No BS Bulletin 48

No BS Bulletin Forty-eight

Author

Sarah
January 23, 2025

In partnership with

Welcome to Issue 48 of the No BS Beauty Bulletin!

This week’s newsletter is packed with everything you love, from fascinating beauty news to new product discoveries and updates on the pups. Plus, we’ve got another fantastic giveaway winner to celebrate!

In Juicy Beauty News, we’re diving into topics like Lush's bold anti-social media strategy, groundbreaking patents in skincare, and a fascinating study that challenges our understanding of sunburns. There’s also a controversial Sephora subreddit rant that’s worth a read.

In What Did I Buy This Week?, I’m sharing my latest skincare finds, including exciting buys from Yesstyle and Amazon. And in New Products I’m Excited About, don’t miss the buzzworthy Beauty of Joseon Tinted Sunscreen and Farmacy’s new creamy cleanser.

For About the Dogs, winter continues to challenge us all, with the frigid -20°F (−28.9°C) temps keeping the pups indoors and dreaming of warmer days. Ike, Lincoln, and Gabby are finding ways to cope, but they’re definitely ready for a change in the weather!

Our Winner of the Week is all about peptides—those powerhouse molecules doing everything from reducing wrinkles to repairing skin barriers. And in the Loser of the Week, we take a serious look at the dangers of at-home injections and why professional care is always the best choice.

Finally, congratulations to this week’s giveaway winner, Jennifer A.! 🎉 And a quick update: last week’s winners, Sara MS. and Taylor B., have claimed their prizes, and Cameraman has shipped them out. Keep an eye on your mailbox!

Let’s dive into this week’s beauty buzz! ✨

Made Me Laugh

Juicy Beauty News

👀 What did I buy this week?👀

Don’t tell Cameraman!

Yesstyle Buys - Use Rewards Code NOBSBEAUTY for an additional discount!

New Products I’m Excited About:

  • Beauty of Joseon Tinted Sunscreen - More information at Reddit

  • InnBeauty Project Calm the Red at Sephora

  • Farmacy Green Clean Gentle Creamy Cleanser at Sephora

  • The INKEY List  Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum at Sephora

About the Dogs

This week has been a tough one for the pups as the brutal -20°F (−28.9°C) temperatures have kept us all hunkered down indoors. It’s hard to tell who is more upset about the weather—us or the dogs! For Ike, Lincoln, and Gabby, the frigid conditions mean no long walks, no backyard playtime, and limited time outside altogether. They’re not thrilled, and honestly, neither are we.

Ike has been especially sulky, spending most of his time curled up on his new doggie bed, staring longingly at the window. He usually loves being outside, even in the snow, but the icy temperatures have made it impossible for him to enjoy his usual romps. Cameraman has been trying to keep his spirits up with extra treats, but it’s clear that Ike misses his outdoor adventures.

Lincoln, the blanket connoisseur, has taken his winter blues to a new level of coziness. He’s been practically living under his heated blanket, only emerging for food or the occasional cuddle. Even though he seems content with his warm cocoon, we can tell he’s missing his daily sniffing expeditions in the yard.

Gabby, ever the diva, has been sticking close to her favorite spots, but even she seems less enthusiastic than usual. She’s not a fan of the cold, and with no visitors or outings to spice up her routine, she’s been extra mellow. That said, she’s still soaking up all the attention she can get from us, which is definitely helping her mood.

We’re all counting down the days until the temperatures rise, and we can get back to a more normal routine. For now, we’re making do with cozy indoor play sessions, extra snuggles, and the hope that warmer days aren’t too far away. Hang in there, pups! 💕

Winner of the Week - Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.  These chains typically contain anywhere from 2 to 50+ amino acids.

Peptides range from topical ingredients used in skincare all the way to peptides used to fight cancer.  Peptides just might be one of the most diverse molecules that we use in skincare.  They can help from superficial things such as wrinkles all the way to being a life-saving cancer killing molecule.  Just like there are different variations of vitamin c, there are different types of peptides with different functions.  

