The BIÂN Blog

Every day should be Mother's Day, but May 12 is an extra reason to show the maternal figure in your life how much they mean to you. We at BIÂN have created luxurious treatment packages tailored specifically to this occasion that 'mom' will love. From facial treatments to massages, our services are designed to make them feel truly appreciated.

• Hot Oil Scalp Treatment: Melt away stress with this relaxing scalp treatment and massage, accompanied by a hand and foot massage for head-to-toe luxury.
  

• 2-Hour Massage: Stress takes a toll on the body, and it's not uncommon for that tension to manifest in the form of knots in the neck, shoulders, and back. Help release all that pent-up tension with an extended massage that will leave them feeling lighter, more relaxed, and calm.
  

• Luxury Facial: Indulge in this customizable classic facial where your skin will be nourished with top-of-the-line skincare products. This treatment includes cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, face, neck, and shoulder massage, customized mask, and a hand and arm massage. This facial will leave your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. Suitable for all skin types.
  

• An Extra Toasty Treat - Infrared Sauna: Want to make the day extra special? Add an infrared sauna session to any of our spa or beauty treatments. Our infrared sauna is designed to improve circulation, relax muscles, and promote detoxification. It's an excellent way to enhance a spa day experience.
  

• BIÂN x Nocturnal Candle Co. Collection: Introducing the exclusive BIÂN x Nocturnal Candle Co. collection, available only at BIÂN. Experience BIÂN's signature fragrances featuring Cédrat, White Vetiver, Labdanum, the captivating Nocturnal Hour blend of Pink Peppercorn, Cumin, Labdanum, and the invigorating Alpine fusion of Eucalyptus, Juniper, Musk. Handcrafted in small batches in Chicago with eco-friendly practices using recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable materials. Available at our apothecary.
  

• Crystals for Energy Healing: Explore a variety of crystals available for energy healing, meditation, and more at our apothecary.
  

• Join Us for Brunch: Enjoy a beautiful brunch spread at BIÂN where we will celebrate whatever Mother's Day means to you and your family. Reserve your table here.
  

• Custom Luxury Day Arrangements: For custom arrangements for a complete pamper day, email dante@livebian.com. Let us help you create the perfect, stress-free day.
  

1. Obagi Professional C® Serum 15%

Formulated with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, the Obagi Professional C® Serum 15% is a powerhouse serum designed to brighten and even out skin tone. This potent formula helps strengthen the skin's antioxidant defenses, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and leave your skin looking radiant and rejuvenated.

2. Alastin Aluminate

Say goodbye to surface pigmentation with Alastin Aluminate. This clinically proven formula not only reduces the appearance of pigmentation but also works to prevent future damage. Gentle yet effective, this product is a must-have in your skincare arsenal for a clear and even complexion.

3. AlumierMD Intellibright Complex

Achieve a luminous and even skin tone with AlumierMD Intellibright Complex. Packed with powerful brightening agents, this intensive serum works to diminish uneven skin tone without the use of hydroquinone. Say hello to a glowing complexion with this transformative product.

4. Obagi C Exfoliating Day Lotion

For a brighter and healthier-looking complexion, turn to Obagi C Exfoliating Day Lotion. This lightweight moisturizer not only hydrates the skin but also gently exfoliates to reveal smoother and more radiant skin. Incorporate this lotion into your daily routine for a refreshed and revitalized appearance.

5. AlumierMD Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 (Tinted or Non Tinted)

Shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays with AlumierMD Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40. This sheer physical sunscreen provides powerful protection while moisturizing the skin with vitamin E. Enriched with antioxidants like stable vitamin C, resveratrol, grape seed extract, and glutathione, this sunscreen not only protects but also nourishes the skin, leaving behind a sheer healthy glow.

6. Alastin HydraTint

Hydrate and protect your skin with Alastin HydraTint, a lightweight tinted sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against the sun's rays. Enhance your skin's natural radiance while keeping it safe from harmful UV rays with this innovative formula.

7. Alastin SilkShield SPF

Experience gentle yet powerful sun protection with Alastin SilkShield SPF. This transparent sunscreen features an exclusive peptide blend that not only safeguards your skin from the sun but also provides anti-aging benefits. Keep your skin youthful and protected long after sunset with this advanced SPF formula.

