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Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What is a 'vagacial' and should lesbians be getting them? Experts weigh in
From vampire facials to salmon sperm facials, people are willing to slather their skin in just about anything if it helps to turn back the clock and make them look their best. But do your nether regions also need the 5-star treatment? While that may sound like an odd question, people across the country are turning to spas and dermatologists for 'vagacials' — basically facials for your muff — to treat skin issues and make your vulva looks its best, either for yourself, to make a good first impression with a hot date, or to impress your significant other. So if you have the requisite parts and are looking to get busy in a sapphic way, should you be giving your vulva a spa day? To find out more about what to expect when you get a vagacial to how long you have to wait to have sex after a treatment, PRIDE spoke to Kiara DeWitt, a registered nurse and founder and CEO of Injectco, one of Texas' top medical aesthetic clinics; Dr. David Johnson, a dermatologist and co-founder of and New York-based dermatologist Dr. Victoria Kazlouskaya, who founded Dermatology Circle PLLC. FamStudio/Shutterstock Vagacials — a portmanteau of vagina and facial — is a misleading name because it's a spa facial, but for the outside of your vulva, not your vagina. But, you know, a vulvacial just isn't as catchy. A vagacial is a skincare treatment for the pubic area that typically includes a gentle cleanse, exfoliation, ingrown hair extraction, application of serums, and a mask, followed by a light moisturizer or a cooling gel. It may also address pigmentation and texture issues. 'Think of it as a reset button for sensitive skin after waxing, shaving or just living life,' DeWitt tells PRIDE. 'You can get one any time of year, but most people book in the summer or right before big events.' Depending on where you go, the whole process might be more clinical than frilly or might be more about pampering your biking area. But either way, you can expect the provider to wear gloves and use single-use tools to keep everything hygienic and prevent infections. If they don't, run, don't walk, in the opposite direction. 'The genital area is delicate, and many skincare products can be irritating,' Dr. Kazlouskaya says. 'Also, this is an intimate service—so the person performing it should be discreet, sensitive, and respectful.' When you arrive for your appointment, you'll be asked to undress from the waist down and be given a sheet to drape over your lap. The esthetician or dermatologist will have you lie down like you would to get waxed, and then they will steam the skin to help remove ingrown hairs, use a gentle scrub or lactic acid for exfoliation, before hydrating the skin with serums or moisturizers. The whole thing should only take between 30 and 50 minutes. Dr. Johnson explains that at RedlineX, they also offer red light therapy for the area to 'calm down redness and to get the skin to heal in less time.' From Gwyneth Paltrow steaming her vagina to Khloé Kardashian's eight-part 'lady bits' skincare regimen, vagacials are all the rage and the experts say they're just getting more popular every year. Social media has helped to normalize treatments like these and make them increasingly trendy. 'Right now, these treatments are popping up on more spa menus each year,' DeWitt says. 'I have noticed that even five years ago, hardly anyone offered this outside major cities. Now, you see them advertised at medspas and beauty bars all over the country! Social media, word of mouth, and TikTok do the marketing without anyone having to whisper about it.' Pawel Michalowski/Shutterstock Like many skin care and beauty treatments, vagacials can be a little pricey if you are on a tight budget. They tend to run anywhere from $50 to $200, not including a tip or add-ons like red light therapy or custom masks. The cost can also go down if you buy a package and some spas or clinics combine the treatment with hair removal. 'Packages for three or more can drop the price by 15 percent or so. Some clinics roll it into 'maintenance' bundles, pairing with waxing or sugaring,' DeWitt says. Some people get vagacials for purely aesthetic reasons like dealing with dark spots or bumps on their bikini area, or the desire to be smooth as a dolphin, but there are other benefits too. Not only can it help address conditions like folliculitis, but it can also just make you feel better about getting undressed in front of other people. 'Sometimes it is just about comfort or boosting confidence before intimacy. To be fair, it is skincare with a side of peace of mind,' DeWitt explains. Ok, so now you know what a vagacial is, what to expect at an appointment, and what kind of damage it'll do to your bank account. But if you're a lesbian or queer person with a vagina, should you get one? 