Beauty Haven Belfast Online

thebeautyhaven@yahoo.co.uk

0

Visit Online Store

Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. The truth about Retinol

    Comments Off on The truth about Retinol

    Retinol has become a bit of a buzz word recently but what is it and should we be using it?

    Retinol is Vitamin A in its molecule form, found in food, dietary supplements and skin care products. It is used to treat and prevent Vitamin A deficiency. It is the only known molecule that helps keep the skin healthy and helps to provide anti-aging benefits. Vitamin A belongs to a family of chemicals called Retinoids.

    There are four main forms of Vitamin A but they all have the same action.

    1. Retinol increases cell production helping in plumping up the skin allowing skin to look smoother and younger, improving skin texture, diminishing wrinkles and fine lines, helps with pigmentation and tone with just a small amount of serum or cream.
    2. Retinaldehyde (Retinal) is used to make visual purple which is necessary for night vision
    3. Retinoic Acid (Retin A) works on the DNA of the cell nucleus. Normally only available on prescription.
    4. Retinyl Palmitate is a milder form of Vitamin A but still active and easier for the skin to tolerate.

    How does Retinol work on the skin?

    Skincare’s miracle ingredient doesn’t work overnight. As associate Professor of Dermatology Dr Adam Friedman says because retinol works by literally augmenting the biology of the skin. Most case studies take 12 weeks to see any changes.

    A recent BBC programme ‘the truth about looking good’ said that all we needed for wrinkles and ageing skin is Retinol and SPF. We totally agree with this, here at Beauty Haven our leading skincare range is Environ.

    Environ is a globally recognised Professional skin care brand built on science, beauty and care. Only available through authorised trained Environ Skincare Professionals. Environ use a vitamin Step-Up System that helps the skin gradually accept increased dosages of Vitamin A and other essential nutrients.

    Founder and director of Environ Dr Des Fernandes says “Aging skin is a direcrt result of sun-induced vitamin A deficiency. Correct the deficiency and you’ll have more radiant-looking skin”. A deficiency in vitamin A could lead to pigmentation.

    We have set out below our top three Vitamin A products:-

    Environ products

    • Vita-Peptide C-Quence Serum 1- Is the first level in the step-up system which contains the lowest concentration of Vitamins A, C and E. Also packed with antioxidants and peptides that help maintain a smoother and youthful looking skin.
    • Vita-Peptide Eye Gel – Our best selling eye gel stimulates collagen and elastin production to firm and tighten skin. Relaxes facial muscles to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
    • Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturisers Step 1-5 – Step up levels of Vitamin A to normalize and repair skin cells. Protects from environmental and UV damage. Combats the visible signs of ageing and stimulates collagen and elastin.

    6 Reasons why Skin Care Professionals LOVE ENVIRON

    1. The use of high effective doses of vitamin A and antioxidants support healthy looking skin and combats the visible signs of ageing.
    2. Each product has been clinically tested by Dr Fernandes and his team, and by independent collaborators, to be effective and safe.
    3. Products are sold only through expertly trained and authorised Environ Skin Care Professionals.
    4. Maximum effectiveness of formulations is maintained by prevention of exposure to light, heat, air, and irradiation during manufacturing, in other words, Environ skin care products are packaged in specific containers which prevents light, air and bacteria from degrading formulations. Packaging ensures that all ingredients retain their efficacy.
    5. Suitable for all skin types, all ages and all genders.With these five star benefits and Environ’s industry leading Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM™, skin can be reborn and look healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.
    6. Vitamin A is the only scientifically known element that keeps skin healthy and combats the effects of aging. It has been proven that sufficient levels of vitamin A promotes the effects of the skin’s natural moisturising factor and gives it a radiant glow, strengthening the effects of the skin’s outer layer to keep it looking firm. Vitamin A stimulates the production of natural protein to keep skin looking healthy, it supports the effects of skin’s immune system and helps prevent the appearance of breakouts.

    Before you start using products containing Vitamin A and retinol, seek advice from a skincare professional as there are certain medical conditions and medications that would be contraindicated to its use.

  2. Scarring, what can you do?

    Comments Off on Scarring, what can you do?

     When the skin is broken by either a cut, scratch, bite, burn, acne, piercing or surgery, the tissues tear causes a protein called collagen to be released. Collagen builds up where the tissue is damaged and helps the wound to heal and strengthen and seal over. New collagen continues forming for several months and the blood supply increases, causing the scar to become red, raised and  sometimes  lumpy.

    Over time, some collagen breaks down at the site of the wound and the blood supply reduces. The scar gradually becomes smoother, softer and paler.

    Scarring is part of the body’ natural healing process after tissue is damaged, and most scarring fades over time, becoming smoother and less noticeable, although never completely disappear. But some scars don’t stop growing, invading healthy skin and becoming bigger than the original wound.

    Different Types of scars

    A scar can be a fine line or a pitted hole on the skin, or an abnormal overgrowth of tissue.

    A minor cut will usually heal to leave a red, raised fine line, which will gradually get paler and flatter over time. However this process can take up to as long as two years. The scar will not disappear completely and there will be a visible fine line. This type of scarring is common following a wound or after surgery. Not usually painful, but can be itchy for a few months. Scars on darker skin can fade to leave a brown or white mark which may be more obvious on tanned skin because scar tissue will not tan.

    Keloid scars

    A keloid scar is an overgrowth of tissue that occurs when too much collagen is produced at the site of the wound. The scar keeps growing, even after the wound has healed. These scars are raised above the skin and are red or purple when newly formed, before gradually becoming paler. They’re often itchy or painful, and can restrict movement if they’re tight and near a joint.

    Hypertrophic scars

    Similar to keloid scars, hypertrophic scars are the result of excess collagen being produced at the site of a wound. Although not as much collagen is produced in hypertrophic scars compared with keloid scars. Hypertrophic scars are red and raised at the beginning and then reduce to flatter and paler over the course of several years. They don’t extend beyond the boundary of the original wound, but they may continue to thicken for up to six months.

    Scar contractures

    Are often caused by burns. They occur when the skin “shrinks”, leading to tightness and a restriction in movement.

    Pitted or sunken scars

    Some scars caused by skin conditions, such as acne and chickenpox can have a sunken or pitted appearance. Acne scarring can develop due to a complication of acne. Any type of acne spot can lead to scarring but the most common types are nodules and cysts, which burst and damage nearby healthy skin. To minimize scarring it is very important not to pick or squeeze spots.

    Treating Scars

    Beauty Haven offer several different types of treatment for scarring, these include:

    1. Ecopeel Microdermabrasion treatment that improves the appearance of mild scarring.
    2. Mesoestetic Professional Facial Peels offer a quick and very effective solution to reducing active acne and improve acne scarring.
    3. Laser skin rejuvenation:This treatment targets scar tissue and helps even out skin complexion.
    4. The Environ Purifying treatment.Created to purify micro-exfoliate and re-hydrate your skin, this particular treatment assists with the treatment of acne, scaring and deep skin congestion.

    There are many products on the market offering solutions for scarring, seek the advice of a professional who will help you to choose the correct treatment and products.

     

  3. Benefits of massage for stress, sleep and anxiety

    Comments Off on Benefits of massage for stress, sleep and anxiety

    The power of massage is an under estimated therapy that helps the body to relax, rejuvenate and heal itself.

    Massage benefits the whole body both physiologically and psychologically. However, some of the body’s systems are more directly affected that others. Massage is particularly beneficial for the skin, muscles, nerves, circulation, blood and lymph.

    How does STRESS affect us?

    It has been estimated that 75% of disease is thought to be caused by stress and massage may well be the best stress buster. That is a staggering statistic !! Although we cannot avoid stress we need to be able to manage it and not allow the body to work harder than usual in order to remain balanced. The body has to respond to stress, it’s the fight or flight syndrome. We cannot always run away from stressful situations. Several systems shut down and the body works to conserve energy to enable movement and escape.

    Adrenaline rushes through the body to warn of danger, the heart rate increases, blood vessels contract which increases blood pressure, the digestive system shuts down and the muscles contract. If the perceived danger is removed then the body returns to a normal balanced state. Unfortunately if this cannot be achieved – for example an office worker cannot run away from a demanding boss or annoying colleague, then the body remains tense and cannot relax.

    Typical symptoms of stress include getting nervous about an interview, exam or meeting. These can include butterflies in tummy, racing heart or palpitations, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, shaking, insomnia, sweating.

    In the medium term these symptoms if left untreated may cause chest pains, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, migraines, depression, ulcers, asthma, allergies, persistent insomnia, infections and even back ache.

    In the long term constant stress has been known to cause heart disease, strokes, cancer and angina.

    Stress Management

    Stress cannot be cured, there is no pill to take it away, but we can respond in a positive way, rather than negative. For example if stuck in a traffic jam, one person may get angy and annoyed – giving in to stress. Whereas another driver may accept the situation and manage it. The actual stress factor is the same for both motorists. I tend to keep cleaning wipes in my car and take the opportunity the clean the dashboard and steering wheel whilst stuck in traffic.

    How to manage stress

    We can learn to respond in a healthier way by using relaxation techniques. Telling ourselves to relax is not enough, we have to try doing activities that help us relax. Walking, meeting friends, going out to the theatre or cinema, breathing exercises, visualisation, yoga and massage all help to relax the body.

    How can massage help?

    Most stressed people tend to over use conventional methods to relax like smoking and drinking to stay calm, but too much alcohol or nicotine can have an adverse effect in the long run.

    Massage can help induce deep relaxation helping to remove built-up tension of the stress response, without damaging the body. It is easy to forget what deep relaxation feels like. Many clients are unaware of how much tension their body is holding on to until they have a massage. By properly relaxing, massage enables clients to be more aware of what tension feels like which in turn helps to release more tension.

    Massage also allows you to avoid stress altogether, when the body and mind is relaxed, problems and events tend to seem less daunting giving the feeling of calmness, which will prevent tension and stress building up.

    How does massage treat stress and its effects?

    Massage treats stress in several ways:-

    • This treatment relies on touch, one of the most neglected senses. The touch obtained through massage can boost self-esteem and comfort the lonely and bereaved.
    • Boosts the immune system which gets weakened by constant stress, stimulates the circulation and lymphatic system, increases energy levels and induces calm in both body and mind.
    • Releases endorphins, the pain relieving happy hormones.
    • Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows down the body, encourages deeper breathing, lowers heart rate and switches digestion back on.
    • Relaxes all the systems of the body, which either shut down or speed up when stressed and helps with stress related conditions like insomnia, headaches, anxiety, backache and constipation.
    • Helps with treating depression and symptoms of low self-esteem by boosting well-being.
    • Stimulates the body’s natural ability to repair and renew at cellular level.

    Given all the positive reasons to have a massage why not escape for the day and enjoy a unique experience at Beauty Haven where we pamper you and help you through the art of relaxation. A full body massage using sacred oils infused with three precious botanical oils – Monoi, Sesame and Apricot to relax and give a feeling of well-being deep down.

    Please call to discuss our holistic massage treatments including back, shoulder and neck massage, hot stones, Lava Shells, Indian Head, Reflexology, and Balinese Massage.

     

     

     

     

     

  4. Laser hair removal facts, 10 things you should know before getting it

    Comments Off on Laser hair removal facts, 10 things you should know before getting it

    Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to permanently reduce hair growth from the body, by targeting the pigment in the hair rather than the hair itself.

    Laser hair removal has become very popular in recent years. No more shaving, waxing, plucking or ingrown hairs to contend with. We have put together 10 things we feel you should know before deciding to get laser hair removal.

    Hair grows approximately half an inch a month and grows quicker in the summer than in the winter months. It is important to understand the hair growth cycle in order to recognize the problems you can encounter with hair growth

    Top 10 Facts about Laser Hair Removal

    1. Why do I need a course of treatments?

    Hair grows in three stages and every single hair grows at a different stage as follows:

    Anagen – Active or growth stage

    Telogen – Resting stage, no growth

    Catagen – In between active and resting

    For the hair to be damaged it needs to be in the active stage, hairs in the other two stages will not be affected by laser. This is why a course of treatments is necessary and is normally recommended as a course of 6 treatments. It is possible that top-up treatments may be required every few years.

    2. Should I have a patch test?

    A patch test is compulsory at Beauty Haven, we offer a free 20 minute consultation and patch test (with no obligation) to determine if your hair is suitable for laser treatment and to answer any questions you may have. We test a small area with the laser and providing you have no reaction after 48 hours to the patch test, treatment can commence.

    3. Can all hair colours be treated?

    No, not all hair colour can be treated, laser will not work on light, grey or red hairs due to the melanin in the skin. Electrolysis is an option to consider for these hair colours. Laser hair removal works best on dark hair and gives really good results.

    4. Can I use any other form of hair removal?

    You can shave, yes I did mean shave before treatment, we would normally do this for you. If the hair is too long the laser will burn the hair. Any other form of hair removal is not advisable.

    5. My skin is sun tanned.

    If you have sunbathed or used a sunbed less than 30 days before laser treatment and have an active tan then you cannot be treated for any laser treatments. The same applies if you have had laser treatment then we strongly recommend not to go out in the sun otherwise your skin may burn.

    6. How painful is Laser Hair Removal?

    It does depend on your pain threshold, some people don’t feel any discomfort, whilst others refer to it as a rubber band flicked against the skin.

    1. Which areas can be treated?

    Large areas of skin can be treated as laser targets several follicles at once. Unlike other forms of permanent hair removal like electrolysis which can take years. A typical laser hair removal session on both legs take 75 mins.

    Whereas upper lip and chin can be treated in 20 minutes and underarms also in 20 mins. A perfect lunch time appointment if you wanted these three areas lasered, and still time for a sandwich.

    8. How much will it cost?

    The cost of laser hair removal is a concern, but considering the years spent and the cost of other forms of hair removal like waxing laser may be a better option. Exact costs will be discussed at time of consultation.

    9. How successful is laser treatment?

    You can expect between 85 and 95% permanent hair reduction from IPL/laser hair removal course of treatments.

    10. Choose wisely

    The best salons are from word of mouth recommendations. Many salons advertise cheap and discounted laser treatments, but may not be the best for you. Do a little research before signing up for services. Protect yourself and your skin by speaking with a professional. Look for a salon that is registered with the RQIA.

    Should you have any other questions or concerns about laser hair removal, please feel free to telephone, email, facebook or call into the salon. Team Beauty Haven would be delighted to help you in any way we can.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  5. The Best Facial Scrubs for Woman Over 40

    Comments Off on The Best Facial Scrubs for Woman Over 40

    Celebrating a mile stone birthday is the perfect opportunity to treat your skin with tender loving care. Now is the time to invest in products that will improve your skin and take you through to the next decade with confidence. Our face is on show all the time, using the best products is vital, but equally important to look good we should remember prevention as well as repair and maintenance.

    As skin ages it decreases in production of collagen and elastin resulting in wrinkles, fine lines and crows feet. An unhealthy diet, lifestyle, and over exposure to the sun can result in dull. puffy, blotchy skin and age spots.

    Most of us tend to stick to a basic skin care regime – cleanse, tone, moisturise and applying sun protection when the sun pops out.

    Exfoliation is an essential part of helping our skin to look its best, the natural shedding of dead skin cells encourages healthier, smoother, plumper and more even toned looking skin.

    It is difficult and time consuming sifting through all the scrubs and exfoliation products on the market so to help you we have put together our favourite facial scrubs for woman over 40.

    Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant is a new resurfacing anti-pollution Age smart product. The advanced powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing powerful enzymes and skin smoothing alpha hydroxy acids that deep cleanse pores to help remove pollutants trapped in the skin. The activated Binchotan Charcoal adsorbs environmental pollutants known to irritate skin and accelerate skin aging while Niacinamide, Red Algae and Tara Fruit help fight pollution triggers that lead to premature aging. This highly active resurfacer delivers your smoothest skin ever, and helps fight the biochemical and environmental triggers known to accelerate skin aging.

    Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is perfect to achieve a brighter, smoother skin every day with this iconic exfoliating powder. Rice based powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to polish skin to perfection. Skin looks instantly brighter, with fewer visible pores. A skin brightening complex of Phytic Acid, white tea and licorice helps balance uneven skin tone while a super soothing blend of colloidal Oatmeal and allantoin calms skin. Gentle enough for daily use.

    Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant thermal skin exfoliant infuses skin with age fighting ingredients. This powerful skin polisher combines physical and chemical exfoliants to refine skin texture and enhance vitamin delivery. Resurfacing microgranules gently polish off dulling skin cells to reveal smoother, fresher skin immediately. Unique thermal technology activates upon contact with water to stimulate skin sloughing Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Retinol. Skin feels and looks dramatically improved and smoother.

    Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant lactic and hydroxyl acid exfoliating masque for dramatic skin smoothing. Non-abrasive exfoliation treatment helps stimulate cell renewal as natural fruit enzymes detach dead skin cells to improve skin texture. Aloe Vera helps calm and soothe.

    Sometimes to get you started a more professional approach is required. Here at Beauty Haven our skin specialists have a wealth of knowledge to help you get your skin looking healthy again. Our signature facials include the following:

    The Prescriptive Facial targets blocked pores and blackheads giving a deep cleanse. This treatment is truly revolutionary because it is customized at every step by your skin therapist, based on the face mapping analysis of your skin.

    The EcoPeel Microdermabrasion facial is a gentle peel to remove dead skin cells using crystals to improve the appearance of fine lines, mild scarring, sun damage and uneven skin tone.

    Mesoestetic Professional Facial Peel is an acid peel which treats the lower layers of the epidermis and offers a quick and very efficient solution to skin specific needs such as fine wrinkles, hyper pigmentation and acne scarring.

    The Best Reasons to Exfoliate:-

    • Exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells to stop skin looking dull, leather like and bumpy.
    • Exfoliate to prevent wrinkles. Exfoliating reveals younger more nourished skin and increases cell turnover.
    • Exfoliate to improve absorption of your active skin care products, meaning using less product and saving money.
    • Exfoliate to increase blood flow and circulation. Blood carries nutrients to feed the skin.
    • Exfoliate to stop pores getting bigger. Dirt, grime and dead skin cells builds up in pores over time, if left untreated resulting in bacteria appearing.

    And remember, smooth skin makes for a much better make-up application, please call in if you need any further advice on which facial scrub is the best for you.

  6. Sun Protection

    Comments Off on Sun Protection

    There has never been a better time to talk about sun protection than now. Northern Ireland has not seen so many days of sunshine in years. We are experiencing proper summer days, like the ones we normally pay money to go sit on a sunny beach or sunbathe by the pool in another country. Sometimes you cannot beat sitting in the garden at home with a good food and glass of wine. I was listening to the radio a few days ago and the presenter was asking people to phone in with their holiday experiences, most people were saying they would rather stay at home when the weather is this good.

    Is it just me, but I tend to think that home sunshine is not as strong as when we are on holiday, well I used to think that, now I know I have to protect at home as well as on holiday.

    In the UK the sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm from March to October. On the NHS website the sun safety tips are:-

    • Spend time in the shade
    • Take measures to ensure you never burn
    • Use suitable clothing to cover up
    • Wear Sunglasses
    • Use a minimum of factor 15 sunscreen
    • Take extra care with children and babies

    The sun protection factor or SPF as it is better known is the measurement of ultraviolet (UVB) protection. SPF’s are scaled from 2 to 50+ with 50+ offering the strongest UVB protection. The star rating measures UVA protection and should be at least four star.

     Sports

    Sun protection during many sports activities include golf, water sport, yachting, skiing and many more. A study investigated the behavior of 418 Dutch adults who planned a skiing holiday. Each was asked to complete a questionnaire before and after their ski trip. The questions included knowledge, risk perception, worry, attitude, social influence, self efficacy and intention. Results showed that despite their high intention 40% did not use sunscreen adequately during their ski holiday. Furthermore, one-fourth of the respondents reported at least one sunburn during their ski holiday. Men and younger respondents used sunscreen less frequently and were sunburnt more often. Sunscreen use was predicted by a positive attitude, high self-efficacy levels, high intention, high knowledge and high perceived risk. The background and psychosocial variables explained 32% of the total variance of sunscreen use.

    Skin types

    Extra care should be taken in the sun if you have pale to fair skin, freckles, red or fair hair, moles or tend to burn easily or have a family history of cancer.

    Babies skin is very sensitive and damage caused by repeated exposure could lead to skin cancer developing in later life.

    Always remember sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer.

    Clothing & sunglasses

    Clothing is the first line of defense against the sun as well as using SPF, wearing long sleeved tops and trouser with a close woven fabric to block the sunlight getting through is ideal during the hottest parts of the day.

    A wide brimmed hat that covers face, neck and ears and also keeps you cool. Wear sunglasses with wrap around lenses or ones with wide arms that have the CE mark and European Standard EN 1836:2005

    Sun hazards in your car

    I never thought about sun exposure whilst driving my car, but dermatologists in the USA observed that patients had more sun damage on one side of the body, resulting in wrinkles, leathering, sagging, brown age spots and even cancer. Research points to UVA radiation penetrating through car windows.

    Remember UV exposure is cumulative, and skin that is exposed to sun shinning through window glass, even in the office, can over time lead to significant skin damage. Therefore use sun creams on arms, hands, neck and face, use the sun visors in your car and if you have tinted windows keep them closed and use the air conditioning.

    For your eyes

    The skin around the eyes is the thinnest skin on our body and should be protected with UV blocking sunglasses. By not wearing suitable protective sunglasses the sun can cause a temporary but painful burn on the surface of the eye.

    Skin Ageing

    It is estimated that 90% of ageing skin is due to sun exposure. If we want to keep those wrinkles and fine lines at bay wear a suncream and reapply often.

    And finally ………Have fun in the sun

    Protecting your skin from the sun doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself, do what you normally do, if its jet skiing, paddle boating, tennis,  just reapply your SPF often ( about every hour).

    We sell Environ and Dermalogica SPF’s in salon, please pop in for advice.

     

     

Top