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"I am healing every day."
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Welcome to Wednesday! In today's newsletter, we're looking at:
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Did You Know?
What organ helps regulate your body temperature?
Scroll for the answer!
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The Best Time To Apply Nighttime Skincare
For some of us, our nighttime skincare routine is ritualistic — an act of self-care never to be overlooked. For others, it's something we manage to do when we're not too tired — and doing it at all is considered a win.
While both morning and nighttime skincare are important, because our skin cells regenerate the most quickly while we sleep, this is when we want to take extra care of when and how we apply products.
Many of us wash our faces right before we crawl into bed — but is that the best time to do it?
As it turns out, there are some great benefits to doing it a little while before we lay our heads down to sleep!
Experts and researchers alike say that it's beneficial to apply your skincare right when you get home (and are not planning to leave again) — or at least several hours before bed.
There are a couple of key reasons why this is beneficial overdoing it right before you go to sleep.
First, when you lay down, much of the products you just put on your face may transfer onto your pillowcase and seep into your pillow. This not only removes the products from your face and reduces the amount that will help your skin, but it can also damage your bedding.
Applying it a few hours before going to sleep also allows the product more time to absorb into your skin — maximizing its effectiveness! This helps you get the best results with your products.
If you're someone who struggles to wash your face before bed, doing it earlier in the evening before you're tired can also help you make a more regular habit of it!
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Image courtesy of Kalos Skincare
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How Long To Wait Between Each Step In Your Skincare Routine
While many of us have a specific order in which we apply different skincare steps, it may be a quick process of layering one atop of the other.
However, applying them without allowing them to settle into your skin can change the texture or consistency of some of the products as they may mix. It may also mean they don't work as well.
There's not a lot of definitive research, and many experts agree there's no "magic number" to show how you should wait before each step in your routine.
However, dermatologists say this can vary between 30 seconds to 10 or 15 minutes, depending on the product.
Some products will have specific instructions on how long to wait between different steps. It's a good idea to follow those directions as that's how they're designed to be used!
If your products don't have specific directions, a trial and error of seeing how long it takes them to soak in is a good way to gauge when the next step can be applied.
Experts told Glamour that if it's between skipping your skincare routine and a quick application, it's better to ensure you're still doing your skincare!
Carving out a few minutes to let each of your products absorb can help them do what they're designed to do — and it's a great way to practice mindfulness and self-care!
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Image courtesy of michela ampolo
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Sweat It Out: The Mood-Boosting Benefits of Exercise
Regular exercise is not only essential for physical health but also has profound benefits for mental well-being. Engaging in activities like yoga, running, and strength training can significantly boost mood and improve overall mental health.
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones. These neurotransmitters interact with receptors in the brain to reduce feelings of pain and trigger a positive sensation, similar to that of morphine. The release of endorphins during exercise can create a sense of euphoria and elation, known as the "runner's high," which contributes to improved mood and reduced stress levels.
Moreover, exercise has been shown to decrease cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Regular physical activity helps regulate cortisol production, preventing excessive levels that can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
Additionally, engaging in exercise promotes better sleep, increased self-esteem, and enhanced cognitive function, all of which contribute to overall well-being. Whether it's a vigorous workout or a calming yoga session, making exercise a regular part of your routine can have a transformative effect on your mood and mental health, leaving you feeling happier, more energized, and better equipped to handle life's challenges.
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Another Way To Boost Your Mood
If you've ever struggled to enjoy cannabis due to the harshness of smoking or vaping, you're not alone. That’s why these new cannabis gummies caught our eye.
Mood is an online dispensary that has invented a “joint within a gummy” that’s extremely potent yet federally legal. Their gummies are formulated to tap into the human body’s endocannabinoid system.
Although this system was discovered in the 1990s, farmers and scientists at Mood were among the first to figure out how to tap into it with cannabis gummies. Just 1 of their rapid-onset THC gummies can get you feeling right within 5 minutes!
