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Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. Collagen Supplements: Do You Really Need Them and What Should You Look For?

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    When it comes to healthy, glowing skin and strong joints, collagen has become one of the most talked-about supplements- but what does it actually do, and is it worth taking?

    What Collagen Supplements Actually Do

    First, it’s important to understand that collagen supplements don’t supply collagen directly to your skin. Instead, they provide the nutrients and building blocks your body needs to support its natural collagen production.

    Collagen formation is a complex process that relies on more than just protein and this is where co-factors come in.

    Choosing a Collagen Supplement: What to Look For

    With so many powders, capsules, and drinks on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which product to choose. The key is to look past the hype and focus on the ingredients list.

    Avoid products filled with:

    Bulking agents

    Added sugars or flavourings

    Acidity regulators

    Glazing agents

    Instead, look for key co-factors that support healthy collagen formation:

    Vitamin C – essential for collagen synthesis

    Zinc, copper, and manganese – important minerals that work synergistically with collagen

    Antioxidants – to help protect collagen from breakdown caused by oxidative stress

    What Breaks Down Collagen?

    To get the most from your supplement, it’s also useful to know what reduces natural collagen in the first place. The biggest culprits are:

    Sun exposure

    Smoking

    Excess sugar

    This is why we often talk about “banking collagen” in the supplement world, supporting your body’s natural supply, while also protecting it from premature breakdown.

    Skin-Boosting Support with Collagen Supplements

    ANP Collagen Support goes beyond basic collagen powders. It contains:

    700mg of MSM (methylsulphonylmethane) – a sulphur-rich compound known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which support joint and skin health

    Vitamin C and Zinc – essential co-factors for collagen formation

    Grapeseed extract and melon concentrate – powerful antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress

    Unlike many collagen products on the market that only contain MSM (and sometimes bulk fillers), ANP’s formula is multi-functional, designed to actively support skin health and fight inflammation.

    Why MSM Matters for Skin

    MSM is particularly beneficial from a dermatological perspective. It helps support the production of keratin, a key structural protein in the skin, and can reduce inflammation, making it a helpful ingredient for those dealing with:

    Rosacea

    Premature ageing

    General skin sensitivity

    The Bottom Line

    If you’re considering adding a collagen supplement to your routine, don’t just grab the first one you see. Check the label carefully for essential ingredients, not just collagen, but the co-factors that help your body use it effectively.

    And remember: beautiful, healthy skin comes not just from what you put on it, but what you feed it from within.

  2. How To Determine Your Skin Type

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    With over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry, I’ve worked with thousands of clients to help them understand their skin and choose the right products. One of the most common issues I see is a compromised skin barrier, often the result of using products that aren’t suited to your individual skin type. When the barrier is damaged, it can lead to breakouts, inflammation, sensitivity, and dryness.

    Understanding your skin type is the first step to achieving a healthy, balanced complexion.

    The 5 Main Skin Types

    Before identifying your skin type, it helps to know the key characteristics of each:

    Oily Skin: Characterised by an all-over shine, enlarged pores, and often accompanied by breakouts and congestion due to excess sebum production.

    Combination Skin: Typically features an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) with normal to dry cheeks.

    Dry Skin: Lacks lipids and moisture, often hereditary, with flaky, rough patches and a feeling of tightness.

    Sensitive Skin: Reacts easily to products or environmental changes, appears red, inflamed, and may feel hot or itchy.

    Normal Skin: Well-balanced, not too oily or too dry, with minimal sensitivity and a smooth, healthy appearance.

    The Simple Test to Determine Your Skin Type

    To determine your skin type at home, follow this simple method:

    Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser, then leave your skin bare – don’t apply any products.

    Observe how your skin feels and looks:

    If it feels tight or uncomfortable, you likely have dry skin.

    If you notice an overall shine, you probably have oily skin.

    If only your T-zone appears oily while other areas feel normal or dry, your skin is combination.

