Category Archives: GROOM

HRT 101 WHAT, WHY, WHEN & HOW with Dr. Mary Claire Haver & special guest Dr. Avrum Bluming

May 9, 2024

Upcoming Event in Los Angeles – Truly not to be missed. 


HRT 101 WHAT, WHY, WHEN & HOW with Dr. Mary Claire Haver & special guest Dr. Avrum Bluming

From our friends at The Swell – and grab your tix here!


Navigating the confusing maze of questions surrounding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) 

MAY 18, 2024  1 PM – 4 PM PST – BEVERLY HILLS, CA 

Join The Swell, leading menopause and women’s health expert, Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Dr. Avrum Bluming, medical oncologist and coauthor of the groundbreaking, “Estrogen Matters,” and a badass community of women for an in-depth exploration of the latest science, advice, treatments and wisdom on all things HRT.

Whether you’re curious about the basics of hormones, exploring HRT as an option, confused about when and how to start HRT, or seeking clarity on alternative therapies or health concerns, this workshop promises to be a lively and highly informative discussion. Led by Dr. Mary Claire Haver along with special guest, Dr. Avrum Bluming, our workshop aims to deepen your understanding, address your most pressing questions, empower you with knowledge, debunk myths, and foster a supportive community of women navigating similar questions, confusion and treatment options.

Topics will range from: The Basics of Hormones, Common Hormonal Issues, The Purpose of HRT, Different Types of Hormones Used in Therapy, Exploring Common Questions & Concerns, Latest Studies and Benefits of HRT, Alternative Therapies, How to Find a Qualified Healthcare Provider, Starting HRT, Timing and Duration, Forms & Dosages, Lifestyle Considerations, Considerations for Cancer Survivors and more.

KNOWLEDGE

Expand your understanding of (peri)menopause and HRT with advanced insights and actionable steps to help optimize your health during this transformative phase.

EMPOWERMENT

Gain empowering insights from leading menopausal experts, helping you navigate your journey confidently and make informed health decisions.

WELLNESS

Understand the changes happening in your body during (peri)menopause, coupled with expert guidance on mitigating and treating symptoms.

COMMUNITY

Connect with like-minded souls collectively navigating the challenges of hormonal transitions. Share stories, insights, and resources.

 

Don’t miss out on this special opportunity for insight, camaraderie, and a deeper understanding of your health journey. We can’t wait to see you!

Beyond the Scale: WeightWatchers Clinic & Dr Spencer Nadolsky’s New Podcast

May 8, 2024

Shedding pounds can feel like a long, lonely uphill battle. As we get into midlife,  it can feel like an even more futile struggle. And with the endless diet fads being plastered across every article you read online, sometimes you just need some life-changing advice to enter your ear to change everything.

Sounds great, right?

As the US population’s average age increases, the nation-wide obesity epidemic is increasingly affecting older US citizens and it’s started to get alarming. Weight management for senior citizens can make all the difference when it comes to truly enjoying the later stages of life, so there is hope.

But for many, it can seem hard to stay active but not impossible, so don’t lose hope. Bad habits can feel more deeply ingrained in our lives, and support can seem scant.

What’s the latest fad diet? Just as you’ve filled the fridge with everything you need for a paleo diet, there’s a new trend in town and it’s time to hit the store again to buy the latest organic producing disrupting the consumer market that’s got celebrities clamoring to endorse it.

Is there a new superfood to dig for in the produce aisle? How easy is it to spot a chia seed or acai berry, and what makes a vegetable cruciferous?

Is the prescription weight loss medication that everyone’s raving about really safe, and how much weight could it help you lose? So, if you’re looking for expert guidance, you can’t get much better than the latest weight management podcast from Dr Spencer Nadolsky, Beyond the Scale, dedicated to shedding light on the newest weight science.

Picking the right weight loss approach

In the most recent episode, Nadolsky explains why the FDA approval of the latest weight management medication is such exciting news.

Many older people who aspire to lose weight feel they should be able to do so with nothing more than a strict exercise regime.

In fact, in one study of US adults interested in weight loss methods,  81% said they would do so by increasing the amount of exercise they took. Just 32% said they would use a prescription drug and only 23% would consider weight loss surgery.

Prescription weight loss wonder drugs

But this preoccupation with exercise as the only healthy way to lose weight is a weight loss myth. Nadolsky reveals that exercise can only help shed around 7 or 8% of body weight, and some people won’t respond at all.

