BEAUTY AND NAILS – BEAUTY THERAPY -COSMETOLOGY in CAUSES OF EXCESSIVE HAIR GROWTH (HIRSUTISM)

We all have body hair however it may be more noticeable in some than in others. In BEAUTY AND NAILS  – BEAUTY THERAPY – COSMETOLOGY when hair growth becomes excessive it is known as Hirsutism.

Hirsutism can occur due to several underlying medical conditions. In some cases, there may not be an underlying cause.

 

Causes of excess body hair

Androgens are sex hormones that help develop the reproductive system and secondary sexual traits of males after puberty. One of the most common types of androgens is testosterone. Though doctors may refer to androgens as male hormones, they are present in both male and female bodies. Both sexes will have hair growth under the arms and in the pubic area after puberty. In males, they also stimulate the growth of other body hair, as well as facial hair such as a mustache and beard.

Several medical conditions can cause females to produce too many androgens and grow excessive hair, they are:

1. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

The most common cause of excess body hair in females is a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is a hormonal disorder causing the body to produce too many androgens. The condition accounts for more than 70% of hirsutism cases. Doctors do not fully understand the causes of PCOS; however, symptoms can be managed with birth control pills or other hormonal treatments.

2. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

A congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a rare group of disorders that affect the adrenal glands and can cause severe symptoms. The female body may produce too many androgens when the adrenal glands do not work correctly. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including excessive hair growth.

3. Tumors

According to research, 0.3 % of hirsutism cases happen due to a tumor that releases androgens. The body hair appears rapidly in these cases and may include other symptoms, such as a mass in the stomach or pelvis.

4. Medication

Some medications can cause excessive hair growth. A person who notices new hair growth after trying a new prescription drug should tell their doctor.

Some drugs with links to hirsutism include certain antipsychotic drugs, Glucocorticosteroids, certain anti-seizure medications, certain immunosuppressive medications, hormone drugs such as testosterone, and some drugs that alter hormone production.

 

  1. Thyroid disorders

The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate metabolism and body temperature. The two common thyroid disorders are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. When the thyroid malfunctions, it may create an imbalance of hormones that causes excess body hair growth in rare cases.

2. Normal vs. abnormal hair growth

It can be challenging to determine if someone has excessive body hair. To assess if someone has hirsutism, researchers have developed the Ferriman-Gallwey scale. This scale assigns a score based on how much hair growth a person has in various body areas.

3. Diagnosing hirsutism

In addition to looking at the Ferriman-Gallwey scale, a doctor will diagnose hirsutism usually by excluding other causes for excessive hair growth.

Tests may include:

  • A thorough physical exam.
  • Questions about the patient’s family history of similar symptoms, symptom onset, and any medications they may be taking.
  • Bloodwork to measure androgen and other hormone levels.
  • Charting of a person’s periods and obtaining a detailed menstrual history.
  • -Imaging scans to check for tumors and other growths.
  • Pelvic exam in which the doctor will look for signs of androgenization or tumors.

4. Natural treatment options for hirsutism include:

  • Diet changes: For people who have insulin resistance, reducing their intake of sugars and carbohydrates can help.
  • Weight management: Maintaining a moderate weight can help control many symptoms of PCOS.
  • In  BEAUTY AND NAILS  – BEAUTY THERAPY – COSMETOLOGY hair removal methods, such as waxing, shaving, tweezing, or using hair removal creams can improve the appearance. These methods however will not address the underlying cause of excess hair growth so it will be a temporary solution.

5. Medical treatments for excessive hair growth

  • Birth control pills help regulate their hormones.
  • Insulin to control diabetes.
  • Androgen-suppressing medication.
  • Low-dose steroid medication.

At Hydro International we offer  BEAUTY AND NAILS  – BEAUTY THERAPY – COSMETOLOGY COURSES. Contact our career consultant today and view our campus and discuss the course options best suited for you.

Glitter lips in PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTRY

LOVE all things sparkly?! Achieving the ultimate glitter pout is easier than ever!
Here are some top PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP tips for getting this look yourself…
1. Ensure that your lips are clean, dry, and well-moisturized.

