#cause there's not a regular turnover like with magic

[innistrahd]

[legacycream]

Good Serum for Wrinkles

In an age where the search of youthful skin has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry, people are constantly assaulted with a plethora of products promising miraculous outcomes. Among these, the Mekrema Legacy Cream stands out as a source of hope for people looking to counteract obvious indications of aging, particularly wrinkles. In this article, we’ll look at the science of wrinkles, the formulation of Mekrema Legacy Cream, its unique benefits, and how it fits into a comprehensive skincare routine.

Understanding Wrinkles: The Science of Aging Skin

What Causes Wrinkles?

Before getting into the intricacies of Mekrema Legacy Cream, it’s important to understand what produces wrinkles and what variables contribute to skin aging. Wrinkles are folds, ridges, or creases in the skin that form over time owing to a variety of factors:

Intrinsic Aging: This is the normal ageing process that takes place as we age. It entails a decrease in collagen and elastin production, which results in thinner, less elastic skin. Genetics play an important role in this process.

Extrinsic Aging: Environmental variables such as sun exposure, pollution, and lifestyle choices (such as smoking and food) can all hasten the aging process. UV rays degrade collagen and elastin fibers, particularly in sun-exposed areas.

Repetitive Facial Movements: Every time we smile, frown, or squint, we create fine lines. Over time, these lines can deepen into permanent wrinkles.

Dehydration: Lack of moisture in the skin can lead to a dull appearance and the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hormonal Changes: As we age, hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, can affect the skin’s thickness and elasticity.

The Need for Effective Solutions

Understanding what causes wrinkles highlights the importance of good skincare remedies. While there is no magic elixir that will entirely reverse aging, high-quality serums and creams can greatly enhance the appearance and texture of the skin. This is where Mekrema Legacy Cream makes its debut.

Introducing Mekrema Legacy Cream

What is Mekrema Legacy Cream?

Mekrema Legacy Cream is a specifically developed anti-aging cream that targets wrinkles and fine lines. Its potent combination of components aims to revive skin vitality and promote a young appearance. The cream is notable not just for its effectiveness, but also for its dedication to employing natural and safe components.

Key Ingredients in Mekrema Legacy Cream

Retinol: Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is well-known for its ability to stimulate cell turnover, increase collagen formation, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It helps to smooth the skin’s texture and improve its overall tone.

Peptides: These are short amino acid chains that induce collagen synthesis. Peptides serve an important function in preserving skin elasticity and firmness, making them necessary for wrinkle reduction.

Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its incredible hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It helps plump the skin, making fine lines less noticeable and giving the skin a dewy glow.

Vitamin C: An antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage, vitamin C also plays a role in collagen synthesis. It helps brighten the skin and evens out skin tone.

Natural Oils: Ingredients like jojoba oil and argan oil are rich in fatty acids and vitamins, providing deep hydration and nourishment to the skin. They help in maintaining the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss.

The Unique Formulation

Mekrema Legacy Cream is not just another run-of-the-mill anti-aging product. Its unique formulation combines these powerful ingredients in a synergistic way, allowing for enhanced absorption and effectiveness. The cream also boasts a lightweight texture, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Benefits of Mekrema Legacy Cream

Reduces the Appearance of Wrinkles: Regular use of Mekrema Legacy Cream can lead to visibly smoother skin, reducing the depth and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Boosts Hydration: With ingredients like hyaluronic acid, the cream provides intense hydration, plumping the skin and improving its overall texture.

Enhances Skin Elasticity: The combination of peptides and retinol helps to restore skin firmness and elasticity, giving it a more youthful bounce.

Brightens the Complexion: Vitamin C helps in reducing dark spots and promoting an even skin tone, leading to a brighter complexion.

Improves Skin Texture: The cream helps to refine the skin’s surface, making it smoother and softer to the touch.

Nourishes the Skin: The natural oils in the formulation provide essential nutrients, ensuring the skin remains healthy and radiant.

How to Incorporate Mekrema Legacy Cream into Your Skincare Routine

To maximize the benefits of Mekrema Legacy Cream, it’s essential to integrate it into a comprehensive skincare routine. Here’s a simple guide on how to do so:

Morning Routine

Cleanser: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities from your skin.

Toner: Apply a hydrating toner to prep the skin and enhance absorption of subsequent products.

Serum: Use a vitamin C serum for additional antioxidant protection and brightening effects.

Mekrema Legacy Cream: Apply a small amount of the cream to your face and neck, gently massaging it in.

Sunscreen: Finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.

Evening Routine

Cleanser: Remove makeup and cleanse your skin thoroughly.

Exfoliation: 2–3 times a week, incorporate a gentle exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells.

Toner: Apply your toner to prepare the skin for nighttime hydration.

Mekrema Legacy Cream: Apply a generous amount of the cream, allowing it to work overnight while your skin repairs itself.

Moisturizer: If your skin is particularly dry, layer a moisturizer on top of the cream for added hydration.

Real User Experiences: Testimonials of Mekrema Legacy Cream

To truly gauge the efficacy of Mekrema Legacy Cream, let’s delve into the experiences of real users who have incorporated this product into their skincare regimens.

Sarah, 45

“I’ve tried countless anti-aging creams over the years, but Mekrema Legacy Cream has made a noticeable difference in my skin. After using it for just a few weeks, I’ve seen a significant reduction in the fine lines around my eyes. My skin feels more hydrated and looks brighter.”

Tom, 50

“As a man, I was skeptical about using creams for wrinkles, but I decided to give Mekrema Legacy Cream a shot. I’ve been using it for a month now, and my skin feels firmer, and the wrinkles on my forehead are less pronounced. The lightweight texture is perfect for daily use.”

Maria, 38

“I love how Mekrema Legacy Cream absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. I’ve noticed my skin looking smoother and more even-toned. It’s now a staple in my nighttime routine!”

Conclusion: A Step Towards Ageless Skin

In a world where the quest for youthful skin can often feel overwhelming, Mekrema Legacy Cream offers a reliable solution backed by science. Its unique formulation addresses the root causes of wrinkles and fine lines, helping users achieve smoother, healthier skin.By understanding the ingredients and their benefits, you can confidently incorporate Mekrema Legacy Cream into your skincare routine. Remember, the journey to ageless skin is not just about the products you use; it’s also about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying hydrated, and protecting your skin from environmental damage.With consistency and care, Mekrema Legacy Cream could be your ally in the fight against time, helping to preserve your skin’s beauty for years to come. Embrace the legacy of beauty, and take the first step towards a more youthful you!

This blog is a complete reference to Mekrema Legacy Cream and its ability to attack wrinkles, emphasizing the value of a well-rounded skincare routine. As you embark on your quest for timeless beauty, remember that every single effort matters toward achieving and keeping bright, youthful skin.

[komald]

5 Reasons Why Ubtan Face Wash Should Be Your Skincare Staple

Have you ever used Ubtan face wash? Ubtan is acknowledged for its top-notch qualities. In the pursuit of unclogged pores and radiant skin, people are turning to age-old remedies rooted in natural elements. Ubtan, a traditional Indian skincare product, has received great recognition in recent years, especially in the form of face wash. Derived from a combination of herbs, and other ingredients, ubtan face wash has grown to be a common choice for people in search of an effective cleansing solution. Now let's focus on 5 reasons why to apply Ubtan Face Wash.

Top five reasons to apply an Ubtan face wash

In this article, we will explore the top 5 motives of why incorporating an ubtan face wash into your everyday skincare regular is an excellent idea.

Time-Tested Tradition

The components of Ubtan combine the goodness of turmeric, chickpea flour, sandalwood, and other herbal ingredients. These factors work in harmony to purify the pores, making ubtan face wash a dependable choice for people who value time-tested traditions.

Natural Radiance Booster

One of the standout traits of ubtan face wash is its potential to beautify the natural radiance of the skin. For those in search of a brighter complexion without using harsh chemical materials, ubtan face wash offers a natural and mild choice.

Gentle Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a critical step in any skincare routine, assisting in the removal of dead pores and skin cells and promoting cell turnover. Ubtan face wash, with its granular texture often derived from additives like chickpea flour, acts as a moderate exfoliant.

 Nourishment from Nature

The mixture of natural substances in ubtan face wash goes beyond cleaning; it nourishes the pores and skin from the inside. Ingredients like saffron, almond, and rosewater contribute to the nourishing nature of ubtan, leaving the skin hydrated and supple. The holistic technique to pores and skin care furnished through ubtan face wash ensures that your pores not only feel smooth but also receive important nutrients for a healthful and radiant appearance.

Suitable for All Skin Types

One of the crucial component benefits of ubtan face wash is its versatility. Whether you have oily, dry, or mixed skin, incorporating ubtan face wash into your routine can assist in striking a balance and addressing severe pores and skin care issues without causing imbalances.

How to use a Ubtan face wash?

Ubtan facewash needs to be used regularly for best results. Below are the steps to follow to use an Ubtan face wash -

Start with a Clean Canvas:

Before making use of ubtan face wash, make sure that your face is free from makeup or any impurities. Use a gentle makeup remover or cleaner to provide a clean canvas for the ubtan to paint its magic.

Use Lukewarm Water:

Wet your face with lukewarm water to open up the pores. This will allow the natural elements within the ubtan face wash to penetrate the skin deeply, providing maximum benefits.

Apply Ubtan Face Wash Gently:

Take a minute quantity of ubtan face wash to your fingertips and apply it evenly to your damp face. Gently massage the face wash in round motions, paying more interest to areas with clogged pores or uneven skin texture.

Conclusion

As the beauty industry witnesses a shift within the route of herbal and sustainable skincare solutions, ubtan face wash from Lotus Herbals stands out as a beacon of the way of lifestyle and efficacy. With its roots deeply embedded in time-tested practices, ubtan offers a holistic approach to skincare, delivering benefits that bypass past mere cleansing. From improving natural radiance to imparting moderate exfoliation and nourishment, ubtan face wash is a versatile choice that caters to a wide variety of pores and skin types. 

[devsharmalifestyle]

Understanding the benefits of a pigmentation serum

Pigmentation refers to the color of our skin, determined by melanin – a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. When melanin is overproduced or unevenly distributed, it can lead to dark spots, patches, and an overall uneven complexion. Various factors can contribute to pigmentation issues, including sun exposure, hormonal changes (like pregnancy or birth control), genetics, inflammation from acne or other skin conditions, and even certain medications. Understanding the root cause of your pigmentation concerns is key in effectively addressing them with targeted skincare solutions. While some types of pigmentation may be more stubborn than others, incorporating a tailored face serum for pigmentation into your daily routine can help diminish dark spots and promote a more uniform skin tone. By tackling pigmentation at its source, you're one step closer to achieving that coveted luminous glow you've been dreaming of!

The Benefits of Using a Face Serum for Pigmentation

Struggling with pigmentation can be a frustrating experience, but incorporating a face serum specifically designed to target pigmentation issues can offer numerous benefits. These specialized serums are formulated with potent ingredients that work to fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and brighten the complexion. One of the key advantages of using a pigmentation serum is its ability to enhance skin clarity and radiance. By targeting excess melanin production and promoting cell turnover, these serums help diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation for a more luminous glow. Additionally, pigmentation serums often contain antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage and combat premature aging signs. This dual-action approach not only addresses existing pigmentation concerns but also helps prevent future discoloration. Regular use of a face serum for pigmentation can result in smoother, more uniform skin texture and tone over time. With consistent application as part of your skincare routine, you can achieve clearer and brighter skin that exudes confidence.

Top Ingredients to Look for in a Pigmentation Serum

When choosing a pigmentation serum to combat dark spots and uneven skin tone, it's essential to look for key ingredients that target hyperpigmentation effectively. One powerhouse ingredient to seek out is Vitamin C, known for its brightening properties and ability to even out skin tone. Another beneficial component is niacinamide, which helps reduce the production of melanin in the skin, minimizing pigmentation issues. In addition, ingredients like kojic acid and licorice extract can also aid in fading dark spots and promoting a more uniform complexion. These natural extracts work synergistically to inhibit melanin production and lighten existing pigmentation. When shopping for a pigmentation serum, keep an eye out for botanical extracts like bearberry or arbutin which are gentle yet effective at reducing hyperpigmentation. Selecting a serum with these potent ingredients can help you achieve clearer and more radiant skin over time.

Best Practices for Using a Pigmentation Serum

When it comes to using a pigmentation serum, consistency is key. Incorporate the serum into your daily skincare routine by applying it after cleansing and toning your face. Start with a small amount and gently massage it into your skin, focusing on areas with pigmentation concerns. Allow the serum to fully absorb before layering other products on top. Remember that results take time, so be patient and give the serum a chance to work its magic. It's important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for best results. To enhance the effectiveness of the serum, make sure to wear sunscreen daily as sun exposure can worsen pigmentation issues. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and adequate hydration can also support skin health from within. Consistency in using the pigmentation serum along with these practices will help you achieve clearer and more even-toned skin over time.

How to Incorporate a Face Serum into Your Skincare Routine

Incorporating a face serum into your skincare routine is simple yet essential for targeting pigmentation issues. After cleansing and toning, apply a few drops of the serum onto your fingertips. Gently press it into your skin, focusing on areas prone to pigmentation. Allow the serum to absorb before moving on to moisturizer. For daytime use, follow up with sunscreen to protect your skin from further damage and maintain the results of the serum. At night, you can add a thicker layer of serum for deeper hydration and repair while you sleep. Consistency is key when using a pigmentation serum; aim to use it daily for best results. Consider incorporating other products like vitamin C serums or exfoliants in conjunction with your pigmentation serum for enhanced benefits. Remember that patience is crucial – visible improvements may take time, so stick with your routine diligently for clearer, more even-toned skin over time.

Conclusion: Achieving Clear, Even-Toned Skin with the Right Pigmentation Serum

Are you ready to say goodbye to pigmentation woes and hello to radiant, even-toned skin? By incorporating a high-quality pigmentation serum into your skincare routine, you can effectively target those pesky dark spots and achieve the clear complexion you've been dreaming of. Remember, consistency is key when using any skincare product, so be patient and give your chosen serum time to work its magic. With the right ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids in your pigmentation serum arsenal, along with diligent application following best practices, you'll be well on your way to flaunting a luminous complexion that exudes confidence. So go ahead – invest in yourself and embrace the journey towards achieving the flawless skin you deserve with a trusted pigmentation serum by your side. Here's to glowing skin that tells your story beautifully!

