Monday 17th of February 2025

Nairobi, Kenya

Coming Of Age: The Best Procedures To Consider In Your 40s

From laser skin resurfacing to surgical and non-surgical hair loss solutions, Nairobi fashion hub breaks down the best cosmetic treatments and procedures to try in your forties.

When it comes to beauty and aesthetics, there is no such thing as one size fits all. But there are some tried and true principles that will keep you looking and feeling your best. In this series, Coming of Age, Nairobi fashion hub answers your most pressing questions about the best treatments, procedures, and practices from surgery and skincare to health and wellness and everything in between  to consider at any age.

In case you needed yet another reminder that the forties are the new thirties, Kourtney Kardashian, Rachel McAdams, and Adam Levine are just a few celebrities who turn the big 4-0 this year.

Needless to say, the decade looks better than ever, and there are a growing number of non-surgical cosmetic procedures that can address visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, skin laxity, and thinning hair. By taking a proactive approach to skin health and maintenance, patients can delay (or potentially even avoid) more invasive surgical procedures down the line.

For the Face

Neurotoxin Injections If you didn’t start getting Botox®, Dysport®, Jeuveau®, or Xeomin® in your twenties and thirties, it is not too late! According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2018 Statistics Report, Botox® (and it’s competitors) is the most popular cosmetic treatment for people in their forties.

New York City-based board certified dermatologist Cheryl Karcher, MD, says that she has plenty of patients who do not start regular Botox® treatments until their forties and fifties, and they do so for a variety of reasons. “Everyone is different,” she says. “Some people are frowners, some people are squinters. Some people have had severe damage to their skin others have taken really good care of their skin and do not have much damage — even in their forties and fifties.”

While the muscle-paralyzing agent is used to help prevent the formation of wrinkles during the twenties and thirties, it can continue to have a smoothing and softening effect by inhibiting the muscle movement that causes lines and wrinkles. The injections take about a week to kick in and touch ups are needed every three to six months for best results.

Dermal Fillers Because the body’s collagen and elastin production decreases with age, men and women alike may begin to notice sagging, reduced elasticity, and less volume in the face, neck, and body. For women, the hormonal changes that accompany menopause can further impact this process.

In these cases, soft tissue fillers can be used on various parts of the body (though they are most commonly used on the face) to plump and smooth unwanted lines and wrinkles. “Patients in their forties start losing a little more volume in the cheek area and they start getting jowls around the chin area,” says Dr. Karcher. “In that age group, I think fillers around the cheek and jawline are hugely transformative.”

Like neurotoxin injections, the results are both fast and effective — but maintenance is needed every six months to two years depending on the type or filler and area being treated.

Fractional Laser Treatments Uneven skin tone and texture is another complexion concern that increases with age (and the accompanying decrease in cell turnover). “By the time a patient is in their forties — depending on where they’ve grown up and what their lifestyle has been — signs of sun damage are usually present in the face. Brown spots called ‘solar lentigos’ and ‘mottled pigmentation’ are usually present,” says Dr. Karcher. “Also, due to the environment, the skin has lost some of its collagen and elastin and that’s were fine lines show up, a little bit of skin sagging shows up.”

Laser skin resurfacing — specifically, targeted fractional lasers, like Fraxel® — has the ability to solve many of these concerns. Whether you opt for an ablative or non-ablative treatment, the energy from the laser targets damage while stimulating collagen production, resulting in a brighter, smoother, and tighter complexion.

“Fraxel® helps rejuvenate the skin in a number of ways. It takes care of the mottled pigmentation, gets rid of the brown spots, and it also helps rebuild collagen and elastin,” says Dr. Karcher. “So, depending on how much damage a person has, anywhere from one to three Fraxel® treatments would be recommended.”

While wounding ablative fractional lasers have the ability to remove thin layers of skin for stronger results, the treatment comes with a longer downtime than their non-wounding non-ablative counterparts. But it should be noted that non-ablative fractional laser can require anywhere from three to five sessions to see the brightening, toning, and evening effects.

