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Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. Best Cool Peels for Winter Skin.

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    It’s time to assist your skin that may have had many happy moments soaking up the sun’s rays. If you have been using high chemical SFP during the summer month you may be experiencing negative effects such as dryness, underlying pigmentation issues often surface along with perhaps solar comedones concerns.

    We are approaching the winter months or as we say Peel season, now is the time to book your season healthy skin check and discover the wide range of Cool Peels on offer.

    Environ cool peel system respects the integrity of the skin and ensure that we do not interrupt our waterproof barrier that can lead to dryness caused by tans epidermal water loss.

    Blemish Control – Cool Peel

    This treatment will target blemish prone and stressed skin. It will eliminate bacteria on the skin and purify assisting to unclog pores and dissolve impurities.

    This treatment is recommended in a course of 6.

    Moisture Boost – Cool Peel

    Is your skin feeling flaky and dry and need some deep nourishment? This facial is Ideal for after the summer months to gently peel away dry, tired-looking skin to help revitalise and reveal your healthiest-looking glow without any visible peeling after-effects.

    Vibrant-C – Cool Peel

    After these long summer days our skin is left feeling over exposed and is in desperate need for essential vitamin C to help reveal a healthy radiant glow and target any pigmentation caused by the sun. Freshly missed Vitamin C at optimal dosages forms part of Environs Vibrant-C Micro Peel designed to help refine and revive and brighten your appearance with again no downtime whatsoever.

    If you aren’t sure what peel is right for you, it may be worth booking a skin consultation.

    It’s never too late to start the journey to healthy skin and getting started on that journey is exciting especially when you start it with us. Some customers don’t understand where to start so let us explain the experience at our clinic.

    Why do I need a consultation?

    Every skin journey will start with a details skin consultation with one of our skin specialists, this gives us a deeper understanding of your skin, your goals, and expectations. We offer regular season healthy skin checks while you work exclusively with us to delivery you the results you want that means your trial-and-error methods with your skin are a thing of the past.

    Prep before the consultation

    On the day its best to arrive with ideally no make-up, if your stuck for time and cannot do this not to worry we will do a simple cleanse first so we can have a detailed look at the skin. If you suffer from any condition that on the day is not currently flared up its always handy to take pictures of your skin throughout different stages of the month so we can have a better insight. Lastly, we want to really understand your routine at home so just in case you forget what products you currently use why not take a quick photo so we can help understand your recent routine. If you are taking any medication that you may forget about, take a quick picture of that also.

    What happens during a Skin Consultation?

    We don’t like to rush our consultations and dedicate 30 minutes to understand your specific concerns. We will go through every step with you right from the beginning initially covering any medical history we need to be aware of before we start. We want you to be feel connected to your consultation and ensure all your questions will be answers and we will clarify your specific concerns and timeline you have in mind for results. We have various options we can recommend even if you a pressed for time to achieve these results. We will establish your full current skincare routine, supplementation you may take, understand the environment in which your skin lives and discuss your diet and nutrition habits. From all of this we then bespoke the ultimate package to give you the quickest and best results, you can expect professional treatment recommendation alongside supplementation and product recommendation to achieve your goals, we want you to feel educated and inspired for your future healthy skin!

    What do expect afterwards?

    We want to make certain you now are feeling confident with your new bespoke routine and so we pride ourselves on our aftercare service, we will arrange a courtesy call at a time that suits you best to check in on your progress and answer any questions you may have.

    To book a consultation online, click on the link https://beautyhavenbelfast.com/online-consultation/

  2. How to transition your skincare from Autumn to Winter.

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    As a time of transition, autumn is the best time to repair that summer damage and prepare your skin for the months ahead. The cooler weather can cause our skin barrier to become dull, dry and prone to breakouts. Pair this with that fading summer glow, which may now reveal age spots, pigmentation and redness, and it comes as no surprise that as the seasons change, your skin does too. Every season calls for a different skincare routine as the environment majorly impacts what skin concerns we should be prioritising.

    This season is often about dry skin lack lustre skin. It’s time to switch up our skincare routines to include an oil-based cleanser, brightening serum, powerful night cream and gentle exfoliator.

