Hilary Lowry, Author at Beauty Haven Belfast Online

Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

The importance of Beauty Sleep
November 6, 2018 7:59 pm Comments Off on The importance of Beauty Sleep
Hands up who gets 8 hours sleep a night? I wish !!! Hectic lifestyles, struggling to be super mum, being efficient at work, keeping on top of the housework, the list goes on. The skin can appear dull and lacklustre as the seasons change and lack of sleep will take its toll on the complexion. We only have so many hours in the day and struggling to switch off can take its toll on the skin as well as the body.

During the night as we sleep we don’t need to worry about the skin coming into contact with everyday pollutants, dirt and grime, the skin gets a well deserved rest and this is the prefect time to replenish with serums and moisturisers to help boost the complexion. The skins protective barrier is lowered as we sleep which allows products to penetrate more efficiently. A recent study found that poor sleep is associated with greater intrinsic ageing, greater trans-epidermal water loss and a lower barrier repair ( published in clinical and experimental dermatology).

When we sleep, the skin makes more collagen, skin hydration is improved due to an increase in cell turnover and blood flow. Overnight skin care is a great opportunity to keep skin in optimum health. The difference in day vs night skincare products is simple, day creams are designed to protect the skin against environmental factors and night creams are designed to replenish and regenerate the skin. You can really feel the textural difference between day and night products. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples so that you can try before you buy.

Look out for products that contain peptides which will help boost the production of collagen and assist in skin renewal. Environs Alpha Hydroxy Night Cream is specially formulated with medium concentrations of lactic and glycolic acid, these AHA’s assist with natural exfoliation and will help improve textural problems associated with dehydration. Products containing Vitamin A also have many benefits such as normalising sebum secretion, locking in moisture and improving the skins immunity.

We all want that softer, smoother complexion, whilst skincare is a major factor in assisting with this, lifestyle choices are equally important. Consider decreasing your ‘screen time’ in the evenings, try to unwind before bed, read a book, have a bath, perhaps meditation is for you!! Whatever option you decide on, getting a good quality sleep will not only improve your mood and productivity but your skin will look brighter and healthier.

For information regarding any of the products mentioned or our range of professional facials please feel free to contact us.
Banish unwanted body hair
October 31, 2018 10:52 am Comments Off on Banish unwanted body hair
The battle to banish unwanted body hair is never-ending. Whether you require facial or body hair removal or both, it can be confusing to say the least to decide which option is best for you. From waxing to laser, it really does depend on your hair thickness, colour not forgetting time and budget.

Permanent Hair Reduction

Laser /Intense Pulse Light (IPL) is a permanent hair reduction system which removes hair from large areas on the body. This is proving a very popular treatment at our salon due to the success rate and the time that is spent in the salon during treatment. A typical session for full legs can be treated in 75 minutes. A course of 6 treatments is recommended with possible top-ups of one or two sessions annually. What makes laser hair removal a winner is that all areas on the body, except for eyebrows, can be treated successfully. Prices start from £35 for upper lip hair removal to £160 for lower leg hair removal.

Before your treatments begins, you are required to have a patch test. This consultation explains the treatment and the results to expect from your treatment. A small area will be tested to enable us to assess the skins reaction to the treatment. Following your patch test you can usually begin your course of treatments within 48 hours.

Permanent Hair Removal.

Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal system available, and is suitable for the largest amount of varied skin and hair types, unlike laser which is only suitable for dark hair. Treatment times are normally from 5 mins to 30 mins depending on the area being worked on. The first time you have a treatment we suggest a 10 minute appointment and work up to a longer time if necessary for further treatments. Due to the success rate of electrolysis our client list is growing everyday and it is advisable to book a few appointments in advance. Prices start from £15 for a 10 minute treatment.