Prepare your skin for the sunny days ahead with these expert recommended skincare products, all available at BIÂN Beauty, and embrace a radiant and healthy complexion all season long.

BIÂN Beauty is thrilled to introduce Keravive, a revolutionary treatment that focuses on nurturing your scalp to promote healthy hair growth and radiant skin. Because true beauty starts from the roots up.

The Importance of Scalp Health

Often overlooked but equally crucial, scalp health plays a significant role in maintaining strong, luscious hair and glowing skin. Your scalp is where hair follicles thrive, and any concerns here can impact hair growth, texture, and potentially lead to skin conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, or scalp acne. By incorporating scalp care into your routine, you're ensuring a balanced, vibrant complexion from head to toe.

How Keravive Works

• ‍Purify: Keravive stimulates and opens hair follicles through gentle suction and exfoliation, preparing the scalp for nourishment.‍
• Nourish: Infusing cleansed follicles with peptides and hydration, Keravive supports the scalp's health and rejuvenation.‍
• Boost: By using a daily peptide spray, Keravive continues to support natural hair growth, enhancing the effects of the in-office treatments.

Science-Backed Ingredients

Keravive incorporates a blend of carefully selected ingredients to balance the scalp's microbiome:

• Niacinamide: Offers protective properties against environmental stressors.
• Keravive Peptide Complex: Nourishing peptides and growth factors promote fuller, healthier hair.
• Vitamin B5 and Arginine: Replenish moisture to revitalize the scalp and hair.

Transformative Results with Keravive

Individual results may vary, but by the third visit:

• 75% saw improvements in hair fullness
• 70% reported enhancements in overall appearance
• 82% noticed shinier, healthier hair

Frequently Asked Questions about Keravive

Who Can Benefit? It's estimated that 85% of men and 50% of women experience issues like hair loss and poor scalp health due to various factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, chemical damage, and product build-up.

Does It Hurt? Absolutely not! Keravive is a noninvasive, relaxing, and rejuvenating treatment.

How Many Treatments Are Recommended? For optimal results, a series of three treatments spaced a month apart, along with the use of a take-home spray, is advised.

Can Keravive Be Combined with Other Treatments? Yes, Keravive can complement other hair restoration or scalp health treatments as recommended by your provider.

Is Keravive Suitable for All Hair Types? Indeed! From braids to dyed hair, Keravive caters to all scalp and hair types, offering personalized treatment options.

What Is the Treatment Duration? Depending on your needs, a Keravive treatment can range from 30 to 60 minutes.

When Will I See Results? Many experience improvements after just one treatment, with best results seen through a series of three treatments over three months, alongside daily use of the take-home spray.

BIÂN Beauty is proud to offer both full and partial scalp treatments using the cutting-edge Hydrafacial Keravive technology. Whether you seek to address specific scalp concerns or simply enhance the overall health and appearance of your hair, our expert team is dedicated to providing top-tier scalp care tailored to your unique needs. Give your scalp the TLC it deserves with Keravive at BIÂN Beauty. Experience the transformative power of a nurtured scalp, leading to healthier, more vibrant hair and skin. Start your journey to scalp rejuvenation today.

Learn more about Hydrafacial Keravive

Seasonal allergies don’t always manifest as the textbook description of runny nose, sinus congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Headaches, cough, dizziness, or simply a drop in energy can all represent allergy-related symptoms. Treatment options extend from run-of-the-mill antihistamines to IV therapy drips. While therapeutic remedies should always be discussed with your doctor, here are a few general considerations when choosing the best remedies for you:

• Oral Anti-Histamines:  Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Xyzal (levocetirizine) tend to be most effective, though these are associated with drowsiness in ~20% of the population in spite of their “non-drowsy” classification. Claritin or Allegra, albeit less potent, may be milder in terms of sedating side effects. Dry mouth/eyes is a common side effect, and these should be avoided in those with significant urinary retention issues.

• Decongestants:  It should be noted the pseudoephedrine (sold behind the pharmacy counter) is typically far more effective than its on-the-shelf counterpart phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), though also more likely raise blood pressure or stimulate a faster heart rate. Oral, and even more so nasal (Afrin), decongestants are typically intended for short-term or sporadic use and can result in rebound runny nose when used excessively. Pseudoephedrine (the “real” Sudafed) is  the “D” component of antihistamine combo meds.

