DTNOW SEPT. 3RD

PSALMUEL JOSEPHS

PSALMUEL JOSEPHS

Aesthetician To The Stars, Saving One Skin At A Time & Putting His Money Where His Mouth Is

Content

PSALMUEL JOSEPHS: Aesthetician To The Stars, Saving One Skin At A Time & Putting His Money Where His Mouth Is

Samuel "Psalmuel Josephs" Nwatu has been an aesthetician for nearly eight years. He started his career in his early twenties, focusing primarily on facial treatments. It should be noted that aestheticians provide complex treatments that necessitate advanced and frequently updated training, which he has managed to stay abreast of. He recently officially became a cosmetic formulator, launching his own line, 25 Pskyn (25pskyn.com), a bio-active skincare line that formulates products; putting his money bang on where his mouth is.

What You Should Know Before Choosing A Wall Paint Finish

Learning to love and appreciate yourself as a single person is just as important as loving yourself in a relationship. Embracing self-love holistically can have numerous positive impacts that may exceed your expectations.

Slaying While Pregnant

SCRUMPTIOUS

COOKBOOK: Do Not Sleep On This Easy Chinese Cucumber Recipe

PUBLISHER Rita Dominic

EDITOR

Olamide Olarewaju

WRITER

Danielle Anene

PAGE PLANNER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER

King Remus

SOCIAL MEDIA

Faith Okenwa

CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. Ikunna Onwuanibe

Dr. Blossom Maduafokwa

Dr. Uzoamaka Iloabachie

WakaWaka Dr.

"Dtnow first published in 2017 is the lifestyle anchor for the Dailytimes Nigeria, Nigeria's oldest surviving newsmedia platform. Published since 1926, we stepped back ideated and have developed a companion that will serve your lifestyle needs like no other...thats a promise."

Hi there, and welcome!

IOur cover for this edition is an audacious aesthetician who is committed to giving dark skin all the “good stuff” possible.

Psamuel Josephs is a cosmetic formulator and aesthetics practitioner who specializes in managing skincare and aesthetic concerns in ethnic skin. He also owns 25 PJSKYN. He began his career in his early twenties, focusing primarily on facial treatments, and he is definitely on to something; you should get to know him, his brand, and the trail he's blazing.

In this edition, we introduce Bawsty, a fashion brand for busty women. Morenike Olusanya and Damilola Onosowobo Marcus, two ladies, decided to start a brand out of a desire to create stylish pieces for ladies with fuller busts. Get to know this fast-rising brand.

This week, Zaron Cosmetics unveils a brand new product, a versatile palette with everything you need for a full face in one palette. Fashion touches on maternity fashion, with inspiration curated for you in a lookbook. You should check that out.

This week, Dr. Ikunna Onwuanibe asks, "Is your sex drive normal?" It's a must-read. This week's cookbook includes an easy Chinese cucumber recipe that is completely healthy, which Danielle recommends you try.

This edition, as usual, has something for everyone.

Read, enjoy, and share.

See you in the next one!

Elemdee

Olamide Olarewaju EDITOR

ZARON UNVEILS NEW VERSATILE ADDITION: Chisel’d Face Palette

Zaron Cosmetics, Africa’s fastest growing beauty brand officially unveiled her new versatile addition, Chisel’d Face Palette on the 30th of August, 2023.

The Chisel’d Face Palette is a 6 pan palette that features cream contours, cream highlighters, powder contours, powder highlighters, blushers and bronzers. From soft hues to more intense tones, all provisions have been made for an unforgettable experience with this CHISEL’D as it is a versatile palette that allows you to conceal,correct, contour and highlight with ease. The Chisel’d Face Palette is available in 4 stunning shades which are : Hail, Dew, Tornado & Storm.

Each Chisel’d Face palette features:

• Cream Highlighter

• Cream Contour

• Highlight Powder

• Contour Powder

• Bronzer Powder

• Blush powder

You can now achieve a snatched look with just one product, sculpt and define your features as desired with this innovative show stopping palette. Available in all Zaron stores nationwide and online via Zaron social media platforms

What You Should Know Before Choosing A WALL PAINT FINISH

Choosing the right wall paint finish is often underestimated until it's too late. While having a painter who can offer advice is helpful, it's also beneficial to have a basic understanding of different finishes so you can make informed decisions when presented with options. We've witnessed couples with stained walls, especially those with children, struggle to remove the stains. This can be quite untidy. In this edition, we will provide a comprehensive guide to choosing the best wall paint for your needs.

