Pulling Your Life Back Together After An Injury

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If you’ve been injured, then you likely have first-hand experience of how life-changing and debilitating a serious injury can be. Your first port of call is to seek medical help, but many injuries involve a long recovery time. In some cases, the injury can be permanent, meaning that you have to adjust your life to suit your new circumstances.

Pulling your life back together can seem like a daunting task, but it is possible to enjoy a good quality of life and recover some of your independence.

Financial Recovery

Injuries can happen for a variety of reasons, but often they occur due to something that wasn’t your fault. One of the most common causes of serious injuries around the world are car accidents.

In this situation, it is sometimes possible to recoup your financial losses by getting compensation. Depending on what happened and how your life has been affected, you may have to tackle medical bills and loss of employment. While money won’t reverse what happened, it can help you to better manage your life and give you one less thing to worry about.

Chronic Pain

Some injuries can cause chronic pain that stays with you even after the initial wound has healed. Medication can help with this, but physical therapy is often the best way to recover functionality and reduce your pain. If you train your body to cope with the injury, then you will get stronger and be able to do things you never thought you could.

Another option is to find an osteopath near me who specialises in this kind of pain and injury. They will come up with a treatment plan that can relieve your pain and help you to manage it more effectively.

Self Care

As well as looking after your physical and financial well-being, you also need to think about the mental and emotional effects of your injury. Many injuries stem from traumatic events, and the pain and change in your life can also be traumatic in itself. Talk to someone about what you’re going through, whether it’s a doctor or a trusted friend. The important thing is not to isolate yourself and feel alone.

Self-care also means bringing some normalcy back to your life. So, if you like to look good and keep on top of your personal grooming, this doesn’t need to change because you have an injury. If you look better and feel more confident, then you will feel more like yourself.

You should also consider picking up new hobbies. You might have to change your hobby or career, depending on your current circumstances, but this doesn’t have to mean that you lose out on them entirely. You’d be surprised at what you can achieve, even with a severe disability.

Working out is a good option, as you can adjust your fitness routine to suit what you can do. It’s also good for your physical and mental health and can help your recovery. No matter the hobby, make sure that it’s something you fall in love with. x Neil.

By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream

Featured in an air-less pump to preserve the effectiveness of the 0.03% retinal it contains, the By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream supports and improves the skin overnight. Remembering that "Retinal" is the next step up from "Retinol" and is able to perform 11x more effective, the night cream also contains 1% Bakuchiol that not only has its own anti-ageing benefits but also has calming and soothing properties. Night creams have progressed from just being emollience products that feel thick and greasy on the skin, now they contain active ingredients to treat and improve specific skin problems overnight.

The night cream is ideal for those who don't have the time to apply various products because it cleverly contains a cocktail of ingredients to meet your skins needs in one-step, featuring:

Moisturisers, Humectants, Emollients: Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol (non drying), Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Glyceryl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Trehalose, Behenyl Alcohol (non drying), Glucose, Fructooligosaccharides, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Collagen, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8.

Anti Acne & Skin Brightening: Niacinamide

Antioxidants: Bakuchiol, Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Extract. Hydroxyacetophenone. Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract.

Soothing & Calming: Beta-Glucan, Centella Asiatica Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8. Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract.

Cell Signalling: Retinal, Adenosine, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide. 

The yellow colour of the night cream is the natural state of retinal as there is no added colour in the formula along with no added fragrance. The cream is rich in texture helping it to glide over the skin with ease on to clean skin whilst one pump is enough to cover the whole face, it is noted if you have sensitive skin or if you are new to vitamin A products then apply twice a week for 2 weeks and then progress to 3 times a week for 2 weeks until your skin accommodates to applying every night. I love how quickly this absorbs without feeling heavy, sticky, or greasy and is the perfect night cream to include in your evening skincare routine for a revitalised complexion that will greet you in the morning, just don't forget to apply your broad spectrum sun protection to protect you throughout the day. Priced at £29.58 and available here: By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream Don't forget to use discount code by clicking on the affiliated link here: BLONDEMALE1 x Neil. 

