Categories
Body Favourites

My Favourite Book About Skincare

Alright, here goes my personal take on Beyond Soap: The Real Truth About What You Are Doing to Your Skin and How to Fix It for a Beautiful, Healthy Glow by Sandy Skotnicki.

As a menopausal woman with skin that seems to react to every little thing, I can’t even begin to tell you how much “Beyond Soap” spoke directly to me. Dr. Sandy Skotnicki’s book opened my eyes to the harsh realities of modern skincare and how it’s wreaking havoc on our precious skin.

We’re bombarded with a gazillion products, all claiming to be the miracle cure for our skin woes. But guess what? They may be doing more harm than good!

Dr. Skotnicki’s straightforward and relatable writing style drew me in from the get-go. She broke down complex science into everyday language, making it easy for even a non-expert like me to understand. Her arguments about preserving the natural state of our skin and nurturing the skin’s protective barrier totally made sense.

The best part? She provides a 3-step product-elimination diet. It’s like a detox for your skin! I followed her advice and trimmed down my skincare routine to the essentials, and let me tell you, my skin has never been happier. No more redness, no more breakouts – just a healthy, natural glow that I thought was lost with my youth.

But it’s not just about me. Dr. Skotnicki also touches on caring for kids’ and babies’ skin.

In conclusion, “Beyond Soap” is a game-changer for anyone struggling with reactive skin like mine. Dr. Skotnicki is like that wise friend who sets you on the right path and shows you the light at the end of the skincare tunnel. If you want to reclaim your skin’s health and rock that beautiful glow, this book is a must-read!

Website

Categories
News

Sunroom

I’m thrilled to announce that I’m on the Sunroom App!

Sunroom is a place that truly understands and celebrates the journey of women and non-binary creators like me. It’s refreshing to be part of a community that values sensuality and creativity as a powerful currency.

Here, I can embrace my whole self, from style and smarts to vulnerability and shamelessness, without holding back. Sunroom is a haven where content is celebrated and compensated fairly, creating a safe space to get real and be compensated financially without judgment.

As creators, we’re free to share what excites us, connect with like-minded souls, and not worry about being shadow-banned, de-platformed, and de-monitized. It’s so refreshing!

I love how the platform encourages transparency and supports a body-positive, sex-positive, and sex worker-friendly environment. Respect and kindness are their guiding principles, ensuring a supportive and inclusive community. Our presence is cherished, knowing we thrive together, lifting each other higher.


I’m still continuing my adult content creation as a cam model and performer. It’s an in important part of my life, livelihood, and identity but that work is an expression of my sexuality as entertainment.

However, I’ve been searching for a platform where I can document and share my truth as a mature woman passionate about personal growth, health and wellness, femininity and ageing, menopause, sex education across the lifespan and of course, pleasure— without hiding what I do in the x-rated side of the internet. Sunroom is that platform!

Categories
Body

Why I Chose the Mirena IUD

Mirena is a brand name for a type of intrauterine device (IUD) that contains the hormone levonorgestrel. It is a T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the uterus to provide long-acting, reversible contraception.

Starting around age 40, I experienced perimenopause symptoms (night sweats, restless legs syndrome, PMS migraines, shorter but more intense menstrual cycles)  that I managed with a grin-and-bear-it attitude and big pads. Then in 2016, I had a few heavy periods that lasted more than a week and I decided to see a gynecologist for medical care. 

After telling her my medical history and symptoms she performed an endometrial biopsy and sent me for blood tests and transvaginal ultrasound. The biopsy came back negative. However, the ultrasound found that I had endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the lining of the uterus) and a fibroid, and the blood tests showed I was anemic. My doctor prescribed me medroxyprogesterone for 1 month to handle the heavy bleeding (or as she put it to close the tap) as well as iron supplements for the anemia. 

It was most likely that my ovaries were making less progesterone and causing my perimenopause symptoms such as heavy bleeding. With that in mind, we decided that a Mirena IUD would be the best treatment to keep the endometrial hyperplasia at bay. It would provide my body with a small amount of progestin hormone consistently. 

The Mirena IUD would be hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and protect me from developing endometrial cancer. Now I did get endometrial cancer in 2021 but that story is for a future post.

Note: There is no test of your hormone levels that tells you if you are perimenopausal as progesterone and estrogen naturally fluctuate each day of the menstrual cycle, but certain symptoms can inform us.

Categories
Body

First, Progesterone

During perimenopause, the hormone that usually starts to drop first is progesterone. As ciswomen age, the number of ovarian follicles (which contain eggs) decreases, and this can lead to a decline in progesterone production. This decrease in progesterone can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or missed periods.

