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Top Secrets to Falling Asleep Faster

It seems to be getting harder for some of us to fall asleep and stay asleep. Here are some helpful techniques and practices you should try to get to sleep faster and easier.

 

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Falling asleep is very important to the quality and amount of sleep you get.  Sleep is such an important factor in our overall health and it is often overlooked. When we sleep our bodies go into a recover mode, where basic body maintenance is performed. You may have noticed that you sweat when you sleep, that because the body is working overtime. We should be getting between 6-8 hours of sleep each night, which to some of us sounds impossible. In our hectic lives, it seems like we have less time in the day and getting the required sleep is tough.

It seems to be getting harder for some of us to fall asleep and stay asleep. Here are some helpful techniques and practices you should try to get to sleep faster and easier.

 

Avoid afternoon caffeine –

Drinking coffee or tea can mess with your sleep even if it’s many hours before your bedtime. We each react differently to caffeine and it obviously affects some of us more than others. If you enjoy a coffee or tea in the afternoon and also have issues falling asleep at night, maybe cut that out. That added caffeine kick-start is affecting your sleep, hours after you drink it. Instead, try drinking some warm water with lemon in it, the vitamin C and warm water combined has an effect similar to caffeine.

 

Take a pre bed bath-  

Turn on the hot water, light a candle and poor yourself a nice glass of wine. A hot bath not only relaxes you but afterwards the rapid cool down of your body temperature after getting out helps your body fall asleep faster. It is focusing so much energy to keep you warm that your body quickly gets tired and you can just slip away to dream town. Pretty cool huh? You get a nice bath and you fall asleep faster, sounds like a winner to me.

 

Lower your lights –

Try turning the TV off at least an hour before bed and stay off your phone; the bright lights mess with your circadian rhythm. The lights affect our brain and it signals it to be alert and awake, the opposite of what you want to happen.  Turn your lights down low, turn off the TV and try reading a book or just relax with your thoughts. The lowered lights and not having screen lights signals to your brain that its bed time.

 

Cooler room –

Colder rooms make you bundle up and your body exerts energy to stay warm, making it tired and you fall asleep faster. Try cranking the thermostat to 65 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. This chilly temp makes your body more tired and you fall right to sleep. Who doesn’t like getting all bundled up in bed? Our bodies have a much harder time falling asleep in warmer temperatures.

 

Wear socks –

Wearing socks to bed improves your circulation and makes you feel warm and cozy. The improved circulation helps your body relax and calm down. Just make sure the socks aren’t too tight, you don’t want to cut off circulation completely. Wear a nice loose pair of socks and you are ready for bed.

 

Relaxing music or white noise –

A white noise machine or soothing smooth jazz can put you right to sleep. The science on this is the white noise allows your brain to stop focusing and finally zone out.

 

Hopefully these tips help you get the sleep your body needs.

 

Photos courtesy of City Girl Likes,  Zen Smarts, Harvard, Philadelphia Magazine

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Beauty

What to Avoid After Getting Lip Fillers

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After your appointment, you’re likely excited to enjoy your newly enhanced pout. The key to ensuring your results look amazing and heal beautifully is proper aftercare. Following your provider’s instructions is critical, and a huge part of that is knowing what to avoid in the hours and days following your lip filler treatment. Steering clear of certain activities and habits will help minimize swelling, reduce the risk of bruising, and allow the filler to settle perfectly.

Strenuous Exercise

While your daily workout is usually a great idea, you should press pause for at least 24 to 48 hours after getting lip fillers. Strenuous physical activity increases your heart rate and blood flow, which can worsen swelling and bruising at the injection sites. The elevated blood pressure can put stress on the delicate blood vessels in your lips, which are already sensitive from the procedure. Stick to light activities like walking and save your high-intensity workout for a few days later.

Extreme Temperatures

Heat and cold can both negatively impact your healing process. Avoid exposure to high heat, such as saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, or even very hot showers for the first 48 hours. Heat can increase swelling and inflammation. Similarly, while a gentle cool compress can help soothe your lips, avoid applying ice directly to the area, as extreme cold can restrict blood flow and potentially damage the tissue. Gentle, intermittent cooling is best.

Alcohol and Certain Medications

It’s best to avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours before and after your appointment. Alcohol thins the blood, which can significantly increase your risk of bruising and swelling. The same goes for certain medications and supplements known to have a blood-thinning effect, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and high doses of Vitamin E, fish oil, or ginseng. Always discuss your current medications with your provider before your treatment so they can advise you on what to temporarily discontinue.

Touching, Pressing, or Massaging the Lips

It can be tempting to constantly feel your new lips, but it is essential to resist the urge. Your hands can introduce bacteria to the injection sites, increasing the risk of infection. Furthermore, pressing, rubbing, or massaging the area can displace the filler before it has had a chance to settle into its intended position. This could lead to lumps, asymmetry, or an uneven result. Let the filler integrate naturally with your lip tissue. Your provider will give you specific instructions if any gentle massage is needed later on.

Using Straws and Smoking

The puckering motion required to drink from a straw or smoke can put unnecessary pressure on your lips and the freshly placed filler. This pressure can potentially move the filler and affect your final result. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid using straws and to refrain from smoking for at least 24 to 48 hours after your treatment. This also helps minimize the risk of infection around the small injection points.

Patience is Key to Perfect Results

Proper aftercare is just as important as the skill of your injector. By avoiding these specific things in the days following your lip filler treatment, you create the best possible environment for healing. This patience will be rewarded with reduced side effects, a quicker recovery, and the beautiful, natural-looking results you were hoping for. Always follow the specific aftercare plan provided by your practitioner to ensure your safety and satisfaction.