1. Consider the Purpose of the Room

Before you can decide on the type of paint you need, it is important to determine the purpose of the room. Is it the children's room, the living room, a common room, or a room for adults? Asking these kinds of questions will help you eliminate unsuitable paint options and make better choices. For instance, durable wall paint finishes would be more suitable for common

2. Understand the Different Paint Finishes

Different paint finishes come with distinct characteristics and are suited for different purposes. Some of them are:

Matte or Flat Finish: This finish lacks shine and is ideal for hiding imperfections. However, it is not the most washable option, so it may not be suitable for areas that are prone to stains or moisture, like kitchens or bathrooms.

Eggshell Finish: This finish offers a slight sheen and is more washable than matte. It provides good durability and is suitable for living rooms or bedrooms.

Satin Finish: With its smooth and soft sheen, satin finish paint is highly washable and resistant to moisture. It works well in hightraffic areas, kitchens, or bathrooms.

Semi-Gloss Finish: This finish provides a noticeable sheen and is even more washable. It is commonly used in areas that require frequent cleaning, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or trim work.

Gloss Finish: With its shiny appearance, gloss finish paint is the most durable and easiest to clean. This finish is typically used for trim, doors, or furniture.

3. Take the lighting into consideration when choosing paint

Natural and artificial lighting in a room can have a significant impact on how different finishes appear. High-gloss finishes reflect more light, creating a brighter atmosphere, while matte finishes absorb light, contributing to a more subdued ambiance.

4. Always test paint samples on the

Before making a final decision, it's advisable to apply small paint samples to the wall and observe how they look under different lighting

If you have kids or pets, it's important to select a finish that is easy to clean and can withstand daily wear and tear. Avoid matte finishes in areas prone to stains and consider more washable options instead.

To make a well-informed decision about the right wall paint finish for your space, it's important to take these factors into consideration. Keep in mind the need for a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and durability to achieve a beautiful and longlasting result.

Bawsty is Redefining Fashion for Busty Women

BY OLAMIDE OLAREWAJU

orenike Olusanya and Damilola Marcus

MOnosowobo saw a need to create flattering pieces for busty women and are creating stylish pieces with special attention to detail so that dressing up is fun for the girlies with bigger bosoms.

Inspired by the need to find fashionable styles that fit their bodies, Morenike Olusanya and Damilola Marcus Onosowobo decided to create Bawsty, a fashion brand that caters to fuller busts while still crafting fashionable pieces.

Bawsty is a ready-to-wear brand for gorgeous busty girls! They piqued our interest because this fast-rising brand focuses on flattering fit and support for girls with larger busts, which we love!

Busty women frequently complain and struggle to find stylish pieces because many fashion brands do not cater to this demographic. Recently, a few designers have begun to accommodate this, and Bawsty is in the category that is constantly pushing stylish pieces to ensure that these ladies are not left out of wearing trendy, stylish, and flattering pieces.

Morenike Olusanya (Renike), an award-winning illustrator is the co-founder and chief marketing officer of Bawsty Clothing and Retail works with authors and has designed and illustrated beautiful book covers and inner artworks for Aminata Touré, Germany's first Black female minister, award-winning American author Coe Booth, and Jamaican-American author Nicola Yoon. She is a partner and designer at LIGHT. Leaders Igniting Generational Healing and Transformation (LIGHT), a public health company founded in 2021 as a movement to exploit creativity in public health and foster connection between the public and experts.

Renike holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Graphic Design) degree from The University of Lagos, Nigeria. She has appeared on Vogue, CNN Africa, Culture Custodian, Okay Africa, The Guardian, and other platforms. Renike has collaborated with companies such as Dark & Lovely, Hulu, Routledge, Penguin Random House, Scholastic, Wilson's Juice Co, and Olori Cosmetics. In 2021, she was named one of Leading Ladies Africa's 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria, and she was nominated for The Future Awards Africa Prize for Art and Literature in 2022. In 2022, she received the Lord's AchieversSpecial Recognition Award: A Lady Making an Impact Through Art.