Prescription weight loss medication can help bridge the gap between what’s possible with exercise, and the more significant levels of weight loss previously only possible for most with bariatric surgery. The most cutting-edge medicines could help shift more than 20% of your body weight.

Nadolsky dives into the details of the clinical trials that have led the FDA to approve several GLP-1 and GIP prescription weight loss medications, how they can change your behavior and the food noise you live with, and what this means for your weight loss journey.

Nurturing Nutrition

Nadolsky dedicates another episode to the importance of supporting all weight loss medications with a careful and healthy approach to nutrition.

Speaking with dietician Lillian Yang, the show reveals how prescription weight loss medications and balanced nutrition can work hand in hand to help achieve any weight loss goal, at any age.

While the latest medications might have seen many people find great success when it comes to weight loss, many have also realized that living healthily means paying attention to what they are eating—especially if they are now eating substantially less.

Cutting-edge medications can seem scary. Often when something seems too good to be true, that’s because it is!

On the other hand, huge amounts of time, money, and brain power are devoted every year to finding brilliant new ways to crack life’s most persistent challenges. It’s no wonder that breakthroughs seem to be bountiful!

Having the expert advice of a clinical professional like Spencer Nadolsky and the WeightWatchers Clinic team behind Beyond the Scale means deciding if these medications are for you need not be so daunting.

Add this to your weekly listening and you’ll always be right at the forefront of weight loss science.

Dr. Vergara Answers Your Candela Matrix Pro Questions

May 4, 2024

You asked! We answered: All your questions Matrix Pro for radiofrequency microneedling!

We chatted with the brilliant Dr. Vergarato answer all your burning questions that we received on Instagram!

 

What makes Matrix Pro different from its competitors

Matrix Pro is one of the most comfortable devices, delivering results with minimal downtime compared to other Microneedling RF devices on the market. It is the device with the smallest needles on the market. The needles are 34G and are insulated, protecting the epidermis of the skin. I’ve noticed in my practice there is less downtime, no bleeding and a faster recovery. It also shows the impedance on the tissue which determines the right energy that it is being delivered. This is amazing since we can prevent fat loss in areas we want to preserve volume and this also gives us the ability to debulk some areas by delivering more energy. With one entry point, 3 depths of the tissue can be targeted without having to do multiple passes like other devices. Multiple passes will make the treatment more painful and recovery longer. In my practice, patients have demonstrated to be more comfortable and experience less pain!

 

Is it safe for women with filler/freezer – what is the time in between having those done and getting Matrix Pro? 

It is completely safe, I suggest waiting at least 2 weeks after Botox or fillers to perform this treatment.

Is it a good for idea for women with fat loss, over 50-60?

Absolutely, if the right energy and depth are used and the right handpiece (we also offer Sublative) per patient, we can stimulate collagen and elastin, preventing any fat loss.

 

Is it ok for women who have had facelifts?

Yes, the face or any area will continue losing collagen and elastin. This is an amazing treatment to maintain the skin elasticity and prevent future aging.

 

Is it ok for women who have had RF within the same year? Months?

Yes, a proper consultation should be done. Multiple sessions are often required, and maintenance sessions are done as well. A good medical history and intake form will determine the best treatment plan.

 

Who would you say is the ideal patient?

After age 30, our collagen production decreases by 50%, so most patients over age 30 are ideal for treatment to prevent aging. Patients that are younger can benefit from this treatment in case they have acne scars, for example. Some of the indications are fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, quality of the skin, pores, etc.

 

How about for body parts? Tightening tummy or thighs?

This device can be performed on any area of the body. It all depends on what we are trying to achieve to modify settings such as energy and depth. In my practice, knees and elbows are a very common area.

 

Does this treatment pair well with any other aesthetic treatments?

In my practice, I do multiple treatment modalities. Most of the time, different treatments need to be done to maintain the area. Other lasers can target pigmentation and redness, neuromodulators target fine lines and prevent wrinkles, dermal fillers replace the volume loss or contour certain areas of the face. Threads can be done to stimulate collagen. I love microneedling RF treatments, but most of the time I do many treatments.  The assessment should be performed and treated on a case-by-case basis.

 

About Dr. Vergara:

Mariana Vergara is a medical doctor from Colombia with extensive clinical and surgical experience. During her medical training she started her internship as part of the Latin American Program at the University of Miami School of Medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital and then completed it at Children Hospital Boston and Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School.

Her passion for cosmetic dermatology made her pursue a second career in United States. She joined Florida International University BSN/MSN program for foreign educated physicians. She earned a Bachelor degree in Science of Nursing and a Master degree in Family Nurse Practitioner.

