid making matters worse.
3. Use the Right Tool
Take heart, perfect skin seekers. You can still enjoy the gross-yet-satisfying sensation of popping your pimples if you wait until the right time and use the correct instrument.
It’s best if you use self-care techniques after a seasoned professional shows you the ropes. However, let’s keep it real — not everyone has the money for a dermatologist. You can buy comedone extractors such as those recommended by Dr. Pimple Popper and find instructional videos online if you can’t afford a trip.
4. Or Call a Professional
If you have the means, please see a professional for the best advice on protecting your skin from scarring, injuries and blemishes. Please don’t think this advice implies that you can’t learn how to take care of your skin at home.
However, your dermatologist can help you considerably in this endeavor by identifying your skin type and recommending products ideal for your unique DNA. You could potentially save money by not wasting countless pennies here and there trying various products that may work for others, but not you.
5. Wear Sunscreen
If you haven’t started wearing sunscreen each day yet, please get into the habit. Even if you adopt the mindset of, “early humans didn’t wear protection, and they survived” keep in mind that things have changed. Climate change means humans now experience more ground-level UVA radiation than past generations.
If you eschew commercial sunscreens because of the chemicals some brands contain, you can make DIY protection. All you need is some powdered zinc oxide and a carrier base that works well for your skin type. Coconut oil works wonders for dry skin, while argan oil won’t clog acne-prone pores.
6. Nourish Your Skin
Even if you try to be careful, you will eventually suffer life’s bumps and bruises. When you do, your body will heal itself — and recovery will go more quickly if you provide it with the right building blocks for doing so.
If you don’t follow a vegan diet, try to consume more fatty fish for the omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. The omega-3’s reduce redness and inflammation from pimples, while vitamin E protects against damaging free radicals. Plant-based foods such as walnuts, sweet potatoes and red and yellow bell peppers likewise contain various antioxidants that help protect your skin cells from further damage and provide the materials they need to heal.
Protect Your Skin From Scarring, Injuries and Blemishes
Looking your best means taking care of your body’s largest organ. Protect your skin from scarring, injuries and blemishes to give it the best chance at longevity.
by Mia Barnes
Skincare has been all the rage in recent years, especially for the younger generation. Kids and teens are taking better care of their skin than ever before, and it definitely shows in the content and expertise that has emerged from millennials and gen z creators, as well as their products themselves. This means that in addition to the anti-aging methods and products already on the market, plenty of people are looking to treat aging before it even happens. This can be highly beneficial, as our skin actually begins to age as early as our 20’s.
With the rise of comprehensive sun protection and pre-aging skincare routines, there’s never been a better time to start caring for your skin so you age like fine wine! It’s never too early to get started. Here are eight tips to make sure your skin ages beautifully.
Moisturize
Yes, the proof is in the pudding. No matter how old you are and what your skin type is, you should still be moisturizing every day. In terms of anti-aging techniques, this holds true especially for those with dry and combination skin, as moisturizing can prevent wrinkles and protect the skin against damage.
Use an SPF
Many people will tell you that protecting your skin against the sun is one of the best ways to prevent rapid aging and skin damage, and those people would be right. Preventative, proactive maintenance tends to be more effective than reactive care. The sun can cause wrinkles and sun spots, and the sooner you start using an SPF, the more likely you’ll be to prevent those changes. Make sure you use a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher for the very best protection.
Take Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals, in addition to a balanced diet, can grant your skin the elasticity and resilience it needs to age slowly and gracefully. Multivitamins and collagen supplements can often do the trick, in addition to amino acids, magnesium, iron and biotin, which you can supplement at your own discretion.
Stay Hydrated
You can never go wrong with drinking enough water every day, and staying hydrated is one of the best tips for skin health and longevity. It can help provide healthy skin resilience and protection, especially if you make it a habit.
Quit Smoking
While this one can be tough for people, smoking can have detrimental effects on the skin over time. Not only can smoking cause sagging, age spots and wrinkles, but it can also impact your overall health. While quitting can certainly be hard, it’s worth it to cut back or try to quit, both for your outer beauty and your internal health.
Use a Retinol
Retinol treatments are sometimes considered to be a magical fix for all sorts of skin concerns. Essentially, retinol helps skin cells regenerate themselves and heal properly from damage. In a sense, it’s a kind of exfoliator. This helps both skin clarity and helps to prevent aging, giving you the best of both worlds. Just make sure that you use your retinol at night and keep up with your sun protection routine, as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Reduce Stress
Stress can cause the skin to age, just like other — arguably, more important — parts of the body. Too much stress can cause lines, wrinkles and other, more immediate problems like rashes, breakouts, acne scarring, bumps and other imperfections. Overall, if you’re looking to relax your skin, it can help to relax your life. While it isn’t always possible to zap all of your stress away, trying to reduce stress in little ways as much as possible can help reduce visible signs of aging.
Use a Chemical Exfoliator
We already talked about this a bit with the retinol, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Chemical exfoliators are far superior to their physical exfoliator counterparts. Not only are they gentler on the skin, but they also go deeper and help skin cell regeneration. Retinol, glycolic acid, AHA and BHA are all examples of chemical exfoliators.
Making Sure Your Skin Ages Well
Taking care of your skin has never been more popular, and for a good reason! The health of your face is a part of your overall health, and it’s never too late to start looking at longevity. Whether you’re opting for vitamins or a chemical exfoliator, you can take care of your skin and keep the wrinkles and creases away.
by 1982kontepeters
Founder & CEO of Kurvana, Mehran Moghaddam, has more than twenty years of combined experience in biotech, life sciences, and nutraceuticals, focusing on his longstanding passion for health and wellness. Mehran holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Exercise Science, as well as an MBA, from the University of California, Davis.