[advikayurvedanatural]

Unlock Radiant Skin with Detan Face Packs

Are you tired of the sun's harsh rays leaving your skin dull and unevenly toned? If so, a detan face pack might be your skincare savior. In this article, we'll explore what detan face packs are, how they work their magic, and why you should consider incorporating them into your skincare routine.

What is a Detan Face Pack?

A detan face pack is a specialized skincare product designed to address the common issue of tanning caused by sun exposure. These packs come in various forms, including creams, gels, and masks, each packed with a combination of natural ingredients and skin-loving components. The primary goal of a detan face pack is to reduce the appearance of tan lines, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.

How Do Detan Face Packs Work?

Detan face packs are formulated with ingredients that have exfoliating, brightening, and hydrating properties. One key ingredient often found in these packs is Aloe Vera, known for its soothing and moisturizing effects. Aloe Vera helps calm irritated skin while providing essential hydration.

Detan face packs also contain exfoliating agents such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs). These ingredients gently remove dead skin cells, revealing fresh, bright skin underneath. Additionally, many detan packs incorporate natural extracts like lemon, cucumber, or papaya, which contain antioxidants that combat skin damage caused by UV rays.

Why Should You Use a Detan Face Pack?

Reverse Sun Damage: Sun exposure can lead to various skin issues, including sunburn and tanning. Detan face packs help reverse this damage by reducing tan lines and gradually lightening dark spots.

Even Skin Tone: Uneven skin tone is a common concern. Detan face packs can help achieve a more uniform complexion by fading areas of hyperpigmentation.

Brighter Skin: Detan packs not only remove tan but also reveal brighter, more radiant skin. Regular use can leave you with a healthy, luminous glow.

Exfoliation: These packs offer gentle exfoliation, promoting cell turnover and improving skin texture.

Hydration: Many detan face packs are formulated with moisturizing ingredients that prevent your skin from drying out during the detanning process.

Now that you understand the basics, you might be wondering how to incorporate a detan face pack into your skincare routine. It's simple!

How to Use a Detan Face Pack:

Cleanse: Start with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities.

Apply: Using clean fingers or a brush, apply the detan face pack evenly to your face and neck. Avoid the sensitive eye area.

Wait: Allow the pack to sit for the recommended time mentioned in the product instructions. This is usually around 15-20 minutes.

Rinse: Gently rinse off the pack with lukewarm water. You can also use a soft cloth or sponge to aid in removal.

Moisturize: Follow up with your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Sun Protection: After using a detan face pack, it's crucial to apply sunscreen before heading out. Your skin will be more susceptible to UV damage immediately after exfoliation.

In conclusion, a detan face pack can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine, especially if you're dealing with tanning and uneven skin tone. Regular use can help you achieve a brighter, more even complexion while providing the exfoliation and hydration your skin craves. Say goodbye to tan lines and hello to radiant skin!

[onionhairoil]

Ubtan Face & Body Scrub (200 ml): Your Path to Radiant Beauty, reveals radiant skin.

Introduction

Every skincare routine needs a high-quality, effective product. A 200 ml blend of all-natural wonders designed to enhance your skincare routine is now available as the Ubtan Face & Body Scrub. This versatile miracle, which claims to leave your skin shining, silky, and refreshed, combines the benefits of a body scrub, de-tan scrub, and exfoliating scrub.

Section 1: Glistening Exfoliation

The exfoliating abilities of Ubtan Face & Body Scrub form its basis. It gently removes dead skin cells thanks to its small granules, revealing a youthful, beautiful complexion. This scrub efficiently revitalizes the appearance of your skin by encouraging cell turnover and the creation of new, healthy skin cells.

Although clogged pores are a common problem, Ubtan Face & Body Scrub can help. It helps clear pores through moderate exfoliation, lowering the possibility of acne and blemishes. Expect smoother, more even-toned skin that is prepared for further skincare procedures with daily usage.

De-Tan Magic

With the help of the Ubtan Face & Body Scrub, say goodbye to those stubborn tanning lines. Rich in potent anti-tan qualities, aids in the creation of the de-tan scrub. This scrub puts a lot of effort towards fading and minimizing tan lines. Natural components that have been specifically picked for their brightening qualities aid in restoring the natural tone of your skin. The outcome? a more radiant, glowing complexion that glows with life.

The key to its effectiveness is in its formulation, which aims to reduce melanin production, the pigment that causes skin to darken. The scrub encourages a progressive fading of tanning lines by preventing excessive melanin synthesis, revealing a beautiful, even-toned canvas.

Section 3: Whole-body Nutrition

Ubtan Face & Body Scrub is a spa-like experience for your skin in addition to exfoliating and tanning removal. It pampers and nourishes your body while cocooning you in luxury. Natural components with a symphony of advantages have been carefully chosen, including chickpea flour, sandalwood, and turmeric.

Due to its well-known anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics, turmeric aids in calming and healing skin. The traditional skincare component sandalwood offers a natural shine while mildly cooling the skin. The powerful exfoliator chickpea flour further improves the skin's texture and leaves it baby-soft.

Conclusion: The Road to Radiant Beauty

The Ubtan Face & Body Scrub is more than a simple product—it's a path to radiant, healthy skin. The powerful advantages of an exfoliating scrub, a de-tanner, and a body scrub are combined to effectively treat many skin issues with a beautifully designed product. A complexion that radiates with radiance, smoothness, and vigor is guaranteed with regular usage.

Improve your skincare regimen right now. In every gentle exfoliation and de-tanning session, embrace the Ubtan Face & Body Scrub and discover the transformational power of natural ingredients. Enjoy the luxury and your beautiful skin.

[clinicdermatechdelhi]

5 Amazing Uses of an CIEL Anti-pollution Night Cream

When it comes to skincare, many people focus on their daytime routine and forget about the importance of a nighttime routine. However, using the best anti-pollution night cream can have numerous benefits for your skin.

Let’s talk about the benefits of using a night cream and why it should be essential to your skincare routine.

Hydration

One of the most significant benefits of using a night cream is hydration. During the day, your skin is exposed to various environmental factors, such as pollution, UV rays, and air conditioning, which can cause dehydration. At night, your skin has a chance to recover and repair itself, and using a night cream can help to replenish lost moisture. Night creams are typically thicker and more nourishing than daytime moisturizers, which means they can provide deeper hydration and help to lock in moisture.

Anti-aging

Another benefit of using a night cream is that it can help to reduce the signs of aging. Our skin loses collagen and elastin as we age, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Night creams are often formulated with ingredients such as retinol, peptides, and antioxidants, which can help to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Using a night cream regularly can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and leave your skin looking more youthful.

Brightening

If you suffer from dull, tired-looking skin, using a night cream can help to brighten your complexion. Night creams like CIEL Anti-ageing Night Repair Serum often contain ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and alpha-hydroxy acids, which can help exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover. This can help reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation and leave your skin looking brighter and more even-toned.

Soothing

If you have sensitive or irritated skin, using a night cream can help to soothe and calm your skin. Night creams are often formulated with ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, and oat extract, which can help to reduce inflammation and redness. An anti-pollution night cream can help restore your skin’s natural barrier and leave it feeling soft and supple.

Repairing

Finally, using a night cream can help to repair and regenerate your skin. At night, your skin goes into repair mode, and a night cream can help support this process. Night creams often contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides, which can help to repair and strengthen your skin’s barrier. This can help to protect your skin from environmental damage and leave it looking healthier and more radiant.

Using a night cream can have numerous benefits for your skin. From hydration and anti-aging to brightening and soothing, the best anti-pollution night cream can help to improve your skin’s overall health and appearance. When choosing a night cream, look for one formulated with high-quality ingredients and suitable for your skin type. Remember to apply your night cream after cleansing and toning and before bed to allow it to work its magic overnight. With regular use, you’ll soon notice the difference in your skin’s texture, tone, and radiance.

[reviewproduts]

NeoTonics Review: The Nature’s Secret to Healthier Skin and Digestive System

Listen to what your mirror has to say. A closer look into the reflection of your own self unveils the battle that's been waged—age spots, blemishes, and fine lines have trespassed on your skin's tranquility. No, the answer isn't just another high-end cream or lotion that promises miracles. The true call to arms is a mission that initiates deep within you—right in your gut. Meet your new comrade in arms—NeoTonics.

Are you prepared to welcome your new partner?

Welcome NeoTonics, a fresh player in the field of natural supplements, on a crusade of a unique sort. It's an intricate potion of specially chosen strains, poised to counter the dual enemies of skin and digestive health. Inspired by the quest to unlock accelerated skin cell regeneration, the creators of NeoTonics have carved out a solution that is a firm nod to this proposition. But it comes with a condition—you must be prepared to heal your gut while rejuvenating your skin.

Understanding NeoTonics

NeoTonics wears its mission on its sleeve, to nudge your skin cell turnover into overdrive. A skin cell begins its 28-day journey in the basal layer, making its way to the surface. But as we age, this cycle starts to speed up, leading to wrinkles and dark spots. Wouldn't it be a miracle if we could restore the balance?

Here's the kicker: our skin cells are like petulant children demanding their share of nutrients - fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals - all of which are processed in our gut. If the gut is not in prime health, the skin begins to show the signs of deprivation. Our gut flora, responsible for the production of Substance P, if not kept in check, can lead to inflammation and skin disorders. The magic bullet? Resurrecting gut health to fuel our skin with what it requires.

The Magic Potion—NeoTonics

NeoTonics is a wizard's brew of ingredients designed to simultaneously restore gut health and invigorate skin health. Here are the champions of this blend:

Babchi: Known as Bakuchiol, this natural retinol alternative works without causing skin irritation or dryness. It boosts skin cell turnover and alleviates signs of aging.

Dandelion: This antioxidant powerhouse shields your skin from free radicals and possible UV damage while bolstering gastrointestinal health.

Fennel: Brimming with Vitamin C, this antioxidant-rich herb is a defender of skin health. It promotes collagen synthesis, cell protection, and enhances your immune system.

Fenugreek: This herb comes loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It boosts cellular function, skin penetration, and collagen production.

Inulin: This prebiotic encourages friendly gut bacteria growth and doubles as a dietary fiber that aids digestion.

Lemon Balm: Not directly affecting skin health, Lemon Balm soothes stomach ailments like indigestion, bloating, and nausea.

Organic Ceylon Ginger: This stalwart enhances smooth gastrointestinal motility, fights free radicals, and alleviates bloating and gas.

Organic Lion’s Mane: Known for its ability to improve blood sugar and pressure levels, Lion’s Mane enhances energy levels and provides liver and kidney protection.

Slippery Elm Bark: Soothing for sore throats, wounds, and digestive diseases.

Bacillus Coagulans: This probiotic eases discomfort and bloating, diarrhea, and strengthens immunity.

The NeoTonics Equation—Balancing the Pros and Cons

Naturally, every product comes with its strengths and potential downsides.

Pros: • NeoTonics is an ensemble of natural ingredients with numerous health benefits. • It addresses a diverse range of health needs. • It's a friendly supplement for vegetarians and vegans and is free from common allergens. • Regular use could lead to improved health markers. • It easily integrates into daily routines.

Cons: • Results may vary across individuals. • Some people may experience allergic reactions to the ingredients. • It may not be affordable for everyone, depending on its price. • There might be potential interactions with certain medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

To wrap it up, let's get the bottom line on NeoTonics. Wellness solutions are never one-size-fits-all. What works wonders for one might not have the same effect for another. It's about discovering what gels well with your body, nurturing it from the inside out, and keeping your health under regular surveillance. Remember, true health is a marathon, not a sprint.

Read Complete NeoTonics Review

[remedy7411]

This seems fun…

👋🏻gone forever

Suter- I feel like every single playoff game we lost was because of his mistakes and that the games we won were more in spite of him then bc of him.

Seguin& Benn line- I started watching hockey this year so I missed them playing together and apparently it was magical but the one time I did see their line it v much was not it. Their play styles don’t really mesh and it cause a lot of turnovers/lost opportunities, so leave it the past where it belongs.

🔒keep on the Roster

Dadonov- he was freaking amazing all through our playoffs even with changing lines and adjustments. Plus he was good from what I remember of the regular season…

Domi- I know this is an unpopular opinion on tumblr but I liked him during the playoffs. He set up plays, defended the puck, scored goals, and stood up for his teammates. Dude was aces. Sucked (was kinda unnoticeable) during the regular season though but he shone in the playoffs.

Harley- was aces throughout

Delly- he was either incredible or decent but never bad

(I’m ignoring the young core here bc obvi ROOPE, Robo, Miro, Otter, Johnny should be kept)

🆙 bring up…

I know he wasn’t sent down but I want to see Nils play. He was worth trading a first round draft pick for and didn’t have shit numbers during the season. Him not getting an opportunity to play in the playoffs when Suter was given the shot was inexcusable.

I also want to bring up Matt Murray or Dylan Wells. I think there needs to be than just otter between the pipes and I know there is Scott wedgewood but he didn’t impress me when I saw him in person so…

🏒⛸️on thin ice

Mason Marchment - when he’s on, he’s amazing, when he’s off? He’s the frigging worst! And I feel like he was off waay more often then on during the playoffs. I know he was coming back from an injury but still… thin ice.

okay stars fans!

it’s time to play 👋🏻🔒🆙

tell me who you’d like to see:

👋🏻 gone forever

🔒 kept on the roster

🆙 brought up from minors

i don’t keep track of who plays what position, i just choose with my heart

tag your choices with #👋🏻🔒🆙 & #starslb and tag me too so i can see it!

tagging some people who may be interested: @seggual-noir @thighlerseguin @roopehintz @txstars @infidelady @pierrelucdubois @jrobertsons @klutchnetsov @jadeofgreen

[thiswaycomessomethingwicked]

hi i love your writing, especially downey/vetinari. there's a plato quote (the republic 3.403a) that always makes me think of D/V. could you use your magic writing skills to make something of it? the quote is 'to love rightly is to love what is orderly and beautiful in an educated and disciplined way' thank you!!!

Downey does not consider himself a particularlygood lover in the sense of participating in relationships with ease andrefinement. He’s fine in the bedroom department, probably better there than in theemotional vulnerability department. Vacillating between cool, distant,collected and ardently in love I shall write you a letter a day tends to causedifficulties depending on who one is attempting to woo. By turns he is eagerand terrified. Wanting to love rightly but horrified of being hurt by someonewho would know exactly how to twist the knife. Which ribs are most vulnerable. Downeyfeels like his head is on fire much of the time, more so when affection andlove are involved. It exhausts.

