Benefits of Getting a Facelift & Neck Lift Together

You look in the mirror and you’re not sure who the person is who’s looking back at you. Your face is starting to show signs of aging. Your chin is soft and sagging and you have what’s commonly known as a turkey neck. You’re not happy about your appearance and you want to do something about it.

 

You have options. Facial plastic surgery can help to minimize sagging skin and smooth deep creases in the skin. The type of surgery that’s right for you depends on where you’re seeing the signs of aging. If most of your concerns are located in the lower portion of the face and in the neck, a facelift or neck lift might be your best option. In some cases, combining the two surgeries might be your best bet.

 

Learn more about what a facelift and neck lift can do and see if combining the two procedures will help you reach your anti-aging goals.

 

What Does a Facelift Do?

The word “facelift” can be a bit confusing to people. It’s common for people to assume that a facelift focuses on the entire facial area. In reality, the surgery helps reduce the signs of aging in the lower portion of the face, from the cheeks to the chin, jawline and upper part of the neck.

 

During a facelift, a surgeon rejuvenates your appearance by tightening the skin around your neck and jawline. A deep plane facelift also targets the area around the cheeks, to reduce drooping and the appearance of deep creases and folds.

 

What Does a Neck Lift Do?

While a facelift focuses on the area between the cheeks and upper neck, a neck lift focuses on rejuvenating the entire neck area. Some people develop signs of aging such as sagging jowls or fatty deposits in the upper neck area that creates a double chin. Others develop signs of aging that take the form of neckbands, horizontal wrinkles that stretch across the neck. 

 

The platysma muscle, which is located in the front of the neck, can start to separate as you get older. In some people, a loose, separated the platysma muscle can create what’s called a “turkey neck.” The muscle and skin become droopy so that it looks as if you have something similar to a turkey’s wattle.

 

A neck lift can tighten the platysma muscle and the surrounding skin, significantly reduce the “turkey neck” look. The surgery can also remove fatty deposits from the area, minimizing the appearance of a double chin.

 

Why Combine a Facelift and Neck Lift?

Everyone’s face ages somewhat differently. Some might only notice signs of aging in the upper part of the face, others in the lower part or in the neck. Some might have signs of aging all over. In that case, combining facial plastic surgeries, such as a facelift and neck lift, might be the best option.

 

There are a few benefits to scheduling a facelift and neck lift at the same time.

 

More Dramatic Results

If you have deep creases by the mouth, drooping cheeks, and chin and a turkey neck, having the two surgeries together just makes sense. A facelift will help to correct your concerns between the cheeks and upper neck while the neck lift will correct the issues you’re experiencing on your neck. 

 

Think of it this way. If you go to the hair salon and asked for a haircut, it’d be strange if the stylist only cut half of your hair. The new style on one side of your head would look neat, but the longer, unkempt hair on the other half would look out of place.

 

It’s the same if you have signs of aging in various areas of your face, but only correct some of them. Getting a more youthful contoured jawline might be a good idea, but if you still have a turkey neck afterward, you might look and feel unbalanced.

 

Shorter Recovery Time

You might consider scheduling a facelift one month, then scheduling a neck lift for a few months in the future. If you schedule separate surgeries, you’ll need to allow for double the recovery time. You’ll need at least one week to recover after your facelift and another week to recover after your neck lift.

 

But if you have a facelift and neck lift performed at the same time, you can fold the recovery times together. Recovering from a double procedure might take a little bit longer compared to recovering from just one procedure. Recovering from two procedures performed simultaneously will definitely take less time than if you had the surgeries separately.

 

Reduced Cost

While you won’t get two surgeries for the price of one when you combine a neck lift and facelift, you will enjoy some cost savings. If you schedule to separate procedures, you’ll have to pay for everything separately. 

 

Since you only need one round of anesthesia and one surgical suite when you have two surgeries at once, the price tag will be lower. 

 

When Should You Combine a Facelift and Neck Lift?

If you have signs of aging in your neck and the lower third of your face, a combination facelift and neck lift might be just right for you. There are a few things to consider before moving forward with the surgeries, such as:

 

  • Your overall goals
  • Your health
  • Your lifestyle habits
  • Your schedule

The best way to see if you’ll benefit from a facelift and neck lift together is to speak with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Robert Glasgold of the Glasgold Group is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation with natural results. To learn more about the benefits of a combined facelift and neck lift, call 732-846-6540 or contact us today.