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Beauty

Debunking Common Hair Shampoo Myths

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Hair Shampoo

Shampooing is an essential part of any hair care routine, but with so much conflicting information available, it’s easy to fall for misconceptions. From how often you should wash your hair to whether certain ingredients are harmful, numerous myths surround hair shampoo. In this article, we’ll separate fact from fiction and help you make informed choices for healthier hair.

1. Myth: Frequent Shampooing Damages Hair

Many believe that washing hair too often can lead to dryness and damage. However, the truth is that the right shampoo, when used appropriately, can maintain scalp health and cleanliness. It’s important to choose a hair shampoo that suits your hair type and follow up with a conditioner to keep your strands hydrated.

2. Myth: Sulphate-Free Shampoos Are Always Better

Sulphates in shampoos are often criticised for being too harsh, but they are highly effective in removing dirt and excess oil. While some people, especially those with sensitive scalps or colour-treated hair, may benefit from sulphate-free options, others can safely use shampoos with mild sulphates without issues. Choosing a shampoo should depend on your hair needs rather than avoiding specific ingredients blindly.

3. Myth: Changing Your Shampoo Frequently is Necessary

There’s a common belief that hair gets ‘used to’ a shampoo, making it less effective over time. In reality, if a shampoo continues to cleanse your hair well and address your concerns, there is no need to switch. However, if you experience changes in hair texture, environmental factors, or new hair concerns, then trying a different shampoo may be beneficial.

4. Myth: Salon-Grade Shampoos Are No Different from Regular Ones

Salon-quality shampoos often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients that provide long-term benefits. Brands like Matrix shampoo offer professional-grade formulas designed to target specific hair concerns such as damage repair, hydration, or colour protection. While regular shampoos cleanse the hair, professional formulas may offer more tailored benefits.

5. Myth: More Lather Means a Better Clean

Many people associate a rich lather with better cleansing, but lather is simply a byproduct of surfactants. While foamy shampoos can effectively cleanse, the amount of lather doesn’t necessarily indicate effectiveness. A good hair shampoo should remove dirt and oil without stripping away essential moisture, regardless of how much it foams.

6. Myth: Shampoos Can Permanently Cure Dandruff

Dandruff is often caused by an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus or an imbalance in the scalp. While anti-dandruff shampoos help manage symptoms, they do not provide a permanent cure. Consistent use of specialised shampoos, such as Loreal shampoo formulated for scalp care, can help control flakes and irritation, but lifestyle and environmental factors also play a role.

7. Myth: Natural or Organic Shampoos Are Always Safer

While natural and organic shampoos can be beneficial, not all are free from potential irritants. Some plant-based ingredients may cause allergic reactions, and certain essential oils can be harsh on the scalp. It’s crucial to read ingredient labels and choose a shampoo based on your hair and scalp’s needs rather than assuming that all natural products are safer.

8. Myth: Cold Water Makes Hair Shinier

Cold water can help seal the hair cuticle, making it appear shinier, but it doesn’t change the overall health of your hair. The key to shiny, healthy hair lies in using the right shampoo, conditioner, and regular hair care routine rather than just adjusting water temperature.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the truth behind these common hair shampoo myths can help you take better care of your hair. Whether you choose Matrix shampoo for professional results or Loreal shampoo for targeted benefits, selecting the right product is crucial. Focus on your hair type, scalp health, and individual needs rather than relying on myths when making your hair care decisions.

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Beauty

Harmonizing Nature’s Influence: Bionassay’s Biotechnological Innovations for Skincare

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In the skincare domain, the fusion of botanicals and scientific advancements has led to groundbreaking discoveries, revolutionizing the quest for healthy and sustainable skin solutions. Bionassay, a skincare brand dedicated to excellence, stands as a pioneer in this movement, harnessing biotechnology’s potential to craft products that foster skin health while minimizing environmental impact.

Biotechnology’s role in skincare extends far beyond mere product effectiveness; it holds promise for sustainability. By employing innovative methods, biotechnology offers a more eco-friendly approach to ingredient production, reducing waste and conserving natural resources. At Bionassay, we deeply value sustainability and strive to integrate it into every facet of our operations.

Our commitment to sustainability resonates in our ingredient selection. Through the synergy of nature and cutting-edge biotechnological processes, we formulate potent and environmentally conscious skincare solutions. Consider salicylic acid, a potent compound traditionally sourced from aspirin. Thanks to biotechnological advancements, we can now sustainably synthesize salicylic acid from Wintergreen. This compound not only exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells, but also boasts antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In our Neige Éternelle cream, Wintergreen extract revitalizes the epidermis and unclogs pores, revealing a clearer, more radiant complexion.

Likewise, hyaluronic acid, renowned for its skin-plumping properties, is sustainably sourced from chicory root. Found in our Perle D’Eau and Éclat de Lait formulations, chicory root extract serves as a biomimetic activator of hyaluronic acid synthesis. Post-application, it aids the skin in producing hyaluronic acid beneath the surface, ensuring optimal hydration and a rejuvenated appearance.

At Bionassay, transparency and accountability are paramount. Our products bear the Leaping Bunny certification, and we refrain from testing on animals. Moreover, all our ingredients are traceable to their source, guaranteeing fair working conditions and the efficacy of our formulations.

In essence, the integration of biotechnology in skincare signifies a significant stride towards sustainability. By embracing nature’s bounty and cutting-edge science, Bionassay is steadfast in providing skincare solutions that not only deliver remarkable results but also contribute to a greener future for our planet.

Discover Bionassay’s array of sustainable skincare products here.

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