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Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. Our top 5 tips for a healthy complexion

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    Hands up who wants to have a healthy glowing complexion? Of course everyone does! A recent survey poll revealed 40% of people are unhappy with their over-all appearance and in particular their skin. So how can we achieve healthy glowing skin that makes us happy to look in the mirror, and its not just the skin on our face but also our body. Our skin which is the largest organ in our body, is our early warning sign that something is amiss within. Lets take a holistic approach and look at the whole way we treat our bodies and ourselves.

    1. Healthy Eating

    There’s that old saying “you are what you eat”. Food is the fuel for our bodies, if we feed and nourish ourselves with the correct ingredients the results will be almost instant.

    To obtain a healthy cell function, choose foods that will promote this like fish, eggs, avocado, nuts and seeds. Brazil nuts are rich in selenium which will increase skin elasticity. Walnuts are packed with omega 3 fatty acids to assist with lowering inflammation and stop breakouts. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, the more brightly coloured the better for you. Citrus fruits which contain high water content will keep you hydrated along with drinking plenty of water. There was a television programme on recently which was comparing the price of bottled water brands. The most expensive bottled water against the cheapest form of water being tap water and they found the difference in mineral composition was negligible. Their top tip was to fill a bottle of water from the tap and leave the lid off to allow the chloride to evaporate. A top saving worth trying. Cutting down on tea and coffee can benefit the digestion and liver function which aids in detoxifying the body. If you cannot do without your caffeine fix, then cut back on adding sugar or avoid that sweet treat. Sugar has a big impact on the body and if used in excess will cause the skin to become inflamed or even congested. Cut back on diary products as the hormones they contain stimulate the oil glands and pores which can lead to acne.

    1. Sleep, Rest & Relaxtion

    Tests have proved that not getting enough sleep is detrimental to our well being and is a huge factor in mental health issues. Lack of sleep will show immediately on your face, especially around the eyes, as dark circles will appear and we generally feel in a negative mood. Take time to rest and relax before bedtime, a nice soak in the bath, candles and soft music is an excellent way of switching off. Adding scented bath oils can be very therapeutic.

    1. Exercise

    “If you don’t use it, you lose it” A saying which has been around for years. Muscles need to move on a daily basis to function at optimum capacity. Exercise increases circulation keeping our bodies warm and releases all those lovely feel good hormones. We are not all gym bunnies so a bit of gardening, walking the dog or even housework can be a great workout and cheaper than membership fees. Sometimes you may be exercising without even realising it.

       4. Cleanse Makeup Brushes

    At first this might sound a obvious but a survey discovered 72% of women don’t clean their makeup brushes regularly . Bacteria gathers quickly and will lead to breakouts. Wash foundation brushes or sponges once a week and powder brushes every fortnight. Also regularly replacing makeup is advisable to ensure the product is not out of date and is kept in a clean, good condition.

    1. Skincare products

    Last but not least using the correct skincare products for your skin is vital to achieve that healthy complexion. The importance of getting this correct will eliminate the bad skin day. Lots of skincare products irritate the skin and can strip the natural oils, leaving skin dry, red and blotchy. You are worth it and its worth investing in a skin analysis consultation and let the experts advise which products are right for your skin. Beauty Haven excel in this field with our skin specialists having a wealth of knowledge on skin and products.

    We are hosting a skin analysis event on the 7th December to launch our new skincare range, Environ. If you are interested in attending please give us a call.

     

  2. Facial hair removal techniques

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    There are various methods of removing facial hair, it really is an individual choice of which technique suits you best. Whether it be the time, cost or the effectiveness of the treatment involved, we are going to talk you through a number of options and the pros and cons for each one.

    Tweezing: One of the first methods the majority of women will try to do to control hair growth as it can be done in the comfort of your own home. Choosing the correct set of tweezers is important as there are a number of alternative shapes to the actual end of the tweezers. Again it is down to preference, the tips at the end of the tweezer are either pointy, slanted, or straight. The more pointy the tip the less likely to remove more hairs than necessary. I have two sets of tweezers, the slanted tip as this allows me to rest one side of the tip on my brow and pull easily in the direction of the hair. Straight ended tip I use for those random hairs on my chin. There are also different shaped barrels to the tweezer, even ones that are ergonomically designed. The down side to tweezing is over plucking the eyebrows and uneven shaped brows. There is also the chance of ingrown hairs if hair is not removed correctly. The results are instant but short term as the hairs tend to grow back very quickly.

    Shaving: The most popular and possibly preferred method used by men, this is a quick and relatively easy way of removing hair from the chin and neck area. Unfortunately it is a task that men will undertake every day, if not twice a day especially when the dark shadow starts to appear. Constant shaving can leave the skin sensitive and prone to skin irritation and usually needs to be carried out regularly.

    Depilitory creams: Do not require visits to the salon and are simple to use. The cream is spread on the area required and left for the time specified on the product, then removed with water and/or cotton pads. Regrowth is fairly quick, within 1-3 days. Skin may react to the chemicals.

    Facial Trimmers: Designed to remove baby fine hair on upper lip, chin and sides of face. Some trimmers have added snap-on combs to deal with eyebrows. Reasonably priced. Worth checking out reviews before purchase.

    Waxing Hot & Warm wax: There are home waxing kits on the market which many people will have tried at some point. I would strongly recommend visiting a salon and allow the professionals to wax your face. They have the experience and knowledge to achieve the correct shaping of your eyebrow that suits your face shape. There are two types of wax, Hot or Warm wax. The warm wax is heated at a cooler setting than the Hot wax. The warm wax is applied to the skin and removed with a wax strip. The Hot wax is applied to the skin and left to harden, then peeled off. The results are long lasting and will give a smoother finish to the skin, particularly nice when applying makeup. However the downtime is 24 hours after waxing, the skin needs to cool down, no makeup as this may clog the pores and cause breakouts. No heated treatments as in sauna, exercise, hot baths or showers for 24 hours post treatment.

    Threading: Ideal if you are allergic to wax, find waxing too painful or suffer from ingrown hairs. Very effective at removing individual hairs. No need for creams or wax, therefore kinder to skin. Best performed by a skilled threading specialist. There is a coil threader available to purchase online. Again, worth checking out reviews before buying.

    Electrolysis: A more permanent form of hair removal and very effective. The in-between treatment dates become further apart as treatment progresses. An affordable form of treatment. A slight reddening of the skin or localized swelling may occur, but soon recovers.

    Laser: A permanent reduction which removes unwanted facial hair. A course is recommended of 6 session and the results are permanent if you follow through with all treatments. Can be pricey, but worth the investment in yourself. Potential maintenance sessions may be required but these are few and far between.

    Whichever method of facial hair removal you require, we at Beauty Haven can advise the best solution to your hair growth concerns. Book in for a consultation and let one of our qualified skincare therapists see to your needs.

  3. De-stress with massage therapy. Our top massage treatments

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    Day to day life can be exhausting, we run from pillar to post all day, finally falling into bed often having had no time for ourselves, it can feel like a bit of a hamster wheel sometimes and can be a cycle thats hard to break, resulting in anxiety, stress, insomnia and even depression. The idea of a massage may not even have crossed your mind, time is precious as it is, not to mention the cost, however one recent study showed that during massage the level of cortisone in the clients saliva decreased ( cortisone is the hormone that causes stress). Having a massage may feel a little indulgent to you if it is not something you normally do, more expensive than a walk in the park or a bar of chocolate but is spending the cash really worth it ?

    Stress can be a positive motivator when striving for a promotion or accomplishing an important task. Stress may be temporary, such as running late for work due to traffic or weather conditions, however stress may also be chronic — during financial difficulties, chronic illness or dealing with family issues. It is not necessarily the event, but rather your body’s response to the event that causes stress. When the brain senses any kind of stress, your heart rate and blood pressure rise, and your muscles tighten. Feelings of stress that continue for long periods have a detrimental effect on the body. Massage helps you relax, calming the mind and body and relieving your stress.

    Massage therapy can relieve stress, alleviate pain and improve mood and sleep patterns. Not just anyone can massage though so seek out a qualified massage therapist who will work with you according to your individual needs. Sometimes you can feel a little tender after a massage but that is normal if you have had a lot of knots that need worked out, this should be discussed with you at an initial consultation. Since there are so many massage therapies out there, it may require some trial and error before you find the right massage technique to suit your stress level.

    We offer several different massage therapies in our salon, so heres a little info on our favourites ….

    Reflexology

    A foot massage is a great way to de-stress, but by combining it with reflexology you can gain some extra benefits. Reflexology is an ancient Chinese therapy that is non-invasive, suitable for all ages, and can bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.
    Reflexology is an ancient Chinese practice used to rebalance Qi which is the life force flowing through energy channels in the body. It is based on the principle that specific areas on the soles of your feet (known as reflex zones) correspond to different parts of the body. Reflex zones contain millions of nerve endings and by applying pressure to these zones you can stimulate the nervous system to release tension which can benefit your general health.
    Reflexology helps unblock energy pathways which stimulate the body into healing itself by improving circulation, reducing stress, relieving pain and restoring natural balance. Reflexology is a therapeutic foot massage that aims to break down any blockages in the reflex zones which may cause you to feel unwell, encouraging a free flow of energy through the body and cleansing your body of toxins.

    Hot Stone Massage

    This is a wonderfully relaxing massage designed to work on muscle tension at the deepest level.
    Stone massage involves the application of water-heated basalt stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. In cases of muscular injury and inflammation, cooling marble stones may also be used. This creates a type of thermotherapeutic ‘vascular gymnastics’ in the circulatory system to help the body detoxify and heal.

    Indonesian Massage

    This is a deep massage designed to give you deep stimulation to the soft tissues. It is not just a muscular massage though, as it follows the common oriental belief that the body has energy flowing within it and it aims to release blocked energy channels, or meridians.
    Meridians carry energy throughout the body and are believed to be associated with the functioning of the body’s organs. Under healthy conditions meridians carry energy freely, while blocked meridians can create a feeling of unwell. During an Indonesian Massage the therapist uses slow, strong pushing techniques to clear these meridians of any blockages, releasing deeply-held patterns of tension and helping to de-stress, relieve pain and revitalise. This type of massage is perfect for you if you like a deeply worked massage.

    Swedish Massage

    Swedish massage tends to be much deeper than Aromatherapy massage.The pressure applied during the massage is designed to increase the flow of oxygen to particular muscles assisting the body in removing any unwanted toxins. This treatment will help reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested as part of a regular program for stress management.

    Lava Shell Massage.

    During a Lava Shell Massage, the therapist uses real shells from the Philippines to gently massage your body.
    The heat comes from inside the Lava Shells due to a mixture of a minerals and algae with salt water and essential oils. When they are combined inside the shell, it creates a chemical reaction that causes heat for one or two hours.

    The benefits of a good rubdown may run deeper than you think, a little time out for yourself can only be a good thing !!!

  4. Coping with excess hair

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    Living and coping with excess hair can be traumatic, embarrassing and knock your self confidence, leaving you with low self esteem issues. Dealing with acceptance of the problem can take ages to come to terms with. Talking to someone and understanding excess hair and getting help is the first step.

    Excessive hair growth, also known as Hirsutism is caused by abnormally high levels of male hormones called androgens. Hirsutism is a condition characterised by the growth of thick, dark, coarse hair in areas where there either should be no hair or very fine soft hair. Most common areas of hair growth are on the face, chest and back. It is common in puberty when the sexual organs are maturing and the sex hormones are being produced in large amounts. However, hirsutism can start at any age.

    Medical conditions that can cause Hirsutism:

    • Hormonal imbalances in the body during the menopause and during pregnancy can cause abnormal hair growth.
    • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which can also cause acne can also cause abnormal hair growth.
    • Hirsuitism can also be caused by cancer in the ovaries and adrenal glands. This is where excess androgens may be produced by the unpredictable dividing cells.
    • Another medical condition that can cause excess hair growth is Cushing syndrome, where the adrenal glands produce an excess of a steroid called cortisol.
    • Hirsutism can be an adverse effect, due to an intake of some medicines like steroids, danazol, etc. Unfortunately it is not possible to curb the growth of excess facial or body hair because of the hormonal changes in the body. However, it is important to consult your doctor to get the proper diagnosis of any underlying condition which will be easier to treat or control.

    Finding the most effective treatment for the removal of excess hair is important, as there are a number of ways to remove or permanently reduce this. The most common hair removal methods include bleaching, shaving, depilatory creams, waxing or threading, however, these are only  temporary measures and can leave the skin red and irritated, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Years ago I used a depilatory cream on my upper lip and it burned my skin, and I ended up with painful and unsightly ingrown hairs. Always follow the guidelines and patch test a small area if you have never used this method before.

    By far, the most successful way to remove facial hair and excessive body hair is by laser hair removal. This virtually pain-free treatment works by blasting the hair and hair follicle with a concentrated beam of light, in parallel beams, using a single wavelength. This light is attracted to the dark pigment in the hair and works by damaging the hair itself and the follicle thus slowing down future regrowth considerably and in many cases can stop hair regrowth permanently. We recommend a course of between four and six treatments to see the best results, but as results differ from person to person our specialist therapists will assess your skin and hair types before putting together a bespoke hair removal plan. Laser hair removal is safe for use on all areas of the face and body.

    With our years of experience in beauty industry you can rely on Beauty Haven to assist you with a bespoke package for laser hair removal. We offer free consultation and patch test, with a no obligation policy.

    Of course laser hair removal is not suitable for everyone, depending on the colouring of your hair as laser does not work on fair, red, white or grey hair. Another option to consider is electrolysis which is a permanent hair removal system, using a small electric current that passes through a needle which is placed into the hair roots and destroys them. Electrolysis is a slower option than laser hair removal but it is permanent so definitely worth considering.

    Which ever option you decide to go for you can be assured that all the staff at Beauty Haven are here to help you.

  5. Get the right treatment for Acne

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    Your skin can face many problems and acne is one of the biggest – and most problematic. Acne can cause real self esteem issues,  fortunately there are steps you can take to reduce discomfort and improve the appearance of acne. Treatment for acne depends on how severe it is. It can take several months of treatment before acne symptoms improve. If you just have a few blackheads, whiteheads and spots, you should be able to treat them successfully with over-the-counter gels or creams (topical treatments) that contain benzoyl peroxide.

    If over the counter products aren’t working or your acne is more widespread, it may be with a visit to your doctor to confirm it is acne and not a skin allergy or other dry skin condition.Once diagnosed, then you may be prescribed antibiotics or prescription creams.

    It is a common myth that acne only affects adolescents, it