    If your skin feels balanced and shows no signs of excess oil or dryness, it’s likely normal.

    If your skin is red, itchy, or irritated, you may have sensitive skin.

    Choosing Products for Your Skin Type

    Once you know your skin type, selecting the right products becomes much easier:

    Oily Skin: Look for ingredients like salicylic acid (BHA) to deep-clean pores and gently exfoliate. Niacinamide is excellent for reducing inflammation and controlling breakouts.

    Combination Skin: Choose lightweight, oil-free formulas – a gel-based moisturiser works well to hydrate without clogging pores.

    Dry Skin: Focus on products rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.

    Sensitive Skin: Opt for calming ingredients like azelaic acid (especially helpful for rosacea), aloe vera, and panthenol to soothe irritation.

    Normal Skin: Maintain balance with gentle cleansers and lightweight hydration. Regardless of skin type, always use a broad-spectrum SPF daily.

    Final Tips for Healthy Skin

    Always patch test new products and introduce them one at a time to monitor your skin’s reaction.

    Consider supplement support:

    ANP Skin Omegas+ support hydration and calm inflammation from within.

    ANP Collagen Support or Collagen Synergy can help maintain firmness and elasticity.

    Probiotics like ANP Skin Integrate help balance gut health, which is now known to have a direct effect on skin clarity and resilience.

    Take a look at this incredible transformation! ✨

    After incorporating Skin EssentiA Vitamin A into her daily skincare routine, this client has seen a dramatic improvement in her skin:

    Redness has visibly reduced
    Pores appear more refined
    Fine lines around the mouth and nasolabial folds are noticeably softened

    Vitamin A is a game-changer when it comes to restoring skin health, improving texture, and supporting long-term skin rejuvenation.

    Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to arrange a virtual consultation.

  3. Why Glowing Skin Starts in Your Gut: The Science Behind Skin Health and New Skin Integrate 28

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    If you’re striving for clear, radiant, healthy skin, it’s time to look beyond your skincare routine and consider what’s happening inside your body. The link between gut health and skin health is now well-established in dermatology and nutritional science. Simply put: a healthy gut helps create healthy skin.

    The Gut-Skin Connection: What the Science Says

    Many of us already make a casual connection between food and skin. If you’ve noticed that certain foods trigger breakouts, redness, or irritation, you’re not imagining things. The connection is real and backed by growing scientific research.

    Let’s take rosacea as an example. Dermatologists often recommend dietary modifications to help manage this inflammatory skin condition. Spicy foods, alcohol, and hot drinks are known to trigger flare-ups in many rosacea sufferers.

    Eczema offers another example of the food-skin link. Studies show that food sensitivities and allergies play a significant role in eczema symptoms. According to Dr. Helen Cox, Clinical Lead Consultant in Paediatric Allergy at Imperial College NHS Trust, children with eczema are 30% more likely to suffer from food allergies. Eliminating common allergens like dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, and nuts is now standard practice in managing eczema in children and the same approach often benefits adults.

    Psoriasis also shows a connection between gut health and skin flare-ups. There’s a higher incidence of coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity among people with psoriasis. This is thought to be linked to abnormal immune responses and cytokine activity, which can make the skin more reactive.

    How Digestion Affects Your Skin

    So, how exactly does gut health impact your skin?

    It all starts with digestion. When we eat, the process of chewing signals the stomach and intestines to release gastric acid, bile, and digestive enzymes. These substances help break food down into nutrients that the body can absorb. However, when we eat too quickly or under stress, the body doesn’t produce enough of these digestive juices. As a result, food may pass into the small intestine only partially digested.

    The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption happens. But if larger, undigested food particles make it into the large intestine, they encounter the gut microbiome a complex community of bacteria that plays a critical role in digestion, immunity, and skin health.

