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5 Promising Benefits of Saw Palmetto
If you haven’t noticed yet, one of our favorite ingredients to use in our products is saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is scientifically known as Serenoa repens, a type of palm native to southeastern United States. Ripe fruits of saw palmetto are used to make medicine and has been considered as a natural remedy for years. This herbal remedy is believed to help manage some aspects of male reproductive health, including prostate problems. We use saw palmetto in our haircare products and hair growth supplement to boost their formula. What are the benefits of this incredible ingredient? Find out from this article as we list down the top 5 promising benefits of saw palmetto. 1. Block DHT in the Hair Follicles Experts have found that saw palmetto can effectively inhibit 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into a powerful male hormone called DHT or dihydrotestosterone. DHT is responsible for the development of male characteristics such as facial hair and a deeper voice. Male hormones such as DHT are present in both men and women. The production of these hormones occurs in the testes (in males), ovaries (in females), and adrenal glands. They dictate the formation of the sex organs of babies in the womb and the secondary male characteristics during puberty. As men get older, DHT have other effects that can have negative impact on their appearance. DHT accumulate in the hair follicles. This blocks proper blood flow that delivers nutrients to the hair roots. Because of this, the follicles starve and shrink. If not managed, hair will start to fall out and may never regrow. Thus, men experience male pattern baldness which usually begins in their 30s, and can continue until they lose all their hair in their 50s or 60s. Saw palmetto is known to be a natural DHT-blocking ingredient. By slowing down 5-alpha reductase, saw palmetto could reduce the effects of DHT to the hair follicles. 2. Improve Prostate Health in Men Before saw palmetto was even considered as a DHT blocker, it first became a popular treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH—a condition that causes an enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland responsible for maintaining healthy sperm in men. Saw palmetto supports prostate health and can aid in preventing complications like BPH. Extracts of saw palmetto berry are also believed to help with prostate cancer. They are said to minimize the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. BPH can be uncomfortable. Men that are suffering from BPH often experience difficulty in urination even when the need is urgent. They may also feel like their bladder isn’t completely empty and can cause leaking after urination. Saw palmetto is used as a treatment to improve these urinary tract symptoms associated with enlarged prostate. 3. Help Reduce Inflammation Since the prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the passageway that carries urine out of the body, this means that enlargement of prostate can lead to narrowing of the passage and cause the following symptoms: Slowness of incontinence and difficulty in urinating. Difficulty in starting to urinate. Frequent urination. Need to get up at night to urinate Pain after urination Saw palmetto naturally carries high levels of antioxidants. It has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease inflammation, prevent damaged cells, and protect against some diseases. It is one of the best natural remedies used to decrease swelling of enlarged prostate glands. 4. Balance Hormone Levels Saw palmetto is often used by men who want to boost their testosterone level naturally. Because testosterone levels decline with age, it can affect several aspects of health and may contribute to conditions like heart problems. Saw palmetto works by preventing 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone to DHT to preserve the amount of testosterone in the body. Regulating testosterone levels can improve sex drive or libido and help with erectile dysfunction. Since most studies on saw palmetto focus on male health, some people say that it does nothing for females. That is a myth! Saw palmetto is believed to help with PCOS or polycrystic ovary syndrome, a condition where females have higher levels of male hormones. This causes excess body hair, facial hair, acne and irregular or heavy menstrual periods. Saw palmetto works by regulating high levels of male hormones to prevent PCOS. 5. Prevent Hair Loss in Men and Women Hair loss is a condition that can be experienced by both men and women. It can be caused by various factors such as genetics, hormonal imbalance, severe stress or certain medications. Saw palmetto is often used as a natural way to balance hormone levels and fight hair loss. It is a known DHT-blocking ingredient that works by preventing the activity of 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss. DHT causes hair loss by starting to bind in the hair follicles and then blocking the way of bloodstream from reaching the hair roots. The blood is supposed to carry the nutrients that enable the hair to grow healthy. Because of DHT hampering these nutrients from coming in, the hair strands gradually become thinner and hair follicles eventually die out and never regrow. How to Get Your Daily Dose of Saw Palmetto Saw palmetto is widely available in supplement form, making it easier to add to your daily routine. You can take supplements filled with saw palmetto berry powder and other DHT-blockers like the Shiny Leaf enHAIRgy Supplement. It comes in a small, vegetarian capsule that can be easily swallowed and digests fast in the stomach. Take it using the Wellness Tracker available on the Shiny Leaf App to help you remember when it’s time to pop the capsule. For better results, you can take hair supplements with shampoos and conditioners that also contain saw palmetto. Try our Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner, formulated with coconut fruit extract, biotin, argan oil, and saw palmetto extract for Advanced Formula for thinning hair.