Halloween Is Coming Up; What Should I Avoid Putting On My Post-Facelift Face?

Halloween is coming, and you’ve just had a facelift—-is this going to derail your plans for a fun and frivolous evening? How are you going to dress the part if you can’t put anything on your face?

 

Taking care of your skin after a facelift or any cosmetic procedure is essential to avoid infection and further complications. According to Anurag Agarwal, facelift expert of Naples, FL, you must go through your healing period with integrity, taking great care to promote healing as a return to health. In this article, we’ll explore how to care for your post-surgery face, as well as what you can and can’t wear on this dark and stormy night. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a fun and festive Halloween without risk of post-surgical complications.

 

Post-Surgery Tip #1–Cleanse And Moisturize

You are likely to have some pain and tenderness around the incision sites after surgery, but this doesn’t mean you can neglect your care regime. Bacteria can quickly build up in these places, increasing the risk of infection and swelling. Gently wash your skin with an antibacterial cleanser twice daily and pat dry, using a moisturizer afterward that contains natural ingredients to promote skin healing.

 

Post-Surgery Tip #2–Minimize Swelling And Bruising

Your face endures trauma during a facelift; swelling and bruising are common after procedures like this, with peak discomfort occurring a few days after surgery. Do what you can to elevate your head during rest periods by using several pillows for support. Use cold compresses to reduce swelling, and adding a mild anti-inflammatory to the mix will help you to feel more comfortable.

 

Post-Surgery Tip #3–Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for skin health and elasticity, and it also helps to reduce nausea and vomiting. It can help you feel better and heal faster. Aim for 6 to 8 glasses of fresh, pure water daily for optimal health and healing.

 

Post Surgery Tip #4–Avoid makeup for a short time

While it is advised not to put anything on your face for up to a week after surgery, there are those people who simply cannot go out of the house without their favorite mascara or lipstick. If you must apply foundation, aim for one that has a mineral base and soothing ingredients that nourish the skin. And speaking of makeup…

 

How Do I Deal With Halloween?

Halloween is the season for over-the-top makeup and costumes that creates a fantasy world…if only for one night. Those of us who pay homage to our dressed up ancestors don’t want to hear what our limitations are, but the reality is that healing is more important than temporary glamor and glitz. Here are some things to avoid putting on your face this Halloween:

 

  1. Heavy makeup

Most Halloween makeup is heavy, laden with harsh chemicals and oils that have the potential to clog surgical sites, and they are difficult to wash off without scrubbing your face. All of this is a recipe for disaster when you consider needing to keep your face clean and irritant-free for optimal healing. It’s best to go heavy-makeup free this Halloween—if you simply must wear something, dust something over your eyes, or put on some blood-red lipstick to crown your costume. 

 

  1. Latex pieces

People use this night as the perfect excuse for putting on prosthetics and transform themselves into something grotesque and glorious. It may look great, but it is not kind to your skin when putting it on or taking it off. Avoid the use of prosthetics and lay low this season; there will be other Halloween celebrations in the future that you will be able to fully enjoy when you have healed your skin.

 

  1. Art deco adhesive materials

Many costumes come complete with art deco jewels that are self-adhesive; while they add pizzazz to otherwise ordinary costumes, they are not the best additive for you when you are healing from surgery. Infections can quickly develop if the adhesive is left on the skin, and little pieces could get caught in surgical sites and cause irritation and other complications. If you must decorate for this holiday season, consider using an all-natural eyeliner or face crayon made from mineral oil. It should be hypo-allergenic and easy to wash off.

 

  1. Piercings and jewelry

You may have piercings and jewelry that you wear on your face regularly, but you need to wait until you have healed completely to start sporting these items again. Reactions to metal can occur as a result of pain medications that you may be taking; talk to your doctor about when it is safe to start wearing facial jewelry and piercings post-surgery.

 

Taking care to heal yourself this season and enjoy some aspects of Halloween is essential for good health. Dress for healing success, enjoy the night as you can, and look forward to a new face and plenty of celebrating to come going forward! Happy Halloween!

Myths About Teeth Whitening

Everyone seems to be looking for that picture-perfect Hollywood smile, but with too many daily habits such as coffee, sugar, red wine and perhaps even smoking getting in the way, day-to-day life can lead to our teeth not quite looking their absolute best.

