Hair Growth

So, it’s official friends…my hair guru informed me that my hair is coming back! Yay! I’d like to share with you what I’ve been using the last 12 weeks. I’m most likely doing too much, but you can pick and choose what might work best for you.

Tons of baby hairs!!! Yay!

My #1 favorite item is my Nuderma Wand, I discussed it here: https://alisonviktorin.net/2021/03/02/nuderma-clinical-skin-therapy-wand/

It has been a game changer and I use it every other day. I use the magical comb with its fabulous electricity…and the baby hairs are growing back, steadily.

New Growth is happening!

Next up: Biotin Hair Serum. I use this serum every single day. It even helps my hair look cleaner longer. Pro tip: I use the Serum and then comb it through my hair, with the Nuderma Wand.

Great product, highly recommend! http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Finally, I use a tincture called Biotin & Collagen Extra Strength. It tastes delicious and is easy to use.

Tastes delicious, I keep it in my fridge. http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

All of these items have been a great help…but, again–I’m always doing too much, so I’m sure your hair will grow and become strong with just one of these fantastic items. Does your hair need to be stronger and healthier, too?

You can find all these products at my lil shop on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin. Cheers to healthy hair!

NuDerma Clinical Skin Therapy Wand

Yay! I found a new toy! I think we’re all going to really enjoy using these wands. First of all, the main reason I bought this device was because I still get cystic acne and my friend recommended I try this…the acne wand kills bacteria. Buuuut, the cool thing is that it comes with different wands. There is a wand for hair growth/scalp stimulation. A wand for cellulite on arms, legs, and tightening of your neck. A wand to help tighten your face and to help your serum sink in to the skin more efficiently. There is something for everyone.

From Amazon:

  • Breakthrough Fusion Applicators – The ultimate NuDerma High Frequency system. Our clinical-grade system features a more powerful NuDerma wand and new FUSION Neon-Argon applicators. The 6 FUSION applicators provide the skin boosting benefits of Neon and acne fighting power of Argon in one universal delivery system. They work synergistically to offer the complete spectrum of skin therapies while shortening the duration of treatment and the need to switch between individual Neon and Argon wands.
  • Improve Your Skin Profile – High frequency treatments are a safe and 100% natural way of improving cellular turnover in your skin by oxygenating the various layers. This improves elasticity over time to reduce fine lines and soften wrinkles. Use it in conjunction with your favorite beauty creams and serums to drastically improve their absorption into your skin so you can get the most out of them.
  • Natural Acne Treatment – Fusion applicators include Argon which reduce acne healing time by up to 90%. Even if you don’t suffer from acne, Argon has been shown to offer complexion calming benefits. High Frequency treatments naturally fight acne-causing inflammation under the skin surface to smooth out your complexion.
  • Specialized Body & Scalp Applicators – NuDerma Clinical features special Fusion Y-shape, Rod, and Comb applicators which are perfectly suited to the various surfaces of your body. Use the Y shape applicator on your arms or neck; the rod and comb applicators are supercharged with tungsten coil and perfect for the any flat surface of the body and the scalp.
  • https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B086M3XRK1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B086M3XRK1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these wands every other day. In the 3 weeks I’ve been using this device, I have seen an improvement in my acne. At my next hair salon appointment, I’m going to see if my Hair Guru notices any kind of positive change in my scalp and hair texture.

When I use the comb, depending on how high you turn on the electrode, you will feel a slight tingling sensation–I like it because I feel like it’s doing something–not very professional, I know, but still! Tee Hee! I’d also like to say, make sure you turn the dial to the lowest setting when you’re working on your face. The wand gets hot, if you’re not careful.

Don’t judge me on my huge blemish (waaaah!)…it’s horrifying. Ugh! I just want to show you what the acne wand looks like in action, there are 3 days of content in this video.

All in all, I’m actually quite pleased with this new toy! Let me know what you think. Hope this helps other acne survivors out there. I’m also hoping the comb starts helping my hair texture…I need all the help I can get. Lol!

I want to show you what the comb looks like in action. Enjoy!

UPDATE!

It’s official, I love the NuDerma Therapy Wand. I have been using it for about 8 weeks now and have not had one single blemish. Usually, I get hormonal cystic acne…well, not for the last 8 weeks! I’m quite impressed. The glass comb, that I’ve been using on my hair–to help it grow, has been great, too. My Hair Guru said she could indeed see new growth. Yippee!! It feels so nice and tingly on my scalp, I definitely enjoy using it. Lately, I’ve been adding a bit of Biotin Scalp Serum and then combing it through…this added step is supposed to help strengthen the hairs I already have.

https://smile.amazon.com/Biotin-Growth-Serum-Pureauty-Naturals/dp/B076TYGMYQ/ref=sr_1_7?crid=MZKAGUD6MVGV&dchild=1&keywords=biotin+serum+for+hair+growth+women&qid=1614644815&sprefix=biotin+ser%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-7

I feel like my skin has never looked better and my hair is on a better journey than it has been in the last year! Onward and Upward my friends…Sending each of you Peace and Joy.

