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Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. Broken Capillaries – why do we get them?

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    Broken capillaries or telangiectasia as they are better known in the medical world develop because the walls of the veins are delicate and are just below the surface of the skin, which makes them more susceptible to damage especially on the face. If the veins get damaged they become weak and dilate causing the veins to enlarge. If the muscles in the walls of the veins that carry the blood contract and expand too quickly they tear and blood will seep through. Unfortunately once they tear they will not repair by themselves, they will remain in this state. They look like fine thin threads red or purple in colour on the surface of the skin, some people describe them as thread veins, spider veins or broken veins. These are mostly found on the face and legs. There are also varicose veins which are faulty valves that become swollen and knotted especially in the legs.

    Thread veins vs varicose veins, are they related?

    Varicose veins tend to be much larger and deeper than thread veins and are more blue or purple in colour. Mainly affecting the veins in the legs, varicose veins can occur on their own or as part of an inherited problem. If you suffer from varicose veins you are more than likely to have thread veins also, however the reverse isn’t true. Varicose veins cannot be treated with laser and often require specialist treatment from a dermatologist with sclerotherapy, a treatment which uses a tiny needle to inject a solution that causes microscopic damage to the cells in the lining of the vein. Sclerotherapy is used to treat the smaller varicose veins however they can come back and often surgery is the best option. Seek advise from your GP in the first instance.

    So what causes broken capillaries?

    There are several reasons which include diet, environment, lifestyles, genetics, age, skin type and even how you wash your face.

    As we all know diet plays a huge part on how our body and our skin which is the biggest organ in the body reacts to certain types of food. Prevention is better than cure so avoiding excessiveness of the following will help.

    • Hot spicy foods, alcohol and smoking has a massive impact on broken capillaries. Alcohol increases your blood pressure causing the veins in your face to enlarge, similar to smoking which damages the circulatory system. Pollution and extreme temperatures of hot or cold, sunshine, snow, and windy conditions, even places like saunas are not good.
    • Genetics play a role so if your parents or grandparents are prone to this condition then it is possible you may be too. Also as we get older our skin becomes thinner which means the veins are more visible.
    • Too much scrubbing whilst washing your face, if the water is too hot and using certain beauty products particularly on sensitive skin.

    Everything in moderation is the key. Using a sunscreen to prevent the harmful UV rays of the sun and protecting against the wind by using clothing and barrier cream is a must if outdoors. If you are concerned about your skin condition it is worth speaking to a skin specialist to find out which products are correct for your skin.

    The most common treatment for broken capillaries is laser therapy. At Beauty Haven we use the Ellipse Sirius laser treatment, it is a popular and proven method which targets unwanted thread veins. The laser beam gives brief bursts of laser light to the blood vessels allowing them to slowly disappear, helping to remove them and improve the appearance. This is a gradual process with regular treatments required to ensure the vein decreases in size before eventually disappearing from view. We advise to book in for a free, no obligation consultation and would recommend anywhere between 2 to 3 treatments at  4 weekly intervals depending on the size of area on the face requiring treatment. Costs are between £60 and £125 per session. A typical course of treatments are usually 3 treatments.

    Broken capillaries are a common problem often affecting self esteem, we feel we constantly need to cover up before we leave the house, following our tips is a first step to protecting the skin from further damage. It is worth mentioning a couple of products that can help reduce redness and sensitivity, Barrier Repair by Dermalogica and Colostrum by Environ, please call if you would like any further advice.

  2. Vitamin A

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    I love chatting about vitamins, call me a vitamin nerd but anything that is good for the body and gives optimal health results either from food related or beauty related products I could rant on all day. Vitamin A is my new best friend. Researching this vital vitamin has taught me so much more than I thought I knew.

    Vitamin A comes in two forms, vitamin A and beta carotene. Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble retinoids which include retinol and is a powerful antioxidant, beneficial for reducing inflammation within the body by fighting free radicals, it boosts the immune system helping to fight off infection and illness, aids with good vision and healthy eyes, keeps skin and lining of the nose healthy, supports cell growth which is very important for maintenance of our heart, lungs, kidneys and other vital organs.