    The balance of your gut bacteria (also called gut flora) is directly influenced by your diet. A fiber-rich, plant-based diet encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria. These microbes help break down fiber and produce essential nutrients like B vitamins and vitamin K, both vital for skin health.

    When the wrong types of bacteria dominate often due to poor diet, stress, or antibiotics they can damage the gut lining. This leads to a condition called “leaky gut,” where toxins and inflammatory molecules pass into the bloodstream. One way the body tries to eliminate these unwanted substances is through the skin, leading to breakouts, redness, and irritation.

    New: Skin Integrate 28 – Targeting Gut Health for Skin Results

    Recognising the strong gut-skin connection, Advanced Nutrition Programme (ANP) has launched Skin Integrate 28, a groundbreaking supplement designed to support gut health and reduce skin inflammation.

    Skin Integrate 28 works by nurturing the gut microbiome and calming internal inflammation. It contains a synergistic blend of key nutrients and microbiome-friendly ingredients. Over the course of 28 days, it helps create a healthier gut environment, which in turn can lead to visible improvements in skin texture, hydration, and clarity.

    Supplements for Skin: More Than Just a Trend

    What I love about the ANP range of supplements is its a science-led approach and committed to clean, high-quality ingredients. Their supplements are free from artificial preservatives, colours, flavourings, fillers, gluten, dairy, and soy making them suitable for many people with sensitivities.

    Here are some of the standout products from ANP that target skin health from within:

    Skin Accumax – Contains Vitamins A, C, and E, ideal for supporting problematic skin types prone to blemishes and congestion.

    Skin Omegas+ – A blend of Vitamin A with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, great for dry, sensitive, and dehydrated skin.

    Skin Youth Biome – A specialist probiotic with four unique strains of bacteria plus Vitamin C, designed to support gut flora and improve skin’s resilience and radiance.

    Skin Complete Combines Vitamin A and D to promote skin cell renewal and overall skin health, enhancing the effects of your topical skincare routine.

    Could Gluten Be Impacting Your Skin?

    One final note: many people have an underlying sensitivity to gluten without being officially diagnosed with coeliac disease. Even a low-grade sensitivity can contribute to systemic inflammation, digestive discomfort, and in turn, skin flare-ups like eczema and psoriasis. Considering a gluten-free diet even on a trial basis could be worth exploring if you suffer from persistent skin concerns.

    The Bottom Line: Skincare Starts Within

    If your goal is to achieve glowing, healthy skin, it’s time to take a holistic approach. Skincare products play an important role, but supporting your gut health through diet and targeted supplementation can make a profound difference.

    By addressing your internal health with supplements like Skin Integrate 28 and others from the ANP range, you’re building the foundation your skin needs to thrive from the inside out.

  4. Why you should use Vitamin A Skincare

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    Why our skin runs low on vitamin A

    Our skin never actually “accelerates” under the influence of topical vitamin A; it simply returns to the brisk cellular rhythm we enjoyed in our teens. After about age 25, natural reserves dwindle as enzymes convert retinol more slowly, environmental aggressors degrade stores faster than we can replenish them, and many of us fail to replace what sunlight strips away every day. The result is a visible backlog: dull surface cells linger, pores appear congested, and fine lines etch more deeply because fresh collagen and elastin are no longer being laid down with their former enthusiasm. Re-establishing sufficiency through creams or serums is therefore not an optional “extra,” but a cornerstone of long-term skin health, much like calcium for bones or omega-3 for the heart.

    Photo protection you cannot see but will notice

    Laboratory studies confirm that vitamin A acts as an internal sunscreen of sorts, absorbing portions of the UV spectrum and neutralising free radicals before they latch onto cellular DNA. When reserves are kept high, daytime exposure does not deplete the skin below its safety threshold, so the typical cascade oxidative stress, pigment overproduction, collagen snapping never fully ignites. Regular application of Skin EssentiA® Moisturiser 1–5 makes this protection practical because each bottle increases retinol content in gentle increments; even sensitive, fair or previously over-treated skin types can move from level 1 to level 5 over several months without redness or peeling.