You can purchase this product and others here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Eye lash Serum

I’ve got some great news, I’d like to share! You do not need name-brand Latisse or even generic Latisse (which is still $200) to get your lashes to grow…

When I got my semi-permanent eyeliner, my eyeliner artist told me that the Latisse I was using was making my eyes extra sensitive. She recommended trying other brands, which I was hesitant to do because Latisse is the Gold Standard, right?! Wrong!

You can, literally, go on Amazon and pick any serum with good reviews and the ingredients are so good these days, it’ll work. Even Rodan + Fields is a good option (I do not like pyramid schemes, so purchase with caution). The Latisse, besides being horribly expensive, was making my eyes water and they were becoming a dull green, instead of the vibrant green, I was used to.

So the switch is in and I couldn’t be happier. My dermatologist sells Revitalash and I could get it for basically the same price as Amazon…I love to support small businesses when I can. I started trying the Revitalash and have not seen any difference to the Latisse, except for the price tag… $100 vs. $200. I just looked and Amazon is selling it for $50 this week…big steal.

The small bottle is the generic Latisse and I’m not missing it at all.

https://smile.amazon.com/RevitaLash-Cosmetics-Eyes-Beauty-Holiday/dp/B0748DHRVG/ref=sr_1_8?crid=W18MO4DF1IP9&dchild=1&keywords=revitalash+eyelash+growth+serum&qid=1612205344&sprefix=revitalash%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-8

So, go ahead and try all the wonderful, new lash serums out there. You won’t be disappointed and your lashes will thank you! Ali Approved!

Tip: Put the serum on your eyebrows too, and watch them grow. (Sounds like I’m talking about a Chia Pet, remember those?) You’re welcome! Tee Hee!

https://smile.amazon.com/Eyelash-Eyebrow-Serum-Enhancer-Healthier/dp/B07RN2H1QW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2VZCEIYBX8W31&dchild=1&keywords=luxros+eyelash+growth+serum&qid=1612206171&sprefix=luxros+eyelash+growth+serum%2Caps%2C330&sr=8-2

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Whiter Teeth

Do you drink coffee, tea, wine? All of the above? Tee hee! Well, I’ve got some solid tips to keep your Pearly Whites lookin’ super fresh and fly.

First, let me tell you what my tooth goal has been. I want the whitest teeth I can possibly get…you know how when white is super white, it’s almost blue? Yeah, that white. For years, I tried grocery store whitening toothpaste and whitening strips..to no avail. Then, I graduated to the dentist whitening trays because at this point, it had become an obsession. Those, still, didn’t get me to the Blue Arena. Finally, I thought, I’ll just find a dentist to professionally whiten them. Well, I found one and they said my teeth were already white. Um, I beg to differ…so, they took my $300 and proceeded to get them whiter–didn’t work and I was out all that money.

Soooo, at a regular teeth cleaning, I complained to my dentist about the other dentist and he said, “Patients have had quite a bit of luck with the Crest White Strips that I sell here.” Say what? Then, I received the best Tip on this journey. Are you ready? KEEP THEM ON ALL NIGHT LONG! But, but the directions say 20 min…forget the directions. Bye Felecia! If you have ultra sensitive teeth, make sure to use a sensitive toothpaste.

Are you wondering how to keep them on all night? Well, because I’m a nerd and know how expensive my braces were, I still wear a top retainer. Because I have anxiety, I also wear a bottom night guard for the grinding of said teeth…my poor husband. So, when I wear my whitening strips, I just put my retainers in place and don’t even feel that I’m wearing the strips. If you have kept your dentist whitening trays, use the strips, then put on the trays. The strips are quite delicate and move around quite a bit, that is the purpose for using these extra devices to keep them in place.

You are by now probably wondering about the price…It’s actually not bad. $70 for a box. Another money saving tip is to open 1 pouch and just use 1 strip, instead of the top and bottom, then the next time you whiten, you can use the 2nd one.

A final bit of wisdom, that I was told by a dentist, is that real teeth do not ever get as white as veneers. This has helped me manage my expectations more effectively.

I hope I’ve given you something to think about, on your journey to your best self. Let me know how you feel about keeping the strips on all night! Final word…an electric toothbrush is a Must Have.

Semi-Permanent Eyeliner

Before/After

Who knew semi-permanent eyeliner has come such a loooong way?! No more discoloration, no more overly thick lines, no more sleepy eyes.

Why did I get it done?

My neurotic self despised having uneven eyeliner, I could never get my wings even. Cut to me getting my brows microshaded and I realized: Hey, it’s been so much easier having my brows done, wonder if they could do the same for my eyeliner. And, oh yes, they can!

Nitty Gritty

The cost was $550. It takes anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. And, no, it is NOT pain free. I’ll be honest, I had more pain with the eyeliner than I had with my brows. Also, my eyes watered continuously, which I hear is kind of rare. Tip: put numbing solution on your eyes even before your appointment.