To make such matters worse, historically Downeyonly really fucked with barely contained messes. Preferably those who were genteeland artistic and prone to languidly lying around in beautiful clothing. Walkingstereotypes of gentlemanly decadence. Men and women who could only be describedas Bad Decisions. He liked Bad Decisionsbecause Bad Decisions didn’t require deep love. They didn’t require fear oradoration (a close companion of fear) or loss because there was nothing to lose.There was safety in contained self-destruction that could be easily put rightwith a fortnight of sobriety and a few hot baths.

And in recent years there hadn’t really beenanything or anyone because of the guild and his work and his students and citypolitics to keep him busy and safe from himself. It’s been years since he’sdone much more than idly flirt with someone else’s wife for the laugh of it.  

What is all of this tending towards? Thepatrician of Ankh-Morpork wishes to have dinner. A date sort of dinner, if Downey isn’t mistaken.

Downey prods the uncertainty of his feelingsabout this. It’s an amorphous, un-named creature that exists between them. Thathas always existed between them. There are some people born into your life thatyou will always have a connection with even when you both wish to have nothingto do with one another. Downey once read a monograph on magnets and felt thatit was applicable.

He’s fifty-five, Vetinari is fifty-three. They’reboth too old for dinners.

But Vetinari is dark mountain water compared tohis usual choices. He is a stoic, an aesthete, Spartan. Downey reasons that itwould be difficult to lose oneself in a piece of cold marble. Everything aboutthe patrician extinguishes – mountain water; marble; steel; gears; ice; snow;late autumn days; wet cobblestones; iron hinges.

He reasons there is very little there that hewould be able to adore. In that, there is safety.

And he is bored.

And it would possibly be interesting.

And it would end a bet he made with Ludo threedecades ago. Back when Vetinari was Dog-botherer and the patrician was Snapcaseand Downey was a new teacher at the guild and the world was such a differentplace. A completely different land from where they are now.

He decides to accept. He relays this to thepatrician at the end of a weekly guild update (inhumation numbers up; studentapplication rates the same; no I have no idea why you think we need to beaudited we report all numbers relating to guild income accurately I assure infact I oversee it I don’t see why that makes you more suspicious). Thepatrician is suitably pleased and surprised. Downey isn’t sure how to respondto that so just says, ‘good. Um I’m free Wednesday or Friday.’

‘Wednesday then. Is eight agreeable?’

‘Eight is fine.’

Vetinari nods, takes up papers and says, ‘verywell. Shall we go to that one Agatean restaurant?’

‘Um, you’ll have to be more specific.’

‘The one riverside.’

‘Um-‘

‘There’s more than one riverside now I take it.Ah, it was open years ago. Perhaps it’s closed.’

Downey squints at Vetinari and clicks throughrestaurants he knows that have been open since before Vetinari’s ascension tothe patricianship. He lands on a possibility, ‘you mean the one I dragged youto after the food poisoning incident?’

Vetinari nods curtly.

‘Sure, I think it’s still open.’

‘Excellent.’

‘I won’t make them sing you happy birthday thistime.’

Vetinari’s expression becomes cool, ‘I shouldhope not.’

Downey grins in a cheeky manner, ‘No theatrethis time, either.’

‘Spare us all from that poor life choice.’

‘I think enjoyed it, if I remember correctly.’

Vetinari is prim, ‘there’s no accounting fortaste I suppose.’

Unsure of where to go in the conversation fromthis point Downey puts his hat on and says that he looks forward to it. Eight,Wednesday, the Mazz. He’ll book them a table.

//

Wednesday and they both turn up lookingrespectably well dressed and with papers so as to pretend to everyone it’s abusiness dinner. The Mazz is situated above the Ankh and this early springevening the cool air means that the fog isn’t too heavy resulting in a fineview of the river, the quay-side, boats rocking lazily in their slips. Acrossthe river to one side is the darkness of the shades, the glimmer of opera houseand palace lights to the other.

The Mazz has not updated its décor since theirfirst visit thirty-odd years ago and the faded attempts at Agatean glamour withits ivory and cherry wood decorated walls, its patterned seat covering full of blossomsand herons, dim lights, lends a nostalgic air to the evening.

The food is still good.

Downey is pleasantly surprised by this since hesuspects it’s gone through a few ownership turnovers since it opened.

‘I remember there was an illegal betting ringdownstairs for a time,’ he says. ‘I think Willis and I went for a laugh.’

‘Really? This seems rather upscale for such an operation– or was rather upscale at the time.’

‘I think that’s half the reasoning for it. Noone would suspect. Anyway, the owner was cleaning up some family money via therestaurant. But it actually turned out to be popular enough that it’s stayedaround.’

Vetinari is curious – how does Downey knowthis? Did Downey knows this years ago when they first went? How did he andWillis and Ludo always manage to end up in quasi-illegal dives?

Downey gently shrugs through the questions. Heheard it on the grape vine, the one did back in Snapcase’s time. The way oneheard about all sorts of things. That necessary whisper network that was set upto keep the more underground guilds safe and people who were associated withpeople the patrician hated. So, all assassins.

‘I wasn’t part of this,’ Vetinari says with afrown.

‘Sure you were. Ludo occasionally told youthings.’

‘Oh?’

‘Absolutely – but it wasn’t always necessaryreally. You didn’t go out to places the patrician’s men were likely to raid sotherefore didn’t need to stay up on that as much as the rest of us. Crown and Tigerwas raided regularly, Green Lounge every once in a while, Cloak and Daggerweekly, The Neon Light for a time was a hot spot, Green Tea over by the eastgate, uh that one underground speak easy The Pearl which operated out ofseveral locations was a regular target.’

Vetinari shakes his head, he had heard of mostof these places but Downey is correct, he rarely ever went. Indeed, there areseveral he’d never stepped foot in. ‘I do remember going to the Green Loungefor a time.’

‘Popular spot mostly because it was discreetand the beer was cheap.’

‘It was disgusting.’

‘Oh yes,’ Downey nods, ‘ that was part of thecharm I believe.’

Vetinari smiles at that. Charm indeed. It was adive. He would hate to see the couches they all sat on in clear light. He issure everything was beer and smoke stained to an unhealthy degree. Downey doesn’tdispute this. He continues to insist that when you’re twenty that’s part of it.Age brings a lower tolerance for unhealthy air and bad alcohol.

Dinner plates are removed. Both order a brandyand shuffle papers around for the look of the thing.

Downey, becoming aware of how much of thespeaking he is doing, searches around for something to discuss that isn’t workrelated. He lands on books. He recalls Vetinari had a soft spot for badyellow-back penny dreadfuls. He asks about them. Vetinari is amused but doesn’tgo on at length about it. Downey wants to gently flick his forehead – come on,I’m trying to make this work, give me something to work off of.

Of course Vetinari is difficult to parse, toopen up and dissect. He is an orderly and contained man which Downey appreciates.He likes order. He likes containment and control, most especially because hefeels like he has little of it. What he presents to the world, a quiet, neat,orderly gentlemanly sort of man, is a well-rehearsed and difficult to maintainmask. But it is one that he must wear. He is master of the Assassins’ Guild, heis a teacher, a tutor, a pillar of society. There are expectations and by thegods he will meet every one of them.

He still wishes he could take a week off and bea drunk, smokey mess. One day, when he retires. If he ever retires. Assassinstend not to, as a general rule.

All this said, there is a part of him that willalways envy Vetinari. Envy that he is the personification of Downey’s butterflycollection. So beautiful and neat.

‘May I ask why,’ Downey asks. They’re having asecond brandy. The restaurant is quiet now and Downey is pondering if he could convinceVetinari to go somewhere else after they eventually leave.

‘Why?’

‘Why,’ Downey motions to the two of them and therestaurant.

‘Ah.’

‘Ah,’ Downey repeats. Vetinari gives him a lookand he smiles charmingly. An expression of something like affection runs acrossVetinari’s face.

‘I thought it might be worth a try.’

‘I see.’

‘I have a matrix I apply to possibilities.’

‘Of course you do.’

‘You ticked off most of the boxes.’ Vetinari saysthis in a complimentary manner.

Downey nods. He both wants to and doesn’t wantto know what the boxes are.

‘That’s quite…disciplined,’ Downey says after amoment of thought. ‘How very Marcus Aurelianus of you.’

‘Indeed.’

‘I’m not sure how I feel about that.’

Vetinari looks mildly perplexed. What isn’tthere to understand? It makes perfect sense to apply a stringent set of rulesto something that could become complicated in a certain set of extenuatingcircumstances. If one is to do this it is right to love, if one may eventuallycall it that, what is orderly and beautiful in an educated and disciplined way.

Downey laughs. Vetinari blinks at him. Helaughs again. Gods of course this is Vetinari’s modus operendi. Of course this is his approach to whatever path itis they’re going down. Of course it is about order and education and discipline.That doesn’t shock him so much as amuse him. He knows Vetinari, has known himfor forty years. This is perhaps one of the most Vetinari-ish moments he has experienced.He wishes for more of them. Despite their cold manner, they are endearing. It’sa cool glass of water to how his affairs have operated in the past (withoutmuch thought, without much control, without much feeling).

Funny, how this evokes more tenderness in himthan any compilation of messy letters he has received from past lovers.

‘You know I’m not very orderly,’ Downeyclarifies after they have had time enough for rumination.

Vetinari frowns, ‘you are. In your own way. Theguild is functioning smoothly.’

‘Yes, I was speaking more of my personal life.My head is not an orderly place.’

‘No,’ a slight smile. ‘I never thought it was.’

‘So therefore your statement of it being rightto love what is orderly can’t apply to me.’

Vetinari finishes his brandy and looks atDowney in a very steady manner. It is a different gaze from the one used in theOblong Office which is meant to prompt a confessional style of speaking. Thisone is mild contemplation, perhaps affection. He says at length that hebelieves Downey underestimates himself in this department. Regardless, thematrix supports this decision. Downey shrugs. Fine, if that is Vetinari’sfeelings on the matter. He is happy to see what happens.

Leaving the restaurant they decide towalk for a time as the night isn’t too smoggy.

‘How does your leg hold up?’ Downey asks asthey linger over the bridge between Small Dogs and the main boulevard back toboth guild and palace.

‘It has its moments.’

‘But it’s fine tonight?’

‘Oh yes.’

‘Good. Excellent.’

They lapse into silence. Bells toll the hour foreleven and as they’re near enough Downey asks if Vetinari would like a nightcap. He adds that there are dogs to pay attention to as he believes that wouldbe an added incentive for the patrician to come along back to the guild.Vetinari considers the offer before agreeing saying that he has always admiredDowney’s dogs from a distance. They are large but very well trained.

‘And useless,’ Downey adds with affection. ‘Absolutelyuseless. Would show any intruder right to the valuables.’

‘They sound friendly.’

‘They are. Terrible guard dogs and not at allwhat an assassin should have.’

 //

Alsace and Harold are excited, as they alwaysare, when Downey enters his rooms and become doubly excited when they see thereis another person with him. More people to pay attention to them the better.Vetinari takes a seat by the fireplace while Downey makes them a drink. Haroldpositions himself immediately beside Vetinari while Alsace runs back and forthbetween the drinks table and the fireplace.

‘I never realized how big this dog is,’Vetinari says while petting Harold’s head.

‘Taller than me if he stands up on his hindlegs. By easily a head.’

‘Gods.’

Harold looks up at him with clear affection.

‘He likes you. Granted he likes everyone.’

Downey hands Vetinari his drink and takes aseat opposite him.

‘Was it solely the matrix that guided anydecision made?’ Downey asks. Vetinari shakes his head, oh no there were otherthings taken into account. He waxes on about his personal philosophy of how oneshould go about things such as relationships when holding a position ofconsiderable power. He has many views on it and they almost tumble out – or ifVetinari was anyone other than Vetinari they would be tumbling. He opines.Downey listens. He likes Vetinari’s voice, it is low and soft.

‘So in the end,’ Vetinari says. ‘It makes themost logical sense.’

It makes no logical sense, Downey doesn’t pointout. You’ve applied logic after the fact. This realization appeals to him buthe doesn’t wish to disturb Vetinari’s contentment so just says he is flattered.And he is. He never really considered himself someone a man like Vetinari wouldbe remotely interested in – their occasionally fraught childhood aside. It is aflattering thing to be wanted by someone who does very little wanting in hislife. And does Downey want Vetinari in return? He isn’t sure. He thinks perhapsyes. Very much it is a perhaps yes.

The conversation turns from the personal to thesocial in that they end night gossiping about Lord Venturi’s latest affair and thedrama it has brought to the Ankh-Morpork social scene. Though Vetinari does notcall it gossiping, he says they are engaging in polite exchange of informationpertinent to better engaging in the social climate of the city.

‘So, gossiping.’ Downey clarifies. ‘We’regossiping. I love gossiping. It’s a favourite past time of mine and Mericet’s.’

‘I’m hardly going to dignify that with a  response.’

‘Very well, if you insist.’

 //

At midnight Vetinari takes his leave asking atthe door if Downey would perhaps be interested in another evening to beconducted in a similar manner. Downey, feeling cheeky and bold, replies, ‘yes I’llgo on another date with you.’

Vetinari, pleased, uncertain, uncertain at howpleased and uncertain he is, says with great wit and grace, ‘um, good. Yes.Excellent.’

As they are alone and awkwardly staring at eachother Downey asks, ‘so, do I get a kiss?’

Vetinari blinks. Downey grins and goes to turnaway but Vetinari replies that as it is traditional he believes it in order.Downey wants to laugh. He wants to tell Vetinari that he is ridiculous but insuch a manner as to make his chest tight. Instead, he leans in, cups one sideof the patrician’s and kisses him. It’s uncertain and shy and strange but couldhave been worse.

‘So,’ Downey says to cover up his feeling awkwardness,‘next week we’re going to see a bad operetta right?’

‘Gods,’ Vetinari scoffs. ‘I’m never letting youplan anything.’

‘I’d be so good at it!’

