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Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. My favourite products for oily skin.

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    Oily skin is a common problem at any age, but the good news is there are many benefits to having oily skin:

    • The sebaceous glands which produce the sebum (oil) has the primary purpose of lubricating and waterproofing the skin. This oil delivers essential nutrients and fights off environmental pollutants. Sebum contains vitamin E which is an antioxidant and protects against oxidative stress and free radicals.
    • Using sunscreen is our best defence against UV rays, oily skin bolsters the effects of SPF.
    • Oily skin is slower to age because the skin is thicker and has a higher natural protection factor.
    • Less inflammation means less wrinkles, because of the sweet antioxidants produced by the sebaceous glands, oily skin has a tendency not to get inflamed, which can cause fine lines and wrinkles.
    • Skin care products work best if they are formulated for your skin type, and  products for oily skin have been hand picked for you by our professionals.

    Controlling the skin with a good skincare regime is the first step, combine with a good diet, plenty of sleep and 2 litres of water every day and you will see a difference in the skin. Some of our favourite products for oily skin:

     

    • Dermal Clay Cleanser is a refreshing creamy clay cleanser that lifts oils to deep clean and refine the skin’s texture. 250ml £32 & 500ml £49.50
    • Clearing skin wash is a medicated cleanser which helps clear congestion and aids with minimising breakouts without over drying.Use twice a day. Available in two sizes 250ml £36 & 500ml £56
    • Skin Prep Scrub Skin is an exfoliator which can be used twice a week to remove dead skin cells, unclog your pores and improve the texture of your skin leaving your skin looking and feeling fresh and smooth – 75ml £31
    • Overnight Clearing Gel is a night time gel which helps clear skin and prevent future breakouts. The gel helps to reduce excess sebum and calms inflammation.  Contains salicylic acid to clear pore clogged skin – 50ml £46
    • Clearing Mattifier. If you are looking for a product to apply under your makeup and will last all day long then this is the one for you. It is a miracle worker at reducing shine to give a matte finish -40ml £47.50
    • Skin Refining Masque is a deep cleansing clay masque that will purify and refine oily skin by absorbing excessive oil. Also helps to reduce future congestion – 75ml £30.30
    • Sebum Clearing Masque is a medicated treatment that helps clear congestion and regulate the oil production -75ml £44.50
    • Active Moist is a lightweight oil free product that will hydrate the skin with no greasy after feel -50ml £33.50 & 100ml £52
    • For a broad spectrum protection against UV rays try – Oil Free matte with SPF30 – 50ml £44.50

    A recent addition to our product range is the Environ skincare system. These products are ‘prescription only’. We have had phenomenal results with the following products

    • Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser is an anti-bacterial face wash which gently deep cleanses and mildly exfoliates to decongest the skin and alleviate congestion. The anti-bacterial properties has a healing effect on the skin. 150ml £29.95
    • SebuClear Masque is a clay based mask which deeply cleanses and helps to absorb surface oil. 50ml £42
    • Sebu-ACE Oil to be used with Sebu-Lac lotion after cleansing and toning, mix equal amounts into palm of hand before massaging into the skin, use morning and evening. 60ml £38
    • Sebu-Lac Lotion has lactic acid which acts as an exfoliant, has teatree which is antiseptic suitable for spots. 60ml £32

    If you are still unsure which products to use, book in for a face mapping treatment and allow our experts to talk you through your indepth skin analysis using our skin scanner.  At a cost of £12 for a 20 minute face mapping to identify which areas of the face need targeting and suggest the products to use, plus samples given to try out at home. The cost of £12 is redeemable against  treatments or products. Its never been a better time to book.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  2. Which Hair Removal method is for you, the questions you need to ask?

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    With so many methods of hair removal on the market it is hard to know which one to opt for, in many cases finance can play a part in our decision. Shaving is probably the first method of hair removal that most of us have used at some time in our lives. Its cheap and easy but shaving on a daily basis can lead to skin irritation and ingrown hairs, cuts and nicks on the skin, not to mention how time consuming it can be.

    However, should you decide to invest in a professional to assist with hair removal management or opt for a permanent hair removal solution then deciding which hair removal method is best suited for you is a personal choice. The questions you need to ask may determine which form of hair removal you choose.