Temporary Hair Removal

Waxing is economical and the hair that grows after waxing is soft and smooth unlike shaving which leaves the hair course. Probably one of the most used form of hair removal, waxing is popular because you can treat large areas of the body relatively quickly – a full leg wax can be done in 30 minutes and the time between treatments is usually between 4 to 6 weekly intervals. The hair is pulled from the root giving a smooth finish, we recommend you exfoliate between treatments to avoid or keep ingrown hairs to a minimal. Prices start from £8 for an eyebrow wax to £25 for a brazilian bikini line wax.

Shaving is widely used by men and is the everyday option to remove beard hair. According to statistics and studies in 2017 the sales for shaving products in Great Britain was 441.2 million pounds, however its not only men who shave, ladies do too and have contributed to these figures. Although shaving is cheap and easy to perform it is a task that needs to be maintained every few days and will leave the hair quite coarse, and sometimes a shaving rash can appear. The neck area can be a problem area for men following shaving, there are many aftershave balms and serums that can make a big difference and definitely worth investing in if this is your chosen method of hair removal.

Threading is an ideal option to remove hair from small areas on the body usually on the face and the main areas are lip, chin, eyebrows, sides of face and neck. If your skin is sensitive to wax or prone to ingrown hairs then threading would be the answer. It is an ideal treatment as there is limited downtime, some people have no redness but if you do tend to go slightly red then the recovery time is quicker than waxing. Prices start from £12 for eyebrow threading.

Whichever method of hair removal you require, should it be one of the above list or a combination from the options given, we at Beauty Haven will endeavour to assist you decide on the best choice for you.
Everything you need to know about thread vein removal.
October 16, 2018 4:24 pm Comments Off on Everything you need to know about thread vein removal.
Thread veins, also known as telangiectasia or spider veins are small capillaries under the surface of the skin that usually appear on the legs and face, but can appear anywhere else on the body and vary in size. They are tiny blood vessels in the dermis which become permanently dilated and rupture spreading blood to other capillaries.

Thread veins affect around 80% of all adults. The condition presents itself as a web of blue, red or purple in colour.

Causes of Thread Veins

The condition is generally harmless, but on rare occasions can be a symptom of other vascular issues and may be best to check out with a doctor to rule out this possibility.

Capillaries are fine enough to let one blood cell through at a time and capillary walls are also one or two cells thick with a minimal amount of muscle fibre. So you can see how easily they can be damaged.

Blood vessels are quite elastic and constrict and relax, with age they lose their elasticity, leading to thread veins.

What factors affect getting Thread Veins

There are a number of factors that contribute to the formation of Thread Veins and as a result one or more of the following may be the cause.
- Genetics play a large part.
- Age is another major factor. As we age skin becomes thinner with less subcutaneous fat (fatty tissue under the skin) allowing the blood vessels closest to the surface to easily damage. However it is not uncommon for people in their twenties to get them.
- Hormonal changes and the menopause particularly fluctuations in oestrogen levels.
- Pregnancy places a lot of stress on blood vessels, more so in the pelvic regions. Physiological changes include the relaxation of vascular walls. The uterus puts lots of pressure on the veins, weakening the vein walls and damaging the capillaries. The great news is they usually disappear after childbirth.
- Jobs that require standing on your feet all day result in blood circulation in your legs slowing down, and may lead to thread veins and/or varicose veins.
- A sedentary lifestyle can also cause problems and crossing your legs whilst sitting constricts circulation, allowing blood to gather and veins to swell.
- Too much time spent sunbathing may trigger and cause thread veins especially on the face.
- Prolonged drinking causes blood vessels to dilate and weakens the collagen in your skin, permitting the veins to remain open and increased blood flow to the face.
What are the options for removal of Thread Veins ?

There are a few options available, lasertherapy, sclerotherapy or a mixture of both. Lasertherapy uses brief pulses of laser light to destroy smaller blood vessels.

Veins bigger than 4mm require sclerotherapy. This treatment uses a tiny needle to inject a solution which gradually shrinks and disappears over a period of about eight weeks.

