Dry Skin Is Not Sexy

January 4, 2015December 15, 2014drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Originally published on mensphysique.com on Wednesday, 07 September 2011

http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-look-skin-attitude-attire-and-persona/4101-dry-skin-is-not-sexy.html

There is nothing sexier than a man with a chiseled physique whose skin is like polished wood, healthy, smooth, and even. Yet I see so many male competitors who don’t seem to care about the appearance of their skin, and who sport an epidermis which looks and feels like a piece of driftwood.

Healthy skin that glows looks amazing onstage, takes spray tanner better, and reflects the optimal diet which competitors should be practicing. So how does one get such healthy skin?

There are general guidelines which should be followed:

Avoid long hot showers

Moisturize regularly, preferably right after you shower

Wear sunblock regularly

Increase water intake

Consume healthy fats with omega-3 fatty acids

Exfoliate with scrubs, washcloths or loofahs

Since skin is the largest organ system, and also since it reflects a person’s overall health, it is imperative to take the above steps to ensure that your skin will look its best.

Shaving Basics

January 3, 2015December 15, 2014drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Original Post can be found by clicking on this link:

http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-look-skin-attitude-attire-and-persona/3995-shaving-basics.html

Published on MensPhysique.com on Tuesday, 23 August 2011

Shaving is the cheapest hair removal method, especially for morerazor hirsute individuals who want to don the stage with a minimal amount of body hair. Keep in mind, though, that this method can result in uncomfortable itchiness as the hair grows back. If this is something you feel you can handle, then let’s discuss the best approach to this method.

A good way to prep for a massive assault on body hair is to clip the hair either with a small pair of scissors or an electric clipper. Some men will often abandon shaving after completing this step, but others will carry through with removing the remainder with a razor. Once this is done, it is always best to hop in the shower and allow the water and steam to soften the hair and open up the hair follicles for easiest shaving.

Make sure to use a blade that is fresh and sharp, and shave with the direction of hair growth. If you are NOT prone to ingrown hairs you MAY wish to shave against the grain after shaving with the grain. Use a glycerin or aloe based shaving gel to allow the razor to glide more easily along the surface of the skin.

If you happen to get any irritation from the razor you may use hydrocortisone cream to soothe the afflicted area.

Ingrown Hairs – Ouch!

December 30, 2014December 9, 2014drstaceynaito Leave a comment

http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-look-skin-attitude-attire-and-persona/3426-ingrown-hairsouch.html

Original post published on MensPhysique.com on Tuesday, 14 June 2011

Men are notorious for neglecting their skin, opting for the quickest methods by which to clean it. As a result, they are often prone to developing ingrown hairs, where hair gets trapped inside a follicle or grows back into the skin, forming painful bumps.

If you want to minimize the chances of developing these nasty bumps, you must exfoliate! This can be accomplished with salicylic acid based cleansers, post-shave products and moisturizers. You can also use a soft-bristle brush or washcloth to exfoliate dead skin cells. Make sure that you are consistent with your exfoliating regimen or else you will find yourself having to treat ingrown hairs instead of preventing them from forming.

When you shave, it is always best to do it in the shower. The moisture and steam from the shower will soften the hairs and open up the follicles. Use a good lubricating shaving cream or gel to increase the glide of the razor. Make sure you use a razor with a sharp blade, and shave with the direction of hair growth.

What do you do if you already have ingrown hairs? One thing you can do is to GENTLY lift the ingrown end out with a pair of tweezers, but do NOT pluck the hair! If the area is swollen, you can apply witch hazel to soothe it.

These days it is completely acceptable for men to use skincare products, so don’t be afraid to check out the many wonderful products out there that are specially formulated for men. ZIRH, Neutrogena, Aveda, Lab Series and Clinique are among the companies with decent product lines. Above all else, please abandon the mentality that bar soap is the only skin care product you need! Bar soap is highly alkaline and strips the skin of moisture. What was supposedly good for grandpa isn’t good for you!