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Quick and Easy Aftershave Recipes for Men and Women
Shaving might get rid of the unwanted hair but it can give you razor burns and irritated skin. Having red and bumpy skin is a sign that you’re not doing it right. Shaving is the art of getting smooth and hairless skin that is free from bumps, rashes, or redness. Don’t let bumps get in your way – whip up the perfect aftershave that gives you soft and smooth skin. With summer just around the corner, having hairy legs or unruly beards is unacceptable. With the best aftershave, you can get a hair-free skin that feels silky smooth. No need to look far – try these two easy recipes for an aftershave that will save you from rashes and burns. How Razor Burns and Rashes Happen Shaving requires time and tenderness. Rushing causes burns and rashes. When you shave your skin, you are damaging the surface. You are using blades to cut hair strands from the roots. It scrapes the outermost layer of skin, causing irritation. You can mellow it out by using shaving cream. However, it does not soften the abrasion caused by the blades. The ugly side effects of shaving are often caused by being too harsh when shaving. When you rush into getting rid of the hair, it makes you use greater pressure, which scrapes against the surface of your skin. When you shave the hair just above the surface of skin, the strand coils into itself and grow inwards. Ingrown hair causes inflammation that can be very painful. When you don’t apply an aftershave or a moisturizer after, skin can break out or get infected. Moisturizing oils or aftershaves do the trick in keeping your skin soft and free from blemishes. Some store-bought aftershave contains chemicals that might be more harmful to skin. Instead of buying expensive aftershave, you can make your own aftershave at home! Soothing Aftershave for Women It's the time of the month to lose hair in all the right places, including your private parts, ladies! If you prefer smooth, soft skin, shaving is the easiest and fastest way. Shaving is better for your skin compared to waxing too. Waxing your legs or private parts doesn't only hurt. It damages hair follicles as well. While shaving is better for your skin, it doesn't mean your skin won't suffer after. Lack of aftercare can result in itchiness, inflamed follicles, razor burns, and rashes. If you want to keep your legs, arms, and lady parts itch-free, this aftershave recipe is a must-try! Ingredients 1 tablespoon distilled water 2 teaspoons vegetable glycerin 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel 2 tablespoons witch hazel 2 drops ylang-ylang oil 2 drops bergamot oil 5 drops rose essential oil Directions Prepare the materials you need such as clean mixing bowl, whisk, and clean spray bottles. Mix aloe vera gel, distilled water, and witch hazel in a small bowl. Whisk until it has a smooth consistency. Add the vegetable glycerin and favorite oils with rose essential oil. Whisk until well-incorporated. Transfer the mixture to the spray bottle. Shake well before applying to skin. Application After shaving, pat the area dry with a soft microfiber towel. Don’t apply the aftershave right after washing the shaving cream off your skin. Spray the mixture to hands and rub palms together. Do not spray directly to skin. Pat the aftershave into skin and spread gently. Allow the mixture to be absorbed before using a moisturizer. Why It’s Good for You This aftershave moisturizes your skin greatly. It soothes skin to prevent irritation and makes it softer to the touch. Aloe vera is highly moisturizing. This extract replenishes the moisture to skin to prevent dryness. Since women have more sensitive skin than men, a soothing aftershave works best for you. Vegetable glycerin seals the moisture on the surface of your skin to prevent moisture from escaping. Rose essential oil blends well with ylang-ylang oil and bergamot oil. It gives the aftershave a nice scent, perfect for women. The rose essential oil provides antibacterial and astringent properties as well. They minimize hair follicles and tighten skin while preventing ingrown hair. Witch hazel is another astringent that has therapeutic properties for skin. It seals in the moisture to skin and alleviates any inflammation of hair follicles. Woodsy Aftershave Balm Ingredients 1 tablespoon beeswax 1 tablespoon aloe vera 2 tablespoons raw shea butter 5 tablespoons argan oil 4 drops sandalwood oil 4 drops pine oil Directions Fill a small pot filled with water and put on a medium heat stove. Place a bowl on top of the pot, large enough to cover the opening. Melt the beeswax and shea butter in the bowl until it has a smooth