FAQ’s

For treatment using laser, how many treatments are needed?

On average three, but more may be necessary, depending on the number of veins and their size and location.

How successful is it?

Often those of us plagued with thread veins can be prone to them. The treatment we use in our clinic has proved to be very successful however top up treatments may be necessary. We have treated many clients who have Rosacea and have noted a significant reduction in redness. Whilst Rosacea is a medical condition and cannot be cured by using laser therapy, it can be managed very sucessfully.

Are there any risks or side effects?

A patch test is required prior to your first treatment. This consultation will rule out contraindications to the treatment. A small area is tested and this allows us to gauge how the skin reacts to the laser. Some medical conditions, medications and skin types are not suitable for the treatment and this should be discussed with you at your consultation. In most cases you may experience a mild sunburn type sensation following the treatment, this usually subsides within 24 hours.

What aftercare is recommended?

We recommend using Aloe Vera to calm the skin and an SPF 50 is recommended for 30 days post treatment. The treatment cannot be performed within 30 days of sun exposure so you should consider your treatment plan carefully as it is best if possible to factor in at least three treatments at four weekly intervals. Following the treatment we recommend that you avoid hot baths, saunas, jacuzzis, and going to the gym for 48 hours.

For further information please call us and we will be happy to advise you.
Anti-Ageing Superfoods that can transform your skin
October 8, 2018 10:04 am Comments Off on Anti-Ageing Superfoods that can transform your skin
Our skin mirrors what we put into our body, if we consume a healthy diet our skin will look healthy and radiant.

There are numerous super foods that are packed full of nutritional value and much richer in specific nutrients than ordinary or processed food. Incorporating these super foods into your diet can boost energy levels and transform your skin.

Research has found that antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, along with selenium, can help support and maintain healthy skin and may protect the skin against sun damage.

Inflammation, free radical and oxidative stress can damage the collagen of the skin, and one of the results is premature ageing. A large proportion of our cells, muscles and tissue is made up of Amino Acids, these Amino Acids help give us firm skin. so it makes sense to eat foods that are high in Amino Acids.

Top of the food chain with the highest amount of Amino Acids are those high in protein. Because the body cannot make 9 out of the 20 Amino Acids the best sources of food are animal based as they are higher in essential Amino Acids than lower plant based foods.

Lean red meat, ham, pork , chicken and turkey, halibut, tuna or salmon are just a few suggestions to include in your diet.

Plant based options include oranges, apples, pineapple, grapes, raspberries, pomegranates and plums.

A diet that is based on high quality lean proteins, fruit, vegetable, fibre and other ingredients will give us optimum skin results.

Food Facts …..

A medium size potato contains vitamins A, C, B1, B6, niacin, iron, potassium and fibre, with only around 90 fat free calories

A single carrot will give enough Vitamin A required for the day. Research has shown that carrots have a protective effect against ultra violet rays, which helps you to look younger for longer.

I’m not really a fan of ginger but its benefits are many .Ginger is well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds and is said to be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It may help decrease inflammation that contributes to inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis and if thats not impressive enough, Ginger aids with digestion by improving absorption of essential nutrients. The skin and gut have a strong connection and any food that stays in the digestive tract will produce toxic by-products. This build up of toxins in an unhealthy colon has been linked to skin disorders such as psoriasis, by stimulating the peripheral blood flow ginger acts as a diaphoretic. Therefore helping the skin eliminate toxins, cleansing and healing skin conditions, by promoting cleansing of the system through perspiration.

Fibre is important for digestion and regularity, weight management, keeping blood sugar levels normal. High fiber foods include
- Lentils, bran flakes, berries, apples, pears, broccoli, black beans and split peas.
- Healthy Oils – Olive oil is considered the healthiest because it is a mix of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
- Beetroot aids with the digestive system, especially eaten raw, serve grated with apple, carrot and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Oats are soothing food for the nervous system. They are amazingly high in calcium, potassium and magnesium and also lower cholesterol levels.
- Chia seeds on salads or put into a smoothie.
- Tomatoes are the best source of lycopene, an anti-ageing antioxidant
Smoothies are a great way of incorporating a few of your favourite superfoods, and can be consumed on the go.