Vetinari rolls his eyes. They stand for amoment longer together between dark hallway that leads out to a discreet sideentrance to the guild and the warm light of Downey’s rooms. Downey says that he’dbetter go, and Vetinari says oh yes him too he had better be off. Work to do.They both have work and early mornings and meetings and Downey says one minute andkisses him again because he decides that if they’re going to do this they hadbetter do it properly. He’s never done this properly before and he suspectsVetinari hasn’t either and so they might as well try – in for a penny, in for apound.

Vetinari leaves after inquiring about next Thursdayor Friday and Downey saying Thursday is probably best. Downey watches him goand stands with the door open until he hears the one leading to the outsideworld open and close. He continues to stand, staring where Vetinari had beenstanding only moments before then pulls himself back into the present, closesthe door, collects one of Marcus Aurelianus’ books and retires to bed.  

[your-dietician]

Things to know about your health as you turn 40

New Post has been published on https://tattlepress.com/health/things-to-know-about-your-health-as-you-turn-40/

Things to know about your health as you turn 40

Let’s begin with a head to toe examination.

DALLAS — It is time for your health check! 

And this week, we have a special series of health checks in honor of a big birthday our Sonia Azad has coming up: she’s turning 40 on Friday. As part of the lead up to the day, she will be asking medical experts their advice for what health details you need to focus, whether you’re staring down the big 4-0, just celebrated the milestone, or beyond. 

It’ll all culminate in a celebratory “Bar Crawl” – but healthy, of course!

So, what are those big health topics you need to keep top-of-mind? Let’s begin with a head to toe examination.

Prevention

Dr. James Pinckney II, M.D. from Diamond Physicians says while aging feels like it happens overnight, it’s actually a gradual process, and the things we do today will affect how we feel tomorrow. 

“Our metabolism slows down, we don’t produce as much of certain hormones, we don’t have the same energy levels,” he explained. 

He encouraged everyone facing 40 to know their numbers:

Blood pressure

Cholesterol

Baseline heart rate

His doctors even do a “neck to pelvis” scan that takes a look at  organs and assesses a patient’s future risk for heart disease by looking at the plaque in their arteries 

Pinckney said taking that deep dive now can prevent bigger problems later.

“Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in this country and has been for the last 20 years, and it’s really something you have to focus on in your youth,” he explained.

Also important for prevention: eye and dental health.

As we get older, our vision changes and sometimes that can get in the way of day-to-day life, like driving at night, reading menus in dark restaurants – or simply checking your text messages.

“What happens is, the internal structure of the eye, which are really flexible all of our life, that structure loses its flexibility,” explained Dr. Anisah Shahizadeh with EyeQ Vision.

While Shahizadeh said there’s not much that can be done to prevent this natural process, heavy computer use is contributing to more vision problems for people, across the board. A yearly dilated eye exam with your eye doctor is key to detecting any issues early, so they can be treated.

Checking  for diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea – all these things really do affect our visual health, as well. 

As for dental health, it might be something we usually neglect until there’s something wrong, like pain, cavities, or gum disease. In fact, half the population over age 30 experiences gum disease, and 95% of people end up with at least one cavity in their lifetime.

Dr. Michael Fooshee, DDS at Apex Dental Partners said as we age, “more and more people end up on medications, which leads to dry mouth. That actually leads to a lot of issues with cavities in patients.”

Consider fluoride. He said it decreases the risk of future cavities by 75%.

Correct your bite. Fooshee said consider braces or Invisalign if your teeth have shifted out of alignment. Moving teeth back into place actually reduces the risk of gum disease because when your teeth are in alignment, you can clean them better.

Be careful of crunching on ice or hard foods. That can cause fractures over time.

Avoid highly acidic foods. They can lead to increased risk of cavities.

Get regular check ups. They are critical, and should be done every six months.

Skin Health

Age may be just a number, but let’s be honest – part of feeling young is looking good. That includes your largest organ: your skin!

Three of the most common complaints from people over 40: Wrinkles, acne and thinning hair.

There’s no specific guidelines saying that when you turn 40, you need to get your skin checked. But Dr. Corinne Erickson, a board-certified dermatologist said this age is “really a great time when you’re 40 to say, ‘alright, looking ahead 10 years, what do I want my skin to look like? What do I want to feel like at 50?'”

Erickson, who just turned 40 last year, said it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin.

“Some damage has been done, but a lot of damage hasn’t been done, so you still have an opportunity to protect what you have right now,” she encouraged.

Some ways to do that? Start with sunscreen.

“Starting to wear sunscreen every day can make a big difference,” she explained. “The magical number is 30. So, you want an SPF of 30. But feel free to go higher.”

Erickson recommends zinc- and titanium-based sunscreens. She recommended looking at the labels and trying to stick to less than two ingredients.

Noticing differences in your skin tone – and texture? The good news: you’re not crazy.

Collagen break-down, over time, reduces elasticity, and we end up with wrinkles and fine lines. As for discoloration, those dark spots, freckles and redness appear for two reasons: genetics and photo-aging.

Photo-aging, Erickson said, are the changes that UV exposure induces on the skin. She said you can reverse some photo aging with either products or procedures – or a combination of the two. Anything that helps stimulate collagen or promotes more skin cell turnover.

That could include topical antioxidants like vitamin C, or even over-the-counter retinols, or retin-A. Erickson said it’s important to seek guidance from a dermatologist because those are not for everyone.

One more thing to talk about when it comes to skin: hormones.

If you’re wondering why you’re waking up with less hair on your head and more of it in undesired places, blame it on androgens, a group of hormones that become more apparent in your 40s. They’re the hormones responsible for female adult acne, and a lot of other fun stuff – for men and women.

“Androgen hormones can cause shrinking, decreased density of hair follicles on our scalp and promote hair growth in women where we prefer not to be growing hair,” Erickson explained.

When it comes to thinning hair, Erickson said PRP, or platelet rich plasma, injections can help, if you can afford it. But there are also oral medications, topical formulas targeting hormone-induced skin changes and other procedures. But again, whether you’re trying to grow hair – or get rid of it – the method is unique to you and requires a conversation with your dermatologist.

“There’s not a one-size-fits all solution for unwanted hair removal, especially because there are different types of unwanted hair, and it depends on the type of hair, the color of hair, texture of hair as well as the skin type.”

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than one million people are living with melanoma, and one person dies of the disease every hour.

So, something simple you can do today: make an appointment for a full body skin check.

Breast Cancer

One-in-eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime. 

For “average risk” women, the recommendation is to start yearly mammograms at age 40. But for high-risk women, you may qualify for screening earlier than 40 if you have a family history (particularly a parent, sibling or child) of breast cancer or if you have a “known genetic mutation” for developing it. 

Why 40? Studies show one-sixth of all breast cancers in women happen younger than age 50. 

“You’re in the developmental stages of breast cancer below 40 or below 50, and you don’t even know it,” explained Dr. Sean Raj, the medical director of Baylor Scott and White’s High-risk Breast Program.  

That’s right – cancer is a slow process usually. 

“The reason we do screening mammography is to be able to find cancers when they’re smallest and most treatable,” he explained.

At Baylor, every woman who comes in for a screening mammogram gets a risk assessment – at no cost. 

I got a 3-D mammogram. It involved taking four pictures at different angles, with staff guiding me thru when to breathe, and when not to. 

You feel a little pressure, but the whole thing is over in minutes. Then, the results. Typically there’s a waiting period, but for the purposes of our story, Dr. Raj offered me immediate feedback: nothing concerning on the initial pictures. But, he pulled up my screening images from 2017 for comparison. Because of my family history, I decided then to start screening earlier than guidelines suggest. 

There was one area that Dr. Raj wanted to look at more carefully, so they took one more picture in order to look more closely at some subtle changes he noticed between 2017 and now. 

After examining the layers of dense breast tissue, he gave me the all-clear. 

“There you go. You got a clean bill of breast health. Congratulations,” he said. “That’s what we’re going for here.”

Along with stressing the importance of prevention, there are some myths about breast cancer that Dr. Raj busted” 

1. That it’s painful. He said pain is usually not associated with breast cancer. If you are feeling pain, that’s likely either hormonal, or the result of a poor fitting bra. 

2. That women with smaller breasts can’t get be diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s false. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. 

3. That men can’t get breast cancer. Also false! While men don’t need screening mammograms at 40, they can get breast cancer. So, for men and women, if you notice any changes – a lump, rash, discoloration, focal pain or bleeding – definitely talk to your doctor for further examination. 

RELATED: Take it from a survivor: Breast cancer is a ‘guy thing’ too

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[techcrunchappcom]

New Post has been published on http://techcrunchapp.com/grading-cam-newtons-move-to-the-patriots-little-risk-huge-potential-and-a-new-look-patriots-offense-espn/

Grading Cam Newton's move to the Patriots - Little risk, huge potential and a new-look Patriots offense - ESPN

In the end, Cam Newton and the New England Patriots made too much sense for each other. In a league in which every other starting quarterback opportunity was full, the Patriots gave the former NFL MVP his only realistic chance of being a Week 1 starter on a competitive team. And while I don’t doubt that the Patriots still believe Jarrett Stidham is capable of being a starter at the NFL level, the chance to acquire the 2015 MVP when the alternatives were Stidham and Brian Hoyer was always going to interest coach Bill Belichick at the right price.

We might never know whether Belichick delayed the timing of the Newton signing to coincide with the news that the Patriots had lost a third-round pick from the latest in their series of league investigations, but by the time we get to September, it won’t matter. New England might have come away with the bargain of the offseason by agreeing to terms with Newton on a one-year deal, reportedly for the league minimum. Newton also can reportedly make up to $7.5 million in incentives, before he would presumably be able to hit the market again under far better circumstances in 2021.

Jump to the grade for the deal

The facts about Newton’s post-MVP career

To start, there’s very little risk here for the Patriots. They have only about $1.8 million in cap room, so depending on how the incentives are structured, they might need to create additional space to get Newton under contract. They can achieve that by extending guard Joe Thuney or cutting someone such as Rex Burkhead, Deatrich Wise Jr. or Jermaine Eluemunor. If Newton gets hurt or isn’t able to beat out Stidham, New England would presumably be out only about $1 million. When you consider that the organization paid Antonio Brown more than $9 million for one game last season, you can see just how little the Patriots have to lose by adding Newton.

2 Related

Of course, that’s the $7 million question. If we knew that Newton was healthy, there’s little chance he would be available in the market for the league minimum. He hasn’t been healthy for a regular-season snap since the first half of 2018, and with the coronavirus rampaging through America this spring and summer, no team has been able to get Newton in for a workout or physical. It was going to be impossible for a team to commit to him as its starter on significant money, even if he’s a better option than someone like Nick Foles or Gardner Minshew.

The chances of a healthy — or at least much healthier — version of Newton showing up for the Patriots this season are much better than some would suggest. The idea that he hasn’t been a valuable quarterback since his 2015 MVP campaign is a product of selective memory. Let’s take a quick look back through recent history to explain why I’m optimistic.

Newton wasn’t very good in 2016, when an injury-riddled Panthers team fell from 15-1 to 6-10. His line was beaten up by injuries, and his top wide receiver was Kelvin Benjamin, who is now out of football. The Broncos laid waste to Newton in their Super Bowl rematch in Week 1, and he would eventually miss time with a concussion before returning to the field. He finished 25th in QBR that year at 47.1, falling just below then-Dolphins starter and recently successful reclamation project Ryan Tannehill at 48.6. (If you think Newton was done because of his injury history, consider that Tannehill tore an ACL at the end of that season, did it again the following offseason, missed time with a capsule injury in his shoulder in 2018, and still earned a massive contract after getting a chance to play in 2019.)

In 2017, while Newton didn’t return to his MVP form, he was still a useful quarterback. Despite losing Greg Olsen for most of the season and general manager Dave Gettleman choosing to make a disastrous investment in left tackle Matt Kalil, Newton finished the year 19th in QBR at 51.5. He was effective enough as a passer and runner to lead a Panthers team to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth.

In Week 4 of 2017, he delivered one of his most impressive performances of the season. The former Auburn star went 22-of-29 for 316 yards with three touchdowns and an interception while adding 44 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground in beating the Patriots at Foxboro, 33-30. Newton also won his prior game against the Pats in 2013; his combined line against Belichick has seen him post a passer rating of 128.2 while carrying the ball 15 times for 106 yards. I don’t think Belichick makes his decision based on two games, but the man knows how difficult a healthy Newton can be to stop.

In the hopes of keeping him healthy and building a more effective offense around the combination of his skills with those of running back Christian McCaffrey, the Panthers made changes during the 2018 offseason. In came Norv Turner, who surprisingly installed a more modern offense than the one Newton ran under Mike Shula. The Panthers used their top two picks on wideouts in DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel, although the latter was also injured. Olsen still missed time, and the offensive line was cobbled together as a result of injuries, but there was more around Newton than there had been over the prior three seasons.

Cam Newton threw just 89 passes last season before a foot injury caused him to miss the Panthers’ final 14 games. Carolina released him in March. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Newton played excellent football through the first half of 2018. With Carolina sitting pretty at 6-2 in the NFC South, he was 10th in the league in passer rating (100.8) and 12th in QBR (63.1). Often one of the deepest average passers in football, he was given shorter passes to throw and magically improved his completion percentage to 67.3. The former first overall pick was averaging nearly four touchdowns for every interception and producing nearly 280 yards from scrimmage per game. He was fourth on my midseason MVP ballot that year.

The Steelers beat the Panthers 52-21 in Week 10. Pretty quickly, it became clear that Newton’s right shoulder was a problem. He struggled to make throws with zip over the second half of the season, and while he battled through the injury before eventually sitting out in late December, the Panthers collapsed during the second half. He underwent shoulder surgery after the season.

It’s important to make this distinction, because if you weren’t paying attention to the Panthers last summer and into the preseason, you might have missed an important piece of information. By all accounts, Newton healed from that shoulder injury. One report from camp lauded the return of his deep ball, which had gone missing as a result of the shoulder injury the prior year. He looked to be back on schedule to return as the Panthers’ primary quarterback, and while I’m sure there would have been some growing pains, there was no suggestion that he was still being bothered by his shoulder when the next injury struck.

Newton suffered a Lisfranc injury to his left foot in a preseason loss to Belichick’s Patriots. He sat out the remainder of the preseason before returning for Week 1, but when I watched Newton play against the Rams, I didn’t see a quarterback who was struggling for velocity or arm strength. From how he was moving and how many passes he sailed over his receivers, it was clear that he wasn’t comfortable planting his foot. After the issue was even more obvious during a Thursday night loss to the Buccaneers the following week, the Panthers shut him down. When the injury didn’t heal with rest, the Panthers placed Newton on injured reserve, ending his season.