consistency. Remove from heat and add the aloe vera and argan oil. Mix until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a clean container with an airtight lid. Place in the fridge until the mixture gets solid. Remove after a few hours and whisk with a hand-mixer. Add essential oils during the process and store in a cool place when done. Application Pat your skin dry with a gentle towel. Let your skin rest for a few minutes. Use a small amount of the balm and apply directly to the shaved area. Spread until whole are is covered. Let dry and you are done! There’s no need to apply a moisturizer. Why It’s Good for You Like any balm, this creamy aftershave soothes skin and inflammation that might be caused by shaving. Beeswax and shea butter are natural moisturizers that seal in the water to the deeper layers of skin. It makes your skin softer and tougher against dryness. Aloe vera has soothing properties that provide added moisture as well. Argan oil is a deep moisturizing ingredient that is light on your skin. It provides essential fatty acids and vitamins that improve skin health. Argan oil’s known as an anti-aging oil too. It is rich in antioxidants that help reverse the signs of skin damage. Coupled with the soothing effects of natural butter, and you’ll never feel your skin as smooth after you apply the aftershave balm. The sandalwood and pine oil are perfect for creating the woodsy scent that will attract women towards you. These homemade aftershaves are affordable and easy to make. Shaving is definitely a safe alternative to waxing, which can damage the follicles. You just need the right aftershave to protect your skin from bumps, burns, and rashes. Feel a softer skin and smell better after. Don’t fear the razor. Get rid of the fuzz with the buzz.
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3-Ingredient Anti-Hair Loss Treatment Recipe
Losing hair every day is normal. You lose 50-100 strands a day, which might seem a lot. However, losing that much hair in a day is minor compared to the shedding that happens if you have hair loss issues. If you think you are losing too much hair, try this homemade three-ingredient anti-hair loss treatment recipe may help. Treat hair loss with castor oil, argan oil, and coconut oil. These oils have benefits when applied to hair and scalp. Mixing them together enhances their effects, which help with hair concerns such as hair loss. Find out if these oils prevent and treat hair loss! How Hair Loss Happens Hair loss is characterized by excessive hair fall. It is also a sign of hair loss when hair starts falling in larger than usual clumps and bald spots or patches starts showing up on your scalp. Thin hair volume is another sign that you’re suffering from hair loss. There could be many reasons why hair loss happens. One of them is due to vitamin deficiency. Nutrients such as biotin and protein are necessary for healthy hair growth. Lack of certain vitamins and minerals weaken hair and cause breakage. Another factor that can be causing hair loss is the use of harsh products. The scalp produces natural oil, which keeps hair moisturized. Using harsh products like cleansers can weaken hair and cause breakage. To treat hair loss, make sure to provide the nourishment, moisture, and protection. Stick to gentle products cleanse and condition hair. 3 Ingredients that Restore Hair Health Restore hair luster and shine with essential oils. This recipe uses just three ingredients – castor oil, argan oil, and coconut oil. Each one has benefits that help nourish and strengthen hair. Find out how these oils help improve your hair to prevent hair loss. Don’t miss out on the great benefits of using this homemade solution. Castor Oil Castor oil is well-known as one of the best treatments for various scalp and hair conditions such as hair loss. It is a unique source of ricinoleic acid, which provides therapeutic properties for your hair and scalp. These properties help soothe the scalp to prevent dryness, damage, and hair loss. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of castor oil are good all-natural remedy for the scalp. It stimulates the blood flow on the scalp to promote healthy hair growth. Castor oil speeds up the growth of hair too. Castor oil helps balance the natural oils in your scalp to keep it dandruff-free as well. Your hair also benefits from proteins found in castor oil. Protein makes up hair and using castor oil keep the strands resilient against damage. Argan Oil Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that nourish and moisturize hair. Dubbed as ‘liquid gold’, it is not only the oil’s color that makes it popular. It has various benefits that prevent hair loss. Argan oil is a common ingredient in hair products due to its nourishing properties. Vitamins and minerals found in Argan oil thicken hair to make it more resilient to damage. Thin hair is more prone to breakage and hair fall. Argan oil is particularly abundant in Vitamin E. It fights free radicals to protect hair from damage. The oil is highly absorbent, hydrating the scalp and hair deeply. It seals in the water to the strands to prevent brittleness. Coconut Oil Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that helps curb hair loss. As an organic oil, it contains essential nutrients that help make hair thicker and stronger. It improves the ability of hair to retain moisture as well. This prevents dryness of hair and regulates the production of oil on the scalp. Coconut oil has high levels of lauric acid, an important component of hair growth. Lauric acid absorbs through the hair shaft and reaches the roots o the hair. It protects the hair strands from roots to tips. Coconut oil binds various proteins to strengthen the root of strands as well. It soothes scalp inflammation and stimulates blood flow on the scalp. Scalp inflammation can affect the resilience of hair to damage. How Essential Oils Prevent Hair Loss Having dry hair and scalp means that you are prone to hair loss. The lack of moisture weakens hair follicles and can make hair strands brittle. Moisture is important for keeping hair healthy and full of volume. Essential oils are rich in moisture and nourishment that strengthens hair. They help restore hair health while improving its texture, shine, volume, and resilience. Oils make hair feel softer and smoother as well. Homemade hair treatments that contain essential oils are used as alternatives to chemical-based products. They are cheaper and safer to use due to the therapeutic effects that they offer. Get manageable hair that you can style into any shape by using essential oils in hair products. Try this anti-hair loss treatment recipe. How to Make This Anti-Hair Loss Treatment Recipe Repair hair damage and prevent hair loss with this recipe. Make sure to use pure and quality essential oils that provide nourishment for hair. Here’s how you can make your own treatment recipe. Ingredients 2 tablespoons castor oil 1 tablespoon argan oil 2 tablespoons coconut oil Procedure Prepare a bowl of hot water. Mix all the oils in a smaller bowl. Place it in the large bowl of hot water and mix until the oils are well blended. Transfer to a clean amber-colored glass container. Application Apply the oil to hair from roots to tips. Make sure to massage the oil on the scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes or overnight. Cover hair with a shower cap to prevent oil stains. Another optional step you can do is to wrap a damp warm towel around the shower cap. This helps the oils penetrate hair and scalp better. Remove after the towel gets cold. Rinse hair with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. How it Works The mixture of the three ingredients moisturizes hair and seals in the moisture to the strands. This moisture fills in the gap on the hair shaft to repair damages. This reduces risks of breakage. This 3-ingredient recipe unclogs hair follicles and soothes the scalp to prevent inflammation that can cause hair fall. Nutrients found in castor oil, argan oil, and coconut oil binds hair together and improves its resilience. Each essential oil in this homemade recipe is beneficial for hair growth. A blend of castor oil, argan oil, and coconut oil has healing effects goes to the root of hair loss. Use this treatment once or twice a week for healthier hair. Keep your tresses lustrous and shiny with this anti-hair loss treatment recipe!
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The Facial Hair Flair
In many history books, you will see men sporting beards that vary from short and easy to maintain goatees to long waist-long (or even longer) beards. Today, beards have evolved into something of a fashion statement for men. There are now websites dedicated to grooming beards and products that are specific to making beards behave. Find out what other beard trivia you can learn from this simple infographic. Look your best everyday with the help of the Shiny Leaf Beard Oil. This nutrient-rich oil helps keep your beards and other facial hair neat and well-groomed. It also has nourishing ingredients that help make beards feel soft and smooth. Bread grooming, just like beards have come a long way. You don’t need to use regular baby oil and other household oils to tame your mustache or beard. The oil comes in an amazing scent too. So your honey will want to keep snuggling up to you and your beard.