 

One increasingly popular option for combating this issue is teeth whitening. With more people undergoing teeth whitening treatment today than ever before, we’re here to dispel a few of the myths surrounding teeth whitening that may be holding you back from the smile of your dreams.

 

Myth #1: Teeth Whitening Can Damage Enamel

Strictly speaking, no, whitening your teeth will not damage the enamel. However, with this being said, teeth whitening is a dental procedure and you should ensure that any dental whitening is carried out by a dental professional.

 

Myth #2: You Can Remove Stains by Rubbing Acidic Fruit on Your Teeth

According to a University of Iowa study, the popular strawberry and baking soda remedy for whiter teeth do absolutely nothing beyond removing surface debris.

 

Not only does rubbing acidic fruit on your teeth do not lead to a shinier smile, but it can also be fairly harmful. Acids in foods and drink can lead to the wearing away of your teeth’s enamel, and while brushing after a meal can certainly help, any acid that has softened the enamel can speed up wear. This can actually increase discoloration and yellowing and contribute to cavities, according to teeth whitening expert, Marc Lazare.

 

Myth #3: Teeth Will Remain White Forever Following Whitening Treatment

It’s important to have realistic expectations about teeth whitening. For those tea and coffee drinkers, red wine drinkers, and smokers out there, having teeth whitened will not prevent the aforementioned from doing their dirty work again and causing more staining. 

 

A top-up treatment every few months will be required, although your teeth probably won’t return to their original color. If you’re going to drink coffee, tea, or red wine, try doing it through a straw. 

 

Myth #4: The Secret to Whiter Teeth Is Activated Charcoal

Teeth whitening trends come and go, and no matter what the latest hip trend may be, it’s usually best to leave things like this in the hands of the scientists. As it stands, there’s not nearly enough evidence available to suggest that charcoal has any positive effect when it comes to teeth whitening. One study even found activated charcoal toothpaste performed no better than a regular toothpaste at whitening teeth.

 

In fact, activated charcoal may actually harm your teeth because it’s an abrasive that can wear down tooth enamel and increase the risk of decay.

 

Myth #5: Your Teeth Will Look Unnatural After Whitening

Due to the progressive nature of teeth whitening, there’s no chance that you can get unnatural or overly white teeth. When it comes to home whitening treatments from your dentist, these are done over several days, so the more days you use them obviously the whiter your teeth will become. Usually, after three days or so, most people reach their ideal level of whiteness and there’s no need to continue. It should also be noted that there’s only so white your teeth will be able to turn and it depends on the original shade of your teeth at the beginning of the treatment, the cause of stains, and whether stains are on the surface of the dentin.

 

Myth #6: Teeth Whitening Can Lead to Extreme Sensitivity

On the topic of discomfort, the process of having your teeth whitened shouldn’t cause any pain at all. If you’re beginning to feel any burning, stinging, or irritation in any way you should cease using the treatment immediately. After your tooth whitening procedure, you can expect some mild tooth sensitivity and sensitive gums, according to the Cleveland Clinic, although this goes away in a few days. Your dentist can give you a product with a high amount of fluoride to reduce sensitivity. 

 

Myth #7: Over-the-Counter Solutions Are as Good as Professional Products

While there are over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions available such as special kinds of toothpaste, gum, and strips which can help, the effects of these pale in comparison to those you can expect from professional solutions available from your dentist. These products can remove surface stains from the outside of your teeth fairly successfully, but professional dentist-administered teeth whitening can penetrate the deeper layers of your teeth for more profound and longer-lasting results.

 

Myth #8: You Can Safely and Effectively Whiten your Teeth with UV Light

There is no evidence available to suggest that UV light can be helpful to whiten your teeth. In fact, UV rays can be quite harmful to your teeth, and not only that, to other nearby tissues such as the gums, lips and even eyes. Several studies have confirmed that light-activated and UV teeth whitening just don’t have much to offer and won’t whiten your teeth any more effective than other products. 

 

Myth #9: Applying Baking Soda Can Whiten Your Teeth

Baking soda is one of the most common home remedies to whiten teeth and it has been shown to help brighten your smile when it’s included in toothpaste. However, you should avoid brushing your teeth with just a baking soda solution as this mild abrasive can wear away your tooth enamel.