While a Lisfranc injury can be disastrous for receivers, it’s not a career-impacting injury for quarterbacks. Matt Schaub hit injured reserve with a Lisfranc injury in 2011 and returned to make the Pro Bowl the following season. Taysom Hill suffered a Lisfranc injury in college, and while it cost the BYU quarterback most of his senior year, he has been able to return and move just fine. Newton should be recovered from both the 2018 shoulder surgery and the 2019 foot surgery.

Is it possible that he has simply taken too many hits and has grown brittle? I suppose, but we have plenty of examples of quarterbacks who suffered multiple serious injuries and were still able to rebuild their career. Tannehill, who is nearly a year older than Newton, comes to mind. Randall Cunningham dealt with an ACL injury in an era in which it was far more career-threatening and came back at 35 to deliver an All-Pro season for the Vikings. Steve McNair battled through injury after injury and was a Pro Bowl-caliber passer at age 32 and 33. I don’t know whether Newton will get back to his old self, but it’s premature to write him off.

play

1:53

Dan Orlovsky breaks down how Cam Newton will be utilized with the Patriots, saying Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels will find new ways to use his skill set.

What could the Patriots’ offense look like?

A healthy Newton has to be considered the favorite to win the starting quarterback job in New England. Stidham was about to become the second player in league history taken after pick No. 100 to start for his team in Week 1 of his second season after not starting as a rookie. While the Patriots were optimistic enough about Stidham’s chances to avoid making a more significant move before now, the most we can say about the 2018 fourth-rounder is that he represented something totally unknown.

Before the Newton signing, there was already evidence that the Patriots were going to change their offense. Even the most optimistic Patriots fan couldn’t suggest that Stidham was going to be Tom Brady. He wasn’t going to have Brady’s accuracy, experience reading defenses or ability to avoid turnovers. That was never going to happen.

What the Patriots did this offseason, instead, was build around a more run-heavy attack. They put the franchise tag on Thuney, meaning that the Pats are set to spend nearly $28 million on guards this season, $6.5 million more than any other team. They got back David Andrews after their starting center missed the entire season with a pulmonary embolism, signed fullback Danny Vitale to replace the retiring James Develin, and then used a pair of third-round picks on tight ends Dalton Keene and Devin Asiasi, both of whom were regarded as plus blockers.

• The 2020 NFL mock expansion draft » • Mythbusting the Dak Prescott debate » • Ranking offseasons from first to worst » • Picking offseason winners and losers » • Grades for top signings and trade »

With Stidham, this offense would have likely looked something like a modern version of the attack the Patriots ran in 2001, when they had something closer to a 50/50 run/pass split. Brady’s job was to convert friendly third downs and protect the football. It worked: The Patriots were 11th in offensive DVOA and won a Super Bowl with a defense that was only 13th in DVOA. The 2020 Patriots should be much better than that on defense. That formula was going to be competitive with the Bills for a division title even before adding Newton.

If Newton does win the job, the Patriots probably will build something closer to the offense he was working under during his time with Turner in Carolina. With the Panthers trying to get the ball out of Newton’s hands quicker, the concerns about accuracy and efficiency that might have otherwise made him and the Patriots seem like a bad fit went away. He had just four interceptions and four fumbles over the first half of the 2018 campaign. That’s an outlier given the rest of his career, but it’s also the only time Carolina didn’t have a healthy Cam in an offense when they were expecting him to average 10 air yards per pass attempt.

You could also see the Patriots borrow concepts that have worked elsewhere. It wouldn’t be shocking if they stole some ideas out of the Greg Roman playbook for Lamar Jackson and used heavy doses of motion to manipulate teams and create opportunities for Newton as a runner. New England has always been aggressive with trying to stay ahead of the offensive curve and trying to build its offense around what’s undervalued. In 2007, the team traded for Randy Moss and Wes Welker and became a spread attack. Three years later, it drafted Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez and shifted into becoming a 12-personnel offense. When Chip Kelly took hold with the Eagles, the Patriots were one of the first teams to really emphasize pace and tempo, even before Kelly joined the league. The Ravens might have beaten the Patriots to the punch, but Belichick isn’t going to write off the league’s most effective offense as a gimmick.

What it all comes back to for me is this: When the Patriots haven’t been able to simply blow past teams with talent like they could in 2007, their core offensive concept has been versatility. Because they’ve had Gronkowski, Develin, Julian Edelman and a variety of versatile running backs, the Patriots have always been able to create a mismatch. They could go three- or four-wide and still had the blocking ability to run the football effectively. When they sent out 22 personnel and made it look like they were going to run the ball, they had the athletes to motion out or work off of play action and beat your base defense in the passing game. It’s how they won their last Super Bowl.

Last year, with Gronkowski retired, Develin injured and a replacement-level group of tight ends, the Pats didn’t have that ability to disguise their intentions with their personnel or the flexibility to shift from one concept to the other. They might have wanted to run the ball more effectively, but when Sony Michel was in the game, they ran the ball 67% of the time; only two players (who played 300 offensive snaps or more) were a better indicator of whether their team was going to run the ball, and one of them was Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard. When James White came in, they threw the ball 81.8% of the time; only three other players were a more obvious tell. New England suffered both running and throwing the football.

Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, could now be the successor to Tom Brady, who signed with the Bucs this offseason. Logan Bowles via AP

The Patriots didn’t get Gronkowski back this offseason, but by replenishing at fullback and tight end, they were able to restore some semblance of versatility. By adding Newton to replace Brady, they’ve upgraded that versatility and added uncertainty at the one position where they didn’t have it during the Gronkowski era. They were fine without Brady as a run threat given everything else he could bring to the table, but if Newton’s healthy, he can give them a runner who can barrel through undersized boxes out of 10 or 11 personnel or one who can take advantage as a passer when teams load up the box to stop the run. In that sense, he is less a replacement for Brady and more a replacement for Gronkowski.

The grade: A-minus

Having said all that, while the Patriots aren’t incurring much financial risk by signing Newton, there is an opportunity cost that drops down this grade ever so slightly. Naturally, there’s a chance he fails his physical, which would render this whole thing a waste of time while simultaneously jabbing at Stidham’s confidence. If Newton stays healthy enough to soak up the majority of the preseason reps with the ones and then suffers a season-ending injury in Week 2, the Patriots will have wasted their time when Stidham could have desperately used those snaps.

Even if Newton does stay on the field and plays well enough to start, there’s a chance this doesn’t move the needle for the Patriots. If Newton’s the 24th-best quarterback in football, they will probably go 9-7, won’t be good enough to beat the Chiefs in the playoffs and likely move on from Newton after the season without having found their long-term quarterback. They enter next year with the same questions about Stidham and their future at the position, only with Stidham a year closer to free agency and the market much less likely to bear starting options.

play

1:33

Take a look back at the highs and lows of Cam Newton’s time with the Carolina Panthers.

In that dream scenario in which Newton stays healthy and the Patriots compete for a Super Bowl, there’s still some modest downside for the team. They were unable to convince Newton to sign a multiyear deal or get any sort of option on him for 2021 if he excels as the starter. It’s unclear whether the Pats will have the right to franchise him after the season if he does return to form. They’ll be able to afford a tag for him, given that the Pats are projected with more than $86 million in cap space, but if his camp negotiated a tag refusal as part of this deal, the Patriots won’t have a lot of leverage in re-signing him.

This is an obviously smart move for the Patriots, even if it doesn’t work out. Merely having Newton on their roster when he could have served as a high-upside backup for rivals like the Bills, Ravens, Steelers, Titans and Chiefs would have been worth what the Patriots are paying him. For the Patriots to add a starter with Newton’s upside this late in the process is almost a cliché. This has a strong case to become the best free-agent signing of the offseason.

[junker-town]

The Mavericks are capable of gritty wins, too? Yikes

Photo by Lizzy Barrett/Getty Images

We have that and more in Wednesday’s NBA newsletter.

The Dallas Mavericks have established in one week of regular season basketball that the Luka Doncic-Kristaps Porzingis combo will be a force to be reckoned with. It’s like the weirdest pick-and-roll combo imaginable, unreasonably large and with nutty range. The problem for the Mavericks this season would be getting enough defense and supplemental production around the duo to be competitive against the best West teams.

But that flipped on its head Wednesday: Luka and Kristaps shot a combined 7-26 and had six turnovers to eight assists ... but Dallas still rallied in Denver to give the Nuggets their first loss of the season. It’s a really marvelous win with some bizarre energy, one that should fuel some confidence in Dallas that they can survive bad nights from the star duo and maybe hang with the best in the West for the season.

The Mavericks’ bench played admirably well, and the team’s defense ratcheted down in the fourth, holding Denver to 18 points on 23 possessions. The Nuggets had a top-7 offense in the NBA last season. If the Mavericks have a defense that can be above average and Luka and Kristaps continue down their path, this is a playoff team.

Tough loss for Denver. But, uh, how does Nikola Jokic get just one shot in the fourth?

Scores

Hawks 97, Heat 112 Mavericks 109, Nuggets 106 Grizzlies 91, Lakers 120

Schedule

All times Eastern. Games on League Pass unless otherwise noted.

Bulls at Cavaliers, 7 Knicks at Magic, 7 Wolves at Sixers, 7 Bucks at Celtics, 7:30, ESPN Pacers at Nets, 7:30 Pistons at Raptors, 7:30 Rockets at Wizards, 8 Blazers at Thunder, 8 Clippers at Jazz, 10, ESPN Hornets at Kings, 10 Suns at Warriors, 10:30

Links

Trae Young is out at least two weeks with a sprained ankle. PROTECT TRAE YOUNG AT ALL COSTS.

Matt Ellentuck’s six overreactions to the first week of the season.

Jackie MacMullan on Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant’s early days together and how this all happened. I’m increasingly uncomfortable with the coverage of Kyrie’s “mood swings” given the potential causes we don’t know much about.

Jimmy Butler is back.

Incredible performance by Anthony Davis against a very young Grizzlies team. 40-20 in three quarters. Sheesh.

Shaun Powell on the murder of Kawhi Leonard’s father.

Michael Pina on Robert Covington being the type of player every good team needs.

Paul Millsap is aging like fine wine.

It is an absolute shame what is happening at G/O Media. I don’t always agree with what Deadspin publishes (and I have a decade of email debates to that effect), but it is absolutely obvious that the site and its writers have been a net good for the internet and internet writers. Watching a bad company with bad leaders tear it down for sport is awful. Megan Greenwell warned us.

It sounds like the NCAA is surrendering to a tsunami of political and social pressure on the concept of letting student athletes benefit from their names, likenesses, and images. We’ll see. Nate Scott is rightfully skeptical.

Kawhi is trying to trademark “What It Do Baby.”

The WNBA and players’ union extended their current agreement for 60 days, which indicates they might have made some progress on a deal and just need more time. It either side was going to the mat, you wouldn’t think they’d agree to a short extension. We’ll see.

The underrated parts of Bam Adebayo’s game.

Sounds like Kyle Kuzma will be back later this week.

How should the Wizards evaluate Scott Brooks this season?

LeBron, whose family was evacuated due to the Getty Fire earlier this week, sent a taco truck to feed first responders. Also, he helped the L.A. crowd get a Taco Tuesday chant going. What can’t he do?

The best types of photos Kevin Love takes with his dog.

Be excellent to each other.

[dawnasiler]

Retinoid vs Retinol: What’s the Difference (and How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin)

Contents

Retinoid vs Retinol

The Retinoid Conversion Process

Types of Over-the-Counter Retinoids

Retinol Esters

Retinol

Retinaldehyde

Retinoic Acid Esters

Adapalene 

Types of Prescription Retinoids

Adapalene 

Tretinoin 

Tazarotene

Trifarotene 

Isotretinoin

Conclusion + Free Cheat Sheet

Shop Editor’s Picks

Anyone dabbling with anti-aging skincare products is bound to hear about two active ingredients again and again:

Retinoid and retinol.

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Thanks for watching!

They sound similar, and if you guessed that they're both forms of vitamin A, you'd be right.

But is there actually a difference between them? And most importantly, what can they do for your skin?

In this tutorial, you will learn:

What is a retinoid and what is retinol

All the types of over-the-counter retinoids 

All the types of prescription retinoids 

Which skin concerns they're best for, plus my product suggestions

Plus, I've got a free cheat sheet for you to download at the end of this article!

Retinoid vs Retinol

Lixirskin Night Switch Retinol 1% and Retin-A Cream.

The terms "retinoid" and "retinol" are often used interchangeably, but they're not quite the same thing.

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Retinoid is an umbrella term for the entire FAMILY of vitamin A derivatives, including both over-the-counter products (which are the gentlest) and prescription treatments (which are the most potent). The different types of retinoids include:

Retinol esters

Retinol

Retinaldehyde

Retinoic acid esters 

Adapalene

Tretinoin

Tazarotene

Trifarotene

Isotretinoin

In general, the regular use of retinoids can give you improvements such as fewer fine lines and wrinkles, firmer skin, more even skin tone and fewer breakouts.

Retinol is one specific type of retinoid—the most common and proven retinoid sold over-the-counter. Dermatologists often refer to retinol as the "gold standard" anti-aging ingredient because not only is it widely available, it also has decades of research behind it to demonstrate its effectiveness.

So does that mean you should just stick with retinol? Or is it worth trying one of the other retinoids?

To answer that question, you need to understand how retinoids convert to active vitamin A!

The Retinoid Conversion Process

The retinoid conversion process.

No matter which retinoid you choose, your skin can ONLY use the active form of vitamin A, retinoic acid.

Retinoic acid binds to the retinoid receptors in our bodies (of which there are three types), where it normalizes cellular renewal and cellular repair processes. This is how retinoids work their magic on lines, dark spots and more!

The strongest retinoids, including tretinoin and isotretinoin, are pure retinoic acid. So they are the most biologically active retinoids, and will start to change your skin right away (although the side effects can be significant). This is why retinoic acid treatments are available by prescription only.

Gentler, over-the-counter retinoids have to be converted into retinoic acid by the enzymes in our skin before we can actually get their benefits. This can happen in one, two or three steps. 

One step: Retinaldehyde is the direct precursor to retinoic acid.

Two steps: Retinol first converts to retinaldehyde, and then from retinaldehyde into retinoic acid.