    The best foods that contain vitamin A are:

    • Dairy products – cheese, milk and yogurt, eggs, oily fish – tuna, mackerel. Oysters are another good source although a tad more expensive

    The best foods that contain beta-carotene are:

    • Sweet potato, carrots, dark leafy greens (kale, savoy cabbage, spinach, swiss chard, pak choi) butternut squash, cos and tomaine lettuce, dried apricots and peaches, prunes, cantaloupe melon, sweet peppers and tropical fruit like mango and papaya.Foods containing Beta-carotene will convert into Vitamin A.

    The amount of Vitamin A required by the body is 0.6mg a day for women and slightly more for men at 0.7mg per day. If you are on a well balanced diet you should be getting enough Vitamin A from your food intake. The great thing about Vitamin A if the body doesn’t use your intake up for the day it is then stored for future use, so don’t worry, you don’t need Vitamin A every day.

    Having researched Vitamin A and its many benefits over the last couple of years I introduced the Environ skincare range to our extensive treatment range.The fact is we lose about 95% of our Vitamin A every day and we need to replenish it, thats where the Environ products come in. The range is a step up system whilst your skin adjusts to Vitamin A, gradually increasing the strength as your skin acclimatises. The many benefits of Vitamin A  include a plumper more radiant and hydrated skin, redness is diffused, the skin is protected against photo damage and will look lighter and brighter. There are a few exceptions when you shouldn’t use the products, for example in pregnancy or if you are on roaccutane. A consultation should be carried out prior to use.

    Some of the Environ treatments we are offering include the Active Vitamin 1 hour session and Advanced Active Vitamin giving a luxurious one and half hours of pamper. Packed with nourishing anti-ageing ingredients resulting in a radiant and dewy skin.The purifying treatment for those with more problematic skin is a 40 minute treatment which has dramatic results in helping to clear the skin. A good homeware is of course essential.

    Environ Active Vitamin Treatment 1 hr = £65

    Environ Advanced Active Vitamin Treatment 1 hr = £85

    Purifying treatment 40 minutes = £45

    We are super excited about our new range, we have seen amazing results and our clients are returning again and again. This is a small sample of our Environ products and facials but please feel free to pop in for a chat and see our range and discuss your skin or telephone or check our website for further information.

    *You can also do a little bit of your own research. The range was developed by Dr Des Fernandez , he has written books on the subject of Vitamin and has his own clinic in South Africa.

     

  3. The benefits of mineral makeup.

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    Mineral make up has many benefits, they are kinder for the skin and the ingredients are mostly organic, perfect for all skin types, they can be applied directly after skin treatments such as facials and waxing. The minerals allow the skin to breathe and are non -comedogenic which means they will not block the pores.

    Skin needs to look and feel its best before applying any form of make-up. It is essential to moisturise every morning before your makeup application, so your minerals have a hydrated surface to lie on.We recommend double cleansing your face, the first cleanse will remove make up and a second cleanse will clean the skin, followed by a serum and moisturiser . As we are coming out of winter and the sun is about to shine brighter and burst into spring it is highly advisable to put a SPF on your skin, especially the face as this is constantly exposed to the elements. We do suggest using a sunscreen all year round. Environ have the RAD antioxidant sunscreen SPF15 which I use over my moisturiser and gives a silky feel to the skin unlike previous standalone sunscreens I have used in the past.

    Before applying make-up it is good to use a primer, this does two things, it minimises pores and gives your makeup a longer lasting finish. Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer is anti-ageing and has a slight tint to it which works well as a concealer with the added bonus of a SPF30. Also in the Dermalogica range is the Hydrablur – does exactly what it says on the tin. This primer will blur out fine lines and pores, hydrating and brightening the skin to give a natural flawless finish.