 

Myth #10: Teeth Whitening Will Give you the Perfect Hollywood Smile

While many people looking to undergo teeth whitening treatment may expect the perfect, beaming white smile fit for Hollywood, this can be far from the case. The effectiveness of teeth whitening treatments differs from person to person, and it relies heavily upon the shade the teeth were in the first place. Some people simply don’t respond well to teeth whitening, and some stains are simply too deep to be treated. Other options such as veneers, for example, maybe the road to go down.

Eco Lips for Beauty and Compassionate Choices #GiftGuide

Are you a beauty enthusiast, but also an animal lover? If you are anything like me, you care deeply about the environment and the sanctity of life, and wouldn’t consider buying from brands that test on animals or willfully destroy the environment. Not to mention, why would you want to slather chemicals all over your face?

Eco Lips gives you both quality makeup as well as the environmentally safe ingredients you demand. 

no animal testing

The Lip + Cheek Tints collection makes for the perfect multitasking beauty balm to add to your routine this season. The collection is a line of three beauty balms that add color and hydration to every look. Eco Lips uses organic jojoba, coconut oil, organic and fair-trade cocoa butter, and sunflower seed wax, making it vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free as well as lightweight.

The Lip Food collection was curated using organic food-grade ingredients like spirulina algae, pumpkin seed, and chamomile mushroom that nourish, protect and plump the lips. The formula is also organic, fair trade.

The latest line, Ecolixir, boasts the power of oil to improve the skins’ overall health. As part of a natural wellness regimen, its the perfect gift for the clean beauty advocate.

All of Eco Lips‘ collections feature nothing but the best natural ingredients. Their Bee Free Vegan Lip Balm is perfect for vegans and green lifestylists. Their Specialty line is perfect for those who know that only the best will do. And of course, their newest Lip + Cheek Tints collection is the perfect multitasking beauty balm to add color all over.

More About Eco Lips

The story behind the Eco Lips brand is essentially a love story. As the creators of the first USDA-certified original organic lip balm, the family-owned company has expanded their line over time to encompass lifestyle and beauty products. All Eco Lips products are made with wind power offsets, fair trade, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. As a B-corp, they take customer satisfaction, product effectiveness, and good-for-the-world ethos seriously.

Stocking Stuffers for the Holidays #GiftGuide

Looking for some useful ideas for the upcoming season? No need to spend money on items that no one will really use, true? Great for health, beauty, and sleep, here are a few thoughts for items that will fill a stocking as well as be used cheerfully.

Doctor Plotka™’s Travel Toothbrush

Check out the Travel Brush for foldable, easy storage and that extra clean feeling. Embedded with silver technology to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria build-up for up to 6 hours after brushing, you can keep those germs away while you show off your pearly whites all winter long. Available for $5.99. 

itSpray

Dream – This natural herbal sleep aid will help you fall and stay asleep. Unlike a solo melatonin supplement, this spray additionally includes a proprietary blend of 5HTP and Valerian Root to relieve your stress and anxiety. Use 10 minutes before going to bed and control your dose. Start with a few sprays and go from there — up to 14 in 24 hours. The formula is gluten-free with no fillers or binders, so it absorbs quickly. Available for $24.99. 

facepeels

Check out the new Rose Gold Easy Peel-Off Mask from 7th Heaven. It’s launching at Claire’s stores in November, and is going to fly off the shelves.

This cruelty-free, vegan easy peel off mask is an ultra-deep nourishing formula that minimizes the appearance of pores, tones and purifies skin. It’s like a weekly boost for the skin to keep it glowing and vibrant. This metallic peel-off mask features Damask Rose Water, White Tea and Moonstone – available in single-serve pouches for $1.99 each.
immune therapy
Immunity Blend from Guru Nanda is a small but mighty bottle full of goodness. It features seven different therapeutic grade, 100% pure and natural essential oils that help the body resist germs – clove, eucalyptus, rosemary, frankincense, lemon, oregano and tea tree.
Use it in an aromatherapy diffuser for a healthy, spa-like experience. Or dilute it with purified water and use as a spray for cleaning household surfaces.
teeth whitening kit
For whiter and brighter teeth for all those holiday photos, try Luster Pro Light Dental Whitening System is fantastic for anyone who loves coffee, tea or any dark beverages! It features a patented Dual Power Dual Power Xenon Whitening Light and Stain Lifting Serum to whiten teeth up to 6 shades in 30 minutes! It’s a clinically proven professional whitening system with no messy trays or strips. The system gently whitens without sulfates (SLS). Enamel-Safe. System includes: Dual-Energy Whitening Light, Accelerinse, Stain Lifting Serum, Power White Pro Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste – Mint. $43.99 at Lusterpremiumwhite.com

How To Get Flawless & Great Skin- 10 Secrets Of Women With Great Skin

Every woman has her own routine, however only few women have great skin.

