ML Interest Tag: acne

Can Teen Acne Translate into Later Success? Here’s What Science Says

by Erica Loop

Recent research may have found the upside of adolescent acne. As it turns out, the perpetual pimples of the teen years may lead to increased GPA, better grades in some high school subjects, a higher likelihood of completing a college degree and increased eventual earnings as an adult.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Human Capital, used data from thousands of now-adults participating in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The participants, who were in junior and senior high school during the 1994-95 school year were followed for decades, into their 20s and 30s.

photo: Luis Quintero via Pexels

Along with questions about grades and social life, the then-teen participants were also surveyed about their self-esteem and skin. Years later researchers asked the teens-turned-adults about college attainment and career earnings.

After reviewing the data the researchers found an association between having acne as a teen and doing better in school—specifically, English, history, math and science. The acne-prone participants were also more likely to go to college and, for the females, were more likely to outearn peers.

While there’s no clear explanation between the acne-grades or acne-earnings associations, the researchers believe the acne-prone teens may have spent less time socializing and more time studying—leading to long-term benefits. But not all experts agree with this assessment.

Child and family psychologist, Jennifer Harstein, told TODAY, “It doesn’t mean that they don’t have friends or aren’t social, it just may mean that when they have a flare-up, they tend to isolate more.” Harstein also added, “Not all people with acne have the same kinds of self-consciousness about it. Many can recognize that this is a part of development and a result of hormones shifting.”

Whatever the reason is for the acne-success connection, this study goes to show teens really can triumph over adversity!

—Erica Loop

 

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The Male Birth Control Pill Is Officially One Step Closer to Reality

by Shahrzad Warkentin

The world is now one step closer to gaining a male birth control pill. A potential male oral contraceptive has just passed human safety tests.

The study, conducted at LA BioMed and the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, included 40 healthy men, 10 of whom received a placebo pill while 30 men received the drug called 11-beta-methyl-19-nortestosterone dodecylcarbonate, or 11-beta-MNTDC for 28 days.

photo: Ake via Rawpixel

The drug is a modified testosterone that has the combined actions of a male hormone (androgen) and a progesterone. Among the men receiving 11-beta-MNTDC, the average circulating testosterone level dropped as low as in androgen deficiency. According to the study, the participants did not experience any severe side effects. About four to six men experienced mild side effects, including fatigue, acne or headache. No participants had to stop taking the pill due to side effects and they all passed safety tests.

“Our results suggest that this pill, which combines two hormonal activities in one, will decrease sperm production while preserving libido,” the study’s co-senior investigator, Christina Wang said. Before you get too excited, more testing and studies are still needed to determine the drug’s effectiveness in the long-term. “Safe, reversible hormonal male contraception should be available in about 10 years,” Wang predicted.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Is Your Baby Girl Turning 18? Here are 4 Gift Ideas She’ll Love

By Suzanne Winchester

Mark Twain wrote that life would be infinitely happier if we could be born at age 80 and gradually approach age 18. Not only is the age the markings of early adulthood with new freedoms at one’s doorstep, age 18 is considered by many to be the greatest year of life. If your daughter is about to reach that legal age where she can vote, serve in the military, and ultimately fly the coop to carve out her own life’s path,  giving her a memorable gift to commemorate her entry into adulthood is not only appropriate but would also be met with love. Here are four memorable gift ideas that have age 18 written all over them!

1- A New Car Fit for a New Adult

Unless you are a legacy family with millions in the bank, shopping around for a car that is perfect for 18-year-old women would, in turn, present the perfect gift. You will want to get something that gets good gas mileage since she is just starting out on her own and the ability to save money on gas will be a lifesaver. You will also want to get a vehicle packed with tons of technology for syncing various devices. Life st‌yle should also be considered; does she often engage in sports or activities that require a large trunk or is she about to get engaged and have a family in a  few years? Or is she happily single and loves going out at night with her friends? Choosing a stylish car is a no-brainer, but lifest‌yle can warrant an SUV versus a small city car for easing into tiny parking spaces in the heart of the city.

2- Boutique Quality Skincare Gift Basket

No teenager is a stranger to acne creams and facial serums from your run-of-the-mill drug store shelf, but when we reach 18 our skin already starts to undergo changes that eventually lead to lines, roughness, and potential underlying pigmentation issues that could surface later in life. There are a variety of boutique luxury skin care products designed to treat acne, moisturize the skin, and help prevent facial lines that are ideal for 18 year-olds. Give the gift of beauty and she will love you for it!

3- A New Wardrobe to Define a New Her

At 18 many of us either start looking for a job or we go to college. High school is now a thing of the past and a new life chapter is about to open for your daughter. Consider taking her shopping for a new wardrobe that brings out her refined and adult side. If she is entering the job market she will need professional attire and business casual dress. If she is going to college she will need a little bit of everything from formal wear to beach duds for Spring Break. Just let her know that the idea is to get something fun and fashionable that makes a statement about who she is, and where she is headed.