For a great breakfast smoothie try:

50 g Rolled oats

1 banana

100g berries – blueberries, strawberries, raspberries

250ml milk – semi skimmed, almond, coconut, whichever is your favourite

A couple of spoonfuls of natural yoghurt

Honey

There are lots of recipes for smoothies and juicing, try other combinations to find the ingredients you like best. Also you can make some fabulous winter soups using a blender or juicer.

You are what you eat so fuelling your body with the correct foods will make you feel and look better. Have fun experimenting 🙂
The benefits of Electrolysis Hair Removal
October 2, 2018 4:24 pm Comments Off on The benefits of Electrolysis Hair Removal
There are several treatments available for hair removal on the market today but to date electrolysis is the only permanent treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you are fed up with the time spent on hair removal or maybe you are fed up with ingrown harshen electrolysis is worth considering.

To help you decide on the right hair removal technique for you ,have a read through our most commonly asked questions.

What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a method of removing unwanted hair from face and/or body. It is the only permanent hair removal system because it targets individual hair when they are in the growing stage, called Anagen, will explain more about this later.

Electrolysis works by inserting a very fine sterile needle into the hair follicle in the natural opening of the skin and removing the hair roots by the application of heat using an electric current.

What causes unwanted hair growth?

There are several reasons why we get unwanted hair growth on the body and face:-
1. A condition called Hirsutism is excessive hair growth on parts of the body and fac where hair is normally absent or minimal. This condition usually develops during puberty and is more pronounced as times goes on.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting the ovaries and one of the side effects is excessive hair growth.
3. Heredity plays a part too, along with hormone levels and even some drugs can stimulate hair growth.
Knowing what is causing excessive hair growth can help in a treatment plan. Electrolysis is a fast an effective treatment and can be carried out during a lunch hour.

Is electrolysis painful?

Having had electrolysis myself I can honestly say that the pain at first is noticeable but it is not an excruciating pain, As treatments continue the pain lessens as you get more used to the treatments and know what to expect. Some people compare it to having a tattoo, others say its not painful at all.

An over the counter topical anesthetic can be used beforehand, applied between 20 – 60 minutes prior to treatment and afterwards Aloe Vera can be used to soothe the skin.

What areas can be treated?

All areas can be treated with electrolysis, apart from inner ear and nose.

Common areas for women are on the face, lip, chin, cheeks, sides of face, eyebrows and neck. On the body – underarms, breasts, abdomen, and bikini line.

Common areas for men are around the edges of the beard, eyebrows, nose, ears, cheeks and areas where ingrown hairs appear.

Transgender/transsexual females commonly have the full beard, chest and back areas treated.

How soon will I notice a difference?

Hair will be removed on the 1^st session and the time between treatments will depend on the area being treated, any health issues, hormones, genetics, the density of the hair, overall average results from start of treatment to the end are usually between 6 to 18 months of regular appointments.

How many treatments will I need?

The amount of treatments will depend on the growth cycle of the hair at the time. Hair grows in 3 cycles.
1. Anagen is the active stage when the hair is growing and this is when it is best to remove hair. As the 3 stages of hair growth vary in when they happen it is best to continue a treatment plan and stick to appointments. The number of appointments and frequency will also depend on which area of the body is being treated and density of hair. Eventually the hair will be gone for good.
2. Catagen is the second part of a hairs lifecycle.
3. Telogen is the resting stage, when hair is not growing. It is the third stage in the hairs cycle. During telogen the resting hair stays in the follicle until the growth of a new anagen hair pushes it out.
Treatment times can vary between 5 mins and 60 mins depending on how large an area is being worked on. This should be discussed at an initial consultation.