In addition to a decline in progesterone, estrogen levels can also fluctuate during perimenopause. In some, estrogen levels may increase in response to the decreasing levels of progesterone, leading to symptoms such as breast tenderness and bloating.

However, as perimenopause progresses, estrogen levels may also begin to decline, which can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

Categories
Body

Stages of Perimenopause

Perimenopause refers to the period of time leading up to menopause when your body undergoes hormonal changes that ultimately result in the cessation of menstruation. During perimenopause, hormone levels fluctuate and you may experience various symptoms.

The hormonal stages of perimenopause can be divided into three phases: early, middle, and late.

  1. Early Perimenopause: This phase can last for several years and is characterized by fluctuating hormone levels, irregular periods, and symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes.
  2. Middle Perimenopause: During this phase, hormone levels continue to fluctuate and periods may become more irregular. Symptoms such as vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and sleep disturbances may occur.
  3. Late Perimenopause: In this final phase, hormone levels begin to decrease significantly, and periods may become very irregular or stop altogether. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes may continue, and women may experience additional symptoms such as urinary incontinence and joint pain.

It is important to note that every experience with perimenopause can be different, and not all women will experience every symptom. If you are experiencing symptoms that are impacting your quality of life, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider.

Categories
Favourites

Content Creators

Fashion & Style Edition

Alison Bornstein

Audrey Coyne

How To Style

Categories
Body

Evening Skincare Routine

April 2023 Edition

  1. Double cleanse my face: Clinique Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm and La Roche-Posay Tolerian Dermo-Cleanser.
  2. Apply Vivier GrenzCine Eye under my eyes.
  3. Alternate every night application to face, neck, and chest prescription Tretinoin Cream 0.01% and Murad Retinal ReSculpt™ Overnight Treatment.
  4. Apply skinfix barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream to my face, neck, and chest.
  5. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Levre to my lips.

I wait approximately 1-2 minutes between each step before moving on to the next. I listen to audio hypnosis from the Grace App.

Categories
Body

Morning Skincare Routine

April 2023 Edition

  1. Wipe my face with a wet face cloth.
  2. Apply Vivier GrenzCine Eye under my eyes.
  3. Apply Vivier Radiance Serum on the rest of my face, neck, and chest.
  4. Apply True Botanicals Chebula Active Serum on my face, neck, and chest.
  5. Apply skinfix barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream to my face, neck, and chest.
  6. Apply La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Levre to my lips.
  7. Apply Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ to my face, neck, chest (front and back), ears, and hands.
    If I don’t plan on wearing a full face of makeup that day I use Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 PA+++.

I wait approximately 1-2 minutes between each step before moving on to the next. I watch a ten-minute YouTube video from one of my favourite fashion content creators.

Categories
Body

Surgical Menopause

What is Surgical Menopause?

Surgical menopause is a medical condition that occurs when a woman’s ovaries are surgically removed, leading to a sudden decrease in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels. This can happen due to the surgical removal of both ovaries, also called bilateral oophorectomy, or the removal of the uterus, also called hysterectomy, which may also involve the removal of the ovaries in some cases.

Since the ovaries are the primary source of estrogen and progesterone hormones in a cis-woman’s body, their removal can cause a variety of symptoms and long-term health effects. These symptoms can include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased sex drive, mood swings, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Those who undergo surgical menopause may also be at increased risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, and other health problems associated with low levels of estrogen.

The management of surgical menopause typically involves hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which involves taking synthetic hormones to replace the estrogen and progesterone that the ovaries would normally produce. HRT can help alleviate symptoms of surgical menopause and reduce the long-term health risks associated with low hormone levels. However, the use of HRT may also be associated with some risks, and women should discuss the potential benefits and risks of HRT with their healthcare provider.

Categories
Body

Hysterectomy

What is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus. In some cases, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix may also be removed during the procedure.

Hysterectomies are performed for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine prolapse
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Gynecologic cancers

Kinds of Hysterectomies

  • Total hysterectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix.
  • Partial hysterectomy: Also called subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy, this procedure involves the removal of the upper part of the uterus, while leaving the cervix in place.
  • Radical hysterectomy: This type of hysterectomy is typically performed for the treatment of gynecological cancer. It involves the removal of the entire uterus, cervix, and the upper part of the vagina, as well as the surrounding lymph nodes and tissue.
  • Laparoscopic hysterectomy: This procedure is a minimally invasive approach to hysterectomy, which involves making several small incisions in the abdomen to remove the uterus.
  • Vaginal hysterectomy: This type of hysterectomy is performed through the vagina, without any external incisions.
  • Robotic-assisted hysterectomy: This is a type of laparoscopic hysterectomy that is performed using a robotic system to control the surgical instruments.

The specific type of hysterectomy recommended will depend on the individual’s medical condition, age, and overall health.