Damilola Marcus Onosowobo is a serial entrepreneur, internationally exhibiting artist, architect, and multidisciplinary designer. She is the managing partner and executive art director of Dá Design Studio, as well as the co-founder and CEO of Bawsty Clothing and Retail.

Damilola is well-known for her work with Dá Design Studio, a boutique design agency in Nigeria that is pushing the boundaries of brand expression. Works from her design studio were included in the 2019 Venice Design Exhibition. As an artist, Onosowobo had her debut exhibition at Coalesce, a duo exhibition at Affinity Art Gallery in Lagos (2021). She was also a part of the Mother of Mankind exhibition (2021) at HOFA Gallery in London, curated by Adaora Mba (ADA Contemporary Art Gallery, Accra, Ghana).

Onosowobo holds a BA in Architecture and an MSc in Environmental Design from the University of Lagos. She is a D&AD Impact Council member and a TFAA (The Future Awards Africa) Young Person of the Year honoree. We spoke with these co-founders about Bawsty...

Renike

Dami

What inspired you to create a fashion brand that caters primarily to women with larger busts?

As busty women, I and my cofounder were inspired by our struggle to find fashionable clothes that suit our bodies. We have shared our experiences of always having to order a size up whenever we are buying clothes just to cater to our boobs. Personally, It was hardly ever flattering to my figure, and because of this, I never dressed to suit my body type, I dressed to cover my boobs. My partner, Damilola Onosowobo Marcus, also experienced the same and thought to start Bawsty to solve this problem, among many others. She reached out to me one blessed day, just about a year ago, and made a short pitch, and I immediately agreed to go on this journey with her because it was a problem I was too familiar with. It’s old news that the fashion industry continues to neglect/ exclude women with big boobs or larger upper body areas. I’ve seen this happen since I started growing boobs. Plus, we thought it would also be fun and exciting - solve our problems while trying to solve the same problems that women with similar body types have.

How do you ensure that your designs are both fashionable and functional for different body types, particularly busty women? We did a lot of research before we started the brand. We still do them. Dami studied patterns, cuts, and styles that look good on women with bigger upper bodies (she designs the clothes, by the way). Renike is the noisemaker - in charge of marketing, sales, and customer support ). Because we are also the target audience, we did a lot of tests on ourselves. We both have different body shapes, even though we are both busty, and what looks good on one person may not look good on another, and vice versa. So there was a lot of trial and error, conversations, etc. to see what works and what doesn’t, what offers enough chest support and what doesn’t. One thing we really wanted to create with the brand was affordable, good-quality clothes that busty women could wear with and without bras, no matter the size.

How do you ensure that your fashion brand is inclusive of different body shapes and sizes, Just for clarity, it's mostly about the bust. That’s why our brand name is Bawsty (a play on the word: busty). People with smaller busts also shop from us, and we are grateful for that. It’s a typical case of consumers interacting with products in a way you did not expect. But they have to be discerning, as our priority is women with bigger busts.

Based on our research and testing, we know what works for women who are busty and have different shapes and sizes. Our styles are for women who are slim, and fat, have flat tummies and big tummies, and

have wide hips (lower body areas) and smaller lower body areas. We design and produce styles for every busty woman.

How do you determine the proper sizes and fit for busty women? Do you use specific fabrics or design techniques to provide the necessary comfort and support for bustier women without compromising on style?

As busty women, the problem has always been that the rest of our bodies fit into some clothes, but our boobs just don't. We created a unique size guide that caters to women who are busty and women who are extra busty. Hence, when you go through our size guide, we have sizes like “star medium, star large, etc. Our clothes are produced so the boob area is slightly bigger than the measurements for a generic size. So women who wear a size 10 do not have to wear a size 14 to cater to their boobs. We also make clothes with stretchy fabric most of the time. Most of the styles also have adjustable elements. That way, the clothes hug our bodies in the right places and flatter our chest, waist, and hip areas. Our customers can also tighten or loosen a dress based on what they want the styles to look like on their bodies. The outfits are equal parts supportive, stylish, flexible (they can be restyled and paired with other outfits), and adjustable. And you don’t have to break the bank to get them *wink wink*

Did you constantly engage your target customers during the testing and initial design phases? What did you find out that has helped your fashion brand?