• Nasal Sprays:  Steroidal-based nasal sprays such as Flonase (fluticasone) and Nasacort (triamcinolone) are available over-the-counter. These are typically highly effective for the treatment and prevention of sinus inflammation and tend to carry fewer systemic side effects than oral pills. They are most effective when used consistently (i.e, I wouldn’t call it a “treatment failure” if 2 days of Flonase hasn’t saved the day). These can be surprisingly helpful for allergy-related cough, which often stems from nasal drip rather than lung irritation. While typically considered quite safe, regular use of steroidal nasal sprays should be noted to your doctor, since they may be considered sub-optimal for those with glaucoma, osteoporosis, or frequent nosebleeds. Additional anti-histamine-based nasal sprays such as azelastine may be used as adjunctive treatment; these require a doctor’s prescription.

• Eye Drops:  Most antihistamine eye drops are now available over-the-counter:  e.g. Pataday (olopatadine), which may be a hare more effective than Alaway (ketotifen). When using these, one must be careful to ensure that eye irritation is indeed suspected to be from allergies. These can trigger dryness as a side effect, thus potentially hindering rather than helping irritation if caused by another issue.

• Asthma-Based Remedies:  The tried-and-true albuterol inhaler is helpful for those who may have sporadic coughing fits or chest tightness related to allergies. However, albuterol only briefly loosens up the airway; it doesn’t reduce lung inflammation. For those with more chronic, regular asthma symptoms, prescribed steroidal or combination inhalers (eg Flovent, Advair, etc) used on an everyday basis can reduce inflammation and offer substantial benefit during triggering seasons. The oral prescription medication Singulair (montelukast) may also be an option for those who dislike the inhaler route.

• Natural Supplements:  My recommendation for allergic therapy in the homeopathic world is the plant-based flavonoid Quercetin. It reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and appears to function as an immune modulator, antihistaminic agent, and even potentially as an antiviral remedy. Doses of 250->500 mg up to twice/day are typically effective.

• IV Therapy:  We’ve countlessly seen benefit in allergy, sinus, and even asthma-related symptoms from the Myer’s cocktail, readily available as an option in our IV lounge  IV vitamin C not only results in an immune boost, but triggers and antihistamine effect at high doses, which has been reported in prior studies. The additional Magnesium component of the Myer’s cocktail acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and natural bronchodilator, thus helpful for airway-related symptoms. Caution in vitamin C administration is advised for those who suffer from kidney stones given the potential for this to increase risk of stone formation. For the general population, IV nutritional therapy is otherwise quite safe.

At BIÂN, we understand that pelvic health is an essential component of overall well-being and should never be a taboo topic. Pelvic floor dysfunction can manifest in various ways, impacting voiding, defecation, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), sexual function, and pelvic pain. Our Pelvic Health Program offers a holistic approach to address these issues through Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, focusing on functional retraining to enhance muscle strength, endurance, power, and relaxation.

Addressing the Multifaceted Nature of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Our Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy program is designed to improve symptoms and enhance the quality of life for individuals experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction. By tailoring the treatment to meet the unique needs of each patient, we empower individuals to actively participate in their pelvic health journey. Through functional retraining, we aim to enhance pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance, power, and relaxation, providing a comprehensive solution to multifaceted pelvic health challenges.

Postpartum Care: Restoring Strength and Function

Pregnancy and childbirth can strain the pelvic floor muscles, leading to issues such as pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction. Our Pelvic Floor PT program focuses on rehabilitating these muscles through targeted exercises, manual therapy techniques, and feedback mechanisms to enhance strength, coordination, and function. Whether it's post-vaginal or cesarean delivery, our therapy helps women recover from pelvic floor trauma by promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and restoring strength and function to the pelvic floor muscles.

Enhancing Voiding and Defecation Function

^Issues with urinary and fecal incontinence, urgency, frequency, hesitancy, or retention can stem from pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Our treatments target these challenges by improving the coordination and control of pelvic floor muscles during bladder and bowel function. Through a tailored regimen of exercises, feedback mechanisms, and behavioral strategies, patients learn to regulate urinary and bowel habits effectively, strengthen weak muscles, and relax overactive ones to improve voiding and defecation function.

