November 26, 2021

Hair loss products that works new acne treatment and customized lippies.

OMG, my hair stopped falling out!

In September, my hair really hit rock bottom. I knew it was getting thinner, and I saw it happening before my very eyes. My shower comb (which I use to detangle while I’m conditioning) was filled with hair each and every time, and I would literally feel clumps of hair cascading down my body as I rinsed. I got a blow-out before a bat mitzvah and it was so flat that I literally felt like I had five strands on my entire head. It was bad. I chopped off four inches in hopes that ditching the extra length (which didn’t amount to all that much weight) would somehow make things better.

Then, out of the blue, I got an email from the PR for Keep it Anchored, a range of haircare products that are formulated to help you keep the hair you have. (There are dedicated systems for women and men.) I was so impressed with the clinical studies that I agreed to use the entire Keep it Anchored regimen (and nothing else) for at least six weeks—AND IT WORKED! I started noticing less shedding after about two weeks, and I can confidently say I’m at least back in the “normal” daily hair loss zone (which is roughly 50 to 100 strands a day), and I’m not seeing hardly any shedding at all.

Although I view my results as nothing short of a miracle, Keep it Anchored actually works by reducing oxidative stress caused by free radicals and optimizing the scalp environment. (This of its proprietary Hair Anchor blend as the scalp version of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic.) If you’re beauty geek like me you can read the full peer-reviewed study (which was double-blind and placebo-controlled) here, or consider this main takeaway: After six months, those who used the Keep it Anchored regimen had an average of 2,400 more hairs than those who didn’t. Further Keep it Anchored research showed that reducing oxidative stress on the scalp helps enhance normal hair growth and retention.

The regimen isn’t exactly wash-and-go, but it’s definitely not labor intensive. In the shower, you use the Pre-Cleanser to purify the scalp (expect to feel a slight tingle). The shampoo serves up major suds and the conditioner leaves my strands smooth without even a hint of greasy residue—and both have a light, fresh scent.

After the shower (and even on days I don’t wash), I apply 10 drops of the HairAnchoring Essence at different points on my scalp and massage it in. Different than the tingle associated with the Pre-Cleanser, the Essence creates a sensation of warmth, but not to a degree I imagine anyone having an issue with. From there, I slick my hair back or style as usual.

It’s important to understand that Keep it Anchored is not formulated to promote hair growth—but simply stopping the shedding has made my hair look and feel so much thicker (and obviously new, healthy hair is growing in). I was so unhappy with the state of my hair and Keep it Anchored saved the day (and my strands)! Suffice to say, I will be using these products until the day I no longer care about my hair (which be never).

A new weapon in the fight against hormonal acne

For the first time in just about forever, I can actually say that my skin is calm and clear. The maskne and stress-driven breakouts are gone, and although I got a lovely zit on my jawline before my last period, that should be my biggest problem and I’m more than happy to deal with it.

My acne journey started around the age of 14, and my mom didn’t waste any time before taking me to the dermatologist. I’ve been using retinoids pretty much ever since, but there were several times during my adulthood that I asked my dermatologist if there was anything else I could do. I inquired about spironolactone, an oral medication that’s often prescribed for acne caused by androgen hormones (such as testosterone). She didn’t think I was a candidate for this diuretic, so I stuck with my regimen of salicylic acid cleanser, retinoids and an emergency stash of benzoyl peroxide for when things got really bad.

My amazing dermatologist client Dr. Naana Boakye takes a holistic approach to skincare (which includes diet, exercise and overall wellness), and I reached out to her when my pandemic-fueled pimples were at their height. She recommended a cocktail of supplements for me, including diindolymethane (or DIM), because it is believed to work the same way as spironolactone—but it’s derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. I did my own research (always do!) and came to learn that DIM supplementation has been also associated with reducing the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. This was before I was diagnosed (so it obviously didn’t prevent me from getting breast cancer), but perhaps it contributed to my “best case scenario”—we’ll never know.

In addition to oral spironolactone and spironolactone-mimicking DIM, there’s a new prescription topical treatment that targets acne-causing hormones in the skin. It’s called Winlevi, and it’s pretty much a game-changer—as long as you’re an appropriate patient. Although researchers aren’t exactly sure how it works on acne, they do know it helps reduce excess oil and inflammation, which are two on the main pieces of the acne puzzle. After 12 weeks, patients report clear or almost-clear skin, a significant reduction in whiteheads and blackheads, and a notable reduction in pus-filled pimples. (Sorry.)

I know the struggle with acne is real—even as an adult—so I just wanted to give you an update on the latest treatment options. If you’re not happy with the state of your skin or how your current anti-acne routine is working, ask your derm about Winlevi, or if there’s another approach that can help improve your breakouts.

Customized lipstick is just a click away

Beyond spa treatments and dermatological procedures, one of my most memorable beauty experiences was creating a customized lipstick at BITE’s Lip Lab in NYC. Over the course of an hour, I selected a luscious berry that was further tweaked to my specifications, chose a satin finish and added a subtle vanilla flavor. But actually sitting there and watching it being mixed, melted down and made into a bullet before my very eyes was the really fun part.

If you’re ever in SoHo, Brooklyn, Vegas, Dallas, Irvine (California) or the Mall of America in Minnesota, you can make your own lipstick in person—but if not, fret not. (For the record, you can create your own color virtually.) Just in time for the holidays, BITE has another way for you to get in on the action, but only for a limited time.

This mini-collection of vacation-inspired shades includes nude, peach, pink and red hues that are designed to flatter all skin tones, and you get to choose whether you want a matte, satin or sheer finish.

These clean lippies are packed with shea butter and jojoba seed oil and argan oil for extra hydration—and I’m telling you from personal experience that BITE’s formulas glide on like a dream and feel amazing on your lips. If you need a little pick-me-up (it is Monday after all), this is a great way to do it!