October 22, 2021

My "clean" beauty favorites, your new self-breast exam buddy, more bas news about phthalates and a secret for better Botox results.

Get 20% off your "clean" beauty faves

Happy Friday, my friends—and I have news that’s sure to make your day a little better! The Detox Market’s Friends & Family Sale is on, so it’s the perfect time to stock up on your favorites or finally “clean” up your routine. Not sure where to start? Here are a few of my most recent purchases…

Detox Mode Nourishing Jelly Cleanser: Part of TDM’s in-house line, this oil-based cleanser has replaced my Shu Uemura cleansing oil forever. I massage six or so pumps into dry skin as my first cleansing step in the evening, and it easily rinses away once you add a little water.

Kosasport Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant: It took a few tries to find a natural deodorant that worked for me, and I’m currently of my third tube of this roll-on.

Captain Blankenship Mermaid Dry Shampoo: I prefer a non-aersosol dry shampoo because it lasts so much longer, and the scent of this one keeps me going back for more.

Zyderma Clarifying Cream: I don’t experience breakouts nearly as often as I used to, but when my skin acts up I reach for this lightweight cream. It uses silver to keep acne-causing bacteria in check without harsh, drying chemical-based ingredients.

To get your 20% off, use code GET20 at checkout!

When did you do your last breast self-exam?

I’ve been pushing the mammograms hard since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but it just dawned on me that I have not been stressing the importance of monthly self-exams. I’ll be honest, I didn’t really do them when I was getting a mammo or MRI every six months and getting exams from my OB/GYN and breast surgeon in between. (As it turns out my cancer was so small that a mammo wouldn’t have even spotted it—but fortunately an MRI did—so there’s little to no chance that I would have felt it myself.)

BUT, one study found that 25% of breast cancer survivors found their cancer during a self-exam and 18% of women report that they or their partner found theirs by accident. This adds up to a lot of ladies and a lot of lives saved—so isn’t it worth taking a few extra minutes out of your day once a month? You can add it to your calendar if you’re forgetful, or you can commit to feeling yourself up on the first.

Colleen Rothschild found a lump while performing a self-exam (which fortunately turned out to be benign), but now she’s on a mission to help women get to know their “girls” better. With nourishing murumuru, shea and bacari butters and five exotic oils, her “Breast” Friend Self-Exam Butter helps fingers glide across the skin—and the jar has a cute illustration (drawn by Colleen) that shows you exactly what to do. (FYI, you can use it on any part of your body that needs extra hydration.)

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Colleen Rothschild is donating 100% of the proceeds to The Pink Fund—and from 10/28 to 10/31 you get two for the price of one so you can give a jar to your “breastie.” Even though I may never have to perform a self-exam again, YOU (most likely) do. Aren’t your family, friends and your life worth a few minutes each month?

Yet another reason to read those product labels

If you’ve dipped your toes in the clean-beauty waters (and even if you haven’t), you’ve probably heard about phthalates. These synthetic chemicals can be found in pretty much anything made of plastic, including food storage containers and kids’ toys, as well as makeup, perfume, shampoo and other personal-care products. Phthalates have long been banned in the E.U. and by “clean” beauty retailers like Detox Market and Credo Beauty due to concerns about endocrine disruption.

Now it seems there’s even more to be worried about. A new peer-reviewed study published in the Environmental Pollution journal found that those with the highest levels of phthalates in their bodies are at a greater risk of death from any cause, especially cardiovascular problems. Even more, the study states that phthalates may contribute to 91,000 to 107,000 premature deaths among people between the ages of 55 and 64 in the United States every year.

Although it seems more and more impossible to steer clear of toxic chemicals, I’m a big believer in doing whatever I can to protect myself and my family. Reading the labels on the products we use in our home—and on our skin—is a pretty easy way to start. I’m not suggesting trashing everything and starting over, but swapping out the bad stuff and replacing it with healthier alternatives as needed will help get you there over time.

Make the most of your Botox

I see my dear friend Dr. Steven Fagien every six months for filler and quite-creative Botox—and there’s always that period of six-or-so weeks when my face starts moving again before my next appointment. In Before Times I’d cheat and get topped off at the three-month mark, but I just don’t really see the need at this point (unless I had somewhere major to go).

I see Dr. Fagien again in a month (so I’m all fresh and plumped for my big 45th birthday), but my complete range of facial expression has yet to return thanks to a little help from PCA Skin. For the past month I’ve been using their new ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum every morning on my crow’s feet, forehead and upper lip—and I’m here to tell you I’d probably be as wrinkly as a raisin and have full range of movement if I hadn’t.

Designed specifically for facial areas subjected to repetitive muscle activity, it’s jam-packed with peptides that reduce the wrinkling-causing muscle contractions and increase the contractions associated with muscle relaxation. (It’s a two-way street, people.) This next-generation formula also features marine extract for a lifting and tightening action along with a sugar/amino acid blend that hydrates, smoothes and softens the skin.

The plumping and smoothing can be seen immediately, and it’s a great way to start the day. I also have no visible lines when my face is at rest—and it’s been five months since my last Botox. I’m obviously not alone, because a clinical study showed that 100% of users saw a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles in 12 weeks (and that’s without Botox). After three months, the study found an average 66% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles with twice daily use as well.

And if you’re just getting started with injectable filler, using this serum for three to four months beforehand can help improve etched-in lines so you get an even smoother post-injection result.

I’m definitely keeping this in the rotation after my injections next month in hopes that it will help my Botox last even longer—but you better believe I’ll be asking Dr. Fagien if he has any extra DAXI from when he performed the FDA trials.