Beauty Haven Belfast Online

thebeautyhaven@yahoo.co.uk

0

Visit Online Store

Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. May is skin cancer awareness month

    Comments Off on May is skin cancer awareness month

    Its that time of year again and we are either thinking of where to go on holiday this summer or maybe we have already booked a trip. Its great to have something to look forward to but remember to stock up on SPF and stay safe in the sun. Sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer, it ages the skin and causes age spots and pigmentation problems, in fact a tanned skin is now regarded as a damaged skin.

    What can increase the risk of skin cancer:

    • Hereditary factors, if you have a family member who has had skin cancer
    • Smoking
    • Fair skin
    • Bad Scar tissue that has been exposed to the sun
    • Overuse of sunbeds and sun exposure

    There are three major types of skin cancer, which are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. Non melanoma is basel cell and squamous cell carcinomas and are grouped together and known as common skin cancers. Both these common skin cancers appear on any part of the body that is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sun beds. Mainly on the face, nose, ears, lips, scalp, neck, chest, arms, hands and legs.

    Basal cell carcinoma affect people with fair to pale skin, with freckles and blonde or red hair and are more common in men than women.  Most BCC are painless and appear as a scab that occasionally bleeds and doesn’t heal properly. Some look like a scaly mark or a pearl shape bump. If left untreated can erode the skin causing an ulcer, which is why it gets its name as rodent ulcers. Most BCC can be cured if diagnosed and treated early enough.

    Squamous cell carcinoma affects around 25,000 people every year and treatment is very effective. People with darker skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma.

    Melanoma skin cancer is different to non melanoma cancer and starts in the cells in the skin which are called melanocytes. These cells are found between the dermis and epidermis of the skin. Melanocytes make a pigment called melanin that gives skin its natural colour and protects the body from ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Too much exposure to the sun and not wearing protection from clothes and sun lotions causes the skin to burn. Sunburn damages our DNA and over a period of time results in damaged cells growing into cancer. Other factors are sun beds, skin type, hair and eye colour, the number of moles on the skin, family history or a weakened immune system.

    Melanoma can appear on normal skin, as a lump, growth, sore or develop from a mole that appears on the skin or from one that already exists. Some moles are present from birth that may develop into melanomas. Any changes to the skin or any bleeding from skin growths are best checked to rule out skin cancer.

    People who live in hotter climates tend to have naturally darker skins making their melanocytes more active, and making more use of the pigmentation in the skin, more so than in paler skin.

    Melanoma is slightly more common in females than males and around 50% of people diagnosed with melanoma in the UK each year are aged 65 and over.

    The best treatment for melanoma is early detection, prevention being better than cure. So it is vital to check regularly for any signs. To assist with this it is helpful to know the ABCD system as follows:

    • Asymmetry: One side of the abnormal area is different from the other side.
    • Borders: The area of growth has irregular edges.
    • Colour: One area of growth is a different colour to another, with colours of tan, brown, or black, white, red, or blue or a mixture of colours may appear within one growth.
    • Diameter: The growth area is normally larger than 6 mm in diameter – but not always.

    To treat melanoma, the cancerous skin cells and a portion of the normal surrounding skin usually have to be surgically removed.

    Tips to stay safe in the sun

    • Use a combination of shade, clothing and SPF.
    • Wear a large sunhat and sunglasses.
    • Cover up with loose fitting clothing.
    • Stay in the shade at the hottest time of the day, usually from about 11am – 3pm. A major misconception is that applying sunscreen once a day is enough, choose an SPF with a rating of 4 stars and reapply regularly, I reapply every hour when on holiday.
    • Environ skincare contains active vitamins and antioxidants to help protect your skin from the sun
    • Jane Iredale mineral make up contains a natural SPF

    Wherever you go this year, have fun and stay safe in the sun.

  2. Our top tips for acne sufferers.

    Comments Off on Our top tips for acne sufferers.

