All posts by Sassy

How can I take better care of my scalp?

September 27, 2023 Sassy Leave a comment

When you are experiencing scalp conditions, such as scabs on scalp, knowing how to provide the right treatment for scalp issues is essential. These scabs on the scalp can be uncomfortable and concerning, but there are effective ways to address them and maintain a healthy scalp.

Treatment for Scalp Issues

To effectively combat conditions on the scalp you can use a treatment for scalp that helps to combat hair shedding and baldness. Conditions such as dandruff, flakes, redness, dryness, inflammation, and irritation can be treated and eased by using the right products. Exfoliating and massaging regularly to remove build-up and impurities improve your blood circulation on the scalp.

A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and hydration also supports the health of your scalp. Adequate water intake and nutritious foods nourish your scalp from the inside out, promoting optimal hair growth and scalp condition.

Balanced Diet and Hydration

In addition to treatments, your diet plays a significant role in maintaining scalp health. A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and hydration supports your scalp from the inside out. Adequate water intake and nutritious foods nourish your scalp, promoting optimal hair growth and scalp condition.

Managing Stress and Behaviour

High-stress levels can contribute to itching and flaking on the scalp. Engaging in stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, can alleviate stress-related symptoms and improve scalp health.

It’s important to acknowledge that stress can lead to scratching your scalp, which can worsen conditions, particularly if you have scabs or irritation. Resisting the urge to scratch is crucial. Instead, use a healthy scalp treatment to effectively combat the itchy feeling and support a healthy scalp.

In conclusion, taking better care of your scalp involves a holistic approach that includes the right treatments, a balanced diet, stress management, and avoiding behaviors like scratching that can exacerbate scalp issues. By following these steps, you can maintain a healthy scalp and address conditions like scabs effectively.

Fashion

Iconic Designer Pieces Every “Old Money” Fashionista Owns

September 25, 2023 Sassy Leave a comment

Just as creatives rebelled from 1950s consumerism with the rise of pop art, the Sheinification of everything we buy in recent years was always meant to usher in the era of “old money”, “quiet luxury”, and other names for wearing mostly beige. In all seriousness, the “old money” aesthetic has dominated TikTok as a natural consequence of our desperation for true quality – while neon green Y2K straps dominate the set of “The Idol” and our prescription bags rip through the tissue-thin paper bag we just paid $0.50 for in the CVS parking lot, it’s comforting to imagine feeling actual care was taken in producing the goods we use.

With that in mind, there are some pieces that truly never go out of style, and the institutionally wealthy ensure these timeless designer pieces are in their repertoire. So get your Blair Waldorf on and complete your capsule wardrobe with the collection below to know you’ve really made it:

Cartier Tank

The Cartier Tank is probably the most well known designer watch, and like T. Swift, it’s been through eras. While there are more prolific choices for men today, in Hollywood history men and women both sported Tanks with abandon, including Rudolph Valentino, Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, and Warren Beatty. Cary Grant even sported a Tank in the classic North by Northwest. The ladies aren’t left out: Greta Garbo, Talulah Bankhead, Michelle Obama, and Princess Diana all adored their tanks. The decidedly new-money Kim Kardashian even bought a 1962 Cartier Tank owned by Jackie Kennedy Onassis at auction in 2021 for ~$380,000.

Tanks come in a variety of styles: the original Tank Louis Cartier (pictured), Must de Cartier Tank, Tank Francaise and Tank Americaine top the list.

Burberry Trench Coat

This list wouldn’t be complete without the Burberry trench – it fits perfectly because, while an exposed swatch of Nova Check is certainly iconic, it’s not drowning in logo print and at a distance, you might even mistake it for a midrange trench. But the quality is what makes the additional investment worth it. British soldiers eponymously wore the coats in World War I, and with 180 painstaking stitches in the collar alone, their craftmanship is beyond compare.