Dr Ceuracle Cica Regen Vegan Sun

Protect, moisturise, and support the barrier function of the skin when including the Dr Ceuracle Cica Regen Vegan Sun into your skincare routine. The all-in-one chemical sunscreen offers SPF50 protection against UVB rays whilst also including PA++++ protection against UVA rays in its hydrating formulation. In fact the sunscreen offers three functions by acting as an essence, moisturiser and sunscreen so you can skip applying different products and just apply this, which is great for those mornings when you're in a rush! Disclaimer: I received this product for free but this does not influence my review here on my blog. 

The certified vegan sunscreen features a 11,800ppm cica barrier complex of Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside and Asiatic Acid that provides soothing wound healing and skin regeneration with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Hydration is provided by Propanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-51, Centella Asiatica Extract, and Butylene Glycol whilst the emollient ingredients are Dibutyl Adipate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Methicone, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, and Glyceryl Stearate Citrate. 

Antioxidants are included in the formulation which are Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, and Tocopherol whilst the cell-communicating ingredients niacinamide and adenosine have multiple benefits for the skin. The chemical sunscreens featured are Ethylhexyl Triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polysilicone-15, and Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine. 

Presented in a squeezable tube, you can apply the sunscreen many ways by applying to bare skin after cleansing, after your serums to replace your moisturiser, or as the last step in your skincare routine. It instantly hydrates and feels refreshing on the skin when applying but does not feel sticky or greasy though you will notice a faint scent of rosemary leaf oil but that soon fades and goes away. My skin felt hydrated and nourished all day and i did not experience any watery or stinging eyes which sometimes can happen with chemical sunscreens. 

Suitable for all skin types and should be used within a year of opening, add this multitasking soothing and hydrating sun protection against UVB and UVA rays into your skincare routine here: Dr Ceuracle Cica Regen Vegan Sun don't forget to use my discount code by clicking on it and it should automatically be added to your shopping cart here: BLONDEMALE1 x Neil. 

Experience The New Purifying Shower Head!

Featuring a unique 2-step circular filtration process, the Hello Klean purifying shower head is also able to save 25% more water whilst also boosting water pressure. Standard shower heads trap minerals, rust, and impurities in hard water where they can quickly accumulate bringing a negative effect to your skin and hair. Hard water does not only leave your hair and scalp feeling dry and looking dull but it also can contribute to dry, irritated skin and flare ups of psoriasis, eczema, and keratosis pilaris. Lets take a look at what the shower head features.... 

The purifying shower head features KDF 55 and Amino Acid Granules which reduces chlorine, unwanted minerals and heavy metals such as lead, chromium, copper, mercury, nickel, and copper whilst the activated Carbon Fibre helps to reduce trihalomethane (THMs) and odour. The refillable design lasts for four months or after 13,000 litres of water and all you have to do is compost the ingredient pouch and recycle the casing to help save the environment. Boosting pressure is made by a large volume of air that is pulled from the handle through the inner circle of the shower head which in turn boosts filtration whilst pushing the spray of water more quickly towards you.

Easy to connect to an existing shower hose, if you have trouble with installation then Hello Klean are brilliant in helping you get that water running with your new shower head by you sending them a photo and they will assist you further. Featuring 320 micro nozzles to achieve an all-directional spray pattern that gives you full water coverage during showering, you will notice an accelerated flow and wonder why you haven't switched to Hello Klean sooner! Visit Here: Hello Klean and purchase here: Purifying Shower Head use the code BLONDEMALEBLOG for an exclusive discount at the checkout on all products! x Neil

Boost Your Body Care Routine With Conscious Skincare

Cleansing the skin is one of the most important parts of any body care routine whether you are a bath or shower lover, or maybe both, but applying a moisturiser, lotion, or oil afterwards is also an essential step to include to boost your body care routine. Conscious Skincare have a wide range of body care products available to counteract the drying effects that can occur from your personal ritual by including emollient and nourishing ingredients which in turn help to restore the skins barrier function and microbiome. Discover the two products below on the links featured which are not affiliated, but are placed for you to find the products easily.    