Yes, we did. We had models test our fits, and because we, the founders, are the target audience, we did a lot of testing ourselves. We are still engaging them as we sell, and I doubt we'll ever stop testing and engaging them.

How has the response been? Do you use feedback from Bawsty customers to continuously improve?

The response has been so good! Mostly positive. It’s very motivating. We once got a response from one of our customers saying she was so excited she didn’t need to wear a bra and she could run in our fits. LOL.

We expected that our target audience would love it, but we didn’t know they’d love us like this. It’s so inspiring. We hope to be able to continue to make them happy.

We also received criticism, and we don’t joke with customers who let us know when there is an issue. It helps us improve and pay attention to areas we need to work on.

Inclusivity is important. How do you ensure that your fashion line caters to all body shapes and sizes, not just the bust or for busty women? Inclusivity is important, and that’s why Bawsty exists. The fashion industry already caters to women who are not busty, naturally. We’ve always been excluded. You know how when your favourite brand releases a batch of new clothes, you get excited because you know you can get any one of them and it will look great on you? I never experienced that until Bawsty was founded, and I'm sure our customers and target audience can relate to this. The fact that Bawsty exists already ensures

that we are inclusive of women who have always been left out in

PSALMUEL JOSEPH:

Aesthetician To The Stars, Saving One Skin At A Time & Putting His Money Where His Mouth Is

BY OLAMIDE OLAREWAJU

Samuel "Psalmuel Josephs" Nwatu has been an aesthetician for nearly eight years. He started his career really young, focusing primarily on facial treatments. It should be noted that aestheticians provide complex treatments that necessitate advanced and frequently updated training, which he has managed to stay abreast of.

He recently officially became a cosmetic formulator, launching his own line, 25 Pskyn (25pskyn.com), a bio-active skincare line that formulates products; putting his money bang on where his mouth is. He has worked with a number of celebrities and skincare enthusiasts, as well as taught at various points, and remains committed to seeing black skin flourish.

He is currently on a mission to study the intricate composition of ethnic skin, which has continued to influence his formulations by infusing unconventional active ingredients paired with botanicals from Africa and harmonizing them with the best grades of scientifically proven active ingredients.

Our cover star is young and definitely blazing the trail in this industry; we caught up with him in between work trips on 25 Pskyn...

How did you become interested in the field of aesthetics? Take us back

Aesthetics is not just a profession for me. I believe it is what I was born to do. While working in a Derm Facility as an assistant, I got so fascinated watching different aesthetic practitioners transform people’s lives by treating their various skincare concerns. What I found even more fascinating was how these aesthetic treatments impacted these clients, the boost it gave their self-confidence and the improvement in their quality of life and overall well-being. So I decided to explore this pathway, and I committed myself to acquiring the skills and knowledge that would enable me to make a difference in someone’s life. That’s how I found myself on this career path, and almost 8 years later, there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.

What inspired you to become a male aesthetician in a field that is frequently associated with women?

Truthfully, Aesthetics is a female-dominated industry, and women make up the greater percentage of my clientele; however, there are men in the industry who have set the pace for people like me to pick up the baton and contribute actively to the industry. I also personally believe that taking care of a woman

is an innate responsibility of a man, so it sort of makes sense that I am in a profession that allows me to do that.

You recently launched your own skincare brand. What inspired this? How is the acceptance?