4- Introduce Her to a New Hobby

When your daughter was in her early and mid-teenage years, did she ever make ongoing remarks expressing the desire to “try that”? Did she see nature documentaries on underwater life and express the desire to get scuba certified, or watch the French Open every year and voice an interest in taking tennis lessons? Why not pay for a certification, license, or a series of classes to help transition the “curious girl” into the life of the active young adult who is “doing it”? 18 is an adventure in of itself, so give her an egress to a new exciting experience founded on past roots.

Suzanne Winchester
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Suzanne is an independent health care industry analyst & speaker and entrepreneur.  She has two little cute children.She has successfully completed many health care events and in-demand as a speaker. Having hands-on experience in health, she has an answer to all your health related queries. She loves to share her thoughts by writing article and discussion with people. She is contributor on Esprittoday.

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These Moms Tried Clarisonic For A Week And Here’s What Happened

by Erin Lem
Partner Content

This holiday season make self-care a priority and treat yourself (after all, you’ve earned it). Clarisonic knows that busy parents don’t always have the time for a spa day so they’ve made indulging in “me” time easier than ever with their easy-to-use, skin cleansing devices.

We asked 9 moms and 1 dad to try Clarisonic for a week and share their feedback. Read on to hear why savvy parents around the web love Clarisonic.

Exclusive offer for Red Tricycle parents: Save 20% on a Clarisonic device when you use REDTRICYCLE promo code at checkout (expires 12-17-2016 and not combinable with any other offer).

 

1. Brightened, Smoother Skin
Fitness and lifestyle blogger, Joanne Encarnacion tells us that Clarisonic has made her skin feel brighter, smoother and more moisturized. She’s even including Clarisonic in her holiday gift guide this year.

 

 

2. Good Skin While Traveling
For moms on-the-go, the last thing you want is a bulky device in your travel or diaper bag. Clarisonic’s small size (it fits in the palm of your hand) makes it the ideal travel companion. Jenny of Jenny on the Spot divulges that, “The Mia Fit is such a compact little thing! I do my fair share of traveling, and this little gal is an ideal travel companion. In my experience, if there is EVER a time one needs to get one’s face good and clean – it’s when traveling.” Hear more about her Clarisonic experience here.

 

 

3. Gentle Enough to Use More Than Once a Day
Clarisonic fun fact: the device gently removes makeup 6x better than hands. But, according to Amelia Jones (and moms everywhere), it’s gentle enough to use twice a day. This means that no matter your daily schedule, it’s easy to fit in a few minutes of indulgence multiple times a day.

 

 

4. Great for All Skin Types and Ages
It’s not every day that we come across a product that works for teenagers with acne-prone skin to grandmothers who are looking to brighten and clean. It’s this versatility of Clarisonic that the blog 5 Minutes for Mom cited noteworthy. They told us, “I’ve struggled with oily, acne prone skin ever since I was a teenager. But to add to that, my skin is also super sensitive and in the past few years I’ve had patches of eczema. So I have to use mild cleansers and light lotions. The Mia FIT has been gentle enough to not upset my skin or trigger eczema while at the same time it deeply cleanses.” Read more about 5 Minutes for Mom’s experience here.

 

 

5. A Gentle Deep Cleanse=Win!
In any given day you’re chasing your kids through sand boxes at the playground, chauffeuring your clan around and cheering on your mini-athletes from the sidelines. Clearly, when bedtime hits you’re in need of a deep facial cleanse. Northwestmommy reveals that her Clarisonic device, “helps me take all the dirt of my face after hours spent outdoors with my animals.” Read more about her experience below.

 

 

 

 

6. You’ll Need Less Makeup
Sure, Clarisonic is pro at removing makeup, but did you know daily use might just minimize the amount of makeup you actually put on? Emily of New Orleans Mom Blog states, “I’ve now been using the brush for a little over a week, and I’m already starting to see a difference in the appearance of my skin. I’m using less makeup because my skin tone is more even, and my face is starting to look more radiant. I’m definitely going to add the Clarisonic to my arsenal of beauty products.” Read more about Emily’s experience here.

 

 

7. Got Marker Face?
Doodles on your face stand no chance with Clarisonic. Babysideburns tells us, “Note to self, do not fall asleep on the couch ever again when the kids are doing arts and crafts. I am soooo lucky that my new Mia FIT from Clarisonic arrived just in time because the green marker wasn’t coming off at all until I used it. It is AWESOME. It’s super gentle, but somehow it still cleans way better than just my hands and my skin feels great after.” We’re taking her word for it.

 

 

8. Better Absorption of Skin Products
Mom of three, Lindsey Bonnice shares, “I have always suffered from severe dry skin. Through the years I’ve tried many different kinds of cleansers, lotions and more but nothing ever really helped and since I also have sensitive skin some things even irritated it more. I recently began using the @Clarisonic Mia FIT every day and have noticed a huge change in my skin already! It’s so soft now and makes applying my foundation look so much smoother and even looking which I love!” In fact, 86% of women noticed better absorption of their skincare products, according to Clarisonic.