    The most popular form of professional hair removal is waxing Not only does waxing remove unwanted hair, it is an exfoliation as well, removing dead skin cells at the same time. Hair is removed from the root and repeated waxing sessions will leave your hair follicles weakened, which means the regrowth slows down.

    How long should my hair be before waxing?

    Hair should be about ¼” long or the length of a grain of rice. This ensures the wax will stick to the hair, if the hair is too short the wax will not be able to get hold of it and the hair will not be pulled out.

    Can I get waxed after sunbathing or using a sunbed?

    The answer is no, the skin is already heated up, by applying another form of heat like wax this can increase the chance of skin irritation or abrasion. The same applies after you have been waxed , do not sunbathe or use a tanning booth at least 24 hours before or after waxing

    How often should I wax?

    Providing the hair is long enough then anywhere between 3 and 6 weeks is advised. During the summer months hair grows faster and slows down in growth during the winter months.

    I have never waxed before what should I do before treatment?

    It is worth getting a patch test if you have never been waxed before. Some clients can be sensitive to wax so make sure you advise the therapist if this is your first time. Do make sure the hair is long enough for the treatment, it can take a few wax treatments for the hairs to grow in sync and achieve the best results.

    Is Electrolysis a permanent hair removal solution?

    Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal treatment.

    Does Electrolysis work for everyone?

    Electrolysis is suitable for everyone, both male and female. It will work on any colour of hair and any colour of skin tone.

    How many treatments will it take?

    Electrolysis is a course of treatments and the amount of treatments vary from client to client.  No set time or figure can be put on this, however you will notice a difference in the hair growth and if you stick to a treatment plan eventually your hair will be gone forever.

    Is laser a permanent hair removal system?

    Laser is a permanent hair reduction and management solution for removing unwanted hair.

    Does laser work on all hair types?

    Laser is only suitable for dark hair.

    Can I book laser anytime of the year?

    The best time to book for laser hair removal is during the Autumn/Winter months when there is limited sun, avoiding sun exposure four weeks before and after laser treatments to prevent photo sensitivity.

    Why do I have to shave before treatment?

    The therapist will shave the hair so that the laser does not singe the hair. This is the only time when using a razor will not alter the treatment as the light is targeted at the root of the hair.

    How many treatments are required?

    We recommend a course of 6 treatments with intervals of 4 weeks for face hair and 6 weeks for body hair between each session of treatment.

    What if I miss an appointment?

    After the first initial consultation a treatment plan will be discussed, should you miss an appointment it is best to arrange your next appointment as near to the original one as possible and to finish your course of treatments.

    Should you have any further questions or wish to book in for an appointment, Beauty Haven will be more than happy to help you decide on which form of hair removal treatment is best for you.

     

     

      

     

     

     

     

     

     

  3. My beauty role models

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    Most young girls look up to their Mother, sister or aunty to try and mirror their style, fashion, values and pick up make up ideas and beauty tips.  I remember my Mother was meticulous about her skin regime, I used to watch her cleanse, tone and moisturise before applying her make up. She was the one that instilled the importance of looking after your skin. This imagine has stayed with me and it’s a routine I carry out twice a day to keep my skin looking its best.

    As we move into our teens we tend to look towards pop stars, soap stars and celebrities who act as our beauty role models. When we think of beauty role models we automatically think of make up, flawless skin, fashion, hairstyles but there is much more to beauty role models than this, it’s the whole ethos. There are so many great beauty role models to choose from so I have selected a small few for different reasons.

    Actions speak louder than words and portraying yourself to others by what you do, say and get across to the outside world can be more beautiful,as the saying goes “True beauty is only skin deep”.

    A true spokeswoman is Amal Clooney a Barrister-in-Law with a lot of high profile clients. This lady takes on some serious issues. As a Human rights lawyer she has been appointed as the UK government’s special envoy on media freedom. It has been announced by The British Foreign Office that Amal Clooney will work without a fee with the Foreign Secretary to “counter draconian laws that hinder journalists from going about their work”.