Three steps: Retinol esters convert to retinol, then from retinol to retinaldehyde, and finally from retinaldehyde to retinoic acid.

The closer the compound to retinoic acid, the more readily it converts—and the more effective it becomes. 

But keep in mind that the conversion rate can also vary depending on the individual (some people convert retinoids into retinoid acid more quickly than others!). Other factors include the concentration of the active ingredient and whether or not it has degraded (some retinoids are unstable). 

Now, let's take a closer look at each type of retinoid and what it can do.

Types of Over-the-Counter Retinoids

Over-the-counter retinoids from Shani Darden, Dermalogica, The Ordinary, CyberDerm, Avène, The Inkey List, Lixirskin and A313.

Retinol Esters

Retinol esters are the mildest types of retinoids, because they need to be converted three times within our skin before they become active. This makes them a good choice for sensitive, reactive skin and anyone new to retinoids, as they are unlikely to cause any irritation.

But not all retinol esters are made equal. The most effective is retinyl propionate, which has been shown in higher concentrations to reduce wrinkles and pigmentation. Retinyl palmitate is your next best choice, with some benefits for photodamage and skin thickening (although it's worth noting Dr. Leslie Baumann believes it is "topically ineffective"). 

The other retinol esters—retinyl acetate and retinyl linoleate—are weaker and best used in combination with each other and/or stronger retinoids.

Products to try: 

Shani Darden Texture Reform (reviewed here) is a gentle retinyl palmitate serum made specifically for sensitive skin. 

Shani Darden Retinol Reform (reviewed here) is a cult-favourite serum with five percent each of retinyl propionate and lactic acid. (Confusingly, the website lists "retinol" as the active ingredient, but as per the box, it's actually retinyl propionate.)

A313 Vitamin A Pommade (reviewed here) is another cult retinoid, an ointment with retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate. (It's actually quite strong!)

Vivant Skin Care Derm-A-Gel is a retinyl propionate serum that also has kojic acid, lactic acid and niacinamide.

Joanna Vargas Daily Serum is a hydrating and gentle anti-aging serum with retinyl palmitate, hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E.

Retinol

Retinol, the most popular over-the-counter retinoid, goes through two conversions before it becomes active. That means you're getting a more effective form of vitamin A than the retinol esters. In fact, retinol has been proven to induce similar skin changes as retinoic acid—it may just take a little longer to get there.

Research shows that retinol can significantly improve wrinkles, whether caused by sun damage or normal aging (see here, here and here, to name just a few studies). It can also help to fade pigmentation, improve skin elasticity and smooth rough skin texture.

The downside is that retinol can be drying and irritating for some people, although not as much as stronger retinoids like tretinoin. However, even sensitive skin can be trained to tolerate retinol, believes Dr. Dendy Engelman. (It's also worth noting that the inactive ingredients in a formula could be triggering irritation, not necessarily the retinol itself.)

Products to try:

Retinaldehyde

Retinaldehyde, also known as retinal, is directly converted into retinoic acid by our skin. So it works faster than retinol, and may even be more effective (it just doesn't have as much research behind it). Like we saw with retinol, retinaldehyde can also produce skin changes that are comparable to retinoic acid. 

For example, retinaldehyde was proven to be just as effective as retinoic acid for treating sun damage, with fewer side effects. Other studies have shown that it improves skin thickness and elasticity, repairs UVA damage and (in conjunction with hyaluronic acid) reduces wrinkles, nasolabial folds and crow's feet. Retinaldehyde is also particularly effective for acne, since it is antibacterial and helps regulate skin cell shedding and turnover.

Similar to retinol, you can get some dryness and irritation from using retinaldehyde, but not on the same level as you would from a pure retinoic acid. 

Products to try:

Retinoic Acid Esters

Retinoic acid esters are a new generation of retinoids that are cropping in more and more products. Although we don't have a lot of data on them yet, they show promise for being more active than retinol, without the irritation.

One type of retinoic acid ester is retinyl retinoate. It breaks down into both retinoic acid and retinol, making it active within one step (just like retinaldehyde), as well as more active later on, once the retinol is converted. So far, studies show that retinyl retinoate is more effective than retinol for treating wrinkles. It also works on mild to moderate acne by fighting bacteria and reducing sebum production.

The other type of retinoic acid ester is hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), which you might be familiar with as "granactive retinoid" (a term popularized by The Ordinary). Granactive retinoid is simply a complex that includes HPR, the active, in a 1:10 ratio with a solvent, dimethyl isosorbide. So when you see a percentage of granactive retinoid being quoted, be aware that you need to divide by 10 to get the actual concentration of HPR.

Since HPR binds directly to retinoid receptors, its activity is similar to pure retinoic acid. But not only is it less irritating than tretinoin, it is also less irritating than even 0.5 percent retinol. Nearly all the research comes from the manufacturer, which found that HPR significantly reduces wrinkles, age spots and sun damage. Another study found it has greater levels of gene expression than retinol.  

Note: HPR is available over-the-counter in the US, UK and Australia, but no longer sold in Canada, where it is now considered a drug.

Products to try:

Adapalene 

Adapalene, which recently became available over-the-counter in the US, is a synthetic retinoid that selectively binds to some (but not all) of the retinoid receptors in our skin. That means it does not need to be converted to retinoic acid before it becomes active.

Its main claim to fame is treating acne. One of the biggest meta-analyses found that adapalene is more effective than tretinoin and better tolerated. It works by normalizing keratinization, reducing inflammation and inhibiting microcomedone formation. Adapalene has also been found to treat mild to moderate signs of photoaging, including wrinkles.

Although it's less irritating than tretinoin, adapalene can cause dryness, flakiness, redness and stinging, especially during the first few months of treatment.

Products to try:

Types of Prescription Retinoids

Prescription Retin-A Cream and Retin-A Micro.

Adapalene 

Adapalene is also a prescription medication. While the 0.1 percent formula is sold over-the-counter in the US, you'll need a prescription for the stronger 0.3 percent concentration. In the UK, Canada and Australia, all concentrations of adapalene are only available by prescription.

Again, adapalene only targets specific retinoid receptors, unlike tretinoin and isotretinoin. It is most effective as a treatment for acne, but can also help with wrinkles and sun damage. It is also associated with less irritation than tretinoin.

Tretinoin 

Often known by the brand name Retin-A, tretinoin is pure retinoic acid. So it doesn't need to be converted when it comes in contact with your skin, and gets to work immediately.

Tretinoin has demonstrated a significant ability to reduce lines and wrinkles by restoring collagen formation and inhibiting collagen degradation. It also tightens loose skin, smooths rough skin, fades brown spots and melasma, and reduces sallowness. And it's not just effective for signs of aging. Tretinoin treats acne, too, because it slows down keratinization and allows sebum to flow without clogging. (Is there anything tretinoin can't do!?)

Unfortunately, there's a catch. Irritation, dryness, peeling, redness and even swelling are common side effects of tretinoin. There's also a risk that tretinoin-induced inflammation could lead to hyperpigmentation.

Tazarotene

Tazarotene is the strongest topical retinoid, and like adapalene, it is receptor-selective. In other words, it only binds to some of our retinoid receptors, where it becomes immediately active (no conversion steps necessary). 

It is best-known as Tazorac, a prescription medication for psoriasis and acne. The jury's out on whether it is more effective than adapalene on acne (some studies say it's superior, others say it's comparable), but we do know it works better than tretinoin. In addition, it can reduce wrinkles, fade pigmentation, shrink pore size and thicken the epidermis. 

Like the other prescription retinoids, tazarotene is associated with dryness, redness and irritation, particularly when beginning usage. Due to its potency, it tends to be more irritating than adapalene.  

Trifarotene 

Trifarotene is the newest retinoid on the block. It's different from adapalene and tazarotene because it targets just one retinoid receptor (the most common one found in our skin). As a result, it is gentler than the other prescription retinoids.

So far, it is being touted as a medication for acne. Research indicates that it reduces inflammatory acne lesions both on the face as well as the chest, shoulders and back.

Compared to tretinoin and even adapalene, it is not as irritating. So if you have sensitive skin and have had trouble tolerating prescription acne treatments, it's definitely worth a shot.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, is a prescription retinoid that you take orally. Like topical tretinoin, it consists of pure retinoic acid.

Doctors prescribe isotretinoin to treat severe acne that has not responded to other medications. It works by dramatically reducing sebum production, slowing down skin cell shedding and making sebaceous ducts inhospitable to acne bacteria.

However, isotretinoin is linked to many serious side effects. Among them are cheilitis, tiredness, eczema, headaches, joint pain, bone disorders and anemia. Users are also at higher risk for depression, suicide and inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusion + Free Cheat Sheet

Over-the-counter and prescription retinoids.

Now you know the difference between retinoids and retinol, as well as ALL the different members of the retinoid family.

It's a lot to remember—which is why I created the Types of Retinoids Cheat Sheet. Just click below to download it so you don't forget any of the retinoids, and have a handy reference when checking your skincare ingredients lists. (It's FREE!)

Personally, I'm a big believer in over-the-counter retinoids, since research has shown you can get comparable results to prescription treatments, without all the irritation.

In my experience, it's definitely true. I've tried tretinoin in the past, but my skin is a lot happier with retinoids like A313 (reviewed here) and Shani Darden Retinol Reform (reviewed here). Even though they only contain retinol esters, the weakest types of retinoids, they make my skin clear, plump and even-toned—with none of the angry, flaky skin I always struggled with on Retin-A.

Let me know if you've tried a retinoid yet, and what it's done for your skin!

Shop Editor’s Picks

What's your favourite retinoid? And what results have you noticed?

If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. See our Disclosure for more information.

Retinoid vs Retinol: What’s the Difference (and How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin) syndicated from The Skincare Edit

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Clippers Sign-and-Trade Marko Jaric to Minnesota for Sam Cassell and First Round Pick

On August 12th, 2005, the Los Angeles Clippers signed-and-traded guard Marko Jaric and traded Lionel Chalmers to the Minnesota Timberwolves for guard Sam Cassell and a 2012 first round draft pick (Austin Rivers).

The 2000 NBA Draft was a busy night for the Los Angeles Clippers. The team had the third overall pick and selected forward Darius Miles. The Clippers also acquired first rounders Quentin Richardson and Keyon Dooling through the draft and trade respectively. 

On top of that, Los Angeles had the number one pick of the second round. The team selected guard Marko Jaric from Serbia with the 30th overall selection. Though Jaric was a second round pick, many felt that he would’ve been a first round pick if he had not been under contract to play professionally overseas.

A 6′7″ point guard, Jaric had began playing professionally in his teens in Greece with Peristeri B.C. After two seasons, Jaric moved on to Italy where he played for Fortitudo Bologna of the Serie A2 league. Jaric had been an All-Star and won the Italian League championship with Fortitudo in 2000. 

After his two-year run with Fortitudo, Jaric moved on to play for Virtus Bologna. Jaric teamed with Manu Ginobilli and the team won the 2001 Italian League championship, Italian Cup and the Euroleague Championship. After two seasons with Fortitudo, Jaric decided to make his way to the NBA. Since the Clippers held his draft rights, they had exclusive negotiating rights to sign Jaric. The point guard signed a three-year, $5.7 million deal with the Clippers (salary total via Patricia Bender).

While the team acquired Jaric, they let starting point guard Jeff McInnis leave in free agency and traded forward Darius Miles to the Cleveland Cavaliers for point guard Andre Miller in a four-player deal. Jaric would be Miller’s backup at the point for the 2002-03 season.

After a surprisingly decent 39-43 finish during the 2001-02 season, the Clippers had expectations to continue to grow with a young core built around Elton Brand, Lamar Odom, Corey Maggette, Quentin Richardson and the new additions of Miller and Jaric.

The Clippers’ ‘02-‘03 campaign was a disappointment from the jump. The team dropped 12 of their first 18 games. Los Angeles never rebounded. After the team fell to 19-39, head coach Alvin Gentry was fired and replaced by assistant Dennis Johnson for the rest of the season. The Clippers finished up the year with a 27-55 mark.

A big part of the Clippers season falling apart was injuries. Key players Brand, Maggette, Odom, Richardson and Olowokandi all missed at least 18 games. Only starter Andre Miller managed to finish playing in at least 80 games. In his rookie season, Jaric amassed 7.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.9 APG and 1.5 SPG in 66 games (12 starts) and 20.9 MPG.

Going into the 2003 offseason, the Clippers had numerous free agents and had some key decisions to make. Owner Donald Sterling had maintained a track record of refusing to re-sign players to large contracts or signing free agents to huge deals. Brand, Maggette, Odom and Miller were all restricted free agents, meaning that the Clippers had the first right of refusal in free agency. Olowokandi and guard Eric Piatkowski were unrestricted free agents.

Brand and Maggette both signed offer sheets of six years and $82 million, and six years and $42 million with the Miami Heat and Utah Jazz respectively. The Clippers matched both offers. Andre Miller and Lamar Odom were given six year offer sheets from the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat respectively. The Clippers decided against matching the offer sheets for Miller and Odom. Olowokandi and Piatkowski both left in free agency as well.

Besides adding center Chris Kaman in the 2003 Draft, the Clippers made little noise in free agency. The team added coach Mike Dunleavy in the offseason. Los Angeles began the 2003-04 season on an up with a 4-2 start, but dropped nine of their next 11 games. The season would be inconsistent as the team was 24-30 after 54 games. The season went off the rails towards the end as the Clippers lost 24 of their final 28 games to finish 28-54.

The departure of Miller allowed Jaric to become the starter at point guard for the Clippers in his second season. A stress fracture in his left foot cut Jaric’s season short. Overall, he saw action in 58 contests (50 starts) and put up 8.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 4.8 APG and 1.6 SPG in 30.3 MPG.

After the ‘03-‘04 campaign, the Clippers looked to make big moves. First, they ended up with the second pick in the 2004 draft lottery and subsequently moved down to four by trading away the second pick and veteran Peja Drobnjak to the Charlotte Bobcats for the fourth overall pick and 33rd selection in the second round. The move was made to clear cap space while the Clippers honed in on a point guard with the fourth selection.

Los Angeles got their point guard, selecting Illinois high schooler Shaun Livingston. At the youthful age of 18, and standing 6′7″, Livingston was an intriguing prospect that earned comparisons to Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. The move also signified that Jaric was not viewed as a long-term option as a starter.