    Collagen stimulation & moisture retention

    A little science for you – Topical vitamin A works on two complementary fronts. Inside the dermis it switches on genes responsible for pro-collagen I and III synthesis, thickening the mid-skin matrix so lines appear smoother and pores tighter. At the surface it renews the lipid barrier, locking in water and preventing transepidermal moisture loss, which is why many users report a “juicier” texture and that coveted dewy glow after only a few weeks. Youth EssentiA® Vita-Peptide C-Quence Serum 1–4 Plus takes these gains further by surrounding vitamin A with powerhouse peptides (including Matrixyl 3000) and antioxidants vitamins C & E, magnifying firmness while evening tone.

    Retinol: the advanced upgrade

    Once the epidermis is comfortable with daily vitamin A, you can incorporate retinol such retinol Serum and retinol serum forte from Environ. Retinol penetrates quickly and converts to retinoic acid, the biologically active version used in prescription creams but at strengths that allow you to tailor the journey rather than risk the notorious “retinoid burn.” The guiding principle is start low, go slow: begin with Skin EssentiA Moisturiser or Youth EssentiA Serum 1, apply a pea-sized amount over cleansed skin, and observe for seven days. If no persistent redness, dryness or flaking occurs, you may progress to the next STEP-UP level when ready to repurchase.

    Over-the-counter versus prescription

    Many drugstore retinol creams carry concentrations between 0.1 % and 0.3 %. They can certainly spark improvement, but they seldom contain buffering antioxidants or a built-in acclimatisation ladder. Prescription retinoic acid, on the other hand, leaps to 0.025 %–0.1 % tretinoin in one step, effective, but often inflaming for first-time users. Environ’s ranges offer a middle road: Skin EssentiA for robust daily maintenance, Youth EssentiA for age-defying power coupled with peptides, and Retinol Serums for those wishing to push results to a clinical tier without sacrificing elegance or causing social downtime. Think of them as modular building blocks; combine as needed, but always respect your skin’s tolerance signals.

    Crafting your personalised vitamin A ritual

    1. Cleanse & Prep
      Begin with a gentle, preferably low-foaming cleanser to leave the acid mantle intact.
    2. Condition (optional)
      If you enjoy toners, choose one rich in lactic acid or niacinamide to refine texture and boost penetration.
    3. Treat Beginners: Skin EssentiA Moisturiser 1 & 2 (AM & PM) Intermediates: Skin EssentiA Moisturiser 3 + Youth EssentiA Serum 1 & 2 (PM) Advanced: Skin EssentiaA Moisturiser 5 Youth EssentiA Serum 4 Plus nightly, tapping in Retinol Serum Forte twice weekly, followed by Defence Crème if additional lipid comfort is needed.
    4. Protect
      Finish every morning with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher; vitamin A lessens UV harm but is not a stand-alone sunscreen.

    Remember, less is more at the outset. A single pump for the face and half a pump for the neck usually suffices; excessive application will not accelerate benefits but may amplify transient dryness. Patience pays dividends because each time you move up a STEP-UP level, fresh collagen begins to weave, pigment clusters scatter, and the stratum corneum grows more resilient.

    Professional guidance & ongoing support

    Even with a structured system, your skin is unique, genetics, climate, hormones and lifestyle all influence response. For tailored advice on product selection, pacing and how to integrate vitamin A with exfoliating acids, vitamin C, or professional treatments such as microneedling, schedule a virtual consultation (www.beautyhavenbelfast.com). A qualified therapist will review your history, perform a detailed skin analysis and design a progression map that lets you enjoy the full spectrum of vitamin A benefits while sidestepping the common pitfalls.