    The two minerals commonly found in mineral make-up are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which can protect against the suns damaging UVA and UVB rays.

    Beauty Haven has been using Jane Iredale mineral make-up for 13 years now and find the performance and coverage amazing. The mineral make-up works well under the lens and the camera. Ideal for weddings, formals, and photoshoots. With new technology brings HD cameras and you can see everything these days the mineral powder foundation will give a natural full coverage and goes a long way in covering blemishes and spots. Most cosmetics contain talc and bulking agents which leads to a heavy drying effect on the skin and will settle into fine lines. With Jane Iredale mineral make-up the feeling is light but the coverage is long lasting. It is so effective it is recommended by plastic surgeons. For oily or combination skin the pressed powder foundation will combat this. For dry skin using a spritz such as jane Iredale pommist will prolong your makeup and leave the skin feeling hydrated,

    The founder Jane, was inspired to produce a make-up that was kind for the skin using the highest quality ingredients. The hypoallergenic & dermatologically tested, cruelty free skincare make-up is made of natural products that nurture your skin.

    Jane Iredale has been certified and recommended by

    • The Skin Cancer Foundation.
    • Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons.
    • Cruelty-Free CertificationNational Trade and Beauty Publication Awards
    • ECOCERT Natural and Organic Certification

    Why not treat yourself for your next special birthday, party or wedding and book a cleanse and make-up for £25 or Bridal make-up including trial for £40. We also offer colour matching to help you choose the best base for your skin type.

     

  4. Rosacea

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    Any skin condition which starts with a rash, redness, itching or bumps means you may have one of a number of different skin problems including Rosacea. The exact cause is unknown but early diagnosis and treatment for Rosacea is very important and will assist with the condition. The sooner you can start on a treatment plan the better for your skin and prevent the condition from getting worse. Speak with your GP who will examine your skin, discuss your symptoms and ask what triggers the condition.

    This is a common but misunderstood condition which affects the face. Because of the location of the condition it is highly visible and sometimes the changes in physical appearance can lead to adverse psychological effects. This can affect how you feel about yourself and interact with others. Clients report feelings of low self-esteem, embarrassment, frustration and even depression. Rosacea is a chronic condition like eczema and psoriasis and its worth spending the time to find out more about your condition in order to understand any underlying issues. I experienced psoriasis in my early teens and felt all of the above and more, but once I had a treatment plan in place I felt more in control of the condition and learned to accept that it wasn’t life threatening and I could cope with it providing I kept it under control.

    Symptoms often start with blushing or flushing (vasodilation), this is where the skin turns red for a short time but as the condition develops can progress to permanent redness. Other symptoms are hotness , bumps, swelling, burning, stinging spots and small blood vessels in the skin become visible. Rosacea is a relapsing condition meaning the symptons come and go, ranging from mild to severe. People most affected are those with fair skin, adults between 30 – 40 with the majority in the 40 – 50 age bracket.

    Triggers: The exact cause is unknown and scientists are searching for the underlying causes to understand the reason but the most common triggers are:-

    • Sunlight
    • Temperature extremes – hot or cold weather
    • Sunburn
    • Stress
    • Menstruation
    • Strenuous exercise
    • Face scrubbing
    • Facial products & make-up containing alcohol
    • Alcohol
    • Caffeine
    • Hot drinks
    • Spicy Food
    • Drugs that cause vasodilation (The increase in diameter of blood vessels)
    • Topical steroids

    Treatment: Your doctor is your first port of call who may well prescribe  topical treatments including antibiotics, antifungal medicines, benzoyl peroxide and Vitamin A cream (retinoids). If you wish to try other treatments we have several treatments that can help manage the condition, our new facial range called Environ is packed with Vitamin A and the results are amazing. The aim is to control the condition and improve the appearance of your skin. Depending on the severity of your condition it may take weeks or even months of treatments before you see results. Environ is a long term commitment and the treatment results from our clients have shown the use of Vitamin A, C and antioxidants will strengthen the skins defence system.

    We are often bombarded with lists of ingredients in products but what do these products actually do? …….

    Vitamin A protects the skin against UV damage, improves the quality of collagen and elastin,and will promote a healthier skin.

    Vitamin C will help reduce the high colour in the skin, is anti inflammatory and will protect and brighten the skin

    Our favourite product for clients with Rosacea is Colostrum Gel, this product will thicken and tighten, calm and soothe the skin and is perfect for inflamed skin and mild rosacea.

  5. Spotlight: He-shi tan

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    As there are so many tans available on the market, it is hard to know which one to go for. He-shi self tan is an express liquid tan which is fast drying with instant colour, making application that bit easier. It can be used on male or female for an instant bronzed look.

    He-shi comes in a liquid, gel or moose suitable for the whole body including the face. One application can be applied for a natural glow or several for a deeper colour. It is paraben and alcohol free as it is made from 100% natural DHA. Colour can last up to 7 days if moisturising is done reguraly to hydrate the skin and prevent the tan from wearing off. Exfoliation is required every day for a week prior to application to ensure the skin is in the best condition.

    He-shi is best applied with a tanning mit to ensure sufficient coverage and an even application. The tanning mit from he-shi contains a lotion proof barrier to ensure the hands do not stain. It is machine washable at 30 degrees so can be reused over and over again.

    If you do not feel confident applying a manual tan why not try a he-shi spray tan. A full body spray tan is £25 and a half body is£18. Choose from light, medium and dark to suit all skin tones.

    He-shi have brought out a limited edition luxury christmas pack . If you buy a 150ml bottle at £20 you get a free tanning mit and he-shi cosmetic bag. Great gift idea for a friend, teacher or a perfect stocking filler. Call into the salon and browse throght our range of christmas gift ideas.

  6. Spotlight: Dermalogica Christmas Gift Sets

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    We have just recieved some gorgeous Dermalogica Christmas gift sets – it’s never too early! Beautifly packaged and great for any skin type. If you purchase a large Dermalogica moisturiser of your choice, receive 2 free travel sized eye products.

    If you suffer from an oily/combination skin Active moist is the perfect moisturiser as it is free from mineral oils. Purchase the large size and receive a soothing eye make-up remover and Intensive eye repair free. Soothing eye make-up remover can be used on even the most sensitive skins and can lift even the most stuborn of mascara. Intensive eye repair targets dehydration whilst helping prevent signs of aging. This gift set is priced at £44.10 with a retail value of £58.10.

    Skin smoothing cream balances moisture levels whilst smooting fine lines caused by dehydration, making it perfect for that dry prone skin. As it is a medium-weight moisturiser, it can be used day or night. purchase a large skin smoothing cream and also receive a travel sized Soothing eye make-up remover and Intensive eye repair. This gift set is priced at £47.20 and has a retail value of £60.10.

    If your skin is prematurely aging and very dry, Super rich repair with its heavy-weight moisture level, will help nourish and protect your skin. Improving elasticity and tone, your skin will instantly feel smoother and more supple. Great for daytime use on a chronically dry skin or as a night cream for an aging skin. Soothing eye make-up remover and Age reversal eye complex are free with purchase of a large Super rich repair. Age reversal eye complex contains Retinol to reduce signs of aging skin such as wrinkles and dark circles. This gift set is ££62.20 with a retail value of £79.70.

    Dermalogica have also brought out a limited edition Body therapy set including a Conditioning body wash, Body hydrating cream and Exfoliating body scrub. Conditioning body wash is a soap free wash infused with Essential oils to soften and purify the skin. Body hydrating cream contains Lactic and Hydroxy acids to instantly soften and nourish the skin. Exfoliating body scrub smoothes and freshens the skin without causing any damage. This set has the perfect sizes for taking on holiday. This is priced at £17.50 with a retail value of£27.10.

    These kits are in stock over a limited period so make sure you call into the salon and choose the ideal gift with our wide range of ideas.

     

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