    As much as we love a foam cleanser, it can contribute to drying out the skin. Environ’s Mild Cleansing Lotion gently lifts surface impurities while maintaining the effects of the skin’s natural moisture balance. This cleanser feels gentle and luxurious and great for dryer or dehydrated skins.

    For an even, radiant glow, Mela Even Cream by Environ fights free radical damage caused by pollutants and exposure to UV Rays, will reduce the visible signs of ageing and provides a luminous glow to the skin. A favourite for tackling uneven skin tone and texture often more obvious after the effects of stronger UV over the summer months

    A lightweight moisturiser is usually enough for most skin types in the summer, but cooling temperatures and central heating kicking in are signs that you need to reach for a slightly more hydrating moisturiser. Even if you prefer oil-free creams or are using an oil elsewhere in your routine, your skin can benefit from something with a thicker consistency to seal in hydration – think of it as the skincare equivalent of your winter coat. Environ Super Moisturiser is particularly effective for clients who are experiencing dryness, the rich, creamy formula contains antioxidants that soothe and protect the skin from environmental stresses.

    Top Tips

    There is one part of your summer skincare routine that should remain no matter what, SPF of course. It’s essential that an SPF is part of your skincare regime during the winter as the sun’s UV rays are just as harmful (Did you know radiation from the sun can penetrate through windows?). Proof that come rain or shine, it’s vital to apply sunscreen to your face and other exposed areas of skin like your neck, ears, and hands, daily. 

    When sunlight hits our skin, our bodies produce vitamin D but during autumn and winter there’s less sun to feed our skin. Vitamin D helps to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, metabolism, skin cell growth, and power the healing process.

    The following foods are a source of vitamin D:

    • fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna
    • egg yolks
    • cheese
    • beef liver
    • mushrooms
    • fortified milk
    • fortified cereals and juices

    Avoid very hot showers and baths as this can irritate the skin and compromise the skin’s barrier, making it harder to hold onto moisture and more vulnerable to harsh weather.

    For further advice on the right skincare for you, book an appointment by clicking the link or give us a call.

  3. Psoriasis

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    Psoriasis affects around 2 in 100 people in the UK. It can start at any age but most often develops in adults between 20 and 30 years old and between 50 and 60 years old. It affects men and women equally. On brown, black, and white skin the patches can look pink or red and the scales white or silvery. On brown and black skin, the patches can also look purple or dark brown and the scales may look grey. These patches normally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back but can appear anywhere on your body.

    Your GP will be able to confirm your diagnosis and feeding your skin from within will also help manage your skin concern. Please contact us today for a full skin consultation.

    Our Top 3 inside/outside skincare for Psoriasis  

    Skin Moisture IQ is a science-led, 28-day smart supplement system uniquely formulated to hydrate dry and dehydrated skin. Containing five intelligent supplement capsules to deliver targeted doses of ingredients. Delivering a smooth, hydrated, supple and radiant skin for a head-to-toe treatment, face, arms, legs and scalp.

    An unhealthy gut and dysbiosis can also lead to long-term dry skin concerns. New and improved Skin Youth Biome contains 4 strains of probiotics, 5 billion live cultures ‘friendly bacteria’ plus postbiotics to rebalance your gut health and feed your skin from within.

    Environ’s Derma-Lac Lotion and Body Oil is proven to make a real lasting difference to skin. Experience the replenishing, revitalising and moisturising benefits to the appearance of photo-aged, rough and dry skin with a powerful combination of vitamins A,C, E & AHA moisturisers to help your skin look and feel its healthiest and most beautiful.

    Psoriasis tends to affect the:

    • Elbows and knees.
    • Face, scalp and inside the mouth.
    • Fingernails and toenails.
    • Genitals.
    • Lower back.
    • Palms and feet.

    What causes psoriasis?

    Psoriasis is an immune system problem. Your immune response overreacts, causing inflammation, which leads to new skin cells growing too fast.

    Typically, new skin cells grow every 28 to 30 days. But in people with psoriasis, new cells grow and move to the skin surface every three to four days. The buildup of new cells replacing old cells creates the silvery scales of psoriasis.