Why you ask? Well, it’s because having great skin is a high maintenance routine that some of us just don’t have time for. The thing of it is, you can do something to help yourself get glowing skin. Follow these guidelines for the secrets of women with great skin:

1. Diet

There’s a ton of foods that are good for your skin. Try strawberries for their super dose of vitamin C. Almonds are a great source of vitamin E which is noted as an impressive sun blocker. One doctor from the dermatology department at Yale University, Jeffrey Dover, M.D., associate clinical professor, stated that “Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that helps to protect skin cells from UV light and other environmental factors that generate cell-damaging free radicals.”

The overall idea is to find foods that are rich in skin favorable vitamins and antioxidants. 

Also, stay away from foods such as Carbonated Drinks, Rye, Wheat, and Dairy Products etc as they often lead to abdominal bloating which might cause acne and breakouts. The more powerful the food, the more powerful the results.

And by all means don’t forget to incorporate at least sixty four ounces of water into your daily diet.

2. Vitamin C and Multi-Vitamins

Research shows that people who eat foods rich in Vitamin C have fewer wrinkles and less age related dry skin than those who don’t.
Vitamin C can provide a range of benefits to keeping your skin looking younger, longer.

  • Reduce the appearance of brown spots and other types of sun damage
  • Helps boost healthy collagen production
  • Reduces inflammation and irritation
  • Fades post breakout red marks by improving skin’s natural healing response
  • Increases the effectiveness of your sunscreens and boosts your skin’s defense against UV exposure

And of course you need to be taking Multivitamins anyway.

3. Exercise

Take note that excessive cardio can actually cause your skin to lose its elasticity. You’ll want to focus on muscle building exercises if you’re trying to actually tone your skin. Yes, you can actually tone your skin…

With exercise, you are also increasing the blood flow to the living layers of your skin. Opening up sweat glands can push out some of what clogs pores too.

4. Sleep

Beauty Rest is no cliche statement ladies. With proper rest you should experience fewer wrinkles in your middle to older age. Skin makes new collagen when you sleep, which prevents sagging. Patricia Wexler, MD, a dermatologist in New York says that more collagen means skin is more plump and less likely to wrinkle. She goes on to mention that just five hours per night of sleep can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping seven hours. More sleep essentially leads to clear, hydrated skin.

5. Stop Picking and keep your hands off your face

It’s inevitable that you’re going to get a blemish or three from time to time. You must learn to keep your hands off your face. Picking and touching are key factors in causing pores to clog, furthermore allowing dirt from your fingers and hands and nails onto your face. Ewww. Don’t do it… Just don’t do it.

6. Wash Regularly

Make sure you’re washing your face after a workout and before bed, not to mention – it couldn’t hurt when you wake up in the morning. A quick splash of cold water is a great way to excite your senses. Use mild soaps and water. If you suffer from acne, there are various washes available on the market specifically designed to treat acne.

7. Exfoliate

Exfoliating is essential for healthy, bright skin. Focus on the dry spots concentrating on the places where your complexion is especially dull.

Make sure you’re only rubbing your face in upward, circular motions. Wash your face with warm water and then gently pat dry with a towel. Don’t forget the moisturizer afterward.

8. Use Protection

Hats, Long Sleeve Shirts and Jeans may not be the answer but make sure you’re using at least 15 SPF Sunscreen or a moisturizer with sunscreen mixed in.

9. Honey Scrubs

There are many ways to use honey for your face. It’s loaded with antioxidants and other nutrients to help battle carcinogens and other radicals that enter your sensitive facial skin on a daily basis. Do your homework. A general recommendation is to rub 1 part honey to 1 part sugar (just a dab of each really should do)…mix it in the palm of your hand and rub it into your face, avoiding your eyes. Rinse with warm water. But feel free to leave the scrub to soak into your skin for 15 minutes or more.

10. Choose Skin Products Wisely

Try to avoid the grocery store cosmetics section and opt to spend a few dollars extra on the face products you’re investing in. That’s right, your face, your skin, your body. You’re investing in something viable here.