2. Use a lip liner in a similar shade to the glitter to line the lips.

3. Apply your lipstick in a color that matches or complements your glitter. Use a
colored lipstick instead of a clear gloss or lip balm so that you won’t be left with
obvious gaps when your glitter rubs away or moves (and let’s face it, this WILL
happen!). If you’re using a matte liquid lipstick, you may want to follow this up
with a balm or thick gloss to give the glitter something to adhere to.

4. Get a dampened cotton swab or lip brush and dip it into your chosen glitter. OR
you can always use your finger! Now be sure to use makeup-grade glitter for this –
this isn’t the time for craft shop sparkles! – and remember that the finer your
glitter, the better it will adhere to your lips, which means a longer-lasting glitter lip.

5. Apply your glitter! You may have to apply several layers for consistency. If any
glitter falls loose during the application, you can gently use sellotape or a mascara
wand to gently remove it without messing up your makeup.
There’s a certain glamour that comes with GLITTER MAKEUP that’s undeniable, and
when done right, it can leave you looking and feeling like a million rands!
Glitter makeup might seem quite scary for anyone over the age of 18, but cosmetic
brands in 2023 have created the most spectacular collections of ‘Grown Up Glitter’ for
women of every age. And while you may feel more comfortable starting out with just a
hint of shimmer shadow, it’s Glitter Lips that will make you stand out!

Removing Glitter Lips

Glitter Lips is quick and easy to remove with an oil-based make-up remover and cotton
pads:
1. Apply a generous amount of makeup remover to a cotton pad and hold it over the
lips for 5 seconds to penetrate through the product.

2. Gently, using a circular motion, remove the glitter and lipstick. You may need to
use more than one cotton pad to remove all traces.

3. Finally, apply lashings of lip balm to restore the moisture level

Health & Skincare in Henna Brows

This 14th blog will take you through the process of creating your own unique brow look using Henna. These techniques are taught when carrying out a SOMATOLOGY/ HEALTH AND SKINCARE course.

Henna brows will be one of the leading beauty trends of 2022, whether the client is asking for a soft, natural look, or a bold look for a runway show, henna brows are quick to do as a treatment, and they are pushing out old tinting methods that don’t last long.

Let’s compare the quick benefits of both just based on the time scale, or lack in this case for tinting. (Numbers do not lie.)

How long do henna brows last?

Traditionally the stain on the skin from henna brows can last 6-8 weeks, which is significantly longer than traditional tints that only last around 2-4 weeks.

What’s the difference between regular tint and henna brows?

Regular eyebrow tints will only tint the hair and last anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Henna brows produce longer-lasting results. Lasting up to 6 weeks on the hair (and more), it also tints the skin which is great if you would like a better shape to your brows and create more definition. It is especially useful if you have a lack of brow hair to tint, the stain creates an illusion of hair.

Let’s also look at the breakdown of how much it would effectively cost you to become a henna expert in 2022

The Henna product kit is designed to perform approximately 200 full treatments.

Cost per kit: (R3,000 ex vat). Based on a charging price of R250 per treatment, the projected profit on a full Henna Spa kit is R47,000.

This is a great investment for 2022. Whether as a novice or experienced tinting expert. It is always good to keep up with the times.

In conclusion

Henna Brows are a new medium that is currently being sought after by various clients, from fashion shows, editorial shoots, wedding clients, matric farewells, and much more.

Somatology – Health and Skincare in Knowing the Lingo – Q10

Q10 is on everyone’s lips. Every second skincare range advertisement mentions Q10. But what is Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 for short), known as Ubiquinone by professionals in the SOMATOLOGY / HEALTH AND SKINCARE industry, is a vitamin-like substance found naturally in every cell of the body. It’s essential for energy production in each cell to fulfill the skin’s basic functions – such as regeneration, growth, and repair processes.

In the SOMATOLOGY / HEALTH AND SKINCARE industry, we are taught that our skin is the outermost layer of the body and our largest organ. It is constantly exposed to various external factors, including the sun’s UV rays, which have an oxidizing effect on our skin, forming free radicals. Free radicals in turn accelerate the skin’s aging process.