Styles include the midlength Chelsea, Kensington, full-length Sandringham, and more – and every celeb from Billie Eilish to Sophia Loren to Scarlett Johansson has been seen in one. Like the Tank, these coats have unisex appeal, and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca helped put trenches on the map for men and women both. Get yours and layer in style.

Hermes Kelly bag

I can hear my fellow fashion victims howl, “the Kelly? But what about the Birkin?” A Birkin is certainly an iconic bag, but remember that we’re talking about old money. Sure, they own a Birkin or two – but everything else being equal, old money folks will pick the “quieter” form of luxury in the Kelly bag, which, while similarly priced and emblematic of fashion itself, doesn’t scream as loudly as the amply sized Birkin. The Kelly may have more vintage fame – the Birkin’s notoriety is quite literally newer.

How did we come to know the Kelly? Well, the Princess of Monaco herself Grace Kelly was photographed holding the demure bag in front of her belly to hide a budding pregnancy.

Kate Hudson eyeing her newly acquired Hermes Kelly bag in *Le Divorce*

There are many styles of Kelly today – the Kelly Depeches and the Kelly Picnic are two prominent ones – but remember here that your goal is classic, timeless, archetypal – embodying all that we wish ourselves and our fashion to be. For me, that does not include wicker.

One of my favorite Kelly moments in pop culture history came in Le Divorce, a film where the bag herself plays a pivotal role. Check it out!

Health & Fitness

Severe OCD: What Are Your Treatment Options?

September 25, 2023 Sassy Leave a comment

Many people struggle with a condition known as obsessive-compulsive disorder. They have thoughts that they are unable to control and engage in repetitive behaviors. The thoughts are persistent and intrusive, which leads the person to engage in repetitive behaviors. These behaviors work to reduce the person’s anxiety that is brought on by their thoughts.

Slightly more than two percent of American adults have OCD today, and as many as half of these adults find it has a significant negative impact on their lives. Their daily functioning is disrupted as a result of their thoughts and behaviors. Fortunately, OCD in adults is treatable.

The Severity of OCD

Men and women are both at risk of OCD. Some people develop it when they are very young, during the preschool years. Other people aren’t affected until late in life. However, the symptoms tend to be worse in those who are nine to 11 years of age and those who are 20 to 23 years of age. As many as half of OCD sufferers are diagnosed when they are juveniles. Less than one in ten is diagnosed after they turn 40.

Individuals who are diagnosed early in life have better outcomes. In fact, many have a spontaneous remission. For those who are first affected during adolescence or the later years, the symptoms tend to be more persistent.

Risk Factors

Genetics may play a role in the development of OCD, and researchers have determined the brains of those with OCD differ from the brains of those without this disorder. The neural circuit that connects the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex in the brain is overactive in those with OCD. Life experiences and certain personality traits might also play a role in who is diagnosed with this disorder. Many people with OCD also have co-occurring disorders.

Treating Severe OCD

Individuals struggling with OCD need prolonged treatment for the best outcomes. Medications are often used to treat this disorder. The doctor might prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Prozac or Paxil. Serotonin-Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, like Cymbalta, are an option, or the doctor might recommend tricyclic antidepressants. All medications used for treating OCD target serotonin.

Patients struggling with OCD may also take part in psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one option that is commonly used. It focuses on exposing the individual to known triggers and helping to resist the urge to respond to these triggers.

Anxiety management may also be used. This is a fairly new treatment option that is showing good results so far. The focus of this therapy is to help the person respond differently to intrusive thoughts rather than trying to reduce these thoughts.

When Should a Doctor Be Seen?

Any person who finds their intrusive thoughts and behaviors are interfering with daily life should make an appointment with their doctor. If the thoughts and behaviors are causing the person distress or take an hour or more each day, an immediate appointment is needed. The same holds if the individual is having suicidal thoughts.

OCD is a treatable condition. Doctors may use medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two when helping a person. For those with severe symptoms, intensive treatment options should be explored. This might include time spent in a mental health facility. With the right care, a person can overcome their OCD and live a higher quality of life. Make an appointment with a doctor today to begin receiving this help.

