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Throughout my life I’ve battled with my weight, and have gone through periods of being extremely underweight, and only occasional spells where my size has either been just right, or just a little too heavy. For many people, I guess they wouldn’t particularly see being underweight as a problem, but it really can be. In fact, in some instances it can feel worse. You do feel tired, get burned out easier and even if you know you’re eating right and still not gaining anything, it feels very disheartening.

For me, me issues with weight stem from a lifelong battle with anxiety, depression and being diagnosed with Autism three years ago. There are times when I simply can’t eat, no matter how hard I try, or find that food is just too much to bear, from a sensory perspective as much as anything else. When I do eat, I eat right, and I’ll be honest I did have a fair amount of trepidation on receiving my Chocolate Less Naked Mass powder to try.

Shipping & Arrival

I honestly (and probably rather naively) thought the powder would be in a small jar, and that I’d simply have to mix a very small amount with water or milk, and just take it that way. The jar that arrived was three kilos in weight and the postman and I had a bit of a laugh as he had to help me get it into the house. (I’m small and quite strong, despite my weight, but it was still quite heavy!)

However, once I opened the box and read the instructions and what was actually in the jar, I felt quite reassured what I would be taking was going to actually be good for me, rather than some supplements/protein powders that you take, that are loaded with sugars and other fillers. The company take a pride in really knowing their food, and it’s clear they’ve taken great care to properly source the best ingredients and package them thoughtfully.

Cons

• Jar is HEAVY!
• If you’re not on a heavy training regimen four scoops of the powder is way too much, unless you are severely undernourished (which I’m not, even though I am underweight).

Overall, I would score this as 4.5/5.

My experience

So I guess the first thing that scared me was the amount the company suggest you take. The jar comes with a scoop and they suggest four of these mixed with milk in a blender. I’ll be absolutely honest and say that there was no way I could manage four scoops and having also read a few other reviews of the product from other customers, some of them had said the same thing too.

I am looking to gain weight, but not huge amounts. So, I did start off with a quarter dose of powder to see how that worked for me. It’s worth noting that even a quarter dose is still 340 calories, which is the equivalent of adding in another small meal a day, so for someone like me that would work very well.

You mix the supplement in a blender with milk (you could also add water if you don’t like milk). Pulse the mixture for 45 seconds, then add in some ice, then pulse again for another minute or so. You simply drink the resulting mixture and sit and weight (pun intended).

I opted for the chocolate version and it tastes lovely – very natural and very much like ‘proper’ chocolate should taste. There is no chemical after tastes and no horrible artificial sweetener tastes either, which some weight gain drinks do have.

I was definitely right to start off on a small dose. Four scoops would have been way too much for me. I’m pretty petite (only five foot three) and generally small built, so it was wise to start off slowly and build up. I used just one scoop, once a day for a week and I think the immediate effect for me was a definite increase in energy and feeling less tired out. Autism can leave me feeling pretty low in energy levels and depleted, so while I’m never going to be athletically full of beans, the extra kick was very welcome.

Due to the natural ingredients in the powder and mixing it with milk I also found it improved my sleep. The extra calcium helps and taking it at night time (well, roughly a couple of hours before bed) meant that I slept better and woke up feeling a little more refreshed than I normally would. I wouldn’t recommend having it right before bed as you’d probably feel a bit too full up. You need to give it some chance to settle a bit!

End Results

After taking it for three weeks I have managed to gain roughly three pounds in weight. Now, I know to some that might not seem a lot – but for me it’s a pretty awesome achievement. I’ve still a fair amount of the powder left and am going to build up to taking a little more as I’ve seen an improvement. I have not used this as a meal replacement, I have still eaten my normal (healthy) meals three times daily, plus snacks and simply inserted this into my regimen as an extra. I’d keep going with it and may possibly try another flavour at some point but have been very happy with the chocolate version.

Spray tanning has been around for a long time. It was first approved by the FDA in the 1970s. What is basically known as a “spray tan” today can be traced back to the 1920s when various powders and cosmetics first came into us to mimic a real tan produced by the sun. Without a doubt, spray tanning has a decades-long reputation as being a safer alternative to baking one’s skin under the sun, or with the artificial UV rays provided by a tanning booth.

Today’s cosmetics market is saturated with a variety of different products that can be bought and used at home, for anyone wishing to gain a healthy, sun kissed glow without spending hours either working or sitting outside, or even worse, visiting a sunbed salon for an ‘indoor tan’. Any product that comes to the market and is intended for cosmetic use, has to go through a rigorous process of skin safety testing so that consumers can apply the preparation and now that a) it will work and give them the tan they desire and b) that the tan will last a long time without causing detriment even to the most sensitive of skins.

That doesn’t mean that all products are safe for everyone to use, and caution should always be advised when selecting a self tan product for everyday use. There have been scare stories in the news about the actual true safety of spray tans, and it is true that they do exist. They’re relatively minimal, but it’s important that you’re aware of them if you plan to embark on using a product like this, especially if it’s for the first time.