You might consider Rodan and Fields, which offers a range of products for your skincare regimen, and it’s also amongst the popular choices on the market.

As always, you should discuss any dietary changes and exercise routines with your doctor as this might play a significant role in your skincare routine as well. 

You might consider having a conversation with your dermatologist about any new products you’re trying to be sure your skin is compatible.

So women, now you know the 10 secrets of women with great skin.

What are you thinking about now? Just go ahead and start following these secret tips into your daily routine.

So, get to it you can do this!

CRYSTAL™ DEODORANT WELCOMES ALICIA SILVERSTONE AS BRAND AMBASSADOR

CRYSTAL Deodorant announces that actress, best-selling author, and health advocate, Alicia Silverstone has signed on as Brand Ambassador due to her longtime use and loyalty to their product. Since its founding 35 years ago, CRYSTAL has been providing an effective mineral-based line, that’s vegan, and cruelty-free. The ingredients are non-toxic and the packaging’s eco-friendly. CRYSTAL is committed to the safety, health, and welfare of both their customers and the environment, which aligns perfectly with Silverstone.
“I’ve used CRYSTAL Deodorant for over 20 years because it’s safe, vegan and most importantly it works! I am proud to partner with a company that shares my values and is committed to making healthier and kinder products,” said Silverstone.
Silverstone has been an animal rights activist for over two decades. She is the recipient of Mercy for Animals Hope Award and PETA’s 35th Anniversary Humanitarian Award. Last year she made several trips to Washington, DC and Sacramento lobbying for cruelty-free and plant-forward legislation.
Silverstone recently hosted an event sponsored by CRYSTAL at The Gentle Barn, a non-profit animal sanctuary that stands up for the innocent, and helps animals and children alike remember they matter. “I’ve been visiting The Gentle Barn for 20 years. I had my 25th birthday there! When I saw CRYSTAL, my favorite deodorant, was sponsoring a non-profit like The Gentle Barn, I knew I had to be involved. It was wonderful celebrating The Gentle Barn’s 20th anniversary with my friends from CRYSTAL. I wish everyone was cruelty-free and conscious like these two entities are,” said Silverstone.
“It makes perfect sense that we would choose Alicia, who has been such a devoted, longtime fan of our products, to represent our brand,” said Martin Floreani, CEO and President of CRYSTAL. “There couldn’t be a more authentic partnership, and we are excited to work with her.”
About CRYSTAL Deodorant
CRYSTAL Deodorant is a recognized leader and innovator in mineral based hypoallergenic deodorant. For more information on CRYSTAL Deodorant, visit thecrystal.com.
About Alicia Silverstone
Silverstone, best known for her generation-defining turn in Clueless also recently starred in the lead role of American Woman. She also appeared in Book Club and worked with director, Yorgos Lanthimos on the acclaimed thriller, The Killing of a Sacred Deer. Through film, television and theatre, her performances have garnered awards and critical praise including Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and a National Board of Review award. Silverstone, a dedicated activist in the wellness space, chronicled her journey towards a more conscious way of eating in her New York Times bestseller, “The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet” and her second book, “The Kind Mama: A Simple Guide to Supercharged Fertility, a Radiant Pregnancy, a Sweeter Birth, and a Healthier, More Beautiful Beginning.” Silverstone co-created the mykind Organics vitamin line, and her website, THEKINDLIFE.com is a platform for health and eco-living.

Ever Tried CDB Oil? What’s Stopping You?

CBD

If you are like me, you are willing to try just about anything to stop your chronic pain. Yet for some reason, so many people I talk to are worried about or wholly against trying CBD oils to try to get some relief. Why, I wonder? Maybe they think it’s illegal. Maybe they don’t know what it is. Well, I’d like to give you some insight into my experiences with a particular brand, Infinite CBD. It’s not the only brand I’ve ever tired, but I’m using it right now and here’s my thoughts as well as information about the products and what it is about from the professionals.

What is it, anyway?

“Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940. It is one of some 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. In 2018, clinical research on cannabidiol included preliminary studies of anxiety, cognition, movement disorders, and pain.

How is cannabidiol different from marijuana?

According to Harvard studies, CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. While CBD is a component of marijuana (one of hundreds), by itself it does not cause a “high.” According to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

Is cannabidiol legal?