My core strength and passion have always been developing result-oriented skincare products and protocols specifically curated for people of colour. Over the years, I’ve worked as a cosmetic formulator for different skincare brands both locally and globally, and the fact remains that little to no actual research and studies are done to determine how best these skincare products and protocols would work on ethnic skin/skin of colour. If you’ve been in the skincare industry long enough, you'll notice that most of the products and treatment protocols widely promoted by the big brands, do not really cater to the specific needs of ethnic skin and people of colour. This is because ethnic skin has a unique anatomy and interacts with skincare ingredients quite differently than Caucasian skin ( or what we

call Fitzpatrick skin 1-3). My work as a cosmetic formulator has had me working for a lot of brands that are focused on skincare for people of colour. I recently created a powerful antioxidant serum that I loved so much, and instead of selling it off to another brand, I thought to myself, Why not brand this product in my name and maybe launch it on my birthday? I announced it on Instagram, and the response was incredible. So far, we have about 1,900 preorders and counting.

How do you believe your unique perspective as a male aesthetician contributes to the industry? I personally don’t think my gender gives me any edge or special perspective in the industry. My perspective on skincare comes from my in-depth understanding of the skin’s anatomy in people of colour and my understanding of the interaction between our skin and various active ingredients. Over the past 6 years, I have pioneered various revolutionary treatments for managing various skincare conditions in people of colour. These Revolutionary treatments and protocols have been widely adopted and used in skincare clinics across Lagos, Abuja, Accra, London, Canada,

I RECENTLY CREATED A POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT SERUM THAT I LOVED SO MUCH, AND INSTEAD OF SELLING IT OFF TO ANOTHER BRAND, I THOUGHT TO MYSELF, WHY NOT BRAND THIS PRODUCT IN MY NAME

and France. I believe my in-depth knowledge and years of experience give me a unique perspective.

What are some common myths about men's skincare, and how do you address them in your practice? Could you share some essential skincare tips that every man should incorporate into their daily routine?

It’s good to know that we are in an era where men are being admonished to take care of themselves. There is a general understanding that self-care is genderneutral. The common belief that skincare is not for men is dying off rapidly. I once had a 74-year-old man come in for a consultation.

I’ve been treating his wife for over a year, and after her 60th birthday, he told his wife, I need to go and see your aesthetician, you can’t be ageing backwards and leaving me behind. Every man should have a basic skincare routine, a face wash, a good moisturizer that can be used day and night, and sunscreen.

Do you notice any significant differences in the skincare needs of male clients compared to female clients? How do you customize your treatments and recommendations to suit these specific needs?

Most women don’t mind having a 10step routine with lots of tools, gadgets, and manoeuvres. For men, it’s best to keep it simple. The simpler the routine, the better the compliance and outcome. The bulk of the issues men deal with are usually ingrown hairs from poor shaving practices, congested pores, and sun damage from longterm sun exposure. To tackle these, I primarily focus on educating my male clients on taking care of their skin, the importance of sun protection, proper grooming and beard care habits in order to prevent and manage ingrown hairs and shaving bumps

Grooming routines have changed over time. What are some current grooming trends that you think are worth paying attention to? Are there any grooming products or practices that have recently gained popularity among your clients? In terms of grooming, I don’t think jumping on trends is the best way to go. You have to weigh the pros and cons before jumping on any beauty/grooming trend. For example, I see people shaving their faces on Instagram as part of their monthly/weekly grooming routine. I strongly discourage this. The hairs on your face are part of your skin’s protective layer. If, for any reason, you have hyperactivity with facial hairs, go and see a professional to find out what is going on and have it managed adequately.

What advice would you give to men who are thinking about getting their first aesthetic treatment but aren't sure what to expect? I would say don’t think about it too much. Consider getting a skincare treatment like getting a haircut. It elevates your looks and overall well-being.

Beyond skincare, how do you promote holistic well-being among your clients? Are there any specific lifestyle practices, such as diet and exercise, that you believe contribute to healthy and radiant skin?

I preach and practice holistic self-care, from eating enough fruits and vegetables to exercising and keeping fit. The state of our skin is oftentimes a reflection of our lifestyle. I often tell my clients that the primary way to detoxify their skin is by sweating while exercising/ working out. Also, if you use all the hydrating serums and moisturizers on earth and don’t drink enough water, your skin will still show signs of dehydration. When your meals are rich in vitamins and nutrients, your body has an abundance of this good stuff to supply your skin. We often say our forefathers didn’t do a lot of skincare and didn’t have a lot of

skin issues; this is primarily because of their lifestyle. The healthier your lifestyle, the higher your chances of having healthy skin.

