Reviv Hair Placode Booster Serum (product review)

Sponsored Content

I was very impressed to receive such a nicely wrapped sample product.  I was impressed with the packaging, inside of my lovely box was a neatly black tissue wrapped box, filled with 5 vials of Reviv Serum along with a rubber syringe (sans/no needle--only used to express the serum from the vial) and instructions.

For some who are fearful of syringes, many would believe they would have to inject themselves, but this product has a rubber syringe which contains "no needle" and you squirt the product on as directed using a certain amount.

My hair and skin are dry so, I wanted to try this product out.  I own a company (Salon Rx) which assists men, children and women with medical hair loss due to Alopecia, scalp trauma, environment, Cancer, etc. So, I want to make sure my clients are receiving the very best products that deal with wellness and health and are non-harmful nor irritating.

I was surprised when I noticed that a couple ingredients in the product turned out to have a bad review...the ingredients are:

Acrylates and C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer.  The products include a very low dosage of acylate yet it still bothered me that the company didn't try to use a more natural alternative. 

Many folks do not look at the ingredient listing and will only seek out the best pricing and possibly a friend referral.  In this case, I had neither to go off of and I wanted to try and find out about these ingredients since I could barely pronounce them upon first looking.  When you have to enunciate each syllable, then you know you should use the internet for research.

With that I chose not to sample the product, although it probably won't be a long-term use if the product does create thicker hair and improves the skin, I decided it's not the product for me.

Please view the website for more information and see the numerous video testimonies on YouTube by other Brand Influencers.

website: http://revivserums.com/products/placode-booster-serum

#revivserums  #RevivHair

 Placode: embryonic structures that give rise to structures such as hair follicles, feathers, and teeth

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurogenic_placodes

Oligopeptide (54): synthetic peptide composed of 12 amino acids

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9373346

Alcohol Denat: methylated spirits  (added with fatty liquids it isn't drying)

http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/alcohol-denat

Decapeptide (8 & 10): a polypeptide (as angiotensin I) that consists of a chain of 10 amino acids

https://www.britannica.com/science/angiotensin-II

Niacinamide: a conversion of the vitamin B complex

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/niacinamide

PEG/PPG (20/23): is used as an Emulsion stabilizer

http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/dimethicone-pegppg-2023-benzoate    

Dimethicone: A silicone used to assist in storage of cosmetics and personal care products

https://www.google.com/patents/US20090269376

**Acrylates:  typically found in cosmetic nail preparations. **Government regulations and occupational studies have linked ethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate to cancer. The International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classify ethyl acrylate as a possible human carcinogen.[15,16] - See more at: http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/2978/#sthash.3bFY7DKz.dpuf

http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/2978/

**C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: an excellent thickening and emulsifying agent and are capable of providing flow and clarity to gel systems. ** Accordingly, these Acrylate Copolymers are considered safe for use in cosmetic formulations when formulated to avoid irritation.

https://www.leaf.tv/articles/what-is-an-acrylate-crosspolymer/

http://ijt.sagepub.com/content/21/3_suppl/1.abstract

Sodium Acrylates Copolymer: used as a moisturizing agent                

http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/sodium-acrylates-copolymer

Lecithin:  a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and to prevent sticking. Lecithin is a naturally occurring lipid found in both plants and animals. 

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703513/LECITHIN/

Caffeine: a stimulant

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine

Panthenol: Provitamin B5 (synonyms: D-pantothenyl alcohol, pantothenol, dexpanthenol) is the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Activity 75%. pH 8-9. Stabilized & preserved with 1% D-pantolactone. Clear viscous liquid, no or faint odor. Soluble in water & alcohol, not in oils. Penetrates readily into skin & hair. Has good moisturizing & softening properties. Has been shown to improve the appearance of irritated skin and is often used as the rejuvenating agent. 

http://www.makingcosmetics.com/Provitamin-B5-d-panthenol_p_318.html

Triethanolamine: used as an emulsifier

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triethanolamine

Please view the website for more information and see the numerous video testimonies on YouTube by other Brand Influencers.

website: http://revivserums.com/products/placode-booster-serum

#revivserums  #RevivHair

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Derma E (product review)

(Sponsored Content)

I was very excited to receive the Derma E product line which included me giving an honest review of the packaging (old versus new), learning about the brand and sampling the products.

The Hydrating Day Crème (Old Packaging) is most definitely easier to read and no guessing to choose which is day and which is night.  With the older packaging, the color pops and the wording is bolder on top of the box and the front of the box.  The jar that the product comes in also has the colorful label, the wording is easy to read and also directions on how to properly use the product.