    Psoriasis may have a genetic component so parents may pass it down to their children.

    Psoriasis outbreaks differ from person to person. No one knows exactly what causes flare-ups. Common psoriasis triggers may include:

    • Skin injury (cuts, scrapes or surgery).
    • Stress
    • An infection that affects the immune system.
    • Certain medications.
    • Cold weather, when people have less exposure to sunlight and humidity and more to hot, dry indoor air.

    What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

    In addition to red, scaly patches, symptoms of psoriasis include:

    • Itchiness.
    • Dry and cracked skin
    • Scaly scalp.
    • Skin pain.
    • Pitted or cracked nails.

    After the UV exposure over the summer even people who religiously slather themselves in bucket loads of sun cream may still experience negative effects such as dryness. Luckily help is at hand. With a little extra TLC you can keep skin hydrated and healthy throughout all seasons. Step away from the gloop. Environ® founder Dr Des Fernandes warns against smothering skin in excessively rich formulations because it can deplete its Natural Moisturising Factors (NMFs), which means that it starts relying on the excessive ‘artificial’ moisture provided by the creams rather than learning to moisturise itself. Instead opt for Environs body duo, Dermalac and Body oil to promote a healthy, hydrated and smooth skin.

  4. The Pro’s and Con’s of Laser Hair Removal

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    If you’re considering zapping off your body hair, you’re probably wondered about laser hair removal pros and cons. If body-hair removal is your thing you will have tried the many temporary options available. You’ve got the classic, quick (and short-lived) shave, depilatory creams and slightly more long-term hair removal methods such as waxing and sugaring, both of which leave you with smooth skin for a number of weeks.

    There is of course electrolysis, which produces more permanent results than laser treatments. Electrolysis uses a super-fine needle to kill each individual hair follicle via an electric current. Whilst very successful it can be time consuming and, in our opinion, better for small areas such as the face.

    And that brings us to laser hair removal, an option that damages hair follicles to minimise hair growth. While its zaps (often described as feeling like a rubber band snapping against your skin) aren’t exactly comfortable, the treatment is effective for many people.

    How does it work?

    The laser focuses on the melanin (pigment) in hair follicles, burning the hair all the way down to the root, causing damage that discourages future hair growth. Keep in mind that because laser hair removal targets melanin, it is not compatible with certain skin tones and hair colours.

    Is laser hair removal safe for all skin tones?

    It can be, but no matter your skin tone, it’s crucial to vet your laser hair removal provider (*RQIA). You should always be invited to have a consultation prior to your first treatment to answer your queries and ensure there are no contraindications to the treatment.

    Unwanted side effects following treatment can include hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are darker spots and lighter spots on the skin, respectively.) The skin can feel a little warm, almost like a sunburn sensation following treatment, we recommend use of aloe vera to cool the skin and an spf daily.

    To avoid laser-induced skin discolouration, it is best to schedule your treatment 30 days before or after a sunny trip, if you happen to get a tan, let it fade completely before any laser hair removal. A tan can create a higher risk of skin discolouration since there’s a temporary increase of melanin. Having a laser treatment will result in the laser detecting the melanin instead of the hair resulting in heat energy delivered to skin instead of the hair and therefore burning the skin.

    The Pro’s

    Laser hair removal does drastically reduce hair growth—to the point that many clients won’t see any hair growth for months or even years, and the hairs that do crop up are often thinner and lighter in colour.

    You can get it done anywhere on your body and the large areas can be covered fast. Legs, back, underarms, bikini line, stomach, face…there’s virtually no limit to the places you can get laser hair removal (if you are suitable for the treatment in terms of skin and hair colour).

    Everyone’s pain threshold is different, for a lot of people laser hair removal falls somewhere between shaving and waxing In general, the treatment gets progressively less painful with each session, as the hair becomes finer.

    The Con’s

    It can take time, six – eight sessions are recommended at six weekly intervals.

    The upfront cost can seem expensive however if you add up your monthly waxing bill over a lifetime it pays for itself quite quickly.