MY CORE STRENGTH AND PASSION HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DEVELOPING RESULT-ORIENTED SKINCARE PRODUCTS AND PROTOCOLS SPECIFICALLY CURATED FOR PEOPLE OF COLOUR

Slaying While Pregnant

BY DANIELLE ANENE

Whoever said that being pregnant should limit your fashion options clearly did not include us. We understand that, whether you're in your first or third trimester, finding clothing that not only fits comfortably but also makes you feel confident can be tricky. It's completely understandable if you prefer the comfort of loose maternity gowns or shirts.

However, if you're someone who appreciates style, we recognize that you crave more options. We recognize that pregnancy can have an effect on your appearance, and that hormonal changes may cause some women to fall short of their personal style during this time.

But rest assured, we have gone above and beyond to curate a selection of lookbooks for different occasions within this edition that will effortlessly transform you into a fabulous, stylish maven who feels her absolute best during her pregnancy journey.

We firmly believe that you deserve to have an array of beautiful outfits that not only fit impeccably but also enhance your outlook, especially during such a miraculous time in your life when you are expecting a child or nursing.

RED CARPET OR DINNER EVENTS

If you're attending a special event or need more formal attire, we have a selection of elegant evening gowns and cocktail dresses that are specifically designed for expectant mothers. These dresses feature empire waistlines and gentle draping to flatter your silhouette while ensuring comfort throughout the night.

WORK OR CORPORATE EVENTS

For your office outfits or work-related attire, it may be tempting to abandon your corporate wear in favor of easy-to-wear gowns. However, there are comfortable yet stylish options available to suit every step and stage of your pregnancy. You can find figure-hugging outfits that are loose and comfortable, allowing you to proudly show off your amazing baby bump and glowing complexion. To complete the look, consider pairing these outfits with cape jackets.

HANGING OUT OR HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS

For a more relaxed and casual outfit, consider wearing a pair of maternity jeans or leggings with a soft and stretchy top. To stay warm during the colder months, layer up with a stylish cardigan or jacket. Add a touch of personality to your ensemble by accessorizing with statement jewelry or a fashionable handbag. Embrace your bump by opting for a bold and colorful printed maxi dress or a sleek and sophisticated wrap dress that accentuates your curves. Whether you're hanging out or heading to a hospital appointment, you can still feel fashionable and at ease. Complete your look with comfortable yet fashionable footwear, such as low-heeled sandals or ankle boots.

Remember, being pregnant should not hinder your fashion choices, but rather inspire you to embrace your changing body and showcase your personal style. With our carefully curated collection, you can look and feel your best throughout your pregnancy journey. Shop now and discover a world of stylish and comfortable maternity fashion.

Is Your Sex Drive Normal?

BY DR IKUNNA ONWUANIBE

The British National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (NATSAL) found that women and men had less sex than 10 years ago. The researchers found that younger people and women were more likely to complain about low libido (sex drive) than older people.

Sex drive is a spectrum: there is no “normal”. What may be considered normal for one person may be different for another. Sex drive can wax and wane throughout a person’s life so that sex drive could be higher or lower for that person over time. Although many scientists and doctors struggle to define what a ‘normal’ sex drive is, they have concluded that modern-day lifestyle may negatively impact sex drive.

How do you increase sex drive?

The main challenge with treating low libido is that most people do not seek help because they may be embarrassed. Men are less likely to discuss low libido when compared to women, as many men see their libido as a measure of masculinity.

Addressing relationship problems improves intimacy which in turn improves libido. Early discussion should be encouraged to prevent the escalation of relationship problems. Some couples may find that creating an environment that fosters intimacy, changing sex routine, and spicing things up could improve their libido. For example, taking short breaks away from home or engaging in sexual intercourse in a different room could increase their libido.

Healthy lifestyle practices help to improve libido. Engaging in regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and losing weight can help improve libido. Researchers from the University of Michigan concluded that women in relationships who slept for an extra hour were 14% more likely to have sex with their partner the next day; so, improved sleep can lead to increased libido.

Talking to a sex therapist can help with dealing with psychological causes of low drive. There is nothing to be embarrassed about regarding sex or sex therapy. Sex therapists can help to identify the causes of low libido and help with issues surrounding sexual shame and body image.