'Sure, if it feels good, if it is wanted, and if it fits your routine,' DeWitt says. 'No orientation or gender label required. Healthy skin is for everyone, and anyone can want smooth, comfortable skin. Sometimes it is just nice to take care of yourself in a new way.' Luckily, there is very little downtime needed after getting a vagacial. You can have sex right away, but some providers suggest waiting a few hours, or up to 24 hours, before getting biblical because your skin may be slightly tender right after treatment, and you may want to avoid irritation or redness. 'If you want to play it safe, give yourself 24 hours if your skin runs sensitive. Any redness usually clears within the first hour. You can go right back to normal life after, but if you feel discomfort, loose cotton underwear and no scented products help,' DeWitt cautions. If you go to a reputable spa or provider, the risk is fairly low and likely will only include temporary redness, slight swelling, or an ingrown hair, but the potential side effects increase if you see someone who isn't qualified. 'You could end up having infections, further ingrown hairs, or yeast infections,' Dr. Johnson explains. 'Do be sure to see a qualified practitioner. I've had to see these issues in my office when patients try to do it themselves in the home or see places that are unlicensed.' Dr. Kazlouskaya also notes that you may experience an allergic reaction or overexfoliate sensitive skin. 'The skin in the genital area is more sensitive than other parts of the body, so irritation or allergic reactions can occur,' she explains. 'Over-exfoliation may lead to dryness or discomfort. If products come into contact with the vaginal mucosa, they could cause itching or burning. And if hygiene isn't maintained properly during the procedure, there's a risk of folliculitis or even yeast infections.' Kiara DeWitt, a registered nurse and founder and CEO of Injectco, one of Texas' top medical aesthetic clinics. Dr. David Johnson, a dermatologist and co-founder of New York-based dermatologist Dr. Victoria Kazlouskaya, founder of Dermatology Circle PLLC. This article originally appeared on Pride: What is a 'vagacial' and should lesbians be getting them? Experts weigh in 13 reminders Pride is *also* about sex 34 same-sex couples who don't mind the age gap 11 sex magic tips for getting what you want while getting off, according to experts
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Absolutely insane' bicycle kick in local comp goes viral in AFL circles with stunning acrobatic feat
Step aside, Luke Parker. There's a new AFL bicycle kick hero in town. A local footy player has gone viral online after a clip of his gravity defying goal in a local comp. David Johnson from the Emerald Seniors team delivered a spectacular feat on for his side when, instead of taking a mark, he contorted his body to connect with a rapid kick inside 50 on the full and stun opposition side, Healesville Seniors. The opposition can be seen crowding Johnson in the goal square before he wrestles his way through the pack and throws a leg in the air to score the six points, leaving both his teammates and the opposition in shock. Emerald went on to lose the match 30-85, but Johnson's goal was the talk of the town, with the goal being likened to previous Sydney Swans player Parker's shot seven years ago. Parker's bicycle kick in the first round of the 2018 season against the West Coast Eagles quickly went down in AFL circles as one of the great shots and became a contender for goal of the year. Up by 10 points with five and half minutes go in the fourth quarter of the game, Parker produced a moment of brilliance when a kick flew in near West Coasts' goal line. The ball hovering around in the air and with his back to goal, Parker instinctively swung his leg and body just outside the goal square and connected perfectly with the ball, sending it between the sticks. But the footage of the goal over the weekend is arguably an even greater goal than Parker's, given the goalscorer connected with a faster-paced ball coming in rapidly from 50m metres away, and contorting his body all in one swoop to make the instant connection in one touch. Even more impressive is that Johnson was submerged in a sea of defenders blocking his path to the ball whereas Parker had more room to work with. 'This is the sort of goal you kick in your dream to win your team the grand final. Absolutely insane,' one user online wrote in response to the goal. 'Terrible teammates and crowd for not going nuts after seeing that,' another said. 'Definitely not accidental. The bloke who kicked it is an absolute athletic freak,' a third said. A fourth comment read: 'Number 28's reaction starts as arms up 'hey you can't do that' but then halfway he transitions it to a defeated hands on the head 'what the f**k just happened.' Despite the spectacular move, Johnsons Emerald Seniors sit second last on the ladder after their game, with only two wins from 11 games in the Outer East Football Netball competition.