Q10 is a naturally produced body enzyme. It is one of the most fundamental antioxidants. Antioxidants are shields applied to your skin to combat all factors that contribute to aging skin such as UV radiation, Infrared radiation, and ozone pollution.

When you’re younger your body can produce as much CoQ10 as required for energy. As we age, aging and stress slow down the CoQ10 production process, and the body’s supplies diminish. This in turn slows down the regeneration of cells in the body. Q10 found in products recommended by your SOMATOLOGY / HEALTH AND SKINCARE therapist will combat these effects.

CoQ10 works similarly to another powerhouse ingredient: Vitamin C, the most common antioxidant applied topically for its anti-aging effects. CoQ10 has also been shown to use the same pathway to neutralize free radicals

 

What is coenzyme Q10’s role in skincare?

Q10 fulfills two tasks simultaneously: It provides cellular energy and protects the cells as an antioxidant.

Q10 is necessary for cellular energy production in the mitochondria, the “power plants” in our cells. In turn, it strengthens various organs such as the heart, muscles, and nerves.

As an antioxidant, Q10 fights off free radicals inside and outside the cells. For this reason, Q10 is so essential for smooth, healthy-looking skin.

 

What are the benefits of Q10?

Some benefits of Q10 for the skin include:

1. Gives skin the energy it needs for natural repair & regeneration

2. More energized skin equals a more radiant complexion, which allows skin that appears youthful and energetic. CoQ10 likes the limelight and tends to interfere with some of the processes that cause uneven skin tone, resulting in a revitalized complexion.

3. Coenzyme Q10 assists in reducing sun damage due to its powerful antioxidant properties that help to defend the skin from the adverse effects of sun exposure caused by free radicals. Decreasing sun damage helps to prevent sun-induced signs of aging. 

4. Q10 supports the production of collagen, which makes up almost 80% of our skin and almost a third of all proteins in our body. An increase in collagen helps to increase cell regeneration, protect delicate organs, strengthen bones, tendons, and joints, and maintain skin elasticity.

 

5. Q10 helps to reduce the surfacing of fine lines & wrinkles. Due to all the energy, Q10 provides the skin, helping to support the production of collagen.

6. Q10 Helps to Promote an Even Skin Tone by preventing hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by an excess production of melanin. Q10 helps to stop the production of tyrosinase which is the catalyst for melanin production. Q10 is an effective de-pigmentation skincare ingredient that can reduce skin discoloration.

7. It protects the skin from environmental stressors. Our skin takes a daily beating from pollution, UV rays, and other outdoor elements. CoQ10 uses its antioxidant properties to protect the skin by counteracting these effects. 

8. It energizes the skin working to invigorate and strengthen it, making it more efficient at soaking up nutrients that keep it healthy. 

9. It helps your skin retain moisture by helping your skin kick impurities to the curb, making it easier to hang onto the moisture it already has.

 10. It fights dullness and tightens the skin, it really is the gift that keeps on giving. It minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

 11. It can help prevent future skin damage. Your skin becomes stronger and therefore more capable of resisting damage from environmental stressors over time.

 12. It’s safe to mix with other ingredients. Due to CoQ10’s fat-soluble nature, it plays nicely with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid. It can also enhance everything from aloe vera and acai to green tea. 

Who should use it?

CoQ10 is great for users of all ages. Apart from very small children, CoQ10 is n suitable for people of all ages. It shields skin to the very top. It can neutralize short-term harmful effects and counteract age-related damage. Those with vitiligo should consult their dermatologist before use.

 

Where is Q10 naturally found?

Thanks to science and some dietary know-how, you can give your body a boost by taking supplements or eating certain foods – legumes, fruits, veggies, and some oils, too.

Which products contain Q10?

Q20 is mainly derived from fermented natural yeast. Once isolated, it goes into vitamins, supplements, and cosmetic products that you can apply topically.