Conscious Skincare Body Moisturiser

After showering or bathing, your skin is ready for the application of the Conscious Skincare bounders mens body moisturiser. Containing skin benefiting organic Coconut Oil to assist in skin hydration, organic Sunflower Oil to keep moisture retained and Apricot Kernel Oil to aid softness and suppleness, this body product is a multitasking moisturiser for all skin types. Essential oils are included for their beneficial benefits such as the Amyris essential oil that brings a sense of calming which in turn helps to reduce stress, Cinnamon oil assists with skin circulation, Frankincense essential oil has a number of benefits for your skin including toning, lifting and anti-aging.

Apply the Conscious Skincare bounders mens body moisturiser to "Damp Skin" after showering or bathing which will help to seal in the moisture present on the skin. The light lotion glides on and over the body with ease and the natural fragrance is pleasant to the senses lasting practically 24 hours after you have applied it. I really like how hydrated the skin feels instantly after application and absorbs immediately with little massaging needed. Light enough to use in the summer whilst also being hydrating and soothing for the winter months, this versatile moisturiser supports any skin type when applied and wont leave you feeling sticky or greasy.

Conscious Skincare Body Oils

Oils are an effective tool to use when incorporating them into your body care routine because they are able to penetrate and be absorbed deeper by the skin for an intensive moisturisation treatment. The cold-pressed Conscious Skincare Abyssinian oil is non-comedogenic which means it wont clog up your pores and has a similar profile to the skins own natural lipids making it suitable for all skin types. Its content profile contains vitamins A and E whilst also a host of fatty acids that help support, renew, and also stop trans-epidermal water loss for improvement in hydration.

Applying over your lotion or onto bare damp skin after your shower or bath, the oil will instantly lock-in that hydration present and absorb quickly. The Abyssinian oil is personally one of my favourite oils because not only is it lightweight in texture but it also leaves the skin feeling extremely moisturised without feeling greasy! Don't put away this amazing multitasking oil away just yet, you can even use it on your hair as a pre-treatment before washing and conditioning or apply as a finishing touch to any style to add a glossiness shine.

The links in blue are not affiliated, but be sure to explore the full organic vegan skincare range by skin type from Conscious Skincare x Neil. 

Gift Ideas From LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics

Launching gifts and products full of super-powered ingredients, Lush have made it easier for those who struggle to find a gift for that special someone or if you want to pamper yourself. The innovative brand has all your needs in one place by offering skincare, body care, haircare, fragrances, bath and shower products, and yes you guessed it, gifts! The exclusive gift ideas available on their website and in their shops feature a collection of fragrant products that will suit any occasion, anytime of the year. Disclaimer: The links in blue are not affiliated x 

Lush The Night Garden Gift

Beautifully presented in a floral gift box, The Night Garden Gift utilises the perfect products to help you unwind at the end of the day. The four vegan products featured are the Lotus Flower Soap 100g, Buffy Body Butter, Rose Jam Shower Gel and the 100g Sleepy Body Lotion 45g. 

The Lotus Flower Soap is rice bran based offering an exfoliation and moisturising treatment with its rich lotus root lather. It leaves the skin feeling silky smooth and moisturised when rinsed off and it is advisable to leave the soap to dry in a cool place, ready to be used again.

Incorporating Turkish rose absolute and conditioning argan oils, the Rose Jam Shower Gel lathers up on wet skin to cleanse thoroughly without over-stripping it of its essential moisture. The sophisticated floral fragrance will linger for quite sometime reminding you just how lovely this is to use.

Exfoliating to slough off dead skin cells, the Buffy Body Butter incorporates the natural exfoliators ground rice, almonds and aduki beans to achieve silky smooth skin whilst butters and oils are included to boost moisture and aid in nourishment. Use in the shower or bath one or two times a week and leave to dry between uses away from running water.

Soothe the skin and relax any busy mind when incorporating the Sleepy Body Lotion into your evening routine. The heavenly scented Lavender influences your wellbeing to calm and relax whilst the emollients of butters and oils soothe and nourish the skin overnight, sweet dreams await! 

