Sleep and Your Skin

Most of us know that getting enough sleep is important to our overall health. However, in this busy world we live sleep is one of those things we tend to sacrifice. Research is suggesting that doing such could be one of the most destructive things we could do to our body and overall health.

What most people do not think about is that sleep is not only necessary for our overall health, but it is crucial to maintaining healthy skin and our overall appearance. Poor sleep can lead to increased stress hormones in the body that increase the severity of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema and increased allergic contact dermatitis. Increased inflammatory cells in the body lead to an increase in the breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid, the molecules that give the skin its glow, bounce, and translucency. Increased inflammation interferes with the body’s ability to regulate the immune system.

Have you ever noticed puffy bags and under eye circles in the morning? That’s because lack of sleep results in poor water balance. When you sleep your body has the chance to rebalance itself. Through the sleep process the skin recovers moisture, while the body processes excess water for removal.

Getting sleep is one thing. Getting enough sleep is another. Deep sleep, known as slow wave sleep (SWS) sleep, is a phase of sleep when growth hormones rise, and the repair of damaged cells occurs. Without the deeper phases of sleep, this won’t occur. Lack of deep sleep can result in more noticeable signs of aging. If that’s not enough to get you to bed sooner and for longer periods of time, recent studies have linked sleep deprivation to excess snacking and calorie consumption. We all know what that behavior leads to.

Tips for Better Sleep

Sleep Like A Vampire. The darker your room, the better you sleep. Light influences the wake stage of sleep so the darker you can get your room, the more time you will get in the restorative stages.
Make It A Meat Locker. Set the room temperature to around 68 degrees. You will fall asleep quicker when your bedroom is slightly cool.
Your Bedroom Is Not A Three Ring Circus. The more you can associate the bedroom with sleep the better. Avoid doing work and social media surfing while in bed.
Blue Is Not for You! Phone, tablet and computer screens are stimulating and keep you awake.
Don’t Drink and Sleep! Caffeine has a lingering presence for many hours after consumption. Refrain from caffeine consumption at least 4 hours before bed. Just as caffeine intake impacts the body, so too does alcohol.
Get in Rhythm. Try your best to develop a routine. Go to bed and get up at similar times each day.

Practice these behaviors and you’ll certainly find that you are not only getting more consistent sleep, but you’ll notice that you are more cognitively aware, less stressed, happier, healthier, and better able to take on life’s many challenges.

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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in the Black Hills

By Meghann Hansen • February 14, 2025

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in the Black Hills At Modern Rituals Beauty & Wellness we take a personalized approach to hormone replacement therapy for optimizing health and wellbeing for both men & women. What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)? Bioidentical hormones are derived from plants and are chemically identical to the hormones used by the human body. BHRT addresses symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. Hormones act as the body’s messengers; an imbalance occurs when there’s too much or too little of one or more of these messengers. Hormone imbalance can lead to many different hormone related conditions including: Weight gain including increased fat around mid-section Inability to lose weight regardless of a healthy diet and exercise Difficulty sleeping at night Lack of energy and fatigue during the day Reduced mental focus and memory Moody, anxious, or depressed Decreased muscle strength Muscle and/or joint pain Reduced sexual desire and performance What are the benefits of BHRT? Individual benefits of BHRT include: Reducing or eliminating hot flashes and night sweats Boosting mood Improved cognitive function Improved libido Better sleep More energy Weight Loss Optimized hormones may help relieve some of our age-related health issues including: Osteoporosis Alzheimer’s Disease Heart Disease Diabetes How does BHRT work? Based on comprehensive blood work and an in-office visit we provide a unique and customized approach to each individual. Biote ® is an innovative method that uses convenient pellet therapy. Pellets deliver customized dosing of bio-identical hormones directly into the bloodstream. The insertion of the pellets is done non-surgically just beneath the skin. After insertion, the pellets release the bioidentical hormones continuously for three to six months as the pellet is absorbed into the body. Which hormones are being replaced? We believe in a comprehensive and customized approach to addressing hormone imbalances by replacing thyroid hormones, testosterone, estradiol & progesterone hormones.

Five Ways to Maintain a Youthful Appearance

May 4, 2022

One of the greatest reoccurring issues with time is that it’s impossible to slow it down or rewind it. However, there are ways to minimize its impact on your skin with the use of highly-effective procedures, facials, diet and skin care tips. Until someone finds the fountain of youth, refer to the following five best ways to maintain a youthful appearance. How to Best Maintain a Youthful Appearance Everyone’s skin care needs are unique, and finding a regimen or treatment that works isn’t always easy. To help you find the best match for your skin, start with these six recommendations to sustain a glowing, youthful appearance. Botox Otherwise known as the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment, botox is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat wrinkles in the forehead, neck, lower face, and mouth. Botox comes from a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin, which is produced from a non-toxic organism found in natural environments called Clostridium botulinum. After Botox is injected, the chemical blocks nerve transmission in nearby muscles, freezing the surrounding area. Since the muscle can’t contract, the wrinkles begin to relax. This process allows them to soften and further prevents new lines from appearing. If you’re seeking noticeably smoother skin and reduced wrinkles, Botox may be a great option to investigate. Microneedling Microneedling is another minimally invasive technique used to treat fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. During the procedure, tiny punctures are made in the first layer of the skin using micro-fine needles. These microscopic injuries stimulate the body’s wound healing processes, boosting collagen production and allowing for the growth of new skin cells. The positive results of microneedling have made the procedure increasingly popular for reducing visible scars and wrinkles. HydraFacial HydraFacial can cater to all skincare issues, including fine lines, elasticity, tone, texture, dark spots, oily skin, and enlarged pores. This facial is so popular that one is performed every 15 seconds. The HydraFacial device cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses the skin with award-winning serums tailored to your specific concerns. Because it can treat such a wide range of issues and complexions, the HydraFacial appeals to all age groups. Skin care Regimen The youthfulness and overall health of your skin is largely a reflection of your skin care routine. Simple acts such as washing your face with a gentle cleanser is crucial to help remove bacteria or oils from your face. Your skin care regimen should also include exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and achieve a healthy glow. Your skin care steps should always end with moisturizing your skin. Lack of skin hydration is a huge contributor to fine lines and wrinkles, and adding a quality moisturizer to your regimen can help fight signs of aging. Healthy Diet One of the biggest keys outside of your beauty routine to maintain a youthful appearance is to watch your diet. While your body breaks down sugary foods and processed carbs, sugar bonds to molecules found in collagen and elastin. This bond degrades them and leads to the appearance of wrinkles. If you’re craving something sweet, try opting for dark chocolate. In addition to aging the skin, poor eating habits can also cause acne and inflammation. Try incorporating lean proteins, vegetables, and Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, to boost collagen, fight fine lines and inflammation, and maintain radiating skin. Are you interested in trying out any of these tricks to remain looking youthful and vibrant? Make an appointment with our skilled technicians at Modern Rituals today or contact us with any questions you might have.

Stress Management

May 4, 2022

During highly stressful times it is easy for the mind to wander to dark places and exaggerate possible outcomes of a given situation. When times are difficult it is easy to become anxious about the future.