Mehran founded Kurvana in 2014 to address the urgent need for professional operators to bring higher quality and safety standards to the research, development, and manufacturing of cannabis and hemp product. Under Mehran’s leadership, Kurvana has established its reputation as a pioneer in the vape space.
Furthermore, Mehran is an advocate in the broader cannabis community. He is an active member on the Advisory Board for the University of California, Irvine’s Center for the Study of Cannabis, which is one of the first multi-disciplinary centers for Cannabis studies. He also maintains active memberships with the National Cannabis Industry Association, the California Cannabis Industry Association, the American Chemical Society, and the American Society for Testing and Materials.
- We love featuring brands here in SoCal. Can you share what makes Kurvana special with our readers?
Kurvana is the nation’s leading premium vape pen and cannabis lifestyle brand. Our focus is to deliver a high-end, quality product to cannabis consumers. We are the leader in high-potency, pure cannabis, and at Kurvana, we define quality as everyone’s responsibility in order to deliver the most natural and safe products that exceed regulatory standards and consumer expectations.
2. Why did you get involved in the cannabis industry?
I have been involved in the industry for over 15 years. I founded Kurvana in 2014.
When I got started in the industry, I realized that it had an urgent need for professional biotech operators to bring higher quality safety standards to the research, development, and manufacturing of medical cannabis, so I decided to make my own brand.
I made it my mission to bring transparency, accountability, and professionalism to the cannabis industry.
3. What is your background?
I come from a background in science and business. I have a B.S. in Biochemistry and Exercise Science as well as an MBA. My passions have always been health, wellness, and science, and I love combining them in the work I do with Kurvana.
4. What kind of products does Kurvana offer?
We remain authentic to being known as a premium vape brand. We currently offer four distinct THC and cannabinoid vape lines, a tincture line, and an assortment of custom vape batteries and hardware.
ASCND is our high-cannabinoid, full-spectrum, single-origin extract line and is available in 16 different strains. These strains are available in half-gram cartridges, full-gram cartridges, and our brand-new All-in-One ready to use devices.
We just launched our terpene and cannaflavin rich Originals line, which includes 7 classic OG strains. These are available in half-gram cartridges, full-gram cartridges, and All-in-One ready to use devices.
Kurvana also has revamped our CBD vape collection, which includes 3 strains with natural botanical ingredients paired with various cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG for the ultimate wellness and therapeutic benefits. These are currently available in our All-in-One ready to use devices; our 510 cartridges will be launched this summer.
Carbon21 is Kurvana’s pinnacle vape line and has carefully curated raw concentrates in our latest vape hardware. We currently offer these small batch creations in 3 strains, available in half-gram cartridges, full-gram cartridges and our All-in-One ready to use devices.
Our Botanicals Tinctures Collection features 4 unique tinctures, utilizing 100% full-spectrum cannabis oils pairing key nootropics, adaptogens, and cannabinoids. Each tincture has specific wellness benefits and may be applied topically or ingested.
To go with our premium vape cartridges, Kurvana also carries custom button and buttonless batteries in a variety of beautiful metallic and soft-touch finishes.
5. What are the benefits of CBD?
Through the vast endocannabinoid system, CBD has many different benefits to suit a variety of consumer needs. It can be used to help with sleep, reduces pain and inflammation, alleviates anxiety, elevates mood and energy levels, and may even help with appetite stimulation. It has also been found to support the body’s immunity and natural defenses. The way I see it, there’s really something for everyone to be found in CBD.
6. Why did you choose to start your brand in Los Angeles?
I started the brand in Orange County where a lot of great original brands started. The area has a lot of cannabis startups and emerging brands so it is an inspirational area to be in as an entrepreneur. Overall, California was the natural choice since it has the best quality of cannabis in the world.
7. Are your products available in other states?
Our THC products may be purchased through licensed retail stores in California, but we do sell our hemp (non-THC products) online to markets that allow it. Those can be purchased at KurvanaCBD.com, as well as select retailers throughout the country. Those locations can also be found on our website.
8. What about SoCal inspires you be it landmarks, food, music etc.?
I think SoCal has an energy about it that’s unlike any other place that I’ve ever been. Especially in the cannabis industry, it’s really become a space of open-mindedness and innovation, and arguably some of the worlds best cannabis. I’m definitely inspired by the creativity I have experienced here as well as the comradery I have found with other leaders in the industry here. It’s an amazing community, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.
9. Anything else you want our readers to know about your plans for Kurvana in SoCal? What’s next?
Kurvana is always at the forefront of innovation, and we are constantly striving to find the next best thing for cannabis, hemp, and other natural products. We are currently working on expanding our vape line using the latest in technology, genetics, and the introduction of novel ingredients spanning from mushrooms and adaptogens to many other medicinal plant ingredients.
Find Kurvana and Mehran Moghaddam online:
https://kurvana.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kurvana_official/
https://www.instagram.com/mehraninc/
About Kurvana:
Kurvana is the nation’s leading premium vape pen and cannabis lifestyle brand. Kurvana continually transforms the industry with innovative, high quality products.
Founded in 2014 by Mehran Moghaddam, who has over twenty years of combined experience in biotech, life sciences, and nutraceuticals, focusing on health and wellness. Under Mehran’s leadership, Kurvana has established its reputation as a pioneer in the vape space. Mehran is the rare executive in the cannabis space who has a background in business as well as biochemistry, making him an expert on the science behind the cannabis plant and a thought leader in the industry.