Lionel Chalmers was selected 33rd overall in the second round of the 2004 NBA Draft by the Clippers. The former Xavier guard was undersized and not a traditional point guard. A solid scorer and shooter in college, Chalmers had struggled as a distributor in college, posting a 1.13 assist-to-turnover rate.

The Clippers made a run at star free agent Kobe Bryant from their city rivals the Los Angeles Lakers, but failed to procure the shooting guard. After missing out on Bryant, the Clippers acquired two-guard Kerry Kittles from the New Jersey Nets for a second round pick.

Chalmers played in 2004 Summer League for the Clippers. Soon after, he signed a multi-year deal with the Clippers. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but according to Patricia Bender’s salary page, the Clippers guaranteed the salary for two years and $1.13 million.

The Clippers were 10-6 in their first 16 games during the 2004-05 season. However, the losing would continue. A 3-9 February would seal the team’s fate as a non-playoff team. As a positive, the Clippers did manage to improve on their record with a 37-45 finish.

A sprained right foot and a stress fracture in the same foot kept Jaric out for a serious amount of time. He appeared in 50 games (41 starts) and compiled career-highs of 9.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 6.1 APG and 1.7 SPG in 33.1 MPG. His understudy Livingston also missed 52 games, causing the Clippers to rely heavily on journeymen point guards in Rick Brunson and Darrick Martin at times. Chalmers managed 3.1 PPG (.460 FG%), 0.9 RPG and 1.4 APG in 12.0 MPG and 36 contests in his rookie season.

In the 2005 offseason, Jaric became a restricted free agent. The Clippers tendered a qualifying offer to Jaric. Though Los Angeles wanted to keep Jaric, the Serbian point guard had found a number of teams interested in his services including the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers.

The presence of Livingston, the newly acquired shooting guard Cuttino Mobley and Los Angeles’ constant choice to look for an upgrade had caused Jaric to look for a new home where he could run the show. Though the Clippers were interested in keeping Jaric, they were willing to deal Jaric in a sign-and-trade. Soon after, the sign-and-trade would happen with the Clippers signing Jaric to a six-year, $40 million deal and sending him to the Timberwolves for Sam Cassell and a future first round pick.

Jaric ended his run in Los Angeles with a stat line of 8.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 4.5 APG and 1.6 SPG in 174 contests. The Serbian guard posted shooting splits of 40/34/74 from the field, three and free-throw line respectively.

Sam Cassell originally became a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves after he was traded by the Milwaukee Bucks with center Ervin Johnson for Anthony Peeler and Joe Smith. A month after, the Wolves landed Latrell Sprewell in a four-team deal that saw the franchise trade center Marc Jackson and injured veteran Terrell Brandon.

The additions of Sprewell and Cassell were seen as the big name acquisitions meant to help star Kevin Garnett get the Minnesota Timberwolves past the first round. Minnesota had been stuck in what seemed like an endless loop of first round exits (seven consecutive to be exact). 

The new look Timberwolves began the season a lukewarm 9-8, but found success right after. Minnesota went 35-9 the next 44 games to wind up 44-17. Eyeing homecourt advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs, the team went 5-7 to fall to 49-24. 

Facing a three-game deficit in the loss column behind the Sacramento Kings, the Wolves won their final nine regular season games to take the top seed in the West and finish with a franchise record 58-24 mark. Cassell was an excellent addition and provided veteran guile and wisdom while posting a career-high in PER (22.8). 

Cassell (19.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 7.3 APG and 1.3 SPG in 81 games and 35.0 MPG) made the All-Star team for the first time, becoming the second-oldest player (34 years and two months) to earn his first All-Star berth ever. The veteran guard also earned his first nod on an All-NBA team, making the second team.

Coming off the best regular season in franchise history, the Timberwolves advanced to the playoffs where they faced the eighth-seeded Denver Nuggets in the opening round. The series opener saw Cassell (40 points) and Garnett (30 points and 20 rebounds) power Minnesota to a 106-92 win. The T-Wolves were comfortable, leading by as much as 22 in the game.

In the following game, Sprewell came alive with 31 points and Garnett had a triple double (20 points, 22 rebounds and 10 assists) in a 95-81 victory. Facing a 2-0 deficit, the Nuggets bounced back at home, establishing an 18-point lead in the second quarter of Game Three. Behind 24 points and 10 rebounds from rookie Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets won 107-86.

Game Four was contentious with both teams chirping back and forth. The contest was also close. The Timberwolves were in good position to win with an 81-74 lead with 3:18 left in the fourth quarter. Nuggets guard Voshon Lenard knocked down two triples in a two-minute span to bring Denver within one with 1:23 left. A Latrell Sprewell trey with 1:04 gave Minnesota some breathing room. After misses from both teams, Denver’s Nene converted on a dunk to pull the Nuggets within two with 18.7 seconds left.

Sprewell was intentionally fouled, but missed both free throws, giving Denver a chance to tie or win the game with 12.1 seconds left. Denver had two opportunities, but Miller and Lenard both missed on shot attempts and Minnesota took a commanding 3-1 series lead. 

Minnesota didn’t want to return to Denver for a possible Game Six, so they took care of business winning Game Five 102-91. Cassell had a solid series powered by strong performances in Games One and Five. He put up 20.6 PPG on 50.6% shooting, 3.4 RPG and 4.4 APG in 37.0 MPG.

The Timberwolves got the monkey off their back and won their first playoff series in franchise history. In the next round they faced the 55-27 Sacramento Kings. Cassell opened the series with a 40-point performance, but Kings guard Mike Bibby had 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to lead the Kings to a 104-98 win. Notably, Minnesota’s MVP Garnett struggled in the first game, going 6-for-21 from the field.

In the second contest, Garnett came alive with 28 points, 11 rebounds, six blocks and four assists. Sacramento held an 88-78 lead with 4:11 left, but Minnesota stormed back with a 16-1 run to win the game 94-89.

Roles reversed in the third game as the Kings came back from a 15-point deficit late. In a 100-87 hole with 3:45 left, the Kings made a rousing comeback, tying the game with 10.7 seconds left on a Peja Stojakovic three-pointer. Even with Cassell out after he fouled out late in the fourth quarter, the Wolves mustered up enough offense in the extra period and won Game Three 114-113 after Stojakovic missed a late three to win.

Game Four saw the Kings lead by as much as 17 points and hold on for a six-point win. Garnett and Sprewell combined for 57 points in Game Five as Minnesota experienced a comfortable 86-74 win at home. Facing elimination, the Kings blew out Minnesota 104-87 and forced a Game Seven.

The series deciding seventh contest was close and a slog. Minnesota held a one-point lead with 16.1 seconds left after a three from Kings guard Doug Christie. After two free-throws from Cassell, the Kings missed three shot attempts (two three-pointers) on their final possession as Minnesota held on for an 83-80 victory. 

Garnett had 32 points, 21 rebounds, four steals and five blocks while Cassell chipped in 23 points during the final game. In the seven-game series, Cassell produced 17.9 PPG on 46.4% shooting, 3.0 RPG, 5.4 APG and 1.1 SPG in 35.6 MPG.

The Timberwolves went on to the Conference Finals where they battled the Los Angeles Lakers. A super team with superstars in Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant and aging stars in Gary Payton and Karl Malone, the Lakers would provide a daunting task for the Wolves.

O’Neal had 27 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks in a 97-88 Lakers win in Minnesota. Cassell lasted 43 seconds in Game Two because of a hip and back injury, but the Timberwolves handled the Lakers 89-71.

Cassell returned for Game Three, but was limited by his injury. The duo of O’Neal and Bryant combined for 44 points in a 100-89 win. Cassell was limited to five minutes in Game Four and backup Darrick Martin started in his place. Los Angeles took a commanding 3-1 series lead with a 92-85 win.

Cassell missed the rest of the series after. The Timberwolves staved off elimination in Game Five with a 98-96 win, but the Lakers made their fourth trip to the Finals in five years with a 96-90 victory. Cassell was limited to 9.3 PPG in 16.0 MPG due to injury.

In the 2004 offseason, Cassell had arthroscopic surgery on his left hip. The Wolves kept much of their roster intact for the 2004-05 season. Expecting to compete for a championship once again, the Wolves got off to a solid 13-6 start. The team went 6-13 over their next 19 games to fall to 19-19. 

After 51 games, the team was a disappointing 25-26 and ninth in the Western Conference. Coach Flip Saunders was fired and replaced by vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale.

The Wolves found themselves at 33-34 and two and a half games behind the eighth-seeded Denver Nuggets after 67 games. The Wolves would turn it on late and go 11-4 in their final 15 games. Unfortunately, the Wolves would fall just one game short of a playoff spot.

Cassell’s past in the NBA had serious ramifications on his time in Minnesota. He had signed what would eventually become an extremely low six-year, $21 million contract extension with the New Jersey Nets in 1997. After a three-year extension worth about $18.2 million that he signed in Milwaukee in 2002, Cassell wanted job security and also a salary raise. It was a chance to make up for the years he had been underpaid despite being a quality starting point guard.

For Minnesota, Cassell was turning 35 during the start of the 2004-05 season and they were leery about signing Cassell to a significant deal considering his age and injury history.

Cassell’s season was a struggle individually and it contributed to some of Minnesota’s disappointing season. From the jump, Cassell got off to a slow start after he missed the beginning of media day and training camp due to his frustration over not receiving a contract extension. Cassell was not alone as fellow starter Sprewell had expressed his frustration with his contract and turned down a three-year, $21 million offer from the Wolves.

Though he started the season healthy, Cassell missed 23 games due to a nagging strained right hamstring. He also was moved to the bench at times in favor of Troy Hudson. Overall, Cassell had a weak performance by his standards. He appeared in 59 contests (23 starts) and posted 13.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 5.1 APG and  0.6 SPG in 25.8 MPG.

Cassell and Sprewell received blame for Minnesota’s first non-playoff season in nine years. Both players saw their individual statistics decline and their bickering with the franchise over their respective contract situations caused a constant blame game in the press between management and players.

It became apparent that the Wolves would make several changes in the 2005 offseason. Soon, the team hired coach Dwane Casey to take over. The team chose not to re-sign Sprewell and traded Cassell to the Clippers.

Cassell ended his time in Minnesota with a stat line of 17.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 6.4 APG and 1.0 SPG. The former Florida State product shot 48% overall, 35% from three and 87% from the free-throw line.

Chalmers was waived by the Timberwolves towards the end of 2005 training camp after posting 4.4 PPG and 2.4 APG in 10.8 MPG in five preseason appearances.

Minnesota started the 2005-06 season just 3-4, but after 18 games the team was leading the Northwest Division with a 12-6 record. The good times would not last. Minnesota went 7-15 over their next 22 games. At 19-21, the Wolves made a major trade, dealing Wally Szczerbiak, Dwayne Jones, Michael Olowokandi and a first round pick to the Boston Celtics for Ricky Davis, Mark Blount, Marcus Banks, Justin Reed and two first round picks.

Minnesota went 14-28 the rest of the season. They finished 33-49 and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Jaric had the starting job at point guard, but struggled, shooting just 42% overall and 32% from three in his first 46 games/starts. 

Jaric lost his starting spot midseason to a combination of Anthony Carter and Banks. He did start for a three-game stretch late in the season, but saw a steep decline in playing time. Overall, Jaric appeared in 75 games (49 starts) and posted 7.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.9 APG and 1.4 SPG in 28.0 MPG.

In the 2006 offseason, the Wolves drafted guard Randy Foye from Villanova and signed point guard Mike James using the midlevel exception. The moves signaled a lack of confidence in Jaric as starting point guard after a subpar first season.

The Wolves began the 2006-07 season at 10-9, but they fluctuated between being several games over .500 to several games under .500. After 36 games, Minnesota was 20-16 and in the playoff hunt. The Wolves proceeded to drop their next game, falling to 20-20. At this point, coach Casey was fired and replace by lead assistant Randy Wittman. The coaching change wouldn’t help much as Minnesota went 12-30 under Wittman. The Wolves finished the year 32-50.

Jaric played exclusively as a wing throughout his second season and spent most of his time as a reserve. The 6′7″ guard appeared in 70 games (13 starts) and contributed 5.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.1 APG and 1.1 SPG in 22.2 MPG.

As the telltale signs of a franchise teardown was becoming more evident, the Wolves had to decide whether to trade superstar Kevin Garnett. After some time, the team moved Garnett to the Boston Celtics in a historic deal that netted the Timberwolves Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and two future first round picks. Also, the team dealt the disappointing James to the Houston Rockets for veteran Juwan Howard.

The departure of Garnett signified a long rebuild. Minnesota went to new lows as a team, dropping 29 of their first 33 games. Questions of whether they would break the record for the worst winning percentage in NBA history reached a high after the team was 5-34 after 39 games. A 17-26 finish to the season would keep Minnesota out of “the worst team ever” talk as they finished third worst in the NBA with a 22-60 mark.

With James traded and Foye out for more than half of the season, Jaric was given a chance to start at point guard for most of the season and excelled at times on defense. He appeared in 75 games (56 starts) and posted 8.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 4.1 APG and 1.3 SPG in 29.2 MPG.

After the season, Jaric was involved in an eight-player draft night trade between the Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies centered around 2008 lottery picks Kevin Love and O.J. Mayo. Jaric ended his time in Minnesota with 7.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.4 APG and 1.3 SPG in 220 games. He shot 41% from the field, 34% from behind the three-point line and 73% from the free-throw line. 

Though he was adequate as a perimeter defender with length who could guard multiple positions, Jaric was inconsistent as a shooter and his reluctance to shoot from the perimeter made him an offensive liability. This caused the Wolves to try him at different positions and also led to his fluctuating role from season to season with the club. The inconsistency in his role also killed Jaric’s confidence.

The disappointment of Wolves fans with Jaric would last quite some time, with the guard receiving boos in Minnesota as late as a 2012 preseason game.

Sam Cassell was reluctant to join the Clippers initially because he was still clamoring for a contract extension, which the Clippers were not interested in discussing at the time. After a conversation with new coach Mike Dunleavy, Cassell warmed to the idea of playing out the 2005-06 season with the Clippers.

The move to Los Angeles was overall a positive for Cassell and the Clippers. He would be a full-time starter and have the keys to the Clippers offense as a lead ballhandler, while mentoring young prospect Shaun Livingston as the Clippers point guard of the future.

The new look Clippers began the ‘05-‘06 season well with a 5-1 start. The team continued to play well behind a top notch season from star Elton Brand. Cassell (17.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.3 APG and 0.9 SPG in 78 games and 34.0 MPG) added quality play and late-game heroics as the Clippers finished with the fifth best record in the West at 47-35. Los Angeles qualified for the playoffs for the first time in nine years, and also had their most wins since the 1974-75 season when the team went 49-33 while playing as the Buffalo Braves in the Eastern Conference.

Due to playoff seeding rules that allowed division winners to take the top three spots, the Clippers became the sixth seed in the Western Conference. They matched up with the third-seeded Denver Nuggets. Denver (44-38) had a worse record than the Clippers but held the third seed due to winning the Northwest Division. Even with the weird seeding quirk, the Clippers had the better record, meaning that they held homecourt advantage in the first round series.

The series opener saw the Clippers lead for much of the game, building a 16-point lead late in the third quarter. Denver found a way to crawl back into the game, tying the score at 87 after an Andre Miller layup with 1:08 left in the fourth quarter. The Clippers took an 89-87 lead after Vladimir Radmanovic was fouled and made two free throws with 59.8 seconds left.

After Elton Brand blocked Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, Radmanovic was called for an offensive foul on a drive. With 24 seconds left, Anthony missed two potential game-tying shots as the Clippers held on for the two-point win.

The second game was a rout, as the Clippers led by as much as 25 points in the first half. The Nuggets would make the score respectable, but the final score was 98-87 in the Clippers’ favor. Los Angeles held a 2-0 series lead.

The third game was in Denver, and the Nuggets won after Anthony scored 24 points and the Nuggets forced the Clippers into 24 turnovers. In Game Four, the Clippers led by as much as 23 points and seven Clippers were in double figures in a 100-86 win.

Holding a 3-1 series lead, the Clippers took care of business with a comfortable 101-83 rout. During the five-game matchup, Cassell managed 14.6 PPG on 40% shooting, 3.0 RPG, 5.4 APG and 0.8 SPG in 28.9 MPG. The series win was the franchise’s first series win since 1976.

The Clippers moved on to the Semifinals where they battled the Phoenix Suns and the ‘05-‘06 NBA MVP Steve Nash. The series opener was a back and forth contest. Elton Brand had 40 points and Cassell chipped in 28 points, but the Clippers succumbed to Phoenix’s uptempo style in a 130-123 loss.

The second game saw the Clippers dominate on the offensive glass with a 19-5 offensive rebounding advantage and a 31-6 edge on second chance points. Los Angeles managed to steal homecourt advantage with a 122-97 win. Cassell had dominated in the first two games, averaging 25.5 PPG on 58% shooting while being guarded by Steve Nash.

In the third game, the Suns made the adjustment of switching forward Shawn Marion on to Cassell and hiding Nash on the offensively limited Quinton Ross. Known as a premier defender, Marion played a part in limiting Cassell to a 2-for-10 showing in a tight 94-91 Clippers loss in Game Three.

The Clippers rebounded in Game Four. They built a 13-point lead with 5:54 left in the fourth quarter. Phoenix stormed back, putting together a 12-0 run before an Elton Brand field goal with 56 seconds left. After a miss from Suns forward Tim Thomas, Cassell (28 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists) nailed a decisive three-pointer with 27.2 seconds left. Los Angeles took a six-point lead and ended up winning 114-107, tying the series 2-2.

The fifth game was an epic contest. There were 20 lead changes and 13 ties. With 39.2 seconds left and the Clippers down by three, Cassell nailed a corner three to tie the game. Neither team would score the rest of regulation, forcing overtime.

In the extra frame, the Clippers led 111-108 with 3.6 seconds left after Cassell made two free throws. Phoenix managed to tie it after Raja Bell hit a corner three with 1.1 seconds left. The Clippers turned it over on their inbounds, and Shawn Marion missed a heave at the buzzer.

The second overtime saw Marion and Leandro Barbosa take over for the Suns. The duo scored 11 of the team’s 14 points in the second overtime as Phoenix beat the Clippers 125-118. Brand had 30 points and 12 rebounds, and Corey Maggette contributed 25 points off the bench as the Clippers led by double digits most of the way in a 118-106 Game Six win.

The series finale saw Nash (29 points and 11 assists) and Marion (30 points and nine rebounds) dominate and Phoenix used a 15-0 advantage in three-point field goals made in a 127-107 rout. The seven-game series saw Cassell bring his A-game. The vet put up 20.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG and 6.0 APG in 37.1 MPG.

After his strong 2005-06 campaign, Cassell was offered a two-year, $15 million deal by the Atlanta Hawks. He would stay in Los Angeles however, after the Clippers gave him a two-year, $13 million deal.

For the first time in a lengthy period, the Clippers had some buzz going into the 2006-07 season. Fresh off of a series win in the 2006 playoffs and the intriguing signing of forward Tim Thomas in the offseason, the Clippers were expected to be a playoff team once again.

The team would be up and down all season. Los Angeles won five of their six games but soon dropped six of seven. The Clippers would continue their rollercoaster ride of a season. After 74 games, the Clippers were eighth in the West with a 37-37 mark. They went just 3-5 over their final five games to fall out of the playoffs with a 40-42 record. They finished just two games behind the seventh place Golden State Warriors and eighth place Los Angeles Lakers.

Cassell’s second season in Los Angeles was mired by injuries. Back spasms, groin, left foot and ankle problems cause Cassell to miss 24 games. Cassell came off the bench for parts of the season as the Clippers shifted their focus to starting the younger Livingston. 

Cassell regained his starting spot briefly after Livingston suffered a gruesome knee injury that ended his season and put his career in doubt. After starting one game, Cassell suffered a groin injury and never started again the rest of the season. For the season, Cassell managed 12.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 4.7 APG and 0.5 SPG in 58 games (30 starts) and 24.3 MPG.

After the rough injury hit season, the Clippers suffered even more bad news in the 2007 offseason. Star Elton Brand ruptured his left achilles tendon during a routine offseason workout. The injury would keep him out for all but six games of the 2007-08 season.

The Clippers got off to a surprising 4-0 start without Brand, but the reality of a losing season set in as the team dropped 23 of their next 29 games. Cassell played in 38 of the team’s first 55 games when his time in Los Angeles came to an end. The Clippers eventually agreed to a buyout with Cassell who was looking to compete for a championship. As part of the agreement, Cassell forfeited half of his remaining $1.7 million salary. Cassell eventually signed a one-year deal with the Boston Celtics.

Cassell was averaging 12.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.7 APG and 0.7 SPG in 25.7 MPG. The 38-year old point guard ended his run in Los Angeles with averages of 14.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 5.4 APG and 0.7 SPG in 174 games. Cassell shot 44% from the field 33% from three and 87% from the free-throw line in that time span.

The first round draft pick acquired in the deal was lottery protected all the way through 2012. Later on as Minnesota struggled, the looming pick became a major part in the criticism of the trade on Minnesota’s end. 

A lengthy playoff drought would ensue for Minnesota and they would fail to make the playoffs for over a decade. Minnesota’s lack of success — especially a stretch from 2007-2011 where the team lost at least 50 games every season — heightened the value of the first round pick when it would be conveyed in 2012.

The pick still had immense value when the Clippers dealt it to the New Orleans Hornets in a 2011 trade for superstar point guard Chris Paul. By the 2012 NBA Draft, the Timberwolves were still a lottery team, but with a slightly more respectable roster built around budding star Kevin Love, the team finished 26-40. 

That record was 10th worst in the NBA, so instead of what seemed to be a lock for a top-five pick, the Hornets ended up picking 10th in the 2012 draft. New Orleans selected Duke point guard Austin Rivers with the pick.

Sam Cassell on his meeting with Clipper head coach Mike Dunleavy (via LA Times):

“My meeting with Mike was cool, real cool. Mike Dunleavy and I are on the same page, which is what I wanted to hear, because our major goal is to win. That’s what he wants and that’s what I want, so it was... the way you want to get it started. I know what I can do, I know the talent they have on this team, and I know what I can do as a part of this team. It’s going to be good, real good.”

On how he will be used with the Clippers:

“Mike talked about how to do it, how to win, so he said he’s going to use me similar to the way [former coach] Flip Saunders used me in Minnesota. I had the ball in my hands down the stretch, and I wanted to take the shot. That’s one thing they didn’t have here last year, someone to put the ball in his hands down the stretch and take that leadership. That’s what I love to do. Mike wants to win, so he wants to have me on the court.”

On people underestimating him:

“I had a hamstring injury, and that happens to a whole lot of people. That happened, but I’m not worried about it now because I’m in great shape. The worst thing a person can do is blow his own horn, and I don’t need to do that. Just sit back and watch. And just get ready to jump on the bandwagon.”

On where the Timberwolves are headed after trading him (via Minneapolis Star Tribune):

“They’re going to be at the bottom again. I know for a fact that Kevin Garnett is disappointed. Kevin wants some guys he can go to war with.”

On Marko Jaric as his replacement:

“If they think Marko Jaric is a replacement for me, they’re out of their minds. I'm happy for him. I’m happy he got paid. But that’s not an upgrade. As players, we know.”

On Jaric’s new six-year contract:

“Six years? Forty million? Yeah, right. Yeah, right.”

On his time in Minnesota:

“Minnesota never got out of the first round until I got there. Then when I got hurt, everybody knew [my value]. I don’t take things personally. I know I was accused [of selfishness]. Spree and I came in as ‘rebels.’ But they had to blame somebody.”

What he expects to do in Los Angeles and his relationship with Wolves star Kevin Garnett:

I’m going to have a hell of a year. That’s not even my concern. I just wish it was with my main man, Kevin Garnett. We made each other better. He made me an All-Star; I made him an MVP.”

Marko Jaric on going to the Timberwolves (via LA Times):

“First of all. I’m going to a team that really likes me and respects me and, secondly, a team that I respect. I think that we have a really big chance to make really big damage in the playoff picture next year.”

On the Clippers:

“At least three or four teams wanted me more than the Clippers did, so I realized this is not the right place for me to stay.”

Los Angeles Clippers vice president of basketball operations Elgin Baylor  on the trade (via Clippers.com):

“We’re excited to bring in a veteran player like Sam [Cassell] who brings nine years of playoff experience and two championships. The addition of Sam strengthens our back court. He’s a big time scorer who is one of the best in the league when it comes to taking and making the big shot in the closing moments of a ball game.”

On Cassell (via LA Times):

“Sam likes the talent on our team, and he believes he can make an immediate impact. Coach talked to Sam about the team, how he will fit in and how we will use him. He’s a heck of a good basketball player. He has the utmost confidence in his ability, and I really believe he will make a difference.”

If talks of an extension for Cassell ever came up:

“That never came up in the conversation with him.”

Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale on acquiring Jaric and Chalmers (via Timberwolves.com):

“We’re extremely excited to have acquired Marko. He is a very versatile player who has the ability to play the one, two or three spots on the floor. With Marko, we’ve added another player who can break down the defense and is a pass first point guard. Lionel is a player that we think has some upside and will compete for a roster spot in training camp.”

How there was a need for a change after a disappointing 44-38 finish the previous season (via Minneapolis Star Tribune):

“Last year was a very disappointing year. Maybe it was time to go in another direction. It was just time for a change.”

Why the move was made:

“I just thought maybe it was time to go a little younger — Marko's 26 — and a little bigger at that position and little more multidimensional. Sammy’s a pure point. [New head coach] Dwane [Casey] wants to play a little differently. It’s not so much a point-guard-driven offense. There's more ball movement.”

Timberwolves general manager Jim Stack on Sam Cassell (via Minneapolis Star Tribune):

“Sam came in, did a great job for us and brought a lot of success to the franchise. Then last year, things didn’t work out so well. We felt Marko could help us, and we wouldn’t have been able to get a guy of his caliber if Sam wasn’t involved. It’s a tough deal. When things don’t go well, and guys are out there saying, ‘I need this, I need that’ and making tough statements, they kind of bring the microscope on themselves.”

If star Kevin Garnett was upset with the trade:

“You want your best player on board with what you’re trying to do. Kevin, generally, when things are not going the way he wants, he’s pretty vocal about it. And I have not heard anything.”

Timberwolves head coach Dwane Casey on the trade (via Timberwolves.com):

“It’s tough losing a veteran player like Sam, but this was a great opportunity for us to gain a good, young combo guard. Marko is a big guard who can see over the defense, and he can defend both the point guard and shooting guard position. We feel we’ve really upgraded our defense and our team with the addition of Marko. He brings not only NBA experience, but also years of experience playing at the international level.”

On Jaric (via Minneapolis Star Tribune):

“Marko’s a tough cookie; he has an edge to him. He takes a lot of pride in his game. He caught my attention as the point guard on the Yugoslavian team that beat the U.S. in Indianapolis [2002] and wound up winning the gold medal.”

Cassell’s agent Charles Tucker on the trade (via Minneapolis Star Tribune):

“[Cassell] figured they were going to move him. He wanted to be moved if he’s not in their plans. It’s just part of the business. They must have really wanted the other kid [Jaric]; they wanted him enough to pay him 40 [million dollars].”

On Cassell wanting to know where Cassell stands with the Clippers (via LA Times):

“Sam is an All-NBA player, and you want a player of that caliber to be happy. I’m not saying that he’s unhappy [about the trade], but Sam just wants some understanding about what’s going on and what’s going to happen. If you’re going to have that type of player in your program, why wouldn’t you want him to come there happy?”

What it would take to make Cassell happy:

“Well. I’m sure we're going to have some conversations with them about that in the next day or two.”

On Cassell joining the Clippers (via LA Times):

“Yeah, he’s going to go. We really have no major problems with [the Clippers], we just want to know what the trade is about, because he’s no average player. Like I’ve said, ‘You want a player like Sam to be happy.’”

How the Clippers situation has to be right for Cassell:

“If the situation is good for us, fine, but if the situation is not good for us, then I don’t want Sam to be there. It needs to be a good marriage for the Clippers and us.”

Why Cassell was willing to play for the Clippers (via LA Times):

“With Mike Dunleavy here, Sam is coming. He wants to win.”

Jaric’s agent Bill Duffy on the trade from Jaric’s perspective (via LA Times):

“It’s a win-win.”

Image Credit:

Sam Cassell: via Getty Images/Sporting News Archive

Marko Jaric: via Getty Images/David Sherman