Ultrasound Skin Tightening (a.k.a Ultherapy®) For tightening and firming without a facelift, Ultherapy® is a non-invasive ultrasound-based cosmetic treatment that addresses skin laxity. It works by sending concentrated ultrasound waves deep into the skin and SMAS muscle. Unlike laser skin tightening methods, it targets the inner (not outer) layers of the skin. The ultrasound waves heat up the underlying tissue to activate the body’s healing response, which, in turn, stimulates collagen and elastin production.

“Patients in their forties have lost collagen and elastin, and there’s a little bit of skin sagging,” Dr. Karcher explains. On the face, Ultherapy® can tighten the jawline, under eyes, and forehead, while lifting the eyebrows. It can also be used to firm the skin of the décolleté and even the stomach.

While the procedure is more impactful than Botox® and fillers, it doesn’t quite reach facelift proportions. Like most laser treatments, it requires several treatments (spaced three to four weeks apart) and offers a solution for those looking for rejuvenation sans scalpel.

For the Hair and Body

Body Sculpting In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, many of the body’s natural responses and processes start to slow with age. The metabolism is not least among them. Coupled with the decrease in skin elasticity, patients in their forties may opt for surgical and non-surgical body contouring procedures that can remove unwanted fat deposits from most parts of the body (think: love handles, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs).

There are a number of treatments, at varying degrees of invasiveness, that fall under the ‘body sculpting’ umbrella. Non-surgical procedures like CoolSculpting®, SculpSure®, and UltraShape®, for example, eliminate excess fat by heating or freezing it. Newer options like EmSculpt®, meanwhile, offer toning and strengthening benefits by employing high-intensity, focused electromagnetic technology that mimics the effects of 20,000 crunches over the course of a 30 minute treatment.

These non-surgical treatments come with minimal downtime (especially when compared to a tummy tuck or liposuction), but three to four sessions will be needed to see results. While the effects are permanent and fully visible after about four to six months, they require patients to maintain their weight.

Hair Growth Treatments For men in particular, hair growth can slow in the forties, leading to a receding hairline, hair thinning, and baldness. For patients with severe hair loss, hair transplant surgery is the most effective and most invasive solution. While there are several techniques (micro-grafting, slit grafting, punch grafting, etc.), each hair transplant method involves moving hair from another part of the body to the desired area.

The most effective non-surgical hair loss solution for men and women alike is platelet-rich plasma (a.k.a. PRP) injections. Similar to a vampire facial on the face, the process involves injecting a PRP solution composed of the patient’s own platelets (usually drawn from the arm) into the scalp and affected areas. The blood acts like fertilizer, promoting stronger and thicker hair growth. Each treatment lasts about a half hour and patients have monthly visits for the first six months before switching to a bi-monthly schedule.

Over-the-counter topicals and supplements like Nutrafol® and Rogaine® can also yield results — especially when combined with PRP injections and other professional procedures.

The Takeaway

Whether you’re dealing with skin laxity, hyperpigmentation, hair loss, or weight gain, there are an increasing number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures to tighten, brighten, and rejuvenate the face and body for patients of all ages.

This article originally appeared on Aedition

Gucci Beauty Network Lipstick Collections

Ever since Gucci launched a dedicated Instagram feed for beauty last fall, the industry has been anxiously anticipating Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s reimagined vision for the Italian house’s cosmetics range.

After months focusing on fragrance and a fun campaign to go with it Gucci has turned its attention to makeup with a 58-piece lipstick collection featuring three different formulations.

On Sunday, Gucci released its latest beauty campaign, photographed by Martin Parr. Described in a press release as “a manifesto of beauty written by the house’s creative director,” the images feature Dani Miller, the lead singer of punk band Surfbort, as well as models Mae Lapres, Achok Majak and Ellia Sophia Coggins.

The ’80s-inspired campaign is an homage to Michele’s off-kilter sensibilities and penchant for quirk; it’s meant to communicate that “makeup should not mask, but rather exalt, flaws and make them part of the language of beauty,” per press materials.