    The treatments works best  on fair skin with dark hair, and is not as ideal for darker skin, as discussed above, or lighter hair, regardless of skin tone, If you have light blonde or white hair, the laser will not be as effective at targeting those hairs.

    If done by an untrained technician, laser hair removal could leave burns or scars on the skin. You should research your clinic and ask lots of questions before you begin your course.

    Please get in touch if you have any questions or to book a laser consultation click the link to book.

  5. Thread Veins

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    Thread veins are tiny blood vessels which run close to the surface of the skin, they look like thin red or occasionally purple or blue lines. The medical term for these thread veins  (spider veins) on the nose and cheeks is facial telangiectasia. Thread veins on the face respond well to laser treatment, although veins on the legs also usually respond better sclerotherapy.

    The most common causes of thread veins include:

    Over exposure to the sun.

    Hormonal changes.

    Hereditary factors.

    Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.

    How can you treat thread veins?

    We use the Ellipse Sirius which offers a unique Selected Waveband Technology which is a narrowband spectrum of light which is emitted over the surface of the skin to achieve variable treatment solutions. The treatment uses short, safe bursts of intense pulsed light that are directed at the skin.

    The system filters the light to ensure the wavelengths used are absorbed by haemoglobin in the blood in your problem vessels. The light is converted to heat, which destroys the protein in the wall of the thread vein, causing the veins to gradually disappear, after treatment. We recommend three treatments with an interval of four weeks between treatments. Prior to your first treatment we will ask you to book a consultation where you will complete a consultation form and have a patch test to ensure you are suitable for the treatment.

    You no longer need to be embarrassed by thread veins on your face, we have had great results with our laser treatment. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to book a treatment.

  6. More than meets the eye.

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    As we age the skin around the eye area becomes thinner and is amongst the first to shown the signs of ageing. The skin in this area does not have as many oil glands or collagen and is therefore more prone to lines and wrinkles.

    When tending to the skin around your eyes the best piece of advice I can give you is consistency. Using an eye cream morning and night will boost hydration and improve the appearance of lines. It is best to opt for a specific eye cream or gel as your normal moisturiser may irritate the fragile skin around the eyes especially if it contains retinol.

    Our favourite tried and tested eye products include:

    Dermalogica total eye care SPF15 a brilliant moisturising and soothing eye cream, great for bags and dark circles ( also contains SPF 15).

    Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Cream is formulated with retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. ( acclimatise the skin when using at first, use every other night initially and build up to daily use).

    Environ Vita Peptide Eye Gel is a light gel formula containing a variety of vitamins, antioxidants and peptides to help improve  lines and wrinkles.

    Whether you opt for a gel or a cream depends on your skin type. Gels are generally lighter and can even be kept in the fridge, great for sensitive or puffy eyes. Creams are generally better for dry eyes and to improve hydration. Avoid tugging the skin when applying your eye cream instead pat the skin gently until the product is absorbed.

    Poor health habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of sleep can contribute to under-eye problems. Try to get at least 7 hours a night, hanging eyelids or swollen eyes can reveal how tired you are. Dark circles can be improved by ensuring you are drinking enough water. It’s important to protect your eyes from the sun as over exposure can make your skin thinner and less elastic.

    Antioxidants are powerful ingredients that will help remove free radicals in the skin that are triggered by UV radiation, smoking, and pollutants. Moreover, they may also help put a brake on the ageing process.

    Look for the following ingredients when purchasing an eye product:

    • vitamin C
    • vitamin E
    • green tea
    • vitamin B-3 (niacinamide)

    Include antioxidants in your diet, Eat foods that contain vitamin c and blueberries to help reduce dark circles and help to build stronger capillaries.

    Using a cold compress will help to calm and soothe puffiness. Use an eye treatment mask a couple of times a week, depending on which one you chose can give added hydration and a cooling effect to keep the puffiness to a minimum.  I keep a bottle of Optrex in the fridge and soak cotton pads in the solution for a quick and easy DIY mask.

    It is often said the eyes are the window to the soul, they are full of beauty and charm so let’s take keep them looking happy, wide awake and fresh.

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