The Hydrating Night Cream (New Packaging) is sophisticated and sleek and says to me that this is a luxury brand that should be placed in the best spas and exclusive retail boutiques globally.  The spelling of the word from Cream to Crème was also very noticeable. (A side note is that the wording on the top of the box is not bold so, it's a bit more difficult to read).  The lighter colors and the 50/50 lotus blossom on the front of the box are very before and after sexy. The jar is the same, the only change is the labeling which is see through yet the words still pop out.  Again, this is sleek and exclusive spa quality labeling.

I really wanted this product to be a "God Send" because it claims to be:

Hydrating

Eco-Ethical

100% Vegan

Cruelty-Free

GMO-Free

Soy Free

Paraben Free

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free

Petrolatum Free

No Mineral Oil

No Artificial Colors

No Gluten

and uses recyclable packaging and made in a Certified Wind Energy plant

AMAZING!  

The company has been in existence since 1984 (over 30 years). This company supports global communities!  

Who could say no to that...but those folks who are leery, let me say that I've created an honest review of the product because I truly needed to find a product for my extremely dry skin.  You can go online to Youtube or to Derma E's website and links to find out more about the company and its founders.  They have over 80 products offered worldwide and they are all created in California (USA).

  

My company Salon Rx promotes wellness and health to men, children, and women.  I've just come back from Washington, DC for training as a Patient Advocate because I believe we all owe it to OURSELVES to EDUCATE ourselves and not rely primarily on our clinicians and the media to tell us what we need, what is right or wrong with our physical/mental state.  

By taking the opportunity to read the ingredients that are placed on the packaging of every product and having internet access via cell phones makes it easy to make better decisions on what to put in or on our body.

This is why I've researched every listed ingredient in both Derma E products and my overall review gives these products a thumbs up.

Within the first 2 days of using the creams, my skin was noticeably different.  At first, I had these dry cracked looking lines on my forehead.  I knew I had to get rid of those and me being in my 40's and single, means I have to look my best!  So, when I noticed on day 2 the fine lines were diminished a little, I was gung-ho, all in to prove this product works or not.

I continued my daily and nightly routine of washing my face with warm water and steaming my face with a hot towel.  I use an almond scrub (exfoliate) here and there twice a week.  In the morning, I would put a dab on my forehead, cheeks, chin and neck and rub it in.  This does leave a light film on the face for about 1 minute.  At night, I do the same, wash and steam my face, then I placed a dab here and there on my face and rubbed it in.

Within 3 weeks, my skin has really changed!  I'm in love with this product. 

I noticed it is sold at:

Target, CVS, ULTA Beauty, Whole Foods, some health food stores and I am shocked it is sold at Sally's Beauty. 

The product packaging really looks like it is high-end/luxury quality and because of that, the packaging may scare some folks from purchasing.  The products I sampled ranged in pricing from $14.99 - $25.99 depending on the store you purchase it from.

One of the better products on the market!  Derma E!!!  The company market's themselves as "Ethical Beauty" and they would be right!

http://dermae.com

#derma_e

It's Your BIRTH-day & Mother's Day/Father's Day

For the last, I dunno say....8 years Its been heavy on my heart that on the day of my BIRTH-day, I should really be celebrating the person (s) who brought me into this world.

This is actually a holy day, a remarkable day, THE DAY!

It was a decision when conception started to keep or erase me.  .... TRUTH HUH?

But since I'm here, you know "they" decided YES....("they" being my mother and father) decided they wanted me in their lives.

At the age of 30, my mother had already had a son 16 months prior...and then...the news came that they were having a GIRL!

From the story that my mom.... (who is now 77) tells it, you could see the sparkle of joy in her eyes and watch as she became more protective of her body, in what she ate and her emotions.

When it was time for me to come out, she was in the hospital bed in the hallway surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the maternity ward.  Trying to get the attention of others, my dad, grandmother or aunt must have had to hunt someone down because time was ticking and well, just like a party being announced....I WANTED TO BE THERE!!

Mom (in her words), "I told the nurse I was coming and they said it was still too early, but I was already down there with my little hair popping out and she said,  "I had to hold you in"...well, that was descriptive enough.  It sounded painful!

Well, I did come out and mom was so drugged up that when asked, "What do you want to name your baby girl?", mom looked over at the nurse and saw the nurse's name tag and she said, "Cynthia" (in her drug endosed lull of post-birth).

The name that was mentioned and chosen PRE-birth was Sylvia!

So, to this day, I go by the name of Sylvia and Cynthia!  I have two names.  But, folks who can't really say my name, call me Synthony like symphony...and in a way, it sounds correct because, I enjoy singing and dancing and was accepted into Berklee College of Music's vocal performance program and I also auditioned successfully at the Boston Conservatory.  I've been singing forever and dancing.