    The take-away

    When viewed through a scientific lens, vitamin A is not a mere trend but the master regulator of healthy, youthful skin. By replenishing what modern living depletes, UV exposure, blue-light stress, urban pollution, vitamin A normalises cell turnover, fortifies the moisture barrier, stimulates robust collagen, and guards our genetic blueprint against oxidation. Environ’s Skin EssentiA and Youth EssentiA ranges translate these lofty biochemical promises into practical daily rituals, using ascending strengths, intelligent delivery systems and complementary antioxidants so that virtually anyone can unlock their skin’s inherent radiance. Commit to the process, respect the acclimatisation curve, and let vitamin A do what nature always intended: keep your complexion smooth, luminous and future-proof.

  5. How to do facial rollering and why it really works.

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    Are You Ready to Take Your Environ Skincare Routine to the Next Level?

    If you’ve been using Environ products for a while, now might be the perfect time to introduce the Environ Cosmetic Roll-CIT into your routine — to maximise the effectiveness of your skincare and boost your results.

    What is the Environ Cosmetic Roll-CIT?

    The Cosmetic Roll-CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy) is a handheld needling device designed to enhance the penetration of active ingredients — particularly vitamin A and vitamin C — deep into the layers of the skin. It features a smooth roller head embedded with ultra-fine 0.1mm stainless steel needles and is safe for use on the face and neck.
    💷 Retail Price: £82

    Why Should You Use It?

    The outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) acts as a barrier, limiting the absorption of topical products. The Cosmetic Roll-CIT gently creates micro-channels in this layer, allowing your Environ products to penetrate up to 10,000 times more effectively.

    By doing so, it helps to:

    Stimulate natural collagen production (collagenesis)

    Improve skin firmness and elasticity

    Soften fine lines and scars

    Reduce the appearance of pigmentation

    Strengthen thin or ageing skin

    Minimise dilated blood vessels

    It’s a safe, non-invasive, and effective way to accelerate visible skin improvements when used alongside your usual Environ regime.

    *Note: Not suitable for use on active acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, severe sun damage, raised moles or warts.

    How to Use the Cosmetic Roll-CIT

    Before starting, your skin should be well-prepped with Environ and able to tolerate Level 3 AVST or equivalent.

    Beginner Routine:

    Use 2 times per week to start, gradually increasing to daily use as tolerated.

    Roll each section of the face and neck vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.

    Continue rolling for 3–5 minutes with mild but firm pressure.

    Aftercare:

    Rinse your roller with warm water after each use.

    Clean thoroughly once a week with Environ Instrument Cleansing Solution.

    Bonus Tip: Bring Your Roller to Your Facial

    If you’re receiving professional Environ facials, bring your roller along! Your therapist can incorporate it into the treatment to further enhance product absorption and results.

  6. Understanding Stretch Marks and How to Reduce Their Appearance

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    Stretch marks are a common skin concern that affects both men and women. These streaky lines, known medically as striae, occur when the skin stretches rapidly due to growth, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or hormonal changes. While stretch marks are harmless, many people seek ways to diminish their appearance. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of stretch marks, discuss whether they go away on their own, and examine effective treatment options, including micro-needling, microdermabrasion, tretinoin, and specialised skincare products such as Bio-Oil and Organic Pharmacy Stretch Mark Oil.

    What Are Stretch Marks?

    Stretch marks form when the middle layer of the skin (the dermis) stretches beyond its natural capacity, causing small tears. These tears allow underlying blood vessels to show through, giving fresh stretch marks their reddish or purple hue. Over time, they fade to a silvery-white colour as the blood vessels contract and collagen production attempts to repair the affected area.

    Stretch marks most commonly appear on the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, and arms. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing them include:

    • Pregnancy
    • Rapid weight gain or loss
    • Puberty growth spurts
    • Certain medical conditions (such as Cushing’s syndrome)
    • Genetics
    • Corticosteroid use, which can reduce skin elasticity

    How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

    While stretch marks are permanent, their appearance can be reduced through various treatments that focus on increasing collagen production, improving skin texture, and promoting healing. The effectiveness of a treatment largely depends on the age and severity of the stretch marks.