She gained further experience working with prestigious Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists in Beverly Hills, California and is up to date with the latest minimally invasive procedures.  Vergara has 7 years of experience with cosmetic injectables and uses various hyaluronic acid fillers and neuromodulators to preserve the patient’s natural look. Mariana is known for treating A list celebrities and prestigious public figures worldwide.

My Journey with DAXXIFY®: A Game-Changer in the World of Neuromodulators

March 26, 2024

Daxxify

As a beauty editor deeply entrenched in the world of skincare innovations, I’m always on the lookout for treatments that offer a perfect blend of science and effectiveness. Enter DAXXIFY®, a revolutionary neuromodulator promising extended results that caught my attention. Guiding me through this journey is Michele Chahine PA, my long-time/go-to esteemed injector with a wealth of experience in aesthetic medicine. With over a decade of expertise in the field, Michele stands as a beacon of excellence in the industry. As the Founder of @methodofbeauty, her dedication to personalized treatments has garnered her a loyal following. Having been under Michele’s care for years, her credentials and commitment to her patients make her the ideal partner in exploring the wonders of DAXXIFY®.

“DAXXIFY® is FDA approved to smooth moderate to severe lines between the brows. It is the only frown line treatment powered by a peptide. The active ingredient in DAXXIFY® is a purified protein called botulinum toxin type A.”

DAXXIFY® represents a significant advancement in the field of neuromodulators, offering a unique formulation designed to deliver longer-lasting results compared to its counterparts. Unlike traditional toxin freezers like Botox, DAXXIFY® harnesses the power of peptides to enhance its efficacy and duration of action. Peptides, with their strong positive charge, play a pivotal role in DAXXIFY®’s mechanism of action, ensuring a more targeted and sustained interaction with nerve cells. This unique approach not only sets DAXXIFY® apart but also guarantees longer-lasting results and a tailored treatment experience.

As Michele administered the DAXXIFY® injections with her characteristic precision of course, I was struck by the science behind the treatment, as she filled me in about what makes it so special – and why it has now become the new go-to.  I trust Michele implicitly for her keenly natural approach to facial balance and profound knowledge of facial anatomy, which made trying something totally new – a breeze. Her expertise ensured that my treatment was not only effective but also aligned with my individual skincare goals.

“All frown line treatments require a special ingredient to stabilize botulinum toxin A, the protein responsible for helping smooth moderate to severe frown lines. For instance, Botox® Cosmetic uses human serum albumin (HSA), a blood product, as its stabilizer. Dysport®, another frown line treatment, uses HSA as a stabilizer and cow’s milk protein as a protectant.”

DAXXIFY® is unique because it is the only formulation that uses a novel peptide as a stabilizer and does not contain human or animal byproducts.

It’s now been almost two weeks since my DAXXIFY® treatment and the results speak for themselves. My skin texture already improved, and fine lines faded away. I look beyond refreshed and rejuvenated. I’m glowing in a way I had not from other neuromodulators.

How is DAXXIFY® different from other frown line treatments?

“DAXXIFY® is the only frown line treatment powered by a peptide. It’s fast acting, long lasting and slow to wear off.*

All frown line treatments require a special ingredient to stabilize botulinum toxin A, the protein responsible for helping smooth moderate to severe frown lines. For instance, Botox® Cosmetic uses human serum albumin (HSA), a blood product, as its stabilizer. Dysport®, another frown line treatment, uses HSA as a stabilizer and cow’s milk protein as a protectant.

DAXXIFY® is unique because it is the only formulation that uses a novel peptide as a stabilizer and does not contain human or animal byproducts.

*Results as early as the next day and typically within 2 days. At least 50% of patients in clinical studies had no or minor frown lines 6 months after treatment.”

The potential longevity of the results, reaffirmed my confidence in DAXXIFY® as a game-changer in the realm of neuromodulators. DAXXIFY® represents a new frontier in skincare with its innovative formulation and I thrilled to be able to share the word on this with you all!

 

 

ABOUT MICHELE MESSIAH CHAHINE, MS, PA-C

BOARD CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | CERTIFIED IN DERMATOLOGY
MASTER INJECTOR | ANTI-AGING EXPERT | SKIN SPECIALIST

Michele Messiah Chahine, PA-C is a Board Certified Physician Assistant specializing in dermatology and medical aesthetics. She earned her Masters of Science degree in Physician Assistant studies at Western University of Health Sciences and holds a degree in Psychology-Biology from UCLA.