Health & Fitness

Skincare How-Tos

Peptides – The Secret Skin Stars You Never Knew About

September 21, 2023 Sassy Leave a comment

woman touching face skincare washing shower peptides

Some of you might have heard about peptides, the rising stars in the world of skincare. But do you know the full story? “Peptides play a key role in skin health and appearance,” says Dr.Sandra Fields, an esteemed dermatologist, and skincare expert. “They can help promote collagen production as well as reduce wrinkles and address specific skincare concerns.” No wonder experts in the field call it a game-changer.

In the peptide family, there are some awesome types that most people don’t even know about. For instance, ‘Neuropeptides’ have this ability to relax facial muscles, reducing those annoying fine lines and wrinkles. In essence, it’s like natural Botox – some might say.

Skincare + Peptides = The Dream Team

Isn’t it so fun – and convenient – when your things are custom-made for you? And now with peptide skincare, that’s totally doable. Imagine a skin serum mixed with peptides that are specially picked to sort out your skin’s texture and moisture. Some companies even offer a skin quiz to evaluate your needs and help decide which peptide blend is perfect for you, based on a bunch of factors like your skin concerns and even your genes. Pretty impressive, right?

Peptides – Doing More Than Just Good Looks

Here’s some more amazing news: it doesn’t just stop at skincare. Peptides can actually be heroes for targeted treatments for different skin issues; Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 for instance, is showing some amazing results in reducing redness from rosacea – which can be especially challenging during extreme cold or humidity in the summer for those with sensitive skin.

Do Good, Feel Good – The Ethical Side of Peptides

Even though peptides do amazing things for our skin, it’s super important to think about how we’re getting these benefits. Topics like sourcing these ingredients sustainably, not testing products on animals, and being open about where our products come from cannot be skipped. Because, at the end of the day, we want our skin to look fantastic, but not at the expense of our planet, right?

Peptides – What’s To Come?

Here’s the kicker: we’re only just starting to figure out all the cool stuff peptides can do for our skin. With all the studies and progress being made, we could soon find new types of peptides and design ground-breaking combinations, taking our skincare game to a whole new level!

Science Matters – Especially In Skincare

When we say we’re ‘letting science do the talking’, it means that it’s research and clinical studies that got our backs. They prove how effective and safe peptide-based products are and remind us all why evidence-based skincare choices are the smartest ones. Because truly, our skin deserves nothing less than awesome.

So, there you go – a quick rundown on the exciting world of peptides. And remember, just like we love our playlists handpicked, the same goes for our skincare.

Health & Fitness, Skincare How-Tos

Diet and Rosacea: Exploring the Link Between Food Choices and Skin Health

September 20, 2023 Sassy Leave a comment

Today, we’re gonna chat about something so many of us have had sneaky run-ins with: the food we eat and how it might be chatting with our skin – specifically, rosacea. You know, those annoying red flashes, those tiny yet noticeable blood vessels, and those not-so-cute bumps? If you’ve had them, you’re nodding. They can really poke at our self-esteem, right? But, guess what? There’s a whisper in the wind that says our diet might just have a say in taming this skin mischief.

So, grab a comfy seat, maybe a cup of herbal tea (you’ll get why in a minute), and let’s dive deep into the world where food meets face. Needless to say, food helps, but you need to read up on how to treat Rosacea if you’re suffering.

Rosacea 101

Before we start talking food, let’s get clear on what we’re dealing with. Rosacea isn’t just a fancy word; it’s a long-haul skin buddy that mostly likes to hang out on our faces. Here’s its signature style:

Flushing: That quick face turn red, not the cute blush-kind.
Steady Redness: A forever red look, mainly loving the nose and cheeks.
Blood Vessels: Tiny ones popping up to say hello.
Bumps Alert: Think acne’s distant cousin.
Eye Drama: Some of us also get the added bonus of dry, irritated peepers.