Managing Pelvic Organ Prolapse with Strength and Support

Pelvic Organ Prolapse occurs when pelvic organs descend or protrude due to weakened pelvic floor support. Our treatment strategy focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles to provide better support for the pelvic organs, reducing symptoms of prolapse and preventing further progression. Central to POP management are exercises targeting pelvic floor strength, endurance, and coordination, offering a comprehensive approach to pelvic organ support.

Alleviating Pelvic Pain and Enhancing Comfort

Chronic pelvic pain can have diverse causes within the pelvic region, including muscle tension, nerve sensitivity, or inflammation. Our Pelvic Floor PT techniques, such as manual therapy, stretching, relaxation exercises, and pain management strategies, work towards alleviating pelvic pain. By restoring proper muscle function, improving blood flow, and reducing muscle tension, our treatment plans help patients manage and reduce pelvic pain symptoms effectively.

Improving Sexual Function and Intimacy

Sexual dysfunction linked to pelvic floor issues can impact intimacy and quality of life. Our PFPT program targets sexual difficulties by enhancing muscle tone and control, reducing pain, and increasing awareness of pelvic sensations during sexual activity. Therapists also offer education on sexual anatomy, arousal, and relaxation techniques to improve sexual function and foster intimacy.

At BIÂN, we believe that pelvic health is an integral part of overall wellness and should be openly discussed and addressed. Our Pelvic Health Program offers a compassionate and comprehensive approach to addressing pelvic floor dysfunction, empowering individuals to embrace their pelvic health and well-being.

What is Yin Yoga?

Yin yoga is a restorative practice that involves holding gentle stretches for an extended period, typically around 5 minutes. This slow-paced approach encourages practitioners to focus on breathwork and meditative strategies, allowing the body to gradually open up and the mind to find clarity in the present moment.

How Does Yin Yoga Differ from Other Gentle Yoga Styles?

The most distinguishing feature of yin yoga is the prolonged duration of each restorative pose, contrasting sharply with other forms of gentle yoga such as Vinyasa or Hatha. While these styles often involve movement and flow, yin yoga emphasizes stillness and sustained stretching to access deeper layers of the body.

Origins and Philosophy of Yin Yoga

Originating in the late 1970s, yin yoga was developed by martial arts expert and yoga teacher Paulie Zink, drawing inspiration from Taoist yoga (Tao Yin). Initially used as a complement to other forms of movement, it has evolved into a holistic practice that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual elements.

Key Principles of Yin Yoga

• Physical: Yin yoga facilitates a slow and profound opening of the body, providing access to deeper connective tissues surrounding the joints and promoting relaxation of superficial muscles.
  

• Mental: The practice encourages the development of the ability to lean into challenges, fostering mental resilience and transformation through the guidance of skilled instructors.
  

• Spiritual: Embracing stillness in yin yoga offers an opportunity for inner healing and reconnection with one's inner self, especially in today's fast-paced world.
  

Benefits of Yin Yoga

Physically, consistent practice of yin yoga can lead to increased flexibility and improved body awareness. Mentally and emotionally, practitioners may experience reduced stress, enhanced mindfulness, and a heightened sense of presence.

Tips for Beginners

Yin yoga is accessible to individuals of all mobility levels and can be adapted using props and modifications. It serves as a valuable teacher, illuminating areas for growth and providing deep muscular relaxation, making it beneficial for everyone.

Getting Started with Yin Yoga

For those new to yin yoga, beginning with a skilled practitioner at a studio is recommended to fully experience the practice and receive guidance. Alternatively, practicing at home in a distraction-free space while following an online class can also be a wonderful starting point.

Incorporating yin yoga into your routine, even just once a week, can complement other forms of movement and contribute to holistic well-being. Whether you're seeking physical flexibility, mental clarity, or spiritual grounding, yin yoga offers a tranquil path to self-discovery and rejuvenation.

Remember, the journey of yin yoga is not about perfection, but rather about the willingness to embrace stillness and delve into the depths of body, mind, and spirit.