11645 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025, US
+1 310-746-3174
[email protected]
Get directions

Monday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Special appointment times every 2-3 months. Please Pre-Book to guarantee your spot.

BEAUTYOLOGIE’S ONLINE MARKETPLACE WILL TAKE YOU ON AN ETHICALLY SOURCED GLOBETROTTING JOURNEY 

March 6, 2024

why shopIt’s wild to me that Gen Alphas are treasure-hunting Sephora stores seeking Hyaluronic Acid and anything that will prevent wrinkles on their prepubescent faces. While I appreciate their intention for self-care, I wish they’d be more thoughtful about where all their empties will end up or where their products came from in the first place. So it was incredibly refreshing to me when I learned about Robin Doyle’s online beauty marketplace, Beautyologie. Robin and I go back way before Covid times, when I was consumed in the editorial world and she was on the PR side of some amazing beauty brands and projects. 

Beautyologie is not your typical etailer hocking the latest viral Tik Tok trends. It’s a highly curated collection of 50+ beauty brands from all corners of the earth that actually give a shit about the world. Robin draws from 25 years of beauty industry experience as a writer and PR agency owner (Charmed PR). She confesses her idea to create a beauty marketplace for brands using the industry as a vehicle for soclal good came from working with clients who founded the fair trade beauty brands Shea Yeleen and Silktage. Both have been on her site since day one. 

“Once I realized that these women weren’t just making skin care products for the hell of it, but they were doing it to help the ingredient producers in places like Ghana and Morocco make a living and pay for books and food for their kids, I thought, there is so much more good that could come out of the beauty industry if people just paid attention,” she says. 

She also took a trip to India right before the pandemic which transformed her outlook on the consumer industry. Witnessing firsthand how western shopping behavior affects a developing country, she felt incredible guilt for the 20+ years she spent in PR pushing the promotion and sale of endless beauty and accessory items. 

So many of the ingredients that go into our beauty products are farmed and tended to just like the food we eat. Much of them come from the global south and are produced, not always in the best conditions by people who are not always treated or paid fairly. This topic is covered extensively on Robin’s site as well as highilghting where brands are from. In browsing the Countries tab, I can find beauty from Bangladesh to Zambia. 

What I found myself going down a rabbit hole was the Ingredient Checker, a comprehensive guide to all the ingredients used in the products she offers. “I believe that everyone deserves to know exactly what’s in their beauty products and where those ingredients come from,” she explains. 

That’s not to say you will only find crunchy Shea Butter and Argan Oil brands here. A self-admitted beauty snob, Robin looks for efficacious formulas that blend science with ethically sourced ingredients too (Moon Beings Skincare), or Zero-Waste brands (Parrotfish and Axiology). Gorgeous hair accessories and cosmetic bags from India and Guatemala are available too.

Robin dreams of opening her own beauty boutique one day, but rent in LA is ridiculous so she’s created a work around with a collections of Pop-Ups, her largest in the Valley Salt Cave in Woodland Hills on Ventura Blvd. which I plan to visit soon. I love a good Salt Cave, and I hear this one does Tarot Card Sound Baths…ahhh. 

A beauty aficionado myself, I am drooling over some of the products I found on Beautyologie that I’ve never heard of before. Here’s a sampling of my faves from above:

ABHATI Suisse Chambral Sacred Hair Oila rich, golden, healthy growth-encouraging blend of ayurvedic botanicals and Indian oils including Himalayan Wild Cherry Oil. 

Amazonian Skinfood Magic Wand: All-in-One Gentle Face Cleasner:  a travel-ready solid face cleansing stick made with Acai, Passion Fruit and Yerba Mate. 

Odylique Mineral Lipstick in Praline – it’s the perfect taupe / nude shade you dream about and it contains Fair Trade Certified Shea Butter. 

Violet Botanical Egyptian Marula Oil – Sourced from Botswana, the texture says it is lightweight and non-greasy. I just want the gorgeous blue glass bottle to have a permanent residence on my vanity. 

Nourishe Supreme Rose Invigoratin Cream – Infused with nine different types of organic roses, and Ayuvvedic herbs. The nutrients of 37 plants create this velvety cream.

Katari Beauty Argil Mediterranean Green Clay Facial Masque – Mined from the Atlas Mountains in Africa, the mineral-rich green clay helps clear acne-prone skin. Housed in a glass bottle with a cork topper. 

Use GROOMED15 for 15% off orders $50 or more.