    Role models for everyone should portray positive words and actions, acting as ambassadors for humanitarian causes working hard to achieve goals and dreams. A role model can serve as an example to others and influences the way the youth look up to that person to shape the way they think, behave and form opinions. No better woman for this job than Kate Middleton, she has brains, beauty and elegance. The Duchess of Cambridge is super chic, pristine and never has a bad day of fashion. Supporting mental health and emotional resilience for children, focusing on the earliest stages of life – from pre-birth to 5 years, her campaign for children’s mental health highlight the importance of sports, nature and the outdoors.

    Jennifer Aniston is the daughter of a former model and has talked exclusively about her skin care regime, being the face of Aveeno skincare products and a brand ambassador for Smart water.  She turned 50 this year and her skin and hair not forgetting ‘The Rachel Cut’ that everyone dreamed of during the Friends series has been much talked about.  She uses derma rollers on her skin which she swears by and works out at the gym paying a lot of attention on her arms using weights to strengthen and tone muscles. Not only does she look good on the outside she works on inner beauty, loves yoga and running to keep her body and mind in shape. Whether she is strutting the red carpet or out and about shopping in jeans and t-shirt this lady looks amazing.

    Emma Willis is a television presenter, DJ and former model known for her bold hairstyles and presenter of The Voice and Big Brother. As a new style icon she is stylish and looks stunning and her skin is bright and vibrant. Collaborating with Eylure to create affordable eyelashes, her fashion and she was recently named the face of Next and shares her favourite items on social media.

    Her charity work is with The Orchid Project which puts an end to female genital cutting (FGC). Her body camp activities include morning hikes, yoga and nutrition talks, this lady radiates beauty.

    Holly Willoughey is an Ambassador for Garnier UK and Marks and Spencer. Her look in the jungle on I’m a celebrity get me out of here was natural and looked effortless. Holly recently refused to talk about her diet saying it isn’t helpful when weight and dieting become obsessive, having discussed topics of anorexia with parents this fascination with weight doesn’t help.

    These five ladies are beautiful, talented, exude compassion and are true beauty role models.

    Theres so much more to beauty than good looks & flawless skin, I love this quote:

    For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. Audrey Hepburn

  4. Broken capillaries, how do we get them and how can we get rid of them?

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    Broken capillaries particularly on the face is an extremely common problem which can lead to self esteem issues. Those of us suffering this annoying problem get fed up having to constantly conceal with make up; firstly rest assured you are a completely normal human being, there are many measures available to get rid of these veins and prevent them from reoccurring.

    What are they? 

    Capillaries are the smallest of blood vessels that connect the smallest arteries (arterioles) to the smallest of veins (venules). They form a network throughout the body delivering nutrients and oxygen to tissues and remove waste products like carbon dioxide and water.

    Telangiectasia is the medical name for broken capillaries, or sometimes referred to as Spider Veins or Thread Veins, these will develop because the walls of the veins are delicate and are just below the surface of the skin, which makes them more susceptible to damage especially on the face. If the veins get damaged they become weak and dilate causing the veins to enlarge.

    Why do we get broken capillaries?

    Genetics can play a part, although veins are more common in sensitive skin types.

    Sun damage can enlarge the blood vessels drawing them closer to the skin.

    Temperature changes either extreme heat or extreme cold will agitate the condition.

    Harsh weather conditions.

    Rosacea is a condition causing redness of the face often associated with lumps. It mainly effects fair skinned individuals and we often find sufferers also have developed thread veins

    Smoking causes a narrowing of blood vessels, the nicotine in cigarettes causes the blood vessels to constrict and your heart rate beats faster, which temporarily raises your blood pressure.

    The risk increases of getting Telangiectasia during pregnancy.

    Tips

    Prevention is better than cure, avoid using very hot water on the skin, washing your face in tepid water is a kinder option.

    Avoid too much sun exposure and particularly during the hottest part of the day.

    Saunas can aggravate broken capillaries on the face making the condition worst.

    Using gentle products on the skin can help. Avoid abrasive (mechanical) exfoliants, there are options available to you so that you can still exfoliate.

    Avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking can help.

    Recommended products

    Dermalogica Barrier Repair is a unique shield against environmental damage helping to reinforce the skin’s natural protective barrier, giving all day protection.Contains Vitamins C and E which aids with stimulating collagen formation.This gentle moisturiser contains no artificial fragrance or colour. Reduces sensitivity, redness, irritation and inflammation.