Alright, with that out of the way, let’s see how our food choices might be stirring this pot.

The Food-Skin Chit Chat

While the rosacea fairy hasn’t told us exactly why she visits, there are some hints around town. Along with some gene-talk and our surrounding environment, what’s on our plate is catching some attention. Here’s the scoop:

Foodie Triggers: Some rosacea buddies have found that certain munchies can ruffle their skin feathers. It’s personal, but the usual suspects are spicy treats, a little too much booze, and those steaming mugs of coffee or tea.

The Inflammation Buzz: Inflammation is possibly a big player here. So, foods that either calm or fuel this fire can affect rosacea.

The Gut-Brain-Skin Trio: Yep, it’s a thing. Our tummy health can chit-chat with our brain, which then whispers to our skin. So, happy gut vibes might keep rosacea quieter.

Vitamins & Minerals Spotlight: Sometimes, those with rosacea might be missing out on some essential nutrients. Like, a lack of sunshine vitamin (vitamin D) could make rosacea a bit more rowdy.

Let’s dive into some foodie do’s and don’ts for our skin’s peace treaty.

Eat This, Not That for Rosacea

Yay Foods:

Soothe with Omega-3: Fish friends like salmon and mackerel are omega-3 rockstars. These fats are like skin’s besties.
Go Green: Think spinach and kale. Their antioxidant game is strong.
Golden Magic: Turmeric. This yellow wonder has an anti-inflammation hero called curcumin.
Berry Blast: Berries, with their antioxidant prowess, can be your skin’s sweet treat.
Tea Swap: Try trading coffee for green tea. It’s packed with goodies and is kinder to the skin.

Nay Foods:

Hot & Spicy: Love the burn? Maybe dial it down. Watch how your skin feels.
Boozy Nights: Alcohol can be party poopers for the skin, especially wines and liquors. Balance it out and hydrate.
Cool Your Cups: That super-hot coffee? Maybe let it chill a bit.
Skip The Junk: Less of those sugary and ultra-processed foods. They’re not the best pals for inflammation.

Gut Love:

Probiotic Party: Say yes to yogurt, kefir, and kimchi. They’re like a spa day for your gut.
Fiber Fun: Whole grains and beans are your gut’s play buddies.
Feed the Goodies: Foods like garlic and onions feed the friendly gut bugs.

Nutrient Love:

Sun & Vitamin D: Sunbathe responsibly and munch on vitamin D rich foods.
Vitamin C Coolness: Oranges and peppers are your go-to.
Zinc Zone: Think lean meats and nuts.
Selenium Stars: Brazil nuts are your best bet here.
Hydration Hug: Water is skin’s love language. 8 glasses (around 2 liters) should be your aim.

Stress Less: Not food, but big for skin. Meditate, breathe, do some yoga. Skin loves calm vibes.

A Day in the Food-Life for Rosacea

Morning: How about oatmeal with berries and a sprinkle of chia? Sip some green tea.

Noon: A salmon salad with turmeric dressing sounds yum, right? Side it with some kimchi.

Snack: Almonds or walnuts can be crunchy delights.

Evening: Think chicken, quinoa, and spinach sautéed with a hint of garlic.

Stay Hydrated: Drink up! Maybe some chamomile tea before bed?

Night Vibes: Relax. Maybe a warm soak or a touch of meditation to send the stress away.

But hey, everyone’s different. Track what you eat and see how your skin vibes with it. Your rosacea journey is unique to you.

To Wrap It Up

Rosacea can be like that ex who doesn’t get the hint. But, with some food wisdom and self-care, you might just find a peaceful middle ground. Remember, every skin story is unique. Be kind, experiment, and always have a chat with a skin doc for tailor-made advice.

Embrace the good food, watch the triggers, hug your gut, and hydrate. And, when life gets stormy, find your zen. Because a peaceful mind often chats with a peaceful skin. Here’s to a glowing you, inside and out! Cheers! 🥂

Sassy Dove