    At some time in your life you may suffer from acne, this skin condition is very common and is not isolated  to your teenage years but can often reoccur throughout adult life. Breakouts can affect our self esteem, the more stressed out we get about them the condition seems to worsen. First things first, if you think you have acne speak to a skin care therapist or your Doctor to confirm your condition. Severe acne is often treated by your GP who may decide to refer you to a dermatologist or consultant who specialises in skin conditions, however less severe acne can be treated successfully by implementing a good skin care regime regime.

    1. Implement a daily routine morning and night to wash your face with clean hands using the product best suited to your skin. Preferably using products that have been recommended by your Doctor, Dermatologist or Skin Therapist. When washing your face use circular movement with your finger tips to cleanse the skin. Ensure the water is not too hot, as this will irritate the skin.

    Dermalogica have a range for teenage and adult acne.

    • Breakout Clearing – Foaming Wash
    • All over Toner
    • Hydrating Lotion or Matte moisturiser if skin is very oily – this moisturiser has a SPF15.
    • Overnight treatment that clears breakouts while you sleep.
    • Adult acne – Clearing Skin Wash is a foaming cleanser which helps clear oils and bacteria on breakout prone skin
    1. Keep hydrated – drink plenty of water to assist with the skins elasticity and will help with healing and repair of the skin. Dehyration can cause your pores to clog and block resulting in bacteria getting trapped in the skin.
    2. Protect your skin from the sun and the harmful rays. Always use a sunscreen even on cloudy days.
    3. Stay stress free or learn to deal with stress. Unfortunately the stress hormones that get released in the body cause a lot of damage and the first sign will be to the skin which is the largest organ in the body.
    4. Consider a facial or skin peel. Environ facials are fabulous and show immediate results. The products are packed with vitamins A, C & E. One of our clients Sophie, has received two treatments so far from the Environ range, the Purifying Treatment which is a deep cleanse ideal for problematic skin,  the treatment will purify, micro-exfoliate and re-hydrate your skin, this treatment assists with treating acne, scarring and deep skin congestion. Sophie said following treatments her skin felt like new and this is the first time she feels confident enough to go out without any make-up. She is also using the Environ products at home.

    The A, C & E oil is a fine textured oil formulated to provide the skin with a high concentration of vitamin A and antioxidants to improve the appearance of acne prone skin.

    Derma -lac lotion is a liquid exfoliater,  it contains lactic acid to improve skin texture and tone, this can also be used as a toner.

    Vitamin A: Generates skin health, aids with anti-ageing, is a natural exfoliant, compacts the top layer which will withstand environmental attack, thickens the epidermis, detoxifies skin, balances oil levels, locks in moisture keeping the skin hydrated and prevents pigmentation.

    Vitamin C: is also anti-ageing, antioxidant protection, stimulates collagen and compacts elastin, reduces redness, anti-inflamatory, is a natural SPF, brightens and hydrates the skin.

    Vitamin E: antioxidant protection, heals and calms skin and reflects UV rays.

    Environ have a home treatment peel kit which is a light effective peel designed to be used at home for skin rejuvenation and for the improvement of acne-prone skin. The benefits of this kit helps to diminish breakouts and relieve acne. This home treatment will aid with revitalising the skin and creating a smoother skin texture and does not compromise the integrity of the epidermis.

    1. Treat your acne immediately to prevent scarring, do not squeeze spots as this will spread bacteria and cause further damage to the skin.
    2. Ensure make-up brushes and sponges are kept clean to avoid contamination and bacteria build up.
    3. When using new products for the first time work them into your regime gradually, because if you bombard the skin too quickly with different products you may get a reaction. Treat your skin as if introducing a baby to solid foods, little at a time until your skin adjusts.
    4. Do not over exfoliate your skin, stripping away too much oil will have the reverse effect, the skin will automatically produce more oil, treat gently and cleanse with care.
    5. Get an early night, before going to bed learn to relax and listen to some soothing music, cleanse your skin and put on the recommended product for your skin. Facial products work best during the night while you are sleeping.

    I hope some of the above tips help you but should you require any further information or wish to discuss your skin, we are only a phone call or email or FB away.

  3. Thinking about laser hair removal? Here’s the need-to-know!

    Comments Off on Thinking about laser hair removal? Here’s the need-to-know!

    Are you interested in laser hair removal but have a number of questions about how it works and how long it will last? Read the Beauty Haven need-to-know on laser hair removal so you can get summer-ready!

    The benefits of laser hair removal

    Laser hair removal is one of the fastest growing methods for removing hair and the most common non-invasive cosmetic surgery procedure in the UK. The treatment is practically pain free, easily available and gives long lasting results. Permanent hair reduction of up to 95%. New hair may appear over time but these will be fine hairs and will only require maintenance treatments.

    Interesting Fact ……. In a recent UK survey an estimated 1.12 million women buy hair removal products throughout their life time with an average spend of £6,500 with eight weeks out of this lifetime removing unwanted hair. I could think of better ways to spend my time.

    There is a lot of pressure these days to have hair free bodies, 73% of women and 58% of men feel this. Shaving, waxing and tweezing is very time consuming and sometimes painful. Laser hair removal offers a convenient way to remove unwanted hair, with longer time in between treatments. Thus providing value for money, saving both money and time over the years.

    At Beauty Haven the most popular areas that we treat using the Ellipse laser system is the legs, underarms, bikini and face. Popular areas for men are the beard, back and arms. Treatment session times are between 15 minutes and up to one hour, depending on the area being treated. There is virtually no down time, which means you can squeeze in a lunchtime treatment and go back to work. For facial areas, if your skin is prone to redness, you may wish to cover with a mineral makeup. We use Jane Iredale mineral make up which gives the best coverage and will not block pores and can be applied immediately after facials or laser treatment.

    There are many benefits of laser hair removal, the treatment can work successfully on ingrown hairs, which can be a result of shaving or waxing. A rare condition known as Pili multigemini, which are several hairs in the same follicle which when they reach the surface, emerge bunched together making extraction quite difficult by ordinary methods such as tweezing because the hair is so deep rooted. Folliculitis can be associated with Pili multigemini.

    In our opinion the top five benefits of laser hair removal compared with other methods include:

    1. Eliminating the daily need to shave each day saving time.
    2. Saving money on purchasing razors, shaving foam, creams and waxing.
    3. Prevention and elimination of ingrown hairs.
    4. A perfect option if you have skin sensitivity and experience the irritation of shaving and waxing products.
    5. Last but not least, which I feel is the biggest benefit to the treatment, is that there is no need to grow hair between treatments, whereas waxing the hair needs to be 2cm in length. With laser you can shave between if necessary.

    Some of the most common questions we are asked …..

    Q.How many sessions will I need?

    A.The hair growth cycle is different on every part of the body and the time of the growth cycles can vary from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the area. After a couple of treatments, clients typically experience a significant reduction in hair along with an overall slower growth pattern. As a rough guide, a typical course consists of 6 treatments.

    Q.How do I choose the right clinic?

    A. Look for a clinic that offer complimentary consultation and patch test. This is the best opportunity to ask any questions you have and your therapist can explain the treatment and the process. A patch test is mandatory to determine if you are a suitable client for the treatment. Be sure to look for a reputable establishment with many happy clients. Clinics that are registered with the RQIA will have regular inspections to ensure their safety, training and hygiene are up to scratch. In fact in Northern Ireland, it is compulsory for clinics offering laser treatments to be registered with the RQIA. Details can be found on their website.

    Q.How much will it cost?

    Beauty Haven is currently running two offers for laser hair removal bundles as follows:

    Bundle 1. Lower Leg  laser hair removal with FREE underarm laser hair removal RRP £220 this month you pay £160.

    Bundle 2. Purchase a course of six laser hair removal treatments and only pay for five treatments, and to make it even more affordable we can arrange for you to pay for your course in two instalments.

    Should you wish to avail of our great offers or book your FREE consultation and patch test, call us on +44 (0)28 9066 6628.

  4. Get smooth for summer

    Comments Off on Get smooth for summer

    As we enter spring, and with summer just around the corner, it’s time to ‘Get Smooth for Summer!’ Learn why you should be considering laser hair removal over other treatments like waxing and shaving to get your body summer-ready.

    The benefits of laser hair removal

    Hair removal is a time consuming daily routine for many people, I thought myself to be fortunate to have escaped virtually unscathed  with minimal time spent on the arduous task of hair removal until one day when I  was sitting in the back of the car between child and dog only to be informed by my middle child  “oh  mummy,  you have hair ALL over your face, mummy you actually have a beard!!”

    Wonderful….. there’s another area of my body that obviously needs a lot more attention and there was me kidding myself by thinking, sure no one can really see it!

    Laser hair removal is a great method for removing unwanted body and facial hair without the burns, nicks and redness of shaving and waxing.

    The traditional methods of hair removal such as waxing, tweezing and shaving are yes, effective for removing the hair, but they don’t provide any long term solutions for hair removal – never mind all those bumps, nicks and painful ingrown hairs!

    Thankfully over a decade ago, technology advancement led to the creation of a hair removal system that not only eliminated these annoying problems, but also provided a long term reduction solution, and here we are 10 years on and laser hair removal is one of the fastest growing methods of ridding the unwanted hair growth.

    The great appeal of laser hair removal stems from its effectiveness, efficiency and convenience and it can be performed virtually anywhere on the body where you find that unwanted hair.

    Another massive factor for laser’s popularity is that laser hair removal doesn’t just temporarily remove the hair, it results in permanent hair reduction – up to 50-95%reduction.

    Laser hair removal over other techniques has many advantages.

    Here I have listed the top 5 reasons why you may want to consider this treatment for yourself….

    1  –  Treatments are quick

    Laser hair removal treatments are quicker than you might expect, for example, it only takes 20 minutes to perform a treatment on the underarms and Brazilian area.

    2  –  You will save money in the long run

    The upfront cost can seem pretty hefty in relation to what its for, and what your priorities are. As a woman with children it is always mentally difficult to place our needs and desires anywhere near the top of the pile and therefore without us shouting out or demanding, things keep getting placed on the backburner.

    Yet with laser hair removal resulting in permanent hair reduction, you no longer need to purchase endless razors, shaving creams, depilatory creams or the need to have monthly waxing appointments.

    Lets face it those monthly waxing appointments add up and honestly, I find waxing real testing on my pain threshold. I need to be mentally prepared with pain relief consumed 30 minutes prior only to embrace it, and see hair sprouting back after 10 days. To then allow for the hair to grow back again (hiding of legs AGAIN, no swimming with the children etc….) to go through the same process a month later and a month later, WHY???

    Now considering all that in value of money and my added mental distress, its certainly not for the faint hearted. Not only does the cost of waxing mount up, the desired effect of being hair free is short lived, the levels of pain are not greatly reduced in time, not much winning or gaining is being had in my department, whereas the results with laser are far superior to waxing and the cost over time, is much less.

    3  –  Prevent and eliminate ingrown hairs

    Of course, I myself was blessed with what the beauty industry refers to as “Gemini Hair” basically two hairs growing out of the same hair follicle, and boy it creates double pain when waxing is your choice of hair removal.

    Another reason why I suffered so badly from ingrown hairs, whilst one hair was successful in being removed by the wax, the remaining hair from the same follicle was left to peacefully grow under the skins surface resulting in a painful red, inflamed pustule.

    Although one concern was being eliminated, being hair free, the other concern resulted in angry pustules sporting ingrown hairs, certainly not the look I was hoping to achieve, not to mention they are sore!

    With laser hair removal I have to say, it is simply the best option when wanting to eliminate and prevent ingrown hairs. It is also a great option for those who have sensitive skin and experience skin irritation from traditional methods such as shaving and waxing.

    4  –  You will save time

    Definitely, I know during those winter months and my body is basically covered up head to toe in layers upon layers, I still feel compelled to shave my legs on a daily basis. Of course I am aware that no-one is going to be exposed to see them or the spider legs from my under garments, but mentally I know they would be there if I didn’t shave daily. Add that up over a life time and just think how many weeks you spend with a razor in your hand.

    5  –  No need to hide between treatments

    Unlike with waxing, where you are banned from shaving between treatments, laser treatments you are allowed. Say goodbye to the days of having to grow your hair out. The advantages of having laser treatments are you can shave as much as you like between sessions.

    With shaving it cuts the hair at the skins surface therefore it doesn’t disturb the hair follicle, unlike waxing were the hair is removed by the root.

    The benefits of laser versus other forms of hair removal are abundantly clear especially when the cost of laser treatments are decreasing, I certainly feel less of a need to deliberate the pros and cons of the solution in my head.

    To book your FREE consultation and patch test call us on +44 (0)28 9066 6628 and don’t forget to keep an eye on our website for our monthly special offers.

  5. Electrolysis – your questions answered.

    Comments Off on Electrolysis – your questions answered.

    There are various factors which cause excessive hair growth, however the causes are mainly heredity and due to hormone levels. Some illness and drugs or even temporary methods of hair removal can stimulate growth. Electrolysis is a great option for small areas of excessive hair growth and is suitable for any hair colour, unlike laser where the hair has to be dark.

    The most frequently asked questions we get in regards to electrolysis are :

    Q.What is Electrolysis?

    A.It is a permanent hair removal treatment for small areas on the face and body. Each individual hair follicle is treated with a fine, sterile disposable needle where an electric current is passed down into the root of the hair to permanently destroy the follicle and stop re-growth.

    Q.Which areas can be treated?

    A.The most common areas for women are facial; upper lip, chin, cheeks and neck. Body; breasts, abdomen, underarms and bikini. For men it is around the edges of the beard and eyebrows. Or any areas where ingrown hairs are causing problems.

    Q.How long does treatment last?

    A.The first treatment is allocated a 5 to 10 mins slot and this may be enough for future appointments however depending on the area or areas being treated following treatment times can be between 15 mins and 60 mins.

    Q.How many treatments would it take?

    A.The number of treatments required will vary depending on which area is being treated and the reason for excessive hair – whether it be hormonal, genetics, health or medical conditions. Average results are between 6 to 18 months.

    Q.Are there any contra-indications?

    A.Most of the following conditions are either completely contraindicated or treatment can be carried out using caution, Your therapist will advise you at consultation stage.

    • Herpes Simplex
    • Anyone on blood thinning medication such as Wafarin
    • Rosacea
    • Epilepsy
    • Keloid scarring
    • Pacemaker
    • Sunburn

    Q.Does it hurt?

    A.Depending on your pain threshold and the area being treated and everyone is different, I would compare it to a slight stinging sensation, and some people describe it as a mild warming sensation, but is more a discomfort than pain. The electric current can be adjusted to minimize discomfort. A topical anesthetic can be bought from the chemist and applied before treatment.

    Q.Is there any down time?

    A.We recommend a soothing cream after treatment such as Aloe Vera, we will apply this in salon before you leave but it is useful to keep this handy at home should the skin feel sensitive or inflamed after treatment. We recommend  no make-up, sunbathing, spray tans, swimming or sun beds for 24 hours. however you can go back to work after treatment.

    Q.Can I shave or trim hair between treatments?