There is also an accompanying campaign film, shot by Chris Simmonds, which draws on the same vintage aesthetic and encourages the audience to be “bold, bright and beautiful,” via a voiceover.

The campaign, with its throwback graphics and gritty rawness, is certainly bold. It’s meant to “convey a clear message that authentic beauty lies in imperfection,” and it does so in part by showing close-ups of models and mouths that look different less polished, less perfect, less bleached, far more realistic than most of what the beauty industry visually sells consumers.

While some Instagram commenters shared their shock (and in some cases, disdain) for seeing such images from a beauty brand, others, like anonymous watchdog collective @EsteeLaundry, applauded Gucci for celebrating “dental diversity” in its campaign.

The Gucci lipstick collection is available as of Monday exclusively at the Saks Fifth Avenue’s New York Flagship and will launch nationwide on May 29 on Saks.com.

Content courtesy of Fashionista & Nairobi Fashion Hub 

Beauty Istanbul 2019

Beauty Istanbul  introduces its innovative approach in the events industry with the All-in-One event concept. In addition to the classic trade fair, the unique “o2o Platform” enables its exhibitors to conduct business with buyers prior to the exhibition date, commencing immediately upon registration. The exhibitors of Beauty Istanbul 2019 have already started trading with over 2,000 buyers registered from 145 countries and there is still 7 months to go for the event. Waiting until the exhibition to make deals is over!

The “o2o Platform” serves as a 365 days online matchmaking tool for the participants of Beauty Istanbul  2019. Visitors gain access to the platform immediately upon completing the free online registration on www.beauty-istanbul.com to view exhibitor profiles, browse over 1000 products, send product enquiries, pre-arrange on site meetings and directly communicate through messages with exhibitors. Official exhibitors of Beauty Istanbul are able to utilize “o2o platform” to browse registered buyer list and buyer profiles, display their products, pre-arrange on site meetings and communicate directly with buyers.

Beauty Istanbul also invests in a special hosted buyer program that will bring around 1,000 delicately selected buyers to the event from all over the world to conduct B2B meetings. To ensure the quality of the buyers, Beauty Istanbul  team connects with over 180 countries via phone calls, e-mails and face-to-face meetings onsite at over 300 events to invite the top importers, purchasers, decision-makers, professionals and managers with high purchasing power from beauty & cosmetics industry.

The most selective buyers from various parts of the world, with a special focus on South and Central America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, will be provided with travel incentives to be present at Beauty Istanbul 2019 .

Read more on the next page…

Benefits of Biw Biw

The unique benefits of Biw Biw products 

  1. This is  the most effective 4 in 1 beauty cream on the market.
  2. Lovely light texture with great coverage and glow enhancing properties. It also has an SPF 50 and is waterproof.
  3. Mineral pigments conceal small imperfection and diminish the appearance of pores. Oil infused moisturizing qualities for beautiful skin glow. Its radiance boosting components leave skin looking effortlessly healthy.
  4. Buildable coverage from light to medium.
  5. Biw Biw defines, delays, defends, delights and delivers.

How to Apply

Dispense a small drop on the back of your clean hand and rub gently on your face with your finger, sponge applicator or face brush. Apply a smooth, even layer to your face and neck for Pure Radiance!

  • Can be used as a moisturizer, BB cream, primer, and sunscreen based on your coverage needs.
  • Suitable for all skin types.
  • External use only. In case of contact with eyes wash with water.
  • Shake well before use.

Other benefits of Biw Biw

  • Self-adjusting coverage
  • Anti-ageing properties
  • Even skin tone
  • The appearance of skin pore reduction
  • Bountiful nourishment
  • Sun protection
  • Blemish reduction
  • Brighter, healthier looking skin
  • Mattyfying properties to make your face less oily and shiny
  • And is an ideal face primer

Content courtesy of Biw Biw & Nairobi fashion hub

Biw Biw

The Biw Biw range of beauty products are manufactured to international standards, that are created to protect and enhance your skin, improve self-confidence, and empower users to become the best version of themselves. Every formulation is produced and tested under the strictest health and safety standards in a modern pharma cosmetics facility that meets international best practices.