Sky News AU
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Australia to become 'aircraft carrier' for the US with bases and possible nuclear weapons, retired Lieutenant General says
A former Chief of Australia's Army has questioned whether the US has, or is planning to store nuclear weapons in Australia – while also questioning how long it would be until American 'places' become official US 'bases' around the country. Retired Lieutenant General Peter Leahy – who joined the service in 1971 and rose to become Chief between 2002 until 2008 - has told Sky News that he foresees Australia becoming an 'operational base' for the US under AUKUS. 'Many would remember that during World War II we were the aircraft carrier for the Pacific, I see that happening again. The build-up of American places and let me say … I wonder how much longer we are going to say places rather than bases and I think we need to recognise that,' he said. 'We are seeing fuel farms all over the place, we are seeing a concentration of forces down in Western Australia. There is going to be much more of their air force up around Katherine and Darwin. 'I think a large part of what Australia has got to offer the United States is geography … and a debate yet to be had, are they bases or places?' His thoughts follow sobering comments from Australia's Chief of Defence, Admiral David Johnson who recently revealed the Commonwealth's national security strategy was being recalibrated with the 'security blanket' of ten-year's warning time having now evaporated. 'We are having to reconsider Australia as a homeland from which we will conduct combat operations. And that again is a very different way - almost since the second world war - about how we think of national resilience and preparedness,' Admiral Johnson told the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's annual defence conference. 'We may need to operate and conduct combat operations from this country.' The assessment is broadly interpreted as how Australia would respond to a conflict between America and China. It also takes into account Washington's efforts to reposition strike forces in the region, while keeping them out of immediate danger. 'We are going to become a very important part of that strategic depth for the United States in the Indo-pacific,' Mr Leahy said. 'But I'm yet to figure out as we become more of a base, and we see the positioning of their submarine forces and their bomber forces and perhaps some of their missile forces in Australia, who is going to ask the question, are any of those nuclear armed?' 'Would Australia become a place where we would store nuclear weapons? Because it would seem a bit silly if you've got the capabilities here without the weapons (then) why are you even bothering? 'I think a discussion yet to be had … where are the nuclear weapons?' A spokesperson from the Department of Defence told Sky News, 'The United States does not store or station nuclear weapons in Australia. 'Stationing of nuclear weapons in Australia is prohibited by the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty … to which Australia remains committed.' They said Australia would continue to comply with its international obligations. 'The United States understands and respects our obligations regarding nuclear weapons,' the spokesperson said. It's a case of political incongruity. Under our alliance relationship, Australia benefits from America's strategic nuclear umbrella. Concerned Defence Analyst, Peter Jennings believed Admiral Johnson's remarks showed the Department of Defence now needed 'a rethink' with regard to how the homeland would be protected. 'I thought it was a remarkable statement from our Chief of Defence … and one which says to me, that somehow, they have lost sight of what our key military strategies should be, which is about range and long-distance operations,' he said. 'Our military thinking has always been that we will move our forces as forward into a potential military theatre as we can, in order to avoid the conflict coming to our shores. ' 'We now need a rethink about just what exactly (are) the foundations of our defence policy.' He believes Defence Minister, Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister, Pat Conroy wanted more money but had been refused by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, saying it 'locked (them) into a policy of non-delivery'. When it came to the Trump administration, Mr Leahy believed looming discussions over budgets would involve an element of 'bluff and bluster' though in part he supported the Prime Minister's position. 'We need to be careful about what we want. How we acquire it. And how we introduce it into services,' he said. 'I don't think we will get pushed that hard (by America) because of the geographic nature of Australia and our importance,' he said. 'I think the US is still keen to have us as a flag on the table. 'But I also think that they recognise there's only so much in terms of what we can offer in terms of capability, in terms of the scale … but eventually we will need to spend more on defence … because the security situation I don't think is going to get any better.' When asked by Sky News if Australian governments had wasted years or money, the former Army Chief declared: 'Both. Without a doubt.' 'We should have been doing this (increasing capability) ten-years ago. And we've wasted money. Some of it is opportunity cost. But the thing that concerns me the most is the immediate readiness and preparedness,' he said. 'We are going to spend a shedload of money out there in the future but right now I see our ability to deploy, to be able to look after our own defence - and surely that's the first thing of a responsibly for a government (to) look after ourselves immediately - we are lacking on that. We need to spend more money for capabilities now and those capabilities are needed now.' he said.