Lush Limited Edition Soap

Refresh and uplift the senses, when lathering up the palm oil-free Checked In Soap 85g bar that utilises the refreshing properties of peppermint oil. Cleansing the skin effectively with antibacterial properties the skin is also hydrated and nourished from the Glycerine, coconut and rapeseed oil present in the formula. Include in your morning routine and after the gym/sports activities to refresh the skin and awaken your senses.  

Relax and take timeout for yourself, the Checked Out Soap 85g bar combines soothing lavender in its palm oil-free soap base to calm and relax. Effectively cleansing and gently polishing the skin with the added charcoal powder, the skin is also highly nourished from the emollients rapeseed oil, glycerine and coconut oil. Use in the evening to unwind from a busy day or anytime you need some "Me Time" to support your wellbeing.

Lush Product Holder

Handmade and unique, the Phoenix Soap Dish is specifically designed to keep your soap in excellent condition. Creating a workable clay from a mix of sanitaryware and industry waste materials that would otherwise go to landfill, these limited edition soap dishes use 79% recycled materials with traditional production techniques which make each soap dish completely individual. The matte and non-slip texture are great for any surface whilst it can be easily cleaned with warm water, all you have to decide is what soap its going to store safely. 

All products can be found on the non-affiliated links in blue. Gifting is made easier for yourself or for that special someone for all occasions at Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics x Neil. 

Annabelle Minerals Limited Edition SKIN MUST HAVES

The Annabelle Minerals SKIN MUST HAVES is a limited edition set of mini serums that give you the opportunity to try these products, before buying the full sized versions. Featured in 3ml bottles with pipettes for easy applications, you will find the Glow Juice, Clarity Juice, and the Repair Juice all nicely presented in a gift box. Easily fitted into your skincare routine, let's take a look at what the mini serums offer and provide for your skin. 

The Glow Juice offers antioxidant protection for your skin thanks to the 20% vitamin c, ferulic acid, vitamin E, and the quercetin included in its formula. Applying any antioxidant product in the morning to your skin will help protect the skin's surface from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like UV and pollution, but that's not all. Reducing inflammation is another key benefit they can achieve and by doing so they help the skin repair itself whilst also stimulating collagen production. Applying a few drops into your hands and pressing into the face, neck, and decolletage the serum absorbs quite quickly and leaves the skin feeling perfectly hydrated all day under your moisturiser and broad spectrum sun protection.     

The Clarity Juice not only helps support the skins natural barrier function, but it also helps improve overall clarity of the complexion with its unique formulation. Featuring the multitasker 5% niacinamide that supports and improves the skin barrier function whilst also repairing the signs of damage, the b3 water soluble vitamin also improves an uneven skin tone. The gel-like formula also features  N-acetylglucosamine, Hydromanil, Organic licorice extract, Organic centella asiatica extract, Dermasooth, and Rice bioferment that not only boost hydration efforts but also offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, whilst also supporting the skins microbiome. Applying a few drops to a cleansed in the evening, which i find ideal because niacinamide helps reduce the negative effects of a night treatment such as retinol, retinal and tretinoin, the serum absorbs quickly leaving the skin perfectly hydrated and soothed.

The Repair Juice is your go-to night time treatment that features 0.3% retinol that helps reduce the signs of aging by stimulating the skins renewal process. Increasing cell-turnover for improved skin tone and texture, this ingredient also boosts collagen and elastin production for plumper and firmer skin. The emulsion serum also features Orchid stem cells, Organic edelweiss extract, Alfalfa extract, Squalane, Gluconolactone, and Carrot macerate that not only work to boost moisturisation efforts but also offer anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Applying to a cleansed skin at night or applying over the clarity juice mentioned above (wait ten minutes before applying over it) the silky emulsion instantly glides and hydrates the skin before absorbing quickly. My skin feels perfectly hydrated whilst a brighter and renewed complexion will greet you in the morning, just don't forget to apply your broad spectrum sun protection to protect your skin throughout the day. 

Available to purchase online from Annabelle Minerals on the non-affiliated link here: Annabelle Minerals SKIN MUST HAVES is priced at £10.90 x Neil.