    Environ Colostrum Gel is a highly concentrated revitalising serum to help provide essential nutrition to the skin. The key ingredients of Vitamins C & E provide anti-oxidant protection.

    You may be fed up hearing about the benefits of using an SPF but here it is again, RAD SPF by Environ is our top selling SPF and feels lovely on the skin. Using an effective sunscreen can prevent the development of further thread veins.

    Jane Iredale mineral makeup is a make up that is good for the skin, it contains zinc oxide which is a natural SPF , the products are free of perfume, chemical additives, alcohol and artificial dyes. My ‘can’t live without product’ is the pure pressed base which gives great coverage but feels really light on the skin.

    Recommended Treatments:

    The only real way to get rid of them is with Laser therapy. The Ellipse Sirius Laser system targets the Telangiectasia by directly aiming the laser light onto the blood vessels helping to remove them. A course of 3 treatments are recommended to target the face area but depending on the size of the area on the face being treated sometimes 1 or 2 treatments are sufficient to improve the appearance. A patch test is required prior to treatment to ensure suitability for treatment. These treatments can range from £80 to £125 per treatment and are best carried out during the Autumn/ winter months as can cause photosensivity for 4 weeks after treatment, thus you need to avoid sun exposure throughout your course of treatments.

    If you require any further information on any of the products or treatments discussed here please give us a call 02890666628.

     

  5. What’s in my make up bag?

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    Whats in my make up bag ? I am often asked this question by customers wondering what product to buy. To be honest I have about 5 make up bags,most of them kept in my bathroom cabinet.

    The make up bag that I carry to work is relatively small in size, but packed full of products that I cannot leave home without. I must confess I am a bit of a ‘Jane Iredale’ addict. The range is a mineral make up,so much kinder to my skin. I wear Jane Iredale pure pressed foundation in Golden Glow, this is applied with a horsehair brush, the reason being, natural horse hair holds the minerals on the brush and you won’t lose product, you can of course try any brush but these brushes are high quality and if looked after properly can last for years. I carry my pure pressed powder with a retractable brush to top up as and when I need to. I think my absolute fav product though is chemisrty blush, which is a cream blusher and leaves a lovely dewy effect on the skin, this can also be used on the lips and eyes, it is absolutely lovely. Fetish lip fixation is a lovely lip stain which comes a double ended product, one end stain, the other gloss. My desert island product is longest lash mascara, it really does what it says, it comes in a squeezy tube so you can literally squeeze every last drop out of the tube so no wastage.

    As Beauty Therapists we have worked with various make up brands and are always looking for the best products available and that we know will work. Of course any make up is only as good as the skin you are applying it to. Ensure your face is cleansed, toned and moisturised before applying make up, allow a few minutes after applying moisturiser before putting on make up. I always use a primer to give my face a smooth finish before application of make up.

    • Smashbox Photo finish smooth and blur primer is great for mature skin
    • MaxFactor Miracle Prep pore minimising and mattifying primer for oily skin
    • Dermalogica skin perfect primer would be my primer of choice

    Do remember how important it is to keep your make up brushes clean. Powders and foundation build up quickly on your brushes. If you notice spots appearing on you face it may indicate that its past the time to clean your brushes. We recommend cleaning these once a week if used on a daily basis.

    Some lovely products I have also tried:

    • Mac Shanghai Spice is my new peachy colour
    • Trending at the moment is the Mini Mac Lipstick available in 5 shades.
    • Tom Ford lip colour is so creamy and really moisturising, try Indian Rose or Sugar Glider
    • Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara is only £7.99

    Which ever make up products you use we at Beauty Haven will be happy to advise or why not treat yourself to a cleanse and make up application for that special occasion, should it be a wedding, formal, special birthday or just want a professional to give you the make up look that suits you.

    Cleanse and Make up Priced £25

    Bridal make up including trial Priced £40

     

     

     

  6. How to get rid of pigmentation.

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    What is pigmentation?