CBD is readily obtainable in most parts of the United States, though its exact legal status is in flux. All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction, and while the federal government still considers CBD in the same class as marijuana, it doesn’t habitually enforce against it. In December 2015, the FDA eased the regulatory requirements to allow researchers to conduct CBD trials. Currently, many people obtain CBD online without a medical cannabis license. The government’s position on CBD is confusing, and depends in part on whether the CBD comes from hemp or marijuana. The legality of CBD is expected to change, as there is currently bipartisan consensus in Congress to make the hemp crop legal which would, for all intents and purposes, make CBD difficult to prohibit.

The evidence for cannabidiol health benefits

CBD has been touted for a wide variety of health issues, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically don’t respond to antiseizure medications. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures, and in some cases it was able to stop them altogether. Videos of the effects of CBD on these children and their seizures are readily available on the Internet for viewing, and they are quite striking. Recently the FDA approved the first ever cannabis-derived medicine for these conditions, Epidiolex, which contains CBD.

CBD is commonly used to address anxiety, and for patients who suffer through the misery of insomnia, studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.

CBD may offer an option for treating different types of chronic pain. A study from the European Journal of Pain showed, using an animal model, CBD applied on the skin could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Another study demonstrated the mechanism by which CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat. More study in humans is needed in this area to substantiate the claims of CBD proponents about pain control.

Is cannabidiol safe?

Side effects of CBD include nausea, fatigue and irritability. CBD can increase the level in your blood of the blood thinner coumadin, and it can raise levels of certain other medications in your blood by the exact same mechanism that grapefruit juice does. A significant safety concern with CBD is that it is primarily marketed and sold as a supplement, not a medication. Currently, the FDA does not regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements. So you cannot know for sure that the product you buy has active ingredients at the dose listed on the label. In addition, the product may contain other (unknown) elements. We also don’t know the most effective therapeutic dose of CBD for any particular medical condition.

The bottom line on cannabidiol

Some CBD manufacturers have come under government scrutiny for wild, indefensible claims, such that CBD is a cure-all for cancer, which it is not. We need more research but CBD may be prove to be an option for managing anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Without sufficient high-quality evidence in human studies we can’t pinpoint effective doses, and because CBD is currently is mostly available as an unregulated supplement, it’s difficult to know exactly what you are getting. If you decide to try CBD, talk with your doctor — if for no other reason than to make sure it won’t affect other medications you are taking.

pain relief

What Does CBD Do For Pain?

On the Infinite CBD site, you can read that “CBD, or Cannabidiol, can help alleviate pain by addressing the two mechanisms that make humans feel pain.

First, CBD reduces inflammation. More specifically, research suggests that CBD reduces pain in the joints. Using the CB1 and CB2 receptors located in the immune system, CBD halts the activation of inflammatory T cells. Due to this ability, CBD has been found to help reduce arthritic pain and pain caused by fibrosis.

Additionally, studies have shown that CBD alleviates neuropathic pain by suppressing a3 glycine receptors. Due to this ability, CBD targets not just inflammation, but the pathway that makes humans actually feel it.

Using CBD Lotion for Pain

When applied topically, CBD has the ability to provide individuals with targeted and effective benefits. Using CBD lotion to reduce pain is effective because it can be used on an as-needed basis. No amount of CBD lotion is too much.

You can apply CBD lotion to your skin, which should be rubbed in until absorbed. Wait for about 15 minutes, and viola – relief.

Whether you’re recovering from a sprained ankle, experience chronic back pain, or just got home from surgery, CBD lotion is a natural, effective, and targeted way to address your pain. From the inflammation in the area to the neuropathic pain you’re feeling, CBD is the natural solution you’ve been searching for.

Freezing Point CBD Lotion and Salve

Infinite CBD has created a variety of CBD lotion and salve products that address pain.

Freezing Point Lotion comes in a few varieties. If you’re experiencing severe pain, Nano Freezing Point products are recommended, as CBD nanotechnology make CBD more bioavailable (absorbable) to the body.

Additionally, salve products make applying CBD very easy. Infinite CBD’s salves also include a higher ratio of CBD.

It’s Time to Use CBD Lotion for Pain

Experiencing and managing pain is the worst. Not only does it hurt, but it affects your quality of life and ability to do all of the activities you enjoy.

Use CBD lotion for pain if you’re seeking effective, targeted, and natural relief.”

There are a ton of different ways to take CBD oil. Try out a few different ways and see what best suits you and gives you relief. Its great for pets as well.