 

 

9. Dad, You Can Benefit, Too!
Clearly, moms love Clarisonic, but did you know it’s great for men, too? Gena at Ginger Casa tried it out on her husband. She reveals, “It works great for guys that shave (fewer nicks, bumps and irritation) and for cleansing skin under facial hair. The Clarisonic device even works on bearded skin and never twists or pulls because the head moves back and forth instead of spinning.” She continues, “Hubby has been using the Clarisonic Alpha Fit for a week now, and he is so thrilled with the results. He has told me thank you on multiple occasions because he is so happy to have found something that WORKS for his skin! The results are just astounding and I know his skin will continue to improve.” Read more about Gena and her husband’s experience here.

 

 

 

10. Remember, Your Skin Deserves Some Love, Too
According to Shelley Hopper, adults carry nearly 8 pounds and 22-square-feet of skin. Good news: Clarisonic makes it easy to take care of it all! After all, as Shelly reminds us, Healthy happy skin means a healthy happy YOU.

 

Save 20% on a Clarisonic device through the exclusive Red Tricycle offer when you use REDTRICYCLE promo code at checkout (expires 12-17-2016 and not combinable with any other offer).

 

Have you tried Clarisonic? How do you treat yourself? Leave us a comment below!

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10 Embarrassing Pregnancy Problems — Solved!

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. But we’d be the biggest liars on the planet if we said that bearing a child for nine months doesn’t come with its fair share of aches, pains and not-so-pretty moments (hello, heartburn and zits … at the same time). Read on for some genius (and fast!) fixes to your most embarrassing pregnancy woes.

#1 Mood swings.
If biting someone’s head off feels like the right thing to do, a chill pill may be in order. And since a huge glass of red is out of the question, turn to tea to put your attitude in its place. Birds & Bees Peaceful Pregnancy Tea is made with Raspberry Leaf, Nettle Leaf, Alfalfa Leaf, Rosehips, rose petals, Hawthorne Berry and orange peel — a combo that instantly imparts a sense of peace and calm. Bonus: You can sip a cup a day.

#2 “The Waddle.”
Nip the postpartum duck walk in the bud with Mama Strut‘s Pelv-Ice, a comfy biker shorts/girdle get-up that comes with pockets for ice packs or heating pads and adjustable Velcro for a super secure fit that helps brand new moms walk with less pain in the groin and tummy area.

#3 Mask of pregnancy.
Sprouting spots? Disguise melasma — the official term for dark spots and patches that pop up during pregnancy — with full coverage cover-up (like Illuminare) during pregnancy. Simply apply it where you need it, blend out the edges completely and continue with your regular makeup routine.

#4 Swollen schnoz.
Pregnancy can cause the vessels in your nose to swell, giving your sniffer a larger-than-life look. Until it shrinks back to its original size, you can fake a slimmer nose with contouring. Using a cream or powder concealer three to four shades darker than your natural skin color, draw two straight parallel lines down the sides of your nose (the closer they are the thinner your nose will look). Next, use your finger or a brush to blend the lines until they look like a shadow. Voilà!

#5 Itchy boobies.
Bellies aren’t the only thing that gets bigger with pregnancy. Breasts grow too, and as the grow they itch. It’s never to early to start using Lansinoh Lanolin (what breastfeeding mamas use for chaffing) to relieve the itch. Or, slather on moisturizer infused with cocoa butter or Vitamin E like Palmer’s Coca Butter Formula.

#6 Heartburn + man burps.
Popping Tums like it’s going out of style? Try taming a fiery chest with an apple (or banana) a day — they both act as a buffer for acid reflux.

#7 Another headache.
For some women, first trimester headaches are as common as chocolate-dipped pickle cravings. Whether you blame it on the hormonal free-for-all or the increased blood and circulation, the bottom line is that pregnancy headaches are annoying. One easy self massage technique: Place the pads of your thumbs under your brow bone, facing upwards. Press and hold for 10 seconds and wait for the migraine to melt away.

#8 Pregancy brain.
It’s not a myth. According to a 2010 study, during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, women perform significantly worse on spatial memory tests than men. One proven way to boost memory is to turn random words into images. Say, you leave your cell phone on the kitchen table; imagine your phone eating all the food on the table. Later, when you’re wondering where your cell went, you’ll have an image stamped into your brain.

#9 Acne like a teenager.
The rush of hormones is to blame for all of those extra blemishes. Experts warn against using acne products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Instead regularly slather on a pore-clearing clay mask, let it dry a little and rinse it off. The clay draws out dirt and oil from pores so you have few breakouts in the long run. One to try: Freeman Feeling Beautiful Avocado and Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask.

#10 An overzealous bladder.
Darting to the potty every half hour may feel like a workout in itself. To slow the stream, so to speak, try another kind of exercise. Kegels are one of the most effective ways to strengthen pelvic muscles and control the need to pee. Start by pretending you are trying to stop the flow of urine by pulling in and squeezing those muscles. Hold the squeeze for 10 seconds and then release for 10 seconds. Do the kegel 10 times for three sets.

Did we forget any embarrassing pregnancy situations? Tell us about it in the Comments section below. 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Photos courtesy of Illuminare via Facebook, Stephanie Lange, Birds & Bees via Facebook, Mama Strut via Facebook,  Palmer’s via Facebook, Gummy Piglet via Flickr, eilidh_wag via Flickr, Pierre Pattipeilohy via Flickr

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