How common is low sex drive?

Loss of libido is common and can be temporary or long-term. Studies have shown that about one in four people are affected by low libido. This increases to one in two people, in women, after menopause. During menopause, decreased oestrogen hormone is the main driver for low libido. The rate of low libido increases in men after the age of 55.

What are the causes of low sex drive?

Both psychological and physical health problems contribute to low libido. While libido generally decreases with age, relationship problems are a leading cause of loss of libido. Couples who do not engage in discourse on sex-related topics and avoid general discussions about their relationships are more likely to have low libido. Women who are less happy in their relationships tend to suffer from low libido. It is thought that sex for women starts in the brain, so unhappy women are more likely to experience low libido. However, the NATSAL study found that poor health and a lack of emotional closeness in couples affect libido in both sexes.

Low libido can be caused by stress, anxiety, or depression and by some medicines used to treat these conditions. People with longterm conditions like diabetes, heart and thyroid disease will likely experience low libido. It is thought that low libido could be a result of the psychological burden of the diseases. Low libido is also seen in people with performance problems like ejaculation or erectile dysfunction in men and painful sex for women. Additionally, lower levels of libido is seen in people with highly restrictive religious or cultural beliefs. In some religions, sexual activity, except for consummation, is considered sinful, and these extreme beliefs could lead to decreased libido.

What are the causes of high sex drive?

Several factors can cause a high libido. It is thought that men who have higher levels of testosterone tend to have higher libido. People who exercise regularly are more likely to have higher libido. Some medications have been linked to an increase in libido. Drugs that increase dopamine, a chemical found in the brain used to treat Parkinson’s disease, tend to increase libido in this group.

Treating menopausal with conventional hormone replacement therapy can increase libido. Testosterone treatment could help men and some menopausal women to increase their libido. Treating medical problems like anxiety and depression, depression and pain could lead to improvement in libido. There is ongoing research to produce medicines that can improve libido in women. So, watch this space.

Bottom Line

Everyone’s sex drive is different. Poor health and a lack of intimacy can lead to low libido. Good communication in a relationship fosters intimacy which is excellent for libido. Healthy lifestyle measures improve libido. Sex therapy is an effective treatment for most causes of low libido.

Dr Ikunna Onwuanibe Family Physician at Dennis Ashley Medical Clinic

Landmark Towers, Oniru, VI, Lagos @ikupopsicles

Ikunna has over 25 years’ experience in family medicine and holds a master's degree in public health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Her main interests are in women’s health and preventing longterm illnesses.

Dennis Ashley Medical Clinic offers family physician and endoscopy services.

NATURAL SLEEP INDUCERS

To Help With Insomnia

BY DANIELLE ANENE

You know that feeling when you've had a long day at work or have been engaged in mentally and physically demanding activities and all you want is to take a refreshing shower, luxuriate in a warm bath, and then peacefully drift off to sleep? But there's a problem—you can't seem to fall asleep. You spend the whole night tossing and turning, unable to sleep. And even if you do manage to sleep, it's not restful; you wake up shortly after and struggle to go back to sleep. Or maybe you eventually sleep through the night but wake up feeling far from refreshed. Chances are, you're dealing with insomnia. At some point in our adult lives, many of us will experience episodes of insomnia. It could be relatively short term, lasting only a few days, or more chronic, continuing for several months.

Aside from the clinical treatments for insomnia, there are also natural methods to treat mild insomnia. In this edition, we will discuss and suggest these various ways that have been proven successful for many individuals. If you are currently experiencing any symptoms of insomnia, we highly recommend giving these methods a try.

There's nothing quite like sinking into a bathtub after a long, stressful day. This therapeutic ritual offers a chance to wash away your worries and enjoy some much-needed alone time. And if you're having trouble falling asleep, taking a bath before bed can be the perfect solution. Dr. Barbara Kubicka, author of 'The Bath Project,' explains that warm water relaxes your body and raises your temperature. When you step out of the tub, the drop in temperature triggers a natural response of sleepiness, making it easier for you to drift off. Moreover, baths release endorphins, hormones that boost feelings of happiness and promote relaxation, ultimately helping you achieve a restful night's sleep.