I could walk before I could dance.  My dear mom wanted a "girlfriend".   A doll to dress, show off, etc.

So, with all the arguments, crying, frustration, name calling and bickering....I still say, my BIRTH-day is a day of celebration and giving thanks to my mother (and late father, who passed away in 2013 from prostate cancer).  They were married for 49 years.

That's another story!

My mother is an actively licensed, yet retired Registered Nurse (w/Master Degree) who served within the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant.  My father was in the Special Forces of the United States of the American ARMY branch and served within the Federal government for over 40 years after I was born for a total of 65 years!

THANK YOU MOM & DAD 

for giving me life and letting me be born on September 1st!

It was party time in 1968 and I couldn't wait to join the action!!!

So with this, I LOVE to help celebrate all those SURVIVORS who knew
about PARTY TIME

Happy Birthday and Happy Mother's Day VIRGO's 
and mother's and father's of VIRGO's

Big ticket stores vs eCommerce vs Therapeutic garment fitter

  

So........ you've been wearing a compression garment OR your clinician has suggested that you wear a compression garment.

It's time to educate yourself about where to go and get your garment.

Many clinicians will tell you the names of a couple places where you can go to get fitted for a compression garment or they will give you a list of places.

Unfortunately, the majority of people will go the route of a catalog or pharmaceutical type store and never get fitted properly for their clinical garment.

Why is this?

#1. Cost of the garment
#2. Old wives tales of the fit of the garment
#3. They don't know how to put on the garment and don't realize the accessories to help them put on the garment.
#4. Many DME's (Durable Medical Equipment) companies only sell basic colored garments and do not offer alternatives
#5. Catalogs offer colors BUT they do not offer a doctor prescribed garment if you receive a prescription.

So, just a word to the wise CAUTION on
* WHAT you purchase
* WHERE you purchase and the....
* WHY of the purchase

It's best to be fitted properly by a Certified Compression Garment Fitter...ALWAYS, before your purchase be fitted (I can't stress this enough) and then try the product on and practice putting the garment ON and taking the garment OFF with your Certified Fitter.

Try a company like, Salon Rx, that comes to your house and fits you for compression garment in the privacy and comforts of your own home or office.

When Appearance Matters....

BECAUSE, NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW!

Written by Cynthia McCrea

*Certified Medical Hair-Loss Fitter

*Mastectomy & Asymmetrical Breast Form/Lingerie Fitter

*Certified Therapeutic/Lymphatic Compression Garment Fitter

Call us now: 314-583-5273

Prescription vs Over-The Counter (OTC): The REAL Cost of Compression Socks and Stockings!

I've struggled for weeks on how to approach this subject without sounding like a sale's person.

Today, I came across an article that is worded the way I believe is best for everyone to understand....

Here is the article:

At Compressionsocks.pro, we believe we have the best products at a competitive price. Jobst and Mediven have proven themselves to us to have the highest quality socks available. We wear what we sell on a daily basis and like them personally.

There are less expensive brands available and it’s tempting to search for the lowest priced stockings, thinking you’re saving money.  

There are a number of other brands as well, some good, some not so good. When it comes to compression stockings, there are a few considerations before beginning a bargain hunt.

The Real Cost of Compression Stockings - Off-brand stockings may not work as well -Those looking for discount compression stockings may come across drugstore brands or knockoff varieties, and sometimes these brands can perform adequately. But typically, there are hidden problems - the compression level may not be as advertised, or the stockings may be low quality and wear out more quickly. 

Importantly, a quality sock is also SIGNIFCANTLY MORE COMFORTABLE and is therefore worn more often allowing the person the greatest benefit. 

Ultimately, you usually get what you pay for!

Buying Cheap Is Often a Poor Choice 

Compression stockings come in a variety of "gradients" or compression levels.....  

Typically, lighter compression stockings are less expensive than higher compression stockings. 

In fact, there is generally a considerable price difference in price between stockings with compression of less than 20 mm/Hg (8-15 mm/Hg and 15-20 mm/Hg) and stockings with compression of greater than 20 mm/Hg (20-30 mm/Hg and 30-40 mm/Hg).  

This has to do with the increased amount of thread and the manufacturing process necessary to make the higher compression. But stockings in the 8-15 or 15-20 mm/Hg  range, (the less expensive option), help only those people with minor vein problems, such as aching legs from pregnancy or people in careers that have them on their feet a lot.  

People with significant vein problems or suffer with edema (swelling) in the legs, will generally need at least 20-30 mm/Hg of compression to enjoy the true benefit of the stocking. 