You should always book a consultation before you start your treatment plan, you may find there are other more suitable options for you.

Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to drop us a message on facebook/ twitter or send an email. One of the team will be happy to chat with you.
10 Essential skin tips for happy, healthy skin
September 17, 2018 9:00 am Comments Off on 10 Essential skin tips for happy, healthy skin
We all need and deserve happy and healthy skin, but how do we achieve this? Our skin wants to be looked after and given tender loving care. Good skin care and a healthy lifestyle can delay the natural ageing process. We have put together our top 10 essential skin tips to help you get the best from your skin.

A doctor once told me the worst three things for your skin is the 3 S’s – smoking, stress and sun, hence they are in my top 3.

Don’t smoke.

Smoking ages the skin and contributes to wrinkles particularly around the mouth. Smoking narrows the blood vessels which decreases blood flow and in turn depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are vitality essential for healthy skin. Smoking also increases the risk of cancer.

Stress Management.

Manage your stress levels and learn to relax, laugh and have fun. Go on holiday or book a holiday for next year, having something to look forward to is so exciting and keeps you in positive form. Pamper and spoil yourself, book a massage or a Reflexology treatment, we all get stress at some point in our lives. Uncontrolled stress can trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. I have mild psoriasis and know my body is stressed when red patches appear. This is my time to book in for a pamper treatment.

Sun Protection.

Protect your skin from the environment – pollution, car fumes and sun. The most important way to take care of your skin is to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen when spending long periods in the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause age spots, pigmentation, wrinkles and a high risk of skin cancer.

Drink Water

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, your skin will love you for it and you will use less moisturiser. Water flushes out toxins in the body, hydrates the cells which improves elastin leaving your skin plumper. Herbal teas are a good way to increase your water consumption along with foods containing a high water content. Watermelon and strawberries contain about 92% water per volume

Eat the right foods.

Beauty starts from within, the age old saying “you are what you eat” is so true.

“Gluten free keeps spots away” or so my friend tells me. She has been gluten free most of her life and says if she goes to a restaurant and eats gluten within a day or two a spot appears. Eating the right foods is very important for happy, healthy skin.

Fruit and vegetables are packed full of antioxidant, spinach, broccoli, peppers, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and grapes to name but a few are high in antioxidants. These beauties are necessary for normal skin cell development and healthy skin tone.

Stock up on Selenium which is another powerful antioxidant, selenium is an important mineral and has many benefits, it is very important for cognitive function Just four Brazil nuts will provide enough RDA, (recommended daily allowance) other good sources are shellfish, fish, eggs, tomatoes and broccoli.

Studies have suggested that selenium-rich diet can help protect against skin cancer, sun damage and age spots.

Once you make changes to your diet within 6 weeks you should notice the difference, as new skin will emerge up to the surface.

Have a Facial ….

Cleanse & Moisturise using the correct skin care products at home. Pamper with masks or really spoil yourself completely and book in for a facial.

Body Exfoliation

Did you know dry body brushing stimulates the lympathic system and directly assists in removing pathogens, removes dead skin cells and stimulates circulation, leaving the skin soft and smooth?

Exercise

Whether you walk the dog go running or attend the gym, any type of exercise is extremely beneficial for the skin. Increasing heart rate and blood pumping through the system will bring essential nutrients to the skin via the blood giving a glowing complexion. And you always feel good after exercise as the body releases chemicals called endorphins which trigger that positive feeling in the body similar to morphine.

Plenty of sleep

Getting enough sleep plays an important role for good health and wellbeing throughout our life. Sleep helps your brain work efficiently. Studies show after a good nights sleep studying for exams, learning a skill or problem solving will be much easier to tackle.

Vitamin D from the sun

The best place to get vitamin D is directly from the sun. Sunlight is the best and only natural source of vitamin D. Its our sunshine vitamin.

In summary, put yourself at the top of your to do list every single day and the rest will fall into place.

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