    Pigmentation means colouring. Also known as hyperpigmentation or  hypopigmentation. Melanin is the pigment that gives different colours of skin, hair and eyes. Cells within the skin can get damaged by over exposure to the sun which affects the melanin production. Pigmentation disorder can most commonly affect the face, neck, décolletage, hands, arms or the entire body. These areas are the ones frequently exposed to the sun. Saying all that pigmentation is not on its own caused by sun damage, many factors can play a part in this. Some medications such as the contraceptive pill and Hormonal Replacement Therapy can cause photo sensitivity and highlight pigmentation once exposed to the sun.

    Are sun spots the same as pigmentation?

    Sun spots are flat brown spots and are the skins reaction to over exposure to the sun, they are harmless and non cancerous. Pigmentation and sun spots are similar in that they are caused by the same thing. Pigmentation normally covers a larger area and sun spots are like a spot in size and may be deeper, other names are for sun spots are dark spots, age spots, liver spots, although nothing to do with your liver.

    How can I avoid making these symptoms worst?

    • Avoid the sun during peak hours between 10am – 3pm
    • Avoid sunbeds
    • Cover your skin with clothing
    • Use a broad spectrum sunscreen
    • Reapply sunscreen after exercising or swimming

    Treatments:

    1. Mesoestetic Facial Peel
    2. Photo Rejuvenation Facial using Ellipse Sirius System
    3. Ecopeel Microdermabrasion

    Mesoestetic Facial Peels are a high quality advanced range of chemical peels that are effective at targeting pigmentation and sun spots. This facial peel is a deep exfoliation treatment that brightens and lightens pigmentation. These peels are completely safe and are used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin which causes the dead skin to peel off. The peels lighten dark spots providing a de-pigmentation effect and helps to reduce the manifestation of acne and improves appearance of scarring. Multi sessions may be required depending on how dark the pigmentation is and the length of time the pigmentation is visible.

    Photo Rejuvenation or Skin Rejuvenation is a facial that will improve and can remove pigmentation. A course of three are recommended to see results, however usually you will notice a difference after one session. this treatment is done using our laser system.

    The laser light is attracted to the pigmentation or sun spot and will draw this to the surface, to start, the area will darken and within 48 hours will fade.

    Environ Intense C Peel is an advanced Peel and only available as a treatment after being on the set-up system AVST 3 moisturiser.

    The benefits of this facial are many,  L-Ascrobic Acid (water soluble Vitamin C) and Salicylic Acid targets scarring and textural problems giving smooth and refined skin, photo-aged skin, deep lines/wrinkles and pigmentation are also improved.

    The true benefits of this Peel lies in the Vitamin C content that stimulates collagen, inhibits melanin formation and strengthens capillaries.

    Ecopeel Microdermabrasion. This is a deep exfoliation facial that brightens and lightens pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. We recommend between 3-5 treatments for optimum results.

    PRODUCTS

    Environ Vita-Antioxidiant AVST Vitamin A moisturiser set-up system 1-5 is a day and night moisturizer. This normalises melanin, stimulates cell turnover which aids with pigmentation. The set up system begins with AVST 1 introducing Vitamin A in small doses to allow the skin to get used to Vitamin A, once the skin is acceptable move up through the steps slowly.

    Vitamin A normalises and repairs skin cells while protecting from environmental and UV damage. It also stimulates collagen and elastin to combat the signs of ageing to help improve lines and wrinkles.

    Priced from £42 – £48

    Environ Clarifying Lotion is a light, non-oily lotion formulated to supply skin with essential ingredients. Promoting skin growth and cell renewal to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, detoxes pigmentation by pulling it up to the surface. This lotion can be used alongside the laser system.

    Priced at £35 for 100ml

    Environ C-Boost contains a rich dose of vitamin C to help improve the appearance of sun damaged skin. Inhibits tyrosinase to assist in the treatment of hyper-pigmentation. Apply under vitamin A moisturiser morning and night.

    Priced at £35 for 25ml.

    RAD SPF 15 one of the best sellers with a 3 way defence – titanium dioxide, chemical SPF and Antioxidant.

    A face and body sunscreen with a combination of filters and reflectors to provide a SPF15 with a low chemical content and high performance protection.

    Priced at £19.95 for 100ml

    Whatever concerns or questions you may have regarding the removal of pigmentation & sun spots please feel free to discuss further with our consultants at Beauty Haven.

     

     

     

     

     

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