Bedtime teas are specifically designed herbal teas that aid relaxation as you prepare to sleep. Unlike regular teas, these beverages are typically caffeine-free and contain specific compounds, such as lavender, chamomile, or passionflower, which can effectively alleviate stress and anxiety or induce a sense of calmness. Ingredients like chamomile, lavender, magnolia, and valerian are believed to interact with benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, which play a role in regulating the sleep-wake transition.

Yoga has been scientifically proven to help induce sleep, along with certain poses like legs on the wall, corpse pose, and lying butterfly pose. However, it's important to do the right poses in order to effectively promote sleep. Otherwise, you may find yourself wide awake all night after a yoga session. The key lies in being in the right frame of mind and maintaining the correct posture to experience the desired sleep-inducing effects.

Lastly, it is important to examine your diet, as it may be a potential factor. Are you consuming more caffeine than usual? Have you been eating later than usual? Additionally, consider your alcohol consumption. These are factors to consider because research has shown that lifestyle changes can affect sleep patterns.

GLASS OF MILK

Though warm milk has long been believed to be associated with chemicals that simulate the effects of tryptophan on the brain, it is best to skip it if you are lactose intolerant. There is no scientific proof for this association. Tryptophan is a chemical building block for serotonin, which plays a role in the sleep-wake transition.

BATH SOAKS

BEDTIME TEAS

YOGA

A

Do Not Sleep On This Easy Chinese Cucumber Recipe

BY DANIELLE ANENE

In the spirit of culinary exploration, we ventured to the store and, after completing our usual shopping, decided to experiment with a different variety of cucumber. Known as Chinese cucumber, we discovered that it possesses an array of nutrients and benefits surpassing those found in English cucumbers.

While you may already be acquainted with Kimchi, a Korean salad, we stumbled upon a makeshift cucumber salad recipe that showcases this versatile vegetable as the star ingredient, complemented by various spices. Upon tasting it, we were thoroughly impressed and felt compelled to share the recipe. What sets this particular dish apart is its effortless preparation, remarkable healthfulness, and irresistible flavor, allowing for ample consumption without guilt given its low-calorie nature.

In this edition, we will share the simple steps for making a delicious Chinese Cucumber salad, known as pai huang gua The recipe involves combining crisp cucumbers with plenty of garlic and then drizzling them with a tasty blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Finally, a few drops of sesame oil are added for added flavor. The resulting sauce is light yet packed with a distinct sour taste, complemented by a hint of sweetness and the aroma of garlic. Best of all, this dish can be prepared in under 10 minutes and enjoyed either as a side dish or on its own.

INGREDIENTS

1. Chinese Cucumber

2. Light or dark soy sauce

3. Sesame oil

4. Sugar or honey dates (for natural sweetness)

5. Salt ( just a pinch)

6. Lemon juice

7. Garlic

8. Vinegar

9. Chilli oil (you can also use sweet chilli sauce)

10. Sesame seeds (optional)

STEPS

• Start by thoroughly washing the cucumber with salt to remove any dirt or impurities.

• Next, use a paper towel to dry the cucumber, ensuring that it is completely dry.

• Place the cucumber on a large cutting board and begin cutting it into bite-size pieces, making sure to maintain a uniform size throughout.

• Once all the cucumber pieces are cut, carefully transfer them to a bowl, being mindful not to drop or spill any.

• Now, in a separate bowl, combine vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, salt, lemon juice, chili oil, and sesame oil.

• Take your time to mix these ingredients well, ensuring that they are thoroughly combined to create a delicious and flavorful dressing.

• Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the cucumber pieces in the bowl. You can choose to either gently mix the cucumber and dressing together until the pieces are fully coated or cover the bowl and shake it carefully to ensure that each piece is properly coated. Both methods will result in a mouth-watering blend of flavors.

• Finally, just before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds on top of the dish. This will add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor to the salad.

Now it's ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a refreshing side dish or incorporate it into your main course for a satisfying and healthy meal. Feel free to enjoy this tasty snack as a midday or late night snack without any calorie guilt!