If your doctor recommends firmer compression, you may be putting your health at risk if you try to skimp on cost by using a lighter compression than you need. 

If you need compression stockings in the 20-30 mm/Hg or higher range, expect to pay $60 - $75 or more per pair.

CONCLUSION

It's your choice to make the correct decision for the health of your body. 

You've gone to the doctor for a medical issue and the clinician provided you with a prescription, now it's time for you to do your homework and find the best place to get the correct therapeutic compression garment and if you are like most people, you want your specialty medical garment to match your clothing...if you are a bit of an adventurist there are a multitude of splashy therapeutic compression garments on the market.

Let Salon Rx educate you.  As a Certified Therapeutic Compression Garment fitter, we understand that everyone wants fashion FIRST and then medical socks.  We've paired the 2 together to bring to you in your home or at your office the best fittings possible.  Let us teach you how to wear your compression garment and show you options for assisting in putting them on easier.

When Appearance Matters....

and everyone want's to look their best without anyone knowing knowing their medical condition!

BECAUSE, NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW!

Written by Cynthia McCrea

*Certified Medical Hair-Loss Fitter

*Mastectomy & Asymmetrical Breast Form/Lingerie Fitter

*Certified Therapeutic/Lymphatic Compression Garment Fitter

The Fashionable Male

Salon Rx partnered with the St. Louis Suit Company and the best suit fitter in all of St. Louis, Gregory Scott Holliday aka "Superman"!

I approached Scott after seeing his posts on Facebook and the suits along with his accessories stood out.  He informed me that men are now wearing blue and grey suits and not necessarily the black suit so, he paired our therapeutic compression socks with both suits and a variety of accessories.

The grey and a blue suit from the St. Louis Suit Company paired with a gorgeous tan shoe and 3 styles of compression socks

Therapeutic compression socks now come in a variety of styles, thickness and compression.

For the man who has swagger and is really intent on having better leg health, he can't go wrong with pairing up his outfits with these handsome and fashionable therapeutic compression socks.

The fashionable suit tie, sophisticated hat, chocolate shoes paired with RejuvaHealth compression socks is a landslide deal!

The compression sock materials used today all have wick away properties to alleviate foot perspiration and provide antimicrobial properties.

Therapeutic compression socks that pair well with a multitude of shoes and outfits!

Juzo, RejuvaHealth and Sigvaris have the best selection of fashionable and hip compression socks.  Juzo tends to have the best therapeutic compression, RejuvaHealth has a nice selection with a very limited line of compression (15 mmHg - 20mmHG) and Sigvaris has both a great selection and has thereapeutic compression.

The walking suit at St. Louis Suit Company paired with a chocolate compression sleeve and compression socks.

Scott Holliday educated me on the Summer "Walking" suit that I've seen alot of men wear with hats in the summer time.  A summer suit is usually paired with linen pants and a short sleeve top which match.  I paired the therapeutic compression arm sleeve and therapeutic compression socks with this outfit and a summer hat.

Salon Rx, and St. Louis' Suit Co. is ready to accessorize, fit and help men with any veinous, lymphatic issue look his best and help his leg health.  We provide the BEST fitting team!  Certified Compression Garment Fitter and St. Louis' BEST male suit fitter is ready to take you to the next level in healthy medical fashion!

Salon Rx's Cynthia McCrea - The Post-Surgical Fashionista and Gregory Scott "Superman" Holliday (St. Louis Suit Co.) ready to help CELEBRATE survivors.

When Appearance Matters....

and everyone want's to look their best without anyone knowing knowing their medical condition!

BECAUSE, NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW!

Written by Cynthia McCrea

*Certified Medical Hair-Loss Fitter

*Mastectomy & Assymetrical Breast Form/Lingerie Fitter

*Certified Therapeutic/Lymphatic Compression Garment Fitter

Review of "The Chest Buddy"

I was so excited when I received not one but 2 cute cotton candy colored Chest Buddy's in the mail.

On the Left, is a gift wrapped version which comes in an organza bag and finished off with a Ribbon charm.  Both have a pink cancer ribbon sewn on.

I really appreciate that the creators of The Chest Buddy created The Chest Buddy to be washable.  The pad can be pulled out and the fabric can be gently washed.  The Velcro closure is made to wrap around the seat belt and for easy slide/glide.

I chose the pink because it matched this dress.  The Chest Buddy is super soft and I"m sure women wearing a very delicate fabric will also appreciate The Chest Buddy!

A new item is The Chest Buddy for the Heart and they created it for the heart surgery patient.  It can also be worn on the lower half near the tummy for a post- C-Section.