POTENTIAL DANGERS OF SPRAY TANS

So while spray tanning is generally safe, there are some dangers everyone should be aware of before submitting to an all-over application of skin-tanning substances. The primary ingredient in spray tan cosmetics is a form of sugar called DHA, which stands for “dihydroxyacetone.”. This substance was first noted to have a positive effect on the coloration of the skin as far back as the 1920s when scientists who were developing X-Ray technology found that applying it to the skin cause it to deepen in color and go brown, without causing any real detriment to the upper or lower layers of the epidermis.

DHA is derived from sugar beets, sugar cane or the fermentation of glycerin. The primary danger in applying this substance to the body surface is the possibility of inhalation of some of the spray. Though this only applies to people who may use spray tanning booths at the salon on a regular basis. There is little chance of inhalation from the use of DHA containing products at home, if they are simply being applied with a mitt or as a body lotion, like so many of these products are.

The only real major negative concern regarding spray tans is the possibility that they may cause issues with premature skin ageing if not used in conjunction with a good quality body moisturizer before and after application.

DHA can have a potentially very drying effect on the skin if used on a regular basis and if proper care isn’t taken to ensure that skin is appropriately moisturised afterwards then problems can occur. Before use of a spray or faux tan at home, exfoliate your skin properly and be sure to apply a good quality body moisturiser every day after your application. Some faux tans are now supplied in ‘gradual glow’ formulations which contain lower levels of DHA encapsulated in emollient ingredients which mean you will develop a longer lasting tan over a slower time frame, but with the added benefit of not needing to use a body moisturiser as well as a separate tanning product.

PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE

The main precautions spray tanners need to take is to make sure that DHA spray is not inhaled during application, and that no cuts or sores are present. Some experts even suggest wearing a breathing mask and eye protection during spray tan. It’s important to note that a spray tan also does not provide protection against the sun as does a proper sunscreen lotion. If you’re going out in the sun you must always apply a broad spectrum SPF no matter what the time of year and even if there is cloud cover as you can still absorb UVA and UVB rays on gloomier days.

Millions of people get spray tans every day and most don’t wear masks or eye covers, and most suffer no health or skin problems in the short or long term. After decades of experience, only a tiny amount of cases show that health problems resulted, according to the Mayo Clinic, so you can faux tan safely, whilst still being skin aware

Resources & Further Reading
https://www.aol.com/article/2015/11/19/health-101-the-hidden-dangers-of-spray-tanning/21269142/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4345932/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sunless-tanning/art-20046803
https://time.com/3896827/self-tanner-tanning-lotion/

As consumers head towards the end of the year and look to party season and beyond, the Beauty Industry are already looking forward to 2019, and the significant movers and shakers set to make a real impact during the coming twelve months. The global anti-aging market is, according to official figures, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.8 percent. These figures take into account the years between 2013 and up to 2019.

By next year, it’s expected that the total value of the anti-ageing market will be $191.7 billion (that’s in US dollars). The United States is a key market in the global skin care and cosmetics industry, generating an estimated revenue of approximately $62 billion in 2016 alone. The world of skincare, anti-aging and cosmecuticals is ever evolving and the next season looks to have a wealth of new technologies and treatment ideas at its forefront. Here, we’re going to take a look at what’s coming up for the year ahead and the top skincare trends for 2019.

2019 Skincare Trends

Experts have identified new predictions for the year ahead on the strength of existing trends and how and where the consumer market has grown in terms of cosmetics and beauty product sales over the last year. Some of these key predictions take in cutting edge science, mixed with the ever-popular nods towards ‘skin naturals’ and the organic beauty industry.

The real ‘science’ of skincare is experiencing a huge renaissance, with ever more cutting edge technology being developed and used to produce high quality, premium anti aging products for the savvy consumer. Over the next year it’s expected that the following trends will start to make waves.

Next Generation Genetic Based Skincare

Next Generation Genetics looks at what technologies are emerging, and combines these with a simple ‘back to basics’ approach which looks at human physiology. This technology will take into account the medical history of the skincare user and look at their DNA, to provide a completely bespoke solution to anti-aging. This new trend focuses sharply on the need and demand for increasingly personalized skin care solutions.

Consultations and tests will result in consumers being given a list of specially and scientifically selected skincare ingredients, which match the DNA analysis they undergo. This will be carried out using a simple cheek swab. Bespoke skincare has never looked so up close and personal before.

Additionally, scientists are making way on exciting skin related technologies such as an acne vaccine, understanding skin at the micro level and more!

Totally Inclusive Beauty and Cosmetics

Beauty and cosmetic companies are being asked to consider that a ‘one size fits all’ approach is no longer suitable. Alongside developing next generation technologies, it’s thought that some of the leading manufacturers in this field are to consider developing more male oriented products, using more male models and increasing the number of ‘genderless’ or ‘genderfluid’ products in their lines.