New York Post
11-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Anti-ICE protester roasted for homemade tactical suit, including leaf blower: ‘Bad cosplay of a minion'
An animated anti-ICE protester is being mocked online for wearing an eye-catching homemade tactical suit to Los Angeles riots — including a bicycle helmet, goggles and a leaf blower. The unidentified woman was impossible to miss as she was filmed yelling into a megaphone in a bright yellow helmet and clutching the large Ryobi leaf blower. 'This is our city and this was Mexico,' yelled the woman, who said she was 45 years old. 'You can't kick us out of the land that was ours,' she yelled. Asked why she was carrying a leaf blower, she said it was to protect herself from tear gas used by law enforcement — and 'to blow back at those motherf–kers.' The woman arrived at the protest in a helmet, goggles and chest protector. YouTube/Nick Shirley She also brought a leaf blower, which she was said was to blow away tear gas. YouTube/Nick Shirley The woman's makeshift protective fit quickly sparked ridicule online. 'Why is she doing a bad cosplay of a minion from Despicable Me?' a teacher, David Johnson, jabbed in an X post in response to the clip. 'Omg this has to be a satire,' another commented, while someone else asked: 'Is she ready to take on armed forces with a leaf blower?' Another X user joked that if she knows that California was briefly part of Mexico in the 19th century, 'she understands the concept of nations and borders then.' California and Los Angeles were part of Spain before Mexico gained its independence in 1821. Mexico was forced to surrender the land decades later after the US's victory in the Mexican-American War in 1848. Dozens of people in Los Angeles have been arrested since protests erupted on Friday in response to ICE raids. Mayor Karen Bass issued a curfew in the city's downtown area on Tuesday night in an attempt to curb the demonstrations, which have seen several cars — including police vehicles — torched by protesters.
CBS News
10-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Severe night storms hit North Texas with 80 mph winds, causing widespread damage
Clean up, repairs begin after night of storms in North Texas Clean up, repairs begin after night of storms in North Texas Clean up, repairs begin after night of storms in North Texas Sunday night's storm had winds around 80 mph, dangerous conditions that caused massive amounts of damage across the entire metroplex. One of the hardest-hit places was Bonham, where wind and rain caused trees to hit homes and power lines all over town. Sunday night's storm was downright scary, just ask Preston Curry. "I was about to cry because, like, I don't, I'm scared of the dark," said Curry. He slept on the floor in his parents' room. He wasn't the only one feeling that way. "All around me. The house right across the street has had a tree. So tall, big old tree. And it's uprooted," said Philip Blander. Blander said he woke up to debris covering his street after the storm subsided. "I had an appointment in Sherman today at 10:30 a.m., and I couldn't hardly get out," he said. Nothing hit his house, but his friend David Johnson wasn't as lucky. "This morning, we went out there. Look, half of it split, and it fell in the yard. The other half fell all over there toward my kitchen, on top of the roof," said Johnson. A metal roof was completely ripped off a building downtown near the post office. While it took out a power line, somehow no one was hurt. That's something everyone we spoke to said they were thankful for. "I'm just glad that I survived this," said Blander. "Not lucky. I'm blessed. I'm blessed. Yeah. I'm blessed ... And I'm just glad nobody was hurt," said Johnson.