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Gentlemen’s Beard Code: Beard Dos and Don’ts
Killing that beard? This question actually goes both ways. Are you sporting a sleek and stylish beard or are you literally killing it? Facial hair care is delicate and it isn't only comprised of making sure that the strands are healthy and strong. The gentlemen’s beard code guides you into building the ultimate grooming routine. This list shows the dos and don’ts of beard care which highlights the best practices and the atrocities that you can do to your facial hair. The best battle is won with knowledge over the enemy. Get equipped with ideas, tricks, and secrets to having a shiny and strong facial hair. Be a champion that confidently wears a majestic beard. Trimming Facial Hair DON’T let facial hair grow out of proportions. If you’ve chosen to stick to a certain style of facial hair, you need to make sure not to let it grow to lengths that will destroy the shape you prefer. DO trim facial hair once in a while. Aside from making sure that it stays in shape, this is also effective in preventing the damage from spreading. This is a sure way of stopping split ends from getting worse. DON’T trim recklessly. You can probably cut your own facial hair. But this is not the right way to maintain the desired length and shape. If you’re not willing to spend on salon fees, then master the art of trimming with the right tools. DO match beard style to the shape of your face. Each beard style works for certain face shapes. Daily Facial Hair Wash DON’T let your beard trap crumbs and flakes for long. Make sure to remove them to protect your skin from itchiness and other signs of irritation. DO wash facial hair every day with the right products. DON’T use hair washes and conditioners meant for your locks. There are products made for beard care. DO choose and buy beard care products like hair wash, conditioners, and beard oil. DO remember to always condition facial hair to keep it soft and silky. It helps prevent the strands from getting weak, brittle, and frizzy. DON’T forget to moisturize the skin beneath the beard. This helps protect the skin from irritation and also makes sure that the hair strands grow strong and smooth. Grooming Facial Hair Into Perfection DON’T use just any hair care products. Always go for natural formulas and products that are best suited for beard care. DO use beard balms to moisturize and style facial hair. Since it is not the same hair that grows on your scalp, you need a gentle and nourishing styling product. A balm helps tame wild strands and keeps the shape that you went for. DON’T forget to be conscious of your intake of proteins. Though there are no foods or drinks that could speed up the growth of facial hair, proteins are important in making sure that the strands are resilient against damages. DO use only the right tools in grooming your beard. Really sharp scissors, trimmers, and razors are some of the basic tools you need to know about. Secret Grooming Tips You Need to Know About Once you’ve had a general idea of which practices to use and avoid, you can now use tricks that work well for you. Here are some of the best tips that experts and enthusiasts got for you. 1. If you decide to grow a beard or start over again, you need to leave the facial hair growing for 4-6 weeks without touching it. This is because some strands grow faster than others. And waiting for at least this long helps your beard even out and grow into lengths where you can choose a style or shape that you want. Remember not to trim any facial hair during these first few weeks. 2. The skin itches for the first few weeks of growing it out. Avoid scratching. Instead, you can use gentle essential oils to keep them soft which also prevents strands from going coarse and brittle. This reduces the irritation on the skin. 3. Always remember to dry your beard after washing. Facial hair is easier to style and manage when dry and soft. Follow up with some combing from roots to tips. It shows any areas that you need to trim. 4. Keep your beard at least 1 ½ inches above Adam’s apple. You can also fade your beard to give your style a smooth transition. 5. Combing and stretching the strands give your beard length. Or at least makes it look longer and smoother. 6. Leave your mustache alone. Don’t trim it that much. Let it grow to its full length to get a healthy and complete look. 7. Some men can’t fully grow beards and there are also those who can’t grow at all. This is different from having facial hair growing but in patches. You can cover these patches up by simply letting the beard grow fuller. But if after 6 weeks and there's no sign of a beard growing fully, maybe it's time to reconsider having one.
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