Natural Beauty Hacking

Natural beauty and cosmetics are still big business as consumers buy into harnessing what nature has to offer in terms of products for good skin health. The next year will continue to see skin care and beauty products take a stripped back approach, and key ingredients are likely to be oils derived from salmon and rapeseed, whilst cosmetics that are colored using naturals derived from red radish, pink sweet potato and elderberries are likely to make waves in many of the palettes, lipsticks and blushes on offer.

One other major ingredient to make waves could be willow bark. It’s becoming increasingly appealing to skin care consumers who want ‘clean’ green beauty products. Willow bark is a fatty acid derived from pressed conifer seeds, sciadonic acid and is used to treat inflammation in the skin.

This natural approach is also set to spill over into the formulas of beauty products and cosmetics with the introduction of more waterless solutions for skincare, makeup containers that are made to be refilled rather that thrown away and the use of more natural plant colors, something to keep in mind as we while we usually only think of how make up affects our skin, makeup also has an environmental impact! Manufacturers who can’t always promise to make reusable packaging will seek to remove as many toxins from their existing containers as possible. It’s envisaged they’ll switch from plastic, and use packaging constructed from glass, recycled or otherwise and from natural, plant based materials.

Boosted Active Ingredients

Skincare lines that have their own patented peptides, or other anti-ageing ingredients, will, over the course of the next year seek to introduce ‘boosted’ versions of their ranges, for consumers who want to get the most from their products for as little outlay as possible. Brands will be looking to invest more in intense actives that can target specific skincare concerns like redness, blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles.

Clean Beauty

Although there has been a definite move towards improving the quality and provenance of ingredients used in beauty products, there will be a greater move towards ‘clean’ beauty products free of ingredients like silicone, parabens and sulfates. Plant based beauty, just like plant based living is becoming more popular and bigger business and brands will be seeking to put this at the forefront of their ideology. Experts are suggesting increases in brands developing products and lines containing kale, algae and spinach, which are not only good for the body, but also for the mind too.

Resources:

https://unsplash.com/photos/jCbqcTrrAdQ
https://unsplash.com/photos/NfpkqJ9314E

It is estimated that 45% of people in the US have one or more types of acne problems, and among the most common are blackheads. Those little black spots may not be serious enough to warrant topical or oral medication, but most people are taking active measures to get rid of them as soon as possible. As a result, pore strips have become a mainstay in skincare routines around the world, and they are an essential beauty staple among adolescents and older people dealing with blackheads. However, skincare experts and enthusiasts argue that pore strips may not be as effective as they claim to be. Moreover, there is a possibility that the adhesive can be harmful to the skin. Here’s what you need to know about pore strips, and why you should think twice before using them.

They Can Be A Reactive Treatment, Not A Proactive One

Pore strips are not a preventative measure, and shouldn’t be used as a skincare product before a problem arises. When a skin condition does arise, while they do have a clear and discernable use, the times where they will be necessary is somewhat limited. Pore strips cannot prevent the appearance of blackheads, pimples, rashes, or skin conditions of any variety. They cannot prevent acne either, but they may remove the bacteria that would trigger an acne reaction.

Pore strips are most commonly used to get rid of blackheads. Blackheads form when sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt gather in pores and form a visible black plug on the skin. These black spots usually form on the nose and cheeks. Pore strips can be applied to these areas, and if left on for ten to fifteen minutes before removal, should effectively clean the pore out. This will not heal the pore though, and will not prevent dirt from clogging up the area again.

They Have Limited Practical Use

Though it can be incredibly satisfying to pull out blackheads in one go, using pore strips frequently can affect your skin’s health. While applying an adhesive to the skin can unclog your pores, it can also remove your skin’s natural oils that keeps it hydrated and healthy. It is not advisable to use pore strips more than once every three or four days. Pore strips should be viewed as a temporary solution, capable of removing dirt that will soon accumulate again without effective treatment. It is not a long-term solution to any skin condition, so if blackheads persist, you may want to consider other treatments to discourage blackheads from forming.

Keeping Blackheads At Bay

There are several ways to keep your pores clean and blackhead-free that don’t involve the use of pore strips or peel-away masks that function in the same way. A gentle scrub formulated with salicylic acid will keep your pores clean. Also, if you choose to do a manual extraction using your fingers or a comedo remover, steam your face first or apply a hot towel to your face to open up the pores. This will make extraction easier and less painful. After extraction, apply a toner with salicylic acid to soothe your skin and to disinfect your pores. Next, apply a clay mask to draw out excess oils and to tighten your pores. After 15 minutes, wash away the mask with lukewarm water, then follow with an oil-free moisturizer.

Pore strips may be useful for temporarily clearing blackheads and cleaning pores, but these products may do more harm than good in the long run. If blackheads persist or if you’re not comfortable doing your own extractions, consult a dermatologist or a licensed skin therapist to help you get rid of your blackheads and keep them from coming back.

Image Source:

https://unsplash.com/photos/Ax-yKrobeC4