    1. Microneedling

    Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate collagen and elastin production, helping to improve the texture of stretch marks. With multiple sessions, micro needling can significantly reduce the appearance of both new and old stretch marks. The Environ CIT Roller can be used at home. This hand held instrument tightens the skin and reduces the appearance of scarring and pigmentation marks and encourages the disappearance of dilated blood vessels

    2. Microdermabrasion

    Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliation technique that removes dead skin cells and encourages cell turnover. By resurfacing the top layer of skin, microdermabrasion can improve skin texture and gradually fade stretch marks. While results are not immediate, consistent treatments can lead to visible improvement over time.

    3. Tretinoin (Retinoid Creams)

    Tretinoin, a prescription-strength retinoid, has been shown to improve the appearance of newer stretch marks by stimulating collagen production and encouraging cell turnover. Regular application of tretinoin cream can help reduce the redness and texture of stretch marks, but it is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tretinoin is not available over the counter, this product is usually recommended by a dermatologist

    4. Topical Treatments and Oils

    Several skincare products contain ingredients that nourish the skin, improve elasticity, and support skin repair. Some of the most popular and effective stretch mark treatments include:

    • Bio-Oil: A well-known product for scar and stretch mark treatment, Bio-Oil is formulated with vitamins A and E, as well as natural oils that hydrate and improve skin tone. Regular massage with Bio-Oil can help fade stretch marks over time.
    • The Organic Pharmacy Stretch Mark Oil: This organic blend of natural oils, including rosehip and jojoba oil, deeply nourishes the skin and promotes elasticity, making it an excellent option for preventing and minimising stretch marks.
    • Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter: Both of these natural butters are known for their deep moisturising properties and ability to improve skin elasticity, making them popular choices for stretch mark treatment.

    Do Stretch Marks Go Away?

    One of the most common questions people ask is: Do stretch marks go away? While stretch marks do fade over time, they do not completely disappear. The initial reddish or purple marks eventually turn into less noticeable white or silver streaks. However, various treatments and products can accelerate the fading process and improve the skin’s overall texture and appearance.

    It’s important to have realistic expectations—stretch marks cannot be completely erased, but they can be significantly diminished with the right treatments and consistent skincare routines.

    Additional Tips for Preventing and Managing Stretch Marks

    While it may not always be possible to prevent stretch marks entirely, certain lifestyle changes and skincare habits can reduce the risk of developing them and improve skin health.

    Stay Hydrated

    Keeping the skin hydrated from within is essential for maintaining its elasticity. Drinking plenty of water and using moisturising products daily can help keep the skin supple and more resistant to tearing.

    Maintain a Healthy Diet

    A nutrient-rich diet that includes vitamins C, E, and A, as well as collagen-boosting foods like bone broth and leafy greens, can support skin health and resilience.

    Use Stretch Mark Oils and Creams During Pregnancy or Weight Changes

    For those who are pregnant or experiencing rapid weight fluctuations, using hydrating and nourishing oils, such as Bio-Oil or Organic Pharmacy Stretch Mark Oil, can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the severity of stretch marks.

    Regular Exercise

    Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and improves circulation, which supports skin regeneration and healing. Strength training, in particular, can help tone the skin and minimise the appearance of stretch marks.

    Conclusion

    Stretch marks are a natural part of life and can occur for various reasons, from pregnancy to growth spurts and weight changes. While they don’t completely go away, there are effective treatments available to reduce their appearance, including micro needling, microdermabrasion, tretinoin, and specialised skincare products such as Bio-Oil and Organic Pharmacy Stretch Mark Oil. By adopting a consistent skincare routine, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can improve your skin’s texture and boost its natural resilience.

    Whether you’re looking to prevent or treat stretch marks, patience and consistency are key. With the right approach, you can achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin over time.

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