This week’s No BS Bulletin is a bit lighter than usual because I caught a cold and decided to take it easy. That meant skipping the livestream and spending more time resting (and less time testing new skincare, unfortunately). But don’t worry—there’s still plenty of Juicy Beauty News to dig into, plus some exciting finds, a fresh giveaway winner, and the usual skincare highs and lows!

In Juicy Beauty News, we’re diving into some wild stories this week. Doctors are raising concerns about a potential blindness risk linked to Ozempic, while others are questioning if Botox can actually shrink your pores. Meanwhile, a fascinating new study suggests that viruses—yes, viruses—could be the next big thing in acne treatment. Plus, the FDA might be blocking certain K-Beauty sunscreens from U.S. retailers, which is definitely something worth keeping an eye on.

In What Did I Buy This Week?, I snagged some new skincare goodies from YesStyle, including a repurchase of my favorite exosome cream and a soothing azelaic acid serum.

The Winner of the Week goes to Dermaplaning—but let’s be clear: not your average face shaving. We’re talking about the real esthetician-grade treatment that takes exfoliation to the next level. Meanwhile, Loser of the Week goes to Medspas after a friend of mine got seriously overcharged (and overprescribed) during one visit.

Of course, no newsletter is complete without the dogs—Ike, as usual, is proving that being the oldest doesn’t mean being the bravest, while Lincoln and Gabby have been bringing the good vibes this week.

And finally, a huge congrats to this week’s giveaway winner, Donna T.! Be sure to check your inbox. And Chris H., if you’re out there, check your email too! We need to hear from you to get your prize sent out.

Now, let’s get into it! 💕

Made Me Laugh - Love his attitude!

Juicy Beauty News

• More Americans on Ozempic go BLIND as doctors sound alarm over potentially startling side effect
  Experts have sounded the alarm about blockbuster weight loss drugs like Ozempic leaving users blind.

• People Are Using Botox To Shrink Their Pores, But Does It Work?
  If pore-refining creams and serums aren’t cutting it, there may be a better answer.

• Artemisia herba-alba: Scientists Have Discovered That a Common Herb Could Help Treat Colon Cancer
  Researchers have found that Artemisia herba-alba, a medicinal herb, contains compounds capable of fighting colorectal cancer.

• Can a virus finally clear your acne?
  New skincare ‘infects’ bacteria that causes pimples — and it’s backed by Ryan Reynolds

• Collagen vs. Whey: Which Protein Is Best for Muscles and Skin?
  While both have amino acids and add protein to your diet, there are a few main differences between the two.

• No BoJ sunscreen from this retailer anymore 😢
  Is the FDA blocking KBeauty sunscreens?

• Pyunkang Yul ATO Cream Blue Label is discontinued? ☹️

👀 What did I buy this week?👀

Don’t tell Cameraman!

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

• MIZON - Collagen Power Lifting Toner at Yesstyle 

• Dear, Klairs - Midnight Blue Calming Cream at Yesstyle

• Neogen High R Exosome Cream at Yesstyle

• ROVECTIN - Aqua Hydration Gentle Cleansing Gel at Yesstyle 

• Anua - Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum at Yesstyle 

About the Dogs

This week, the dogs have been keeping things interesting as always! Ike, despite being the oldest, is still the biggest baby of the bunch. If he has to spend even a couple of hours by himself—especially without Cameraman—he gets downright sulky. The dramatic sighs and sad eyes could win him an award. He may be tough in some ways, but when it comes to alone time, he wants nothing to do with it!

Meanwhile, Lincoln, as always, is just happy-go-lucky. Nothing ever seems to bother him, and he goes about his days with the same carefree attitude, whether it’s napping, snacking, or just existing. And this week, Gabby has been extra bubbly! She’s been feeling so good that she even ventured out into the cold with the big dogs. Normally, she prefers to stay bundled up inside, but seeing her trot around in the snow like she’s one of the big guys has been fun to watch. Safe to say, this crew keeps life entertaining! 😊

Winner of the Week - Dermaplaning

There is nothing quite like having a professional esthetician dermaplane your skin.  Let’s not confuse this with shaving your face with most of the razors for sale out there.  There is a big difference between what you can do at home and what a licensed esthetician an can do.  Most at-home devices are just fine for removing vellus hair (peach fuzz).  You can spend as much as you want on some of these devices - from $10 all the way up to and over $150.  Brands such as Dermaflash, Michael Todd Beauty, and Stacked Skincare all sell different “dermaplaning” products.

These products are all fine and adequate for using yourself, but a real in-office dermaplaning session delivers different results.  An esthetician will use an actual scalpel to dermaplane, this tool is quite different from the typical plastic safety razors the at-home devices use.  Estheticians are also trained specifically for this treatment.  It may be easier to have someone perform this due to the difficult curves and hard to reach areas of the face.  

Dermaplaning actually removes the top layer of dead skin while the at-home devices are just removing vellus hair.  Dermaplaning also removes the vellus hair while leaving your skin feeling smooth, it improves product absorption, and can also brighten up skin tone.  There is nothing wrong with whichever route you choose to go.  If you are prone to breakouts and acne it may be wise to see an esthetician before deciding to do either.  And even more important, if you decide to do either of these be sure to use sunscreen since it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. 

Loser of the Week - Medspas

Don’t get me wrong, I love being pampered.  But if money is a concern for you, I would recommend really researching medspas before going to one. We have many medspas where I live and I’ve found most of them seem to be charging exorbitant prices for many common services.  What’s worse is that they don’t seem to be very forthcoming about their prices.  A friend of mine recently went to a medspa and left a thousand dollars poorer.  

This medspa seemed to prey on her insecurities.  She was also prescribed ozempic by them even when she’s not overweight.  At best she maybe needs to lose 10 pounds (if that).  They also sold her on a $700 microneedling session.  Just thinking about this again makes my blood pressure soar!  

For most people looking for a professional for skincare treatments and advice I would recommend searching for a qualified independent esthetician, dermatologist, or esthetic nurse practitioner in your area.  This way you can get the expertise while still working with a small business.  That being said, different countries and different states may require different qualifications to perform certain services - such as training in lasers, training in hair removal, even procedures such as microneedling may require separate education.  

Just be careful, don’t be afraid to ask for prices, and don’t let anyone play on your insecurities to pad their checkbook.  Ask for references or at least before & afters of which treatment you are being seen for. Searching Yelp and RealSelf websites can also be helpful for finding a qualified provider.  Obviously, some medspas will be better than others.  Some procedures are worth spending money on while some make sense for me to do it at home (carefully).  I feel comfortable microneedling and using peels myself, while laser treatments are something I find worth paying for.  Obviously your mileage may vary, but don’t be afraid to ask for prices on services and if you feel you can’t, go somewhere else.

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Second Channel

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Giveaway - The winner is Donna T.

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