Perfect Stage Makeup

December 28, 2014December 9, 2014drstaceynaito Leave a comment

http://www.rxmuscle.com/rx-girl-articles/6198-perfect-stage-makeup.html

The original post was published on RxGirl.com on Monday, 30 July 2012. The text was white on white, so the text is tough to read unless you highlight the entire body of the article. To make it easier for everyone, I have copied and pasted the article here.

Let’s say you have decided to compete in your first contest and have already chosen your suit and accessories, booked your tanning appointment and, in an effort to keep costs down, decided to do your own makeup. If you have done stage makeup for other competitors then you most likely know what colors and techniques to use in order to avoid looking like a ghost onstage. However, if the extent of your makeup application skills has not ventured beyond bridal makeup and a nice going-out-on-the-town look, you might want to read on.

FOUNDATION:

First and foremost, the foundation you use needs to be DARK. I mean really dark. Generally speaking, the color on your face needs to be only a shade or two lighter than the color on your body after you get your spray tan. For those of you familiar with MAC Foundation colors, Studio Tech NW43 or NW45 are excellent foundation shades for the majority of competitors. However, I do not like MAC foundations because 1) they are extremely comedogenic, and 2) the compacts dry out very quickly. Instead, I use Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation in Warm Walnut and that works very well onstage.

Make sure to gently exfoliate your skin prior to the day of the competition, and use moisturizer and primer immediately before applying foundation. Though I usually use a foundation brush to apply foundation for photo shoots, when working with very dark foundations for stage I find that a makeup sponge works better than a brush in applying a nice, thin yet even layer. Make sure to extend foundation onto your neck, ears and hairline, feathering out and blending. Once this is done, dust some translucent setting powder over the foundation to set it. Chanel makes an excellent loose powder which I love both for daily use and for shows.

EYES:

Usually I will do my eye makeup first, then apply foundation since using a lot of black eyeshadow can often create a lot of dust which will ruin your foundation if you have applied it prior to your eye makeup. When choosing eyeshadow colors, avoid blues, greens and purples as they tend to look garish under the stage lights. Your best bet is to stick with neutral tones. You can never go wrong with a dramatic smoky eye. If you don’t know how to do a smoky eye, check out YouTube for some great smoky eye tutorials. Also check out the image in this article which shows a perfect smoky eye for the stage. Ideal colors to use for a stage-ready smoky eye are black, champagne or platinum, a beige base, brown and perhaps a warm pink.

Here are some guidelines for creating a smoky eye with the above colors:

1. Apply eye shadow primer. I like Too Faced Shadow Insurance.
2. Sweep a beige shadow (recommended: MAC Grain) over entire lid and up along browline.
3. Apply black eyeshadow (recommended: MAC Carbon) over lid but be careful NOT to extend beyond lid crease. Extend shadow beyond outer corner of eye in a V, angling towards brow. Blend well with a blending brush. Also apply black eyeshadow to the outer portion of the lower lash line.
4. Take a brown eyeshadow (recommended: MAC Brown Down) and work into crease at outer corners. Make sure to blend this well.
5. Take a warm pink (recommended: MAC Da Bling) and sweep it over the inner and mid-portion of the lid.
6. Apply the champagne (recommended: MAC Ricepaper) or platinum shade on the browbone, the center of the lid, and the inner corner of the eye.
7. Apply black liquid eyeliner along the upper lash line, sweeping up into a cat eye at the outer corners. Please refer to the image of cat eye liner for a guideline.

Don’t forget false eyelashes! Finish off with liquid eyeliner and lots of mascara.

Make sure to also fill in your brows. I find that shadows work much better than pencils at creating a flattering look.

FACE CONTOUR:

Make sure to use a blush which is dark enough to show up on your face. MAC Dollymix is an excellent color for stage. I tend to extend the blush a bit into the side of the cheek below the cheekbone to avoid a hollowed out look, and will add a bit of bronzer to the blush when I do this.