Like its popular friend vitamin C, CoQ10 can enhance serums, moisturizers, and toners, under-eye creams giving skin a jumpstart and helping to even tone, firm skin, and diminish the look of wrinkles.

How often can you use Q10?

A SOMATOLOGY / HEALTH AND SKINCARE therapist would advise you to apply it daily. CoQ10 is well-tolerated by most people and can be applied regularly without issues. You can incorporate products that contain Q10 into both your morning and night-time skincare routines.

CoQ10 can be used daily in your morning and night skincare routines. It should be applied before any heavy moisturizers.

The good news is that it is safe to mix with other ingredients. It works well with Aloe Vera, vitamin C, vitamin B3, and hyaluronic acid. It is advised to mix Q10 with similar ingredients for the best results.

 

Lomi-Lomi in Health and Skincare

The practice of Lomi Lomi massage originated in ancient Polynesia. When Polynesian settlers first came to Hawaii, Lomi Lomi came with them. Lomi Lomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses a combination of spiritual elements of prayer, humming, breathing, and dance to restore energy and soothe the body. Lomi Lomi massage as the structured technique taught and practiced today was created and promoted by Hawaiian massage masters, chief among them Abraham Kawaii and Margaret Machado.

In the study of  HEALTH AND SKINCARE,  we learn that the Native Hawaiian spiritual practitioners, or kahunas, continued to use Lomi Lomi as a means of restoration and healing, in concert with other herbal, spiritual, and, ritual medicinal techniques. Today’s Lomi Lomi practitioners are asked to offer a calm mental space and nurturing touch to their clients.

Emphasizing a mind-body connection, Lomi Lomi’s massage treatments affect the client’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.  Emphasis is placed on the removal of any negative mental energy the recipient may have, as this is believed to affect physical health. In Hawaii, Lomi Lomi is used to treat children with upset stomachs and soothe women in labor.

Lomi – Lomi translates to ‘rub rub’ in Hawaiian. The trademark of a modern Lomi Lomi massage is continuous, long, flowing strokes applied by the hands, forearms, and elbows to the client’s body. The movements of the practitioner flow seamlessly from one area of the body to the next, with few breaks or transitions.

If you wish to study HEALTH AND SKINCARE,  you will learn that the nature of Lomi Lomi means that you probably won’t be able to wear very much, so check with the spa about what you can bring. Bikini bottoms are usually OK – or the spa might even provide disposable paper pants. These steps are taken to avoid interrupting the continuous flow of the massage.

The treatment may be slow and relaxing or faster and more invigorating, depending on how your body responds. You might find that the therapist massages two different parts of your body simultaneously – this is to stop your brain from focusing on any one area and therefore helps to aid relaxation. Sometimes, Lomi Lomi is carried out by two therapists at once to intensify the effect.

Benefits of Lomi Lomi massage

Lomi-Lomi aims to treat the body and mind as one whole being.

It is thought to:

  • release tension
  • Balanced emotions and breathing
  • assist blood and lymph flow
  • eliminate waste and stimulate toxins
  • rejuvenate the body and mind
  • It instills a sense of peace, harmony, and well-being.
  • Improves circulation and immune response.
  • Increases range of motion and flexibility.
  • Lowers blood pressure and slows the heart rate.
  • Improves posture and speeds healing.

In the study of HEALTH AND SKINCARE, you will learn that local contraindications mean that you can have a massage but certain areas of your body must not be worked on.

  • Varicose veins
  • Pregnancy
  • Sunburn
  • Broken skin, cuts, abrasions, etc.
  • Inflammation
  • Undiagnosed issues
  • Bruising
  • Undiagnosed pains

Medical (Absolute) contraindications are conditions that may stop you from having a massage. You should always seek medical clearance if you have any of these conditions before proceeding

  • Fever, high temperature
  • Skin diseases
  • You’ve recently had a major surgery or operation
  • You’re under the influence of alcohol, prescription or nonprescription drugs
  • You have a contagious disease
  • Currently, have or recovering from cancer
  • High blood pressure
  • You have a history of heart problems
  • Diabetes
  • Eczema or psoriasis
  • Trapped nerves