Here are some of the more popular peptides that we use in skincare products:

  1.  Antioxidant Peptides - these are peptides that help protect the skin from free radical and environmental damage.  An example of this is Superoxide Dismutase Mimetic Peptides. It gets its name because of the way it mimics antioxidant activity to protect skin.

  1. Skin Brightening Peptides- brightening peptides help even out skin tone via targeting melanin production in skin layers.  A common example of this is the Melanostatin peptide,  Melanostatin targets the production of tyrosinase which affects skin by evening out skin tone.

  1. Wound Healing Peptides- these are peptides that help the skin’s repair process deep down in skin where there might be damage (whether from natural injuries or from cosmetical procedures such as microneedling).  A common wound healing peptide is Kollaren.  You will find this commonly in a fair amount of topical peptide serums.  

  1. Signal Peptides- these peptides stimulate the production of essential proteins in the skin such as collagen and elastin.  These help to maintain skin firmness and elasticity.  A very common peptide in this category is Matrixyl and it is used quite often in skincare products.

  1. Neurotransmitter Inhibition Peptides - this is another extremely common peptide in skincare products that functions by reducing muscle contractions that cause wrinkles.  Argireline is a typical example of a neurotransmitter inhibition peptide.  

  2. Carrier Type Peptides- these are peptides that transmit necessary elements into the skin layers.  A very popular type of peptide in this category is Copper Peptide and its use results in wound healing, calming, and reduction of inflammation in skin.

  3. Enzyme Inhibitor Peptides - these little molecules inhibit certain enzymes that are responsible for the degradation of proteins in the skin. Soy Peptides are known for its benefits to slow the breakdown of collagen in skin.

If you are looking for great skin, peptides are a great ingredient worth considering for your routine. Which peptides you choose depends on your individual skin issues and goals. Each wrinkle may respond differently so trying a good mix is beneficial. Peptides are everywhere and their benefits for humankind are just getting started!

A few worth checking out include

Loser of the Week - At Home Injections

The allure of at-home cosmetic injections, such as collagen or dermal fillers, often stems from the promise of convenience and cost savings. However, these DIY procedures carry significant risks that can lead to severe health complications.

One of the primary dangers is the potential for infections. Without a sterile environment and proper techniques, self-administered injections can introduce bacteria into the skin, leading to infections that may require medical intervention. Moreover, unregulated filler products purchased online might contain harmful substances, further increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

Another critical risk is vascular occlusion, which occurs when a filler is inadvertently injected into or compresses a blood vessel. This can result in tissue death (necrosis), leading to disfigurement, and in severe cases, irreversible blindness or stroke. Such complications, while rare, underscore the importance of professional administration of these procedures.

Allergic reactions are also a concern. Without proper medical knowledge, individuals may not be aware of their sensitivities to certain filler components, leading to reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe swelling and anaphylaxis. Additionally, improper injection techniques can cause asymmetry, lumps, or long-term scarring, resulting in undesirable aesthetic outcomes.

Given these significant risks, it's imperative to consult with qualified medical professionals for cosmetic injections. They possess the necessary training to perform these procedures safely, ensuring both the efficacy of the treatment and the well-being of the patient. Opting for professional care over DIY methods is a crucial step in safeguarding one's health and achieving desired aesthetic results.

In Case You Missed It

Giveaway - The winner is Jennifer A.

Big congratulations to this week’s giveaway winner, Jenifer A.! 🎊 We’re thrilled to send you some fantastic beauty goodies, and we can’t wait for you to enjoy everything we’ve picked out for you. Jenifer, check your email for all the details on how to claim your prize—you're in for a treat!

Quick Update on Last Week’s Winners
Both of last week’s winners, Sara MS. and Taylor B., have claimed their prizes, and Cameraman has been hard at work packing them up. They’re officially on their way! 📦✨ Keep an eye on your mailbox because your beauty haul should be arriving soon.

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