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Thanks to Mood for sponsoring Note To Self.
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What Is Retinol? What To Know About This Popular Skincare Ingredient
You may have heard that retinol can be a great skincare ingredient, especially as we get older.
But what is it? Should you be using it in your skincare?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A and is used in a wide range of products to help with acne, scarring, uneven skin tones, anti-aging, and more.
Since it's found in so many different products, it's easy to add to your skincare routine!
Retinol is available in different concentrations, with some products sold over-the-counter and others needing a prescription — but experts emphasize it's important to start low and slow as it can irritate the skin. It's also a good idea not to do it before you exfoliate, as this can further irritate your skin.
For example, some people may use retinol once a week to start and then increase it to daily use. However, chatting with an expert can help you find out what's best for your skin type!
If your skin is irritated easily, you can also "sandwich" it on your face and apply it after your moisturizer and before another cream or product.
Experts also emphasize that due to the nature of retinol, it's essential to wear sunscreen and moisturize diligently when using the product. While it's a great idea to wear sunscreen every day, it's extra important to ensure you wear it and get some extra protection with a hat so you don't burn your skin.
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Image courtesy of Sayan Majhi
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Skin-Boosting Collagen Smoothie Recipe
Give your skin a radiant boost from the inside out with our skin-boosting collagen smoothie recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
- 1 scoop collagen powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Ice cubes (optional, for desired consistency)
Instructions:
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Start by adding the fresh spinach to the blender. Spinach is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote skin health and radiance.
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Next, add the frozen strawberries and blueberries. These berries are packed with vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production and maintaining skin elasticity.
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Peel and slice the ripe banana, then add it to the blender. Bananas provide potassium and other nutrients that help hydrate and nourish the skin.
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Sprinkle the chia seeds and flaxseeds into the blender. These seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin health by reducing inflammation and promoting hydration.
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Add a scoop of collagen powder to the blender. Collagen is a protein that provides structure to the skin, helping to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
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Pour in the unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice) to help blend the ingredients smoothly. Add the plain Greek yogurt for creaminess and additional protein.
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If desired, sweeten the smoothie with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. However, keep in mind that the fruits already provide natural sweetness.
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Optional: Add a few ice cubes to the blender for a cooler, thicker smoothie consistency.
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Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
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Pour the skin-boosting collagen smoothie into glasses and enjoy immediately for maximum freshness and nutrition.
This delicious smoothie is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients that support skin health and radiance from the inside out. Incorporate it into your daily routine for a natural glow and youthful complexion.
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The Perfect Collagen Supplement For Your Smoothie
So… what exactly does collagen do, again? This nutrient is Insta-trending for a reason – it’s essential for healthy skin, joints, and bones.
The big bummer: many collagen supplements are made with artificial ingredients and (gross) animal byproducts. NativePath has a different approach. NativePath collagen is certified grass-fed and pure, and sourced from 100% happy, healthy cows… so you can put nutrients into a happy, healthy human.
It provides Types 1 and 3 collagen – more than 90% of your body’s needs. Plus, it’s tasty and provides 20 grams of protein, so you’ll get lots of energy to boot.
Find out more about the many benefits of NativePath’s collagen powder on their website!
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Thanks to NativePath for sponsoring Note To Self.
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Parting Thoughts:
- Did You Know: Skin! Your skin works with your body's blood supply to dilate and constrict blood vessels to adjust your body temperature.🏼♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week!
- Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: While many of us may rush through our skincare routine (and the fact that we did it at all is a victory), taking time to pause between steps and enjoying it a few hours before bed is a great way to show ourselves some love.
- 🪴 3 Eco-Friendly Pastimes for When You're Bored: If you’ve got some hours to kill and are looking for something to do that’s as good for the planet as they are for your soul, look no further! Trust us, these green hobbies are a...
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Share the love
Know a fellow self-care lover who would benefit from joining the Note To Self Community? Forward this email or refer them at readnotetoself.com!
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Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at care@readnotetoself.com!
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