The artist can make your liner look thicker, thinner, cat eye, natural…they will know what works best with your particular eyelid. It might seem like a lot of work, but the truth is, it’s made my life easier. No more getting cross and frustrated over mismatched lines, or even the anxiety of having to begin lining. Lol! Tip: If you go more natural, the good thing is that you can always bump up the drama by adding more liner on top of the tattoo. Win Win! Also, you won’t wake up looking like a Vegas Showgirl, only in the eye area. Ha! Also, I would recommend staying away from getting your bottom lash line done.

The first pic, is the Before…the rest are throughout the healing process. Healing is fast, by the way. By Day 4, I felt comfortable wearing makeup.

Hope this helps you in your Beauty Journey. This has really made my life easier.

Beauty on a budget

Part 1

Have you ever thought about going to a Med Spa to get Microneedling? Microneedling, in laymen’s terms, is a device with multiple, skinny needles that puncture the skin and help to rebuild collagen. Once your skin peels and heals, you will have plumper/glowier skin. It’s supposed to help with acne scarring and fine lines, as well. An all around great age defy-er. But, not everyone has $2-300 to spend on this procedure every month…

*Click on the link https://smile.amazon.com/Dr-Pen-Ultima-Professional-Microneedling/dp/B0822PJ8NS/ref=sr_1_27?crid=2C9R1RVUDBFVQ&dchild=1&keywords=dr.+pen+microneedling&qid=1605108980&sprefix=dr.+pen%2Caps%2C269&sr=8-27 to go straight to the product page.

In comes Dr. Pen. An at-home microneedling device that works really well!

Tip: I use a Tranexamic Acid serum (because Melasma, ew) on each section of my face, then microneedle over the serum, so I get MAXIMUM soak-in benefits. Also, I find that doing it this way, doesn’t cause the needle to drag across my skin…using the serum, lets the needles glide much smoother across the delicate skin of your face.

The Serum I use.
https://smile.amazon.com/Tranexamic-Vitamin-Treatment-Whitening-Dearskin/dp/B07RYJ919Z/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?crid=2YDD4MHWH916U&cv_ct_cx=tranexamic+acid&dchild=1&keywords=tranexamic+acid&pd_rd_i=B07RYJ919Z&pd_rd_r=3c0f46c3-d82e-40ed-978e-61d72005d01d&pd_rd_w=uMbAF&pd_rd_wg=HhgAw&pf_rd_p=f4ebc3ce-c45d-4b03-a3e4-a17c876358c0&pf_rd_r=9TV4APFJ2BDWTE2BB3YR&psc=1&qid=1605108717&sprefix=tranex%2Caps%2C202&sr=1-1-80ba0e26-a1cd-4e7b-87a0-a2ffae3a273c

Basically, you can be all in for under $200, saving hundreds by doing this in the privacy of your own home. Now, you’re not going to get all the massaging, candles, aromatherapy–basic pampering you’d get from a spa, but if you’re on a budget (who isn’t) this is a fantastic route to take, with very similar results.

One last tip…if you have a low pain tolerance, you can also get a roll-on Lidocaine. Just roll it all over your face, wait a couple of minutes and voila…a pain free microneedling session!

Pain Free
https://smile.amazon.com/Maxocaine-Lidocaine-Vanishing-Registered-Addictive/dp/B078X4PLD5/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?crid=S20K9JJ0NSTC&cv_ct_cx=maxocaine+roll+on&dchild=1&keywords=maxocaine+roll+on&pd_rd_i=B078X4PLD5&pd_rd_r=3189f441-85e1-4166-9ea3-67ac4e3c1e92&pd_rd_w=yuXQy&pd_rd_wg=FK0r4&pf_rd_p=f4ebc3ce-c45d-4b03-a3e4-a17c876358c0&pf_rd_r=0Y8FKWGJN79Z3PX2HKS1&psc=1&qid=1605108859&sprefix=maxocaine%2Cbeauty%2C173&sr=1-1-80ba0e26-a1cd-4e7b-87a0-a2ffae3a273c

Let me know what you think! I think it’s worth a try.

This is for all my Visual Friends out there…I wanted to show you what the Microneedling Pen and the serum look like in action. Enjoy!

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Moisturizing Hair Care

Bb. Hairdressers Invisible Oil product line has done wonders for my hair. If you have frizzy, coarse (hay-like texture), thick hair…you ought to try this entire product line.

One caveat: My curly haired friends don’t looove it like my wavy/frizzy friends do.

Let’s be real: This line won’t keep everything perfectly straight and neat (like a Brazilian Blowout), but it will give back much needed moisture and keep your hair manageable, healthy, and shiny.

The line contains: A pre-shampoo masque, shampoo, conditioner, heat/uv Primer, and the Game Changer-the Invisible Oil-for a beautiful, silky finish.

*Let me know if you’ve tried this line and how you like it! Click on the pic to be directed to Sephora, where you can purchase the entire line.

A lil video to show you the steps.

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin