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Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. Looking after your skin during Pregnancy

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    Pregnancy can cause a number of changes to your skin due to hormonal increase and blood flow. Problems that arise with skin during pregnancy can be separated into three catagories:

    1. Pregnancy related.
    2. Hormone related.
    3. Pre-existing conditions

    Stretch Marks

    One of the first things you associate with pregnancy is stretch marks. The collagen of your skin is stretched to the limit, causing fissures which leave red, brown or purple stretch marks.  They often appear on abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs during the second and third trimesters.

    Including the following Vitamins in your diet is the best option to help minimize stretch marks:

    • Vitamin C – fresh fruit and vegetables.
    • Vitamin E – almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, peanut butter, sunflower oil and seeds, safflower, corn and olive oils.
    • Zinc – lean red meats, lamb, pork, chicken and turkey have the highest concentration of Zinc. Cereals, pumpkin and sesame seeds are also a good source of zinc.

    The good news, help is at hand – in the Environ range there is AVST Vitamin A, C and E Face and Body Oil which helps to fade stretch marks post-pregnancy.

    Dehydrated Skin

    The changes taking place in your body could make your skin dry, itchy and feeling tight. To combat this drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Use a spritz to refresh and rehydrate and  remember to moisturise day and night to help keep skin looking and feeling good.

    Sensitivity

    Skin can be highly sensitive during pregnancy, skin products, perfume, make-up and washing powder can irritate the skin. Be gentle with your skin and use products that hydrate the skin and are free from acids and retinol. Why not consider changing your makeup to mineral makeup due to the sensitivities that may arise during pregnancy. Jane Iredale – The Skincare Makeup sell a PurePressed base mineral foundation with a SPF20 UVA/UVB. This foundation is so easy and quick to apply.

    Varicose Veins

    Varicose veins may develop anytime during pregnancy and tend to get larger as you get bigger. The enlarged varicose veins in the legs are due to the uterus exerting greater pressure on these veins. The extra volume of blood is essential to support two growing bodies. Some women find it beneficial to put their feet up and rest legs to minimize swelling. These generally improve 3 to 12 months after birth.

    Acne

    Many Mums to be get acne during pregnancy, even if they have never had it before, this is due to the heightened hormone activity. Try products that are poven safe to use during pregnancy. Wash with a gentle cleanser and avoid picking spots and blemishes. Dermalogica have the clear range for Acne with the oil clearing Matte moisturizer that minimizes oil and shine.

    Pigmentation

    Pigmentation also know as Melasma is a common skin condition with light, grey or dark skin that can affect anyone, but is particularly common in women during pregnancy, and those taking oral or patch contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. Research suggests Melasma can be triggered by stress. The areas affected are breasts, skin on inner thighs and a dark line on the naval down to the pubic bone (linea nigra) can appear. Dark patches may develop on your face (chloasma). Sunshine normally worsens the condition, so ensure to use a pregnancy safe sun lotion or avoid the sun. Melasma can run in families, suggesting an inherited tendency.

    Products which are safe to use during pregnancy and contain the following ingredients:

    • Antioxidants, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and SPF.

    The following products should be avoided:

    • Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Vitamin A and Retinol

    You will be happy to know that most skin condition problems during pregnancy should clear after the baby is born.

    Whatever problems you are experiencing with your skin during pregnancy it may be beneficial to have a consultation with one of our skin therapists who can perform a face mapping and identify what products would suit your skin.

  2. Vitamin D. The Sunshine Vitamin !!!!

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    Vitamin D is important for strong bones and overall wellbeing but what most people don’t realise is that it is essential for healthy skin. We produce Vitamin D when we are exposed to sunlight but sadly the lack of sunshine in the UK coupled with the use of sunscreens means that around 85% of woman don’t get enough.

    Vitamin D benefits the skin in many ways:

    • The first is the ability to help skin rejuvenate itself. We lose around 30,ooo cells every minute and they are replaced by a renewal process dependent on Vitamin D. Clients deficient in Vitamin D means that their cells won’t proliferate as well as they should, the result is thin sagging skin.
    • Vitamin D boosts the skins immunity, it speeds up healing and helps protect wounds against infection by promoting antimicrobial agents. In fact ultra violet light therapy is often prescribed for psoriasis.
    • Vitamin D is a powerful antioxidant which fights free radicals that can cause premature ageing.
    • Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 are most beneficial for skin health.
    • One of the most well-known uses for Vitamin D in terms of skin is its treatment of psoriasis. Psoriasis symptoms include itchy and flaky skin, which can heal by the topical application of Vitamin D cream or by having prescribed Vitamin D supplements.
    •  Vitamin D3 contains strong anti-inflammatory properties which make it effective for treating burns, skin injuries, skin damage and stretch marks. Thus vitamin D is mostly added in creams and lotions for its anti-inflammatory properties.
    •  The anti-oxidant present in Vitamin D prevents skin damage and premature ageing of skin when taken via supplements or included in diet. Adequate skin exposure can also provide relief from these symptoms

    There are 3 ways to get Vitamin D Sunlight, supplements and food.

    Some foods high in Vitamin D:

    Cod Liver Oil,

    Various types of fish (particularly raw fish). Fish canned in oil will have more vitamin D than those canned in water.

    Fortified cereals, although be sure to pick cereals which have little to no refined sugars and hydrogenated oils !

    Oysters.

    Caviar.

    Tofu and soy milk.

    Salami, ham and sausages (although also high in cholesterol and sodium)

    Fortified dairy products.

    Eggs.

    Mushrooms.

    Although natural sunlight is the most efficient way for the body to manufacture Vitamin D (also known as the sunshine vitamin) supplements are available from suppliers such as Holland and Barrett and Boots. That said, usually between the months of April to September we can get enough Vitamin D from sunlight so it may not be necessary to take a Vitamin D supplement.

    Some of the many benefits of Vitamin D?

    • It helps the intestine to absorb nutrients, calcium and phosphorus. This ensures strong bones and a healthy immune system.
    • Vitamin D prevents osteomalacia, which causes weakness in the muscular system and brittle bones. It is mostly prevalent in adults with Vitamin D deficiency.
    • Vitamin D provides calcium balance in the body and prevents arthritis.
    • Vitamin D regulates blood pressure and reduces stress and tension. It also relieves body aches and pains by reducing muscle spasms.
    • Vitamin D also helps to differentiate between cells, aids in insulin secretion and helps to fight depression.
    • It arms the immune system against disorders like cold and flu.
    • Vitamin D also improves eye sight of children. A couple of hours daily outdoors will help their growing eyeballs to develop properly and will prevent nearsightedness.
    • It also reduces the risk of developing sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is much less common near the tropics where there is ample sunlight.
    • It reduces the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms
    • A form of Vitamin D provides protection against damage from low levels of radiation..
    • Vitamin D helps to improve mental sharpness.

    Plenty of food for thought, Vitamin D can be added into your lifestyle pretty easily and the benefits are definitely worth thinking about.

  3. Things you never knew about your nails.

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    Our hands and nails are one of the most visible parts of our bodies. We use them in most of our everyday activities and constantly abuse them, we forget that actually they are one of our ultimate accessories….so we should take more notice and give them more attention. With the summer season upon on and holidays to look forward to, salons see a massive increase in Manicure and Pedicure treatments, not to mention the application of gel overlays.

    Gel overlays are very popular at the moment, they are thin as paper but as strong as steel and will also up to 3 weeks, fantastic to last through your entire holiday. You may hear people say that gel nails have ruined their nails, this is a myth,the gel itself cannot cause any damage to the nail plate, it is often how clients choose to remove the UV polish that causes the damage. Our best advice when opting for a UV polish is to make an appointment to have them removed in 2-3 weeks, that way you won’t be tempted to pick them off.

    There are a variety of different colours to choose from or if you prefer the natural look you can have just a clear gel applied or a lovely French Polish. Gel is much more hard wearing than nail polish and is easily maintained, gel protects the nails and allows more brittle and weak nails to grow. The gels will need soaked off with a special solvent as they grow from the root or they can be ‘infilled’ to give you an extra few weeks of colour.

    Nail Facts And Tips.

    • Nails grow roughly 1mm each week.
    • The rate at which your nails grow can be slowed down by illness,or sped up by stress.
    • For stronger nails, eat foods rich in calcium,iron and zinc.
    • White marks on nails are due to knocks, not calcium deficiency.
    • Strong soaps,detergents and lotions dry nails out causing them to split. Wear rubber gloves.
    • Brittle nails can be a sign of an inadequate water intake
    • Nail biting is called onychophagia. It’s also a common nervous habit.Roughly half of children between 10 and 18 bite their nails, according to WebMD, but most people stop on their own by age 30. While nail biting is mostly harmless (albeit unsanitary), possible health risks include contributing to skin infections and aggravating nail bed conditions.
    • Stress can take a toll on your nails.
    • In addition to stress-related picking and biting, chronic stress can inhibit nail growth diverting the body’s energy and nutrients away from growing healthy nails and hair.
    • Nails are a window to the entire body. A a well-trained dermatologist can tell a huge amount about your overall health just by examining nails. From nail bed discolouration, to capillaries in the cuticles, to yellow, white, or banded nails, sometimes very serious or even life-threatening disease can be diagnosed just by examining the tips of your fingers, if you see something wrong or unusual see a dermatologist for help.
    • Mens nails grow faster than woman’s ( except during pregnancy)
    • Nails  Grow Faster in Warmer Climates but why does this happen? The sun helps your body create the vitamin D your nails need to grow quickly.
    • My favourite fact – Nails Grow Faster on Your Dominant Hand. For example if you’re right-handed, you may have noticed that you have to trim the nails on your right hand more often, the theory behind this is that nails that are used more often and exposed to the elements grow faster.

    Hopefully you have enjoyed some of our ‘nail facts’ . Book your nail treatment early to avoid missing out during the manic summer salon season.

  4. Treating dry and dehydrated skin.

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    Dry skin is caused by low levels of oil and dehydrated skin means there is not enough water inside the body. Meaning you could have dry skin and be well hydrated or have both dry and dehydrated skin.

    Everyone wants to have glowing, smooth, plump and wrinkle free skin. How do we achieve that? Lets begin from the inside. The body is 70% water and 70% of the earth is made up of water. If we have that much water in our system it makes sense to top up every day.

    And its not just the skin that needs to be kept hydrated but the whole body. We use 35 litres of water to breath, and this is while we are resting. Inside our body we need water and outside of our body we require creams, lotions and conditioners. We love these glorious hot sunny days but more important than ever to drink plenty of liquids as the volume of water lost in sweat is highly variable, ranging from 100 to 800 ml per day. Protecting our skin and hair from the harsh rays of the sun is therefore parmount.

    The percentage of water in the body varies according to age and gender. Babies hold the most at around 75%, with adults averaging at 70%. When you feel thirsty you have already lost 2-3% of the body’s water. Mental and physical performance is impaired at just 1% dehydration.

    Functions of water in the body.

    • Water is the primary building block of cells and carries oxygen and nutrients to cells.
    • Required to metabolise proteins and carbohydrates used as food.
    • Lubricates joints
    • Insulates the brain, spinal cord, organs and fetus.
    • Flushes toxins and waste out of the body via urine and perspiration.

    Our Top tips to cope with dry/dehydrated skin

    • Our nails can dry out and lose oil, resulting in dry cuticles. try using a cuticle oil before going to bed to allow the oil to work magic overnight. Hair can also become dry and brittle, especially in the hot sun, protection is the best option, wear a sun hat and if swimming in the pool use a hair protect serum.
    • Drink plenty of water: The best way for your skin to remain hydrated is to drink one to two litres of water each day. Carry a small bottle for the car and a larger one for work. Start the work from inside first. Our muscles, brain and kidneys will work better.
    • Avoid hot water: When washing hands, showering and bathing hot water tends to strip the skin of natural oils, leaving the skin dry and cracked. Use luke warm water particularly on the face.
    • Eat foods that assist with hydration, foods containing vitamins C & E will lock in the moisture. Salmon, mackerel, Avocado and most fruits and vegs. Almonds and walnuts are great for snacking on and are high in Omega fatty acids.
    • Protect your skin from the sun. Always wear an SPF everyday, even when there is cloud and remember to reapply if you are out all day. Try to avoid the hottest times of the day between 12pm and 3pm, stay in the shade if possible.
    • Spoil yourself: Treat yourself to a facial. Environ HydraBoost Treatment is the perfect antidote for dry, lack lustre skin, this intensive treatment deeply hydrates while plumping and firming the skin. Based on Hyaluronic Acid, which holds 1000 times its own weight in water, it helps to reduce fine lines caused by dehydration and increase the plumpness of the dermis, resulting in moisturised, glowing skin.
    • Treat skin with the correct products.We stock a range of Dermalogica products suitable for varying degrees of dryness, from cleansers, moisturisers and boosters to special masques. We offer treatments such as the Multi vitamin facial and the very popular Mesoestetic lactic acid peel. Also, body treatments such as the prescriptive body treatment can work miracles, exfoliating the dead skin cells and really conditioning the skin.

    Whichever your type of skin condition, we are only a phone call away and are always happy to discuss your concerns and help you with choosing the correct products for your skin.

     

  5. Smooth Moves laser hair removal

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    As the summer holidays approach, we dream of having the perfect beach body and ridding ourselves of unwanted hair.

    Hair removal is one of the most sought after treatments in the beauty industry, there are many options available to us these days, there has over recent years been a surge in the demand for the more permanent laser hair reduction methods, especially now that it is possible to have a practically pain free experience. Hair removal effects each and every one of us regardless of age, gender or skin type, we have many reasons for wanting to rid ourselves of body hair including self confidence issues and medical reasons.

    The effectiveness of laser hair removal treatments will be dependant on the clients skin and hair colour. The treatment is not suitable for all clients, for example someone who has grey, white, red or blond hair would not be suitable for laser hair removal and should consider electrolysis instead.This is the only treatment can that can legally name itself as permanent hair removal rather than permanent hair reduction. That said it is definitely more suitable on smaller areas such as the face/neck/ underarms.  The treatment works by inserting a tiny probe into the hair follicle and a short burst of energy is then targeted at the root of the hair, this prevents nutrients from feeding the hair, causing it to become weaker and finer before stopping growing altogether after a series of treatments.

    The cost of hair removal treatments is often a concern however when we consider what we have spent over the years not to mention the time involved, we will save money in the long run as we won’t require as many visits as we would if using the more traditional methods such a s waxing.

    If you are considering laser hair removal you will be required to have a patch test first to ensure suitability for treatment. This consultation will take about 20 minutes and you will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns and should be advised of the cost. This patch test is primarily a skin test and will assess how the skin reacts to the laser. You will be asked to complete a consultation form to rule out any contraindications to the treatment. A course of 6 treatments is recommended at 6 weekly intervals for body hair and 4 weekly intervals for facial areas. We do advise against having the treatment 30 days before of after sun exposure.

    You can expect 85-95% permanent hair reduction from an IPL/laser hair removal course of treatments if you have the correct hair and skin colour for the treatment, further top up treatments may be required in the future to maintain the results of the treatment. The treatment is often used by clients who suffer from ingrown hairs, these can be painful and unsightly and although we all know we shouldn’t pick at ingrown hairs, it can be hard to resist and the skin is then left scarred. If you do suffer from ingrown hairs, this is definitely an option worth considering.

    Following an IPL/laser treatment it is important to use an SPF as the treatment can cause photosensitivity, in other words your skin will burn more easily if exposed to the sun and this is turn can cause problems such a pigmentation. We recommend using an SPF50, there are many on the market, we use Dermalogica’s SPF 50 solar defence booster.

    So if you are getting ready for summer and considering your hair removal options, look for reputable clinics registered by the RQIA ( details on their website of all regulated clinics).

     

     

  6. Reduce Stress – our top tips!

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    Stress is a factor that threatens our mental or physical state.Our stress mostly comes from worries about finance, work, children, relationships, divorce, bereavement, moving house, exams etc. Or stress can form due to not so real factors like worrying about the future or things beyond our control. Even getting stuck in a traffic jam can be stressful. Everyone gets stressed its how we deal with it that is very important. There are two types of stress, positive and negative.

    Positive stress is essential in spurring motivation and awareness providing the stimulation needed to cope with challenging situations. Sportspeople and actors need the adrenalin to push forward and focus.

    However negative stress can cause us to respond by worrying, panicking or losing our concentration.

    How does stress affect us?

    Our body has to respond to stress. Thousands of years ago the stress was more physical, we had to hunt for our own food and protect ourselves from wild animals. In the 21st century the effects of stress is the same, whether the threat is an angry boss or an angry buffalo. The fight or flight syndrome prepares our body to face the stressful situation or run away. Several systems shut down to conserve energy to enable movement and escape. Adrenaline rushes into the body to warn of danger, the heart rate increases, blood vessels contract increasing blood pressure, the digestive system shuts down and muscles contract. Once the danger is removed the body returns to its relaxed state.

    However, it is not always easy to remove yourself from the stress, and as a result the body remains tense and cannot relax. This unused response mechanism is damaging.

    Some effects of stress:- insomnia, headaches, diarrhea, depression, heart disease and cancer.

    Stress has a tendency to creep up on you when you least expect it. Everyone gets stressed, its how we deal with it that matters.

    1. Stay active and exercise even if its taking the dog for a walk or walking to the shops. Fresh air has a way of clearing your thoughts and helping the mind to stay positive, and often you bump into someone you know and end up having a chat. Last week what should have been a 20 minute walk with my dog took an hour as I kept stopping to chat and catch up with neighbours.
    2. Humour is a wonderful stress reducer and antidote to upsets at home and work, we laugh the hardest when we are more tense. Laughter relieves muscular tension, improves breathing regulates the heart rate and pumps endorphins – the bodys natural painkillers into the bloodstream.
    3. Massage is an excellent way to destress resulting in an immediate local and physiological effect on my whole body, Massage therapy improves circulation, relieves tired and aching joints, and promotes general relaxation. The psychological effect helps you to switch off, thereby reducing tension and the effects of stress. I always feel energized after a massage and much more chilled out.
    4. If you are not squeamish about having your feet massaged, you should consider a course of Reflexology treatments. The feet mirror the body in Reflexology and the treatment  induces a state of well being and equilibrium in the body.
    5. Practising meditation and mindfulness every day will help the mind focus and reduce anxiety.
    6. Food management is important and can improve your ability to relax and cope with stress. Food affects every organ of our bodies, including the heart, lungs and brain. Have you ever heard that fish is good for the brain? The correct diet will encourage fitness and energy, nourish nerves, feed muscles, improve circulation and breathing, and support the immune system. It will promote a general feeling of positiveness and calm.
    7. Leave yourself enough time to get to work or appointments, I know when I am running late for work, every traffic light is red and then when I get to work I cannot find a parking space, and I don’t like being late which stresses me out even more.

    Whichever method you choose to use remember we all have to deal with stress, how you de-stress is vital to good health.

     

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