No BS Bulletin 34

Newsletter Thirty-Four

Author

Sarah
October 10, 2024

Welcome to Issue 34 of the No BS Beauty Bulletin!

Last week I had the honor of gathering with friends at the Minneapolis Metsquerade Ball in support of my dear friend Jodi, who is battling Metastatic Breast Cancer. I've known Jodi since elementary school, and she holds the place as one of my longest, if not the longest, lasting friendships I have. As if that connection wasn’t enough, she’s also married to one of Cameraman’s best friends—a relationship that began at our wedding.  Back to the topic of METAvivors! 

Forward me your donation confirmation and I’ll shout you out in next weeks newsletter.

The METAvivor non-profit was established by a small group of pro-active metastatic breast cancer patients who felt that the lack of research and support dedicated to their disease and to those suffering from it was just plain wrong.  METAvivor remains the sole US organization dedicated to awarding annual stage 4 breast cancer research funding.

The Annual Metsquerade Gala was established to support METAvivor by raising funds and uniting the Thrivers community. Over the course of seven galas, more than $1.6 million has been raised.

Funding for research is crucial and desperately needed.  30% of women and men who are diagnosed with breast cancer will eventually develop stage IV metastatic breast cancer and die.  That’s 116 moms, dads, brothers and sisters that are dying every single day.

If you are able to donate any amount is appreciated-  no amount is too big or too small.  Every single dollar, 100% of donations, goes directly for research to save and prolong lives! 

To Help the Cause Go To: https://donate.metavivor.org/give/318818/#!/donation/checkout
Forward me your donation confirmation and I’ll shout you out in next weeks newsletter.

Now on to the regularly scheduled newsletter

Juicy Beauty News

👀 What did I buy this week?👀

With Amazon Prime Day Deals I went a little crazy this week!  Don’t tell Cameraman!!!

New Products I’m Excited For This Week:

About the Dogs

It’s been an eventful week for the dogs! Gabby is feeling a bit under the weather with a UTI, but we’re hopeful—she’s already on antibiotics and seems to be responding well (fingers crossed!). She's been taking it easy and getting lots of rest, and we’re giving her all the love and comfort she needs while she recovers.

Meanwhile, Ike kept me company (from a distance!) as I planted tulip bulbs. He sat by the window, watching with those big, curious eyes, as if trying to figure out what all the digging was about. And, speaking of digging, Lincoln has been as busy as ever! He’s back to his excavation projects in the backyard, leaving his mark in his own way. He’s been having the time of his life, and it’s clear he missed his little digging adventures while we were away.

The gang is definitely keeping us on our toes as we transition back into our routines!

Winner of the Week - Adapalene

Adapalene is a third-generation topical retinoid primarily used in the treatment of mild-moderate acne, and is also used off-label to treat keratosis pilaris as well as other skin conditions. Studies have found adapalene is as effective as other retinoids, while causing less irritation. It also has several advantages over other retinoids.  Adapalene is more stable compared to tretinoin and tazarotene, which leads to less concern for photodegradation.

For those suffering from acne adapalene can be a game changer.  It has been shown to effectively inhibit keratinocyte differentiation and decrease keratin deposition which is key to slowing breakouts.   Even better, adapalene can reduce the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (those little dark spots left behind after a breakout has been long gone).  

Adapalene has also been found to be rather gentle compared to other retinoids.  It still should be started slowly to allow skin to acclimate.  Adapalene can cause some mild redness, peeling, flakiness, and dryness during the first two to four weeks of use.  In my experience I found beginning adapalene to be a rather easy process and caused much less sensitivity than tretinoin.  For those trying to keep acne at bay I recommend giving adapalene a try.  

Loser of the Week - Over-the-Top DIY

These days there are many websites and influencers dedicated to promoting do-it-yourself skincare techniques, injections, and cosmetic procedures.  While some DIY and learning can be a great thing, it can easily go too far too fast.  

Many skincare injectables can easily be found for sale online.  I’ve even seen CO2 Lasers for sale online.  When used by someone uneducated these can result in severe and debilitating burns.  Most of these products for sale are legitimate, but some may not be.  The anatomy of each face is made of a complex variety of nerves, veins, muscles, fat tissue, and bones.  It is risky to perform injections yourself- especially certain areas of your face.  

Recently I read online someone posting on how they wanted to inject fat dissolver into their nose to make it smaller.  There is a reason the area around the nose is called the “triangle of death.”  It is close to the brain as well as eyes and injecting anything in this area can cause blindness, or worse. 

Many things can go wrong including infection, allergic reaction, embolism, skin necrosis, and even blindness.  If you are a DIY fan please reconsider.  If not, please take time to educate yourself. Have supplies on hand to reduce the risk of harm - equipment such as epinephrine in the case of an emergency allergic reaction.   Most injectors have years of education on facial anatomy and are also equipped to properly handle the risks that go along with botox and fillers. Be safe out there everyone! 

In Case You Missed It

This weeks giveaway

The winner is Brian M.

This week's giveaway winner is Brian M.! 🎉 Congratulations, Brian! We've sent you an email with all the details on how to claim your prize, so be sure to check your inbox.

Also, a quick reminder to last week’s winner, Laura C.: please check your email for your prize details! We’re looking forward to getting your goodies out to you soon. And a special shout-out to Shauna B. from two weeks ago, who got in touch, and her prize is already on its way. Thanks to everyone for being a part of the No BS Beauty community and participating in our giveaways!