Your contouring powder also needs to be dark, making MAC Deep Dark mineralized skin finish ideal for such a task. Apply contouring powder in an “E” on each side of the face, starting at the temple, then sweeping under the cheekbone and then along the underside of the jawline and under your chin. Make sure to blend well! A bit of highlighting powder also looks lovely when dusted lightly on the apples of the cheeks, forehead and chin, but be sure to use a light hand.

LIPS:

For your lips, choose pink or red matte shades. Avoid frosted formulas, oranges and corals as they do not translate well onstage. Also apply clear or pink lip gloss over your lipstick for a nice finish. Before you go onstage, make sure to blot the inner part of your lips with tissue to ensure that no lipstick ends up on your teeth.

IMPORTANT TIPS:

If you are nervous about how your makeup might look on the day of the show, practice your techniques until you feel comfortable. Also, make sure to give yourself enough time to apply your makeup on the day of the competition without feeling rushed. It is far better to start very early and have extra time to relax AFTER your makeup is applied than to be rushed and perhaps unable to complete your makeup application before stepping onstage.

Taming Of The Brow

December 27, 2014December 9, 2014drstaceynaito Leave a comment

http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-look-skin-attitude-attire-and-persona/3329-the-taming-of-the-brow.html

Original post published on mensphysique.com on Thursday, 02 June 2011

You may have heard that brows work like frames for the face, accentuating the eyes and helping to provide balance to facial features. So when I see a man who has brows which are so bushy that they overpower his features, I feel compelled to pull out some scissors and a tweezer and get to work. Of course the worst is the dreaded unibrow which can inspire fear in any attractive female.

My point is, pay attention to your brows! When you go up on stage, you want to make sure every part of you looks the best it can. If you are unsure about how to tweeze or shape your brows, go to a professional. Attending to this seemingly small detail can make an enormous difference in how you are received.

If you insist on trimming your brows yourself, make sure to use your natural brow shape as a guide, trimming any hairs which extend beyond this shape. Plucking those hairs in the center is a MUST as well.

Holding Onto That Faux Bronzed Glow

December 26, 2014December 9, 2014drstaceynaito Leave a comment

http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-look-skin-attitude-attire-and-persona/3217-holding-onto-that-faux-bronzed-glow.html

Original post was published on mensphysique.com on Monday, 23 May 2011

So you’ve been spray tanned and your skin now resembles a piece of mahogany furniture. It’s time to get into the car or back to your hotel room and avoid contact with water lest you melt away like the Wicked Witch of the West.

It can be quite a task remembering not to sweat, get wet or have any restroom mishaps. Below I have provided a general guide to preserve that impeccable color until contest time.

1. Make sure to wear LOOSE clothing without elastic or tight necklines. The general rule is to wear drawstring pants and button down shirts, preferably in a soft cotton flannel material. The greater the surface area of skin covered, the better. It is better to go commando than to try to put on underwear, otherwise you may get smudges and lines from the elastic in your skivvies.

2. Avoid slinging bags over your shoulder. Instead, carry them in your hand by the handles, or better yet, use a roller bag.

3. If you are driving and it is a hot or humid day, turn on the air conditioning and let it run for a couple of minutes BEFORE you sit in the vehicle. Once in the vehicle, fasten the seatbelt loosely so that it doesn’t leave a strap mark across your chest.

4. Try to avoid sweating as much as possible, as sweat marks are trickier to fix than water marks. Sleep with the air conditioning on or point a fan at your bed to keep cool.

5. Do not apply antiperspirant/deodorant once you’ve been sprayed! The aluminum in the product will react with the self-tanner, turning your underarms green. Trust me, it’s not an attractive look. If you are really suffering from body odor, take a body spray and very lightly mist your underarms from at least a 12 inch distance.

6. Water is the enemy. Believe it! You need to avoid sprinklers, rain, sink basins, etc. Try to avoid automatic flushing toilets whenever possible. Be prepared for rainy weather no matter where you are – this means packing closed-toe shoes and an umbrella.