    A.If your treatment appointments are spaced out correctly and you don’t miss an appointment you should not need to shave or trim with scissors between treatments. If you need to, you can trim the hair with scissors, it is best to avoid plucking or waxing once you commence your electrolysis treatment plan.

    Q.Who is suitable for treatment?

    A.Electrolysis is suitable for all skin types and hair types. Unlike laser which is only suitable for dark hair and also works best on a thicker, coarse hair.

    Q.How much does treatment cost?

    A. 10 mins or less = £12

    15 mins                    = £15

    20 mins                   = £20

    30 mins                   = £25

    Q. Can treatment begin during pregnancy?

    A.Electrolysis is safe to use during pregnancy, but we would advise to speak to your Doctor before commencing treatment. Hormonal changes during pregnancy will cause unwanted hair.

    Q.Can hairs be removed from moles?

    A.Most moles can be treated although a Doctors consent is required.

    Q.How do I know if this is the right treatment for me?

    A.At your first appointment the Electrologist will ask you to complete a consultation form which she will go through with you and advise if Electrolysis is the correct form for treatment for you. Other treatment options may also be explained.

  6. Laser Hair Removal – Why Beauty Haven stands out from the crowd!

    Comments Off on Laser Hair Removal – Why Beauty Haven stands out from the crowd!

    A little bit about us ….

    Beauty Haven is a unisex clinic based on the Stranmillis Road, just 1.5 miles from Belfast, a 15 minute walk from the city centre. We have a team of four therapists, three of whom carry out laser treatments, Hilary and Emma have been working at Beauty Haven since it opened, with Deirdre joining us 2 years ago. Megan is new to our team and is always on hand to carry out a variety of non laser treatments.

    We endeavour to ensure our clients feel special and are treated by the same therapist at each visit, something that we feel is important to allow us to closely monitor treatment results and ensure consistency of treatments.

    Given the nature of some of the treatments, we understand that for our clients it is good to get to know your therapist and feel completely at ease. Its an added bonus, that as we are based just outside the centre of Belfast, you are unlikely to bump into a friend or colleague just following a treatment. We often like to keep these things to ourselves AND Parking in Stranmillis is FREE.

    Our laser system …

    We have been offering laser treatments since 2005, and upgraded our laser system in 2016 to the brand NEW Sirius system. The system offers:

    Faster treatments

    Due to the large spot size applicator we can now treat large areas such as the legs or back in a much shorter time. For example, a full leg laser hair removal treatment can now be done in just 40 minutes, a bikini line in 15 minutes and a male back in 30 minutes, it is now possible to have a treatment in your lunch hour.

    Painless treatments.

    No need to worry about painful treatments, these treatments require no down time and are practically pain free.

    Effective results

    Read some of our testimonials from past customers who have been satisfied with the outcome of their treatments at Beauty Haven.

    “Very professional salon, with fantastic staff” – Pamela

    “Very professional, friendly and great treatment as usual” – Bernadine

    “Fantastic, made me feel instantly at ease, thanks again, will be back” – Ria

    “Always excellent service and friendly staff” – Jane

    “Always excellent service, I wouldn’t go anywhere else” – Rachel

    “Thank you, a lovely welcome, professional care and treatment at the best salon in Belfast” – Jane

    Why choose us for your laser hair removal treatments …

    • We will give you an honest opinion regarding your suitability for treatment and set realistic expectations.
    • You will be treated by the same therapist at every treatment.
    • Our results are unrivalled with 100% of our customers stating they have been happy with their treatment results.
    • If you are offered a better price somewhere else, we will price match as long as the competitor is based in Northern Ireland and the laser system is comparable.
    • We offer referral a program and a loyalty scheme.
    • We are an RQIA registered salon, we have annual inspections to ensure safely and training are of a high standard assuring you of the best treatments.

    To book your FREE consultation and patch test call us on +44 (0)28 9066 6628 and don’t forget to keep an eye on our website for our monthly special offers.

Top