It's super cute, washable and perfect for anyone that's had any type of breast surgery!  Mix and Match with your outfit!

The Chest Buddy comes in Candy Pink, Soft Gray, Pink Polka Dot and with either a heart logo or breast cancer ribbon logo.

How fab!

Salon Rx, "When Appearance Matters"!

Mosquito Season = Mosquito Soap Time!!!

As I swat away a couple of mosquitoes as I'm sitting here at my desk.  It's a bit chilly in the office environment (temperature wise) and I'm wondering why the mosquito want's my sweet blood?

Anywho, I automatically thought of this soap company I visited last year in Kirkwood, Missouri called Sammy Soap. I'm a camping and kayaking woman.

Tent camping because it's economical and it's fun to have that bonfire at night, get some early morning jogging and a kayaking in on the weekends.  Lovely get away for me and I love to sing...so, it's perfect.

So, let me tell you what I found out about Sammy Soap!

Mosquito Bar (4.5oz) for gardeners, campers, outdoor enthusiasts, farmers, hikers and climbers.

Sammy Soap sells artisinal 100% all natural soap bars which are fragrance,dye and synthetic free. Everything is made in small batches that are cruelty free and vegan - no beeswax, Sammy soaps are handmade in St. Louis, Missouri without petroleum, mineral oil, lanolin, parabens, or other synthetic fillers.

Besides all that, each bar of Sammy soap is packed with purpose.  Sammy soap is a job creation machine for adults with intellectual disabilities disguised as the world's best soap company.

There are other's on the market, but this is such a cool company for what they do overall in a holistic manner that goes along with my philosophy of being wholesome, creating a nice healthy atmosphere for others and it's a celebration of all things healthy!

Written by Cynthia McCrea, Founder of Salon Rx

*Certified Medical Hair-Loss Fitter

*Mastectomy & Assymetrical Breast Prosthetic Fitter

*Therapeutic Compression Garment Fitter

Sparkle all night long...

I love music...singing, karaoke, dancing to music, toe tapping music of many varieties (EDM, Disco, Salsa, R&B, Classic Rock, Pop, Funk, Hip Hop, you name it), if I can dance or sing to it with feeling, it's good for me!

So, this morning... I got into a Juice Newton mode...okay you don't know who Juice Newton is, singer of pop/folk music.

I let good ole YouTube become my DJ this morning at work and it started playing Bonnie Tyler's "It's a heartache" and I looked up at the video and I saw her wearing this cute lil sequin jumpsuit and that was it!

Now, I need a sequin jumpsuit!

Perfect for a great night out, just remember to use your home bathroom before you go out and don't drink too much!  LOL...you know what I'm saying?!

Here are some awesome sequin jumpsuits (below) for you to check out!

From H&M comes this cute long sleeve, short jumpsuit ($29.99)

How Sexy do you want to be?  Love Couture wants you to be an independent, sexy, professional woman in this backless, BOSS sequined jumpsuit ($44.95)!

This flirty sequined jumpsuit is economical at $27.39 from CiChic

I'm just in love with this sequin look.  I hope I can wear this fashion in the summer?  Maybe on a cool night?  I know I'm gonna try my best!!  (wink wink).

Salon Rx, When Appearance Matters!

Written by Cynthia McCrea, 

*Certified Cranial Prosthsis/Medical Hair-Loss Fitter (Alopecia, etc.)

*Mastectomy Fitter

*Certified Therapeutic/Lymphodema Compression Garment Fitter

Summer in St. Louis

The sun is out and the flowers are in bloom and I am excited because it means pool party season with Dj's and lots of fun.

This also means for folks who have to wear prescribed compression hosiery (ahem, men I mean socks...) an image of misery.  Days of sweat.

There are alternatives for those that need to wear therapeutic compression's.  Sheer compression during the day and at home, wear your doctor prescribed garment.

Ask your doctor if this is a possible alternative.

For ladies, there are extra sheer stockings, the most adorable thigh highs and fashionably fun socks.

Ask your doctor if you can wear open toe compression hosiery.

I'm wearing Black Compression Leggings by Juzo - moisture wick-away

Juzo has some wonderful leggings that come in funky tie dye styles and Sigvaris has some of the thinnest compression stockings, thigh highs and socks that I like for fashion and leg wellness. For basic compression 15 - 20mmHG, I can say RejuvaHealth has been geared toward the younger crowd but I do have to say ALL of these lines are now very fashionable for all age groups.

Compression leggings are a wonderful choice for the summer with a pair of sexy mules, a chunky heel or flats.

Keep cool

Live it up

and keep your legs healthy!