RBGT are the marketers  and  distributors of  Biw Biw in Kenya, the 4 in 1 Biw Biw pure radiance face cream . Coming soon is a range of specialized Biw Biw products offering a solution to a variety of your skincare concerns; all designed to enhance beauty within and without. With Biw Biw you don’t just look good, you feel good!

Which Biw Biw products are available in Kenya 

Face Cream
You hold in your hand the secret to a visibly younger, more glowingly radiant you. The unique formula contains the important vitamins necessary for skin health, including vitamin F to nourish and even your skin tone.

Essential oils gently heal and liven the skin. The SPF 50++ protects it from the sun’s harmful rays. Added glycerine provides for a silky and smooth application, laced with a fresh, delicate scent and a touch of shimmer. You will feel the difference immediately.

Body​ Cream
You hold in your hand the secret to beautifully brighter looking skin, glowing with health. Essential vitamins to nourish and moisturize. SPF 50++ to shield you from the sun.

Added glycerine, aloe vera and mineral oils for silky smooth skin all over. And a fresh, delicate scent that will make heads turn. Get ready to dazzle your world.

Read more on the next page….

A Slay Queens Guide To Being With A Slay King

It’s tough making sure that make-up is on point &  high heels compliment your outfit. The recent unpredictable rain has thrown in a new dimension.

Photo credit: Rugged Motorbike Jeans

 

Girls need to do what’s necessary.

It’s better having one slayer in a relationship that way he can focus his attention & his wallet on you. Money makes the world go around. Manolos Blahniks just don’t fall out of heaven.

So your boyfriend is a slay king.

It means that from time to time that I’ll compete against him about who wore it better but no stress. Men just don’t have the same assets as women. So let him win once in a while let him feel good because you’re the real prize in that relationship. Besides, it’s easier to catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

He might love going for mani-pedis, facials & spa dates so that he always looks good no matter what. I’d go with him if I were you. Sometimes your schedule is open for a spa day but you just can’t get a hold of your BFF to go with you.

If he loves traveling or his job means that he needs to be out of Kenya a lot then push him to take you with him. If not, let him buy you stuff. I mean the stuff that he finds in shops abroad can’t compare with the Toi market even though foreigners also go there. Fashion is about staying ahead of the curve

Make sure he takes you places & you take lots of pictures for Instagram. Since he’ll always dress sharp then I’ll never worry about cropping him out of pictures or being made fun of.  Isn’t it always alluring when beautiful people are photographed together? #BaeGoals #MyBaeIsBetterThanYours. Let your girls turn green with envy.

Slay kings love living lavish lives and spoiling themselves. That money also deserves to get you so never let him keep you on a leash. I mean a budget for a what! He found you at Kempinski so carry on with him like that & always insist on money for Uber. Why let your heels get worn out because you were trying to cross the road from Delta Place, Waiyaki just so you could find transport home?

Indeed, find out if the slay king is funding his lifestyle or other forces at work. It’ll help you estimate the lifeline of that situationship/relationship. If he’s being blessed then let that nigga go when you’re done with the ride because he’ll never really maintain you. However, a criminal mastermind would tap into the real source of power instead.

I mean don’t you want a sports car with your initials on the number plate?

Don’t give up all your beauty secrets to your slay king. Maybe you battled with acne-prone skin but now you look like a fresh newborn baby whilst he’s still fighting mini-volcanoes on his face. Let him suffer because you never know when he’ll drop you & turn petty.

Never agree to share your apartment with him because you aren’t about to waste time playing housewife with him. What if his make-up takes up more space than yours? Or worse, he starts using your Lancôme products.

Tip to the wise never fund a slay king because slay queens aren’t about that lifestyle.

Photo courtesy of Rugged Motorbike Jeans

 

 

 

 

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