7. Though breast folds are more of an issue for women, men can also sweat in the inferior pectoral area, so be especially aware of sweating in that area and try to keep it as dry as possible.

8. Be careful using the restroom!

9. Do not engage in strenuous exercise or sexual activity until after the final show. Most people think they are being careful when they hit it, then end up frustrating and amusing their spray tanners when they come in for touchups. Unless you want to start all over again with tanning and end up upsetting the tanners, put your libido on the back burner!

How To Remove Self-Tanner After A Shoot Or Show

December 23, 2014December 9, 2014drstaceynaito Leave a comment

http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-look-skin-attitude-attire-and-persona/3216-how-to-remove-self-tanner-after-a-shoot-or-show.html

Originally published on mensphysique.com on Monday, 23 May 2011

Many competitors and models ask me how to best remove self-tanner. Perhaps they must be re-sprayed for another show or shoot, or they are tired of the blotchy manner in which the self-tanner is wearing off and would rather remove it completely. The most effective means I have found to remove self-tanner of any type (Mystic, Jan Tana, Pro Tan, LiquidSunRayz) is a method that Trae Kidd passed onto me last year.

You will need a terry washcloth, a bar of soap (this doesn’t work with liquid soap), and about ½ cup to 1 cup of baking soda. Wet the washcloth and suds up the bar of soap to create a nice lather. Then sprinkle about a tablespoon or so of baking soda onto the washcloth, work it into the terry a bit, then start scrubbing your body with this mixture. Pay special attention to the back of the neck, the underarms and wings of the lats, crosscuts on the abs, elbows, gluteal folds, fronts and backs of knees, ankles and feet. You will definitely need to repeat this sudsing technique on the washcloth, adding more soap and baking soda each time.

With this method I usually manage to remove a good 80% or more of the product with one washing. This method also serves as a decent prep for the next spray tan since it is an effective exfoliator.

The Hair Issue: Getting To The Root Of The Problem

December 22, 2014December 9, 2014drstaceynaito Leave a comment

http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-look-skin-attitude-attire-and-persona/3174-the-hair-issuegetting-to-the-root-of-the-problem.html

(Originally published on mensphysique.com on Monday, 16 May 2011)

Most competitors will resort to some form of hair reduction or removal in order to enhance muscle definition. But if this is new territory for you, you may be wondering which method works best for you. Let’s review some popular hair removal methods:

· Shaving – This is probably the most common form of hair removal since it is cheap and easy to do. However, if you are embarking on this form of hair eradication on your body, you may not be prepared for the possible nicks, ingrown hairs and razor rash you may develop. And unless you have a fancy long-handled razor, you can forget about shaving your back without some assistance from an often reluctant assistant.

· Depilatories – These creams are relatively easy to use, simply requiring application, a few minutes for the chemicals to dissolve the hair, and wiping or rinsing off the product. However, they can be messy, and some people can get severe irritation from the chemicals, especially when applied to the nether regions.

· Waxing – This is an extremely effective form of hair removal, but the hair must be long enough (usually about 3/16” or more) for the wax to grab onto. When hair regrowth occurs, the hairs are much finer. However, waxing can make you writhe and scream like a schoolgirl, as those of you who saw the famous waxing scene in “40-Year-Old Virgin” may recall.

· Electrolysis – This is a permanent form of hair reduction in which individual hairs are treated. This can be time consuming and expensive, especially when large surface areas are involved.

· Lasers – Another form of permanent hair removal, lasers derange actively growing hair follicles. This can be costly, and requires several treatments (usually 6 to 8 in a specific time interval) in order to achieve complete results. But remember folks, results are permanent. Keep in mind that certain areas of the body are much more sensitive to laser energy, leaving you squirming in a manner similar to waxing.

· Clipping – This is the easiest means by which to reduce the amount of body hair but can look a bit strange on men who have very dense patches or hair growth with very dark hair in said areas.

I hope this summary of hair removal techniques will be helpful for those of you who are trying to figure out the best method.

My Bio on MensPhysique.com

December 21, 2014December 9, 2014drstaceynaito Leave a comment

http://www.rxmuscle.com/contibutors/3032-stacey-naito-do-aobfp-mensphysiquecom-blogger.html

Though Dr. Stacey Naito (D.O., AOBFP) is a physician and published medical researcher who is board-certified family medicine and is also highly experienced with all non-surgical aspects of aesthetic medicine, her biggest passion is fitness. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from Occidental College and began working as a fitness trainer immediately after obtaining her degree. Weight training became an integral part of Dr. Naito’s daily routine, even during her post-doctoral residency training which at times had her working up to 120 hours per week. As a result of her determination to continue training during the most rigorous of schedules, she is committed to sending a strong message to people that anything is possible as long as it is made into a priority.

Dr. Naito started competed in the NPC in 2009 and earned her IFBB Pro card and immediately began competing in the pro league in 2013. While in the NPC, she quickly moved up the ranks at the NPC level and earned seven national first place finishes in the NPC. Stacey has also done very well on the IFBB stage. Through her experiences she has learned a great deal about every aspect of competing, and she makes every effort to pass this valuable information on to those who are new to the contest stage. When not working as a physician, training or attending or competing at an NPC/IFBB event, Dr. Naito spends her time working modeling gigs and writing articles.

Dr. Naito’s involvement in fitness, coupled with her medical expertise, has provided her with a powerful platform by which she can inspire patients and clients to reach their ultimate fitness and wellness goals through optimal exercise and nutrition.

Follow Dr. Naito on Facebook or visit her websites:

http://www.1hothapa.com

http://www.staceynaito.com

http://www.cutcurves.com

https://www.facebook.com/stacey.naito

Links To All My MensPhysique.com articles

December 19, 2014December 9, 2014drstaceynaito Leave a comment

It has been an honor and a blessing to write articles for MensPhysique.com! I have written 44 articles between April 2011 and December 2014. Check all of them out via the links which I have provided here:

What Do You Bring To The Table? Know Your Worth
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-business-fitness-modeling-and-showbiz/11909-what-do-you-bring-to-the-table-know-your-worth.html

Are You A Sponsored Athlete Or An Unpaid Salesperson?
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-business-fitness-modeling-and-showbiz/11790-are-you-a-sponsored-athlete-or-an-unpaid-salesperson.html

The If-It-Fits-Your-Macros Trend
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-kitchen-eating-strategies/11653-the-if-it-fits-your-macros-trend.html

Supplements You Should Be Taking Based On Your Age
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-lab-supplement-school/11503-supplements-you-should-be-taking-based-on-your-age.html

Of Crossfit Boxes And Boxy Midsections
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-training-room-workouts-and-tips/11345-of-crossfit-boxes-and-boxy-midsections.html

Misconceptions About The Men’s Physique Division
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-news-the-newest-in-mp/11258-misconceptions-about-the-men-s-physique-division.html

Creatine-Rich Foods Or Creatine Supplements?
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-lab-supplement-school/11157-creatine-rich-foods-or-creatine-supplements.html

Worth Your Weight In Salt: Why Some Dietary Salt Is Good
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-kitchen-eating-strategies/10971-worth-your-weight-in-salt-why-some-dietary-salt-is-good.html

One Step Forward Two Steps Back: Fighting Muscle Loss As You Age
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-news-the-newest-in-mp/10590-one-step-forward-two-steps-back-fighting-muscle-loss-as-you-age.html

Sleep Deficit And Muscle Loss
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-news-the-newest-in-mp/10329-sleep-deficit-and-muscle-loss.html

What To Do After You Have Slayed The Dragon
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-life-inspiration-and-dedication/10154-what-to-do-after-you-have-slayed-the-dragon.html

How To Avoid Post-Contest Rebound
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-training-room-workouts-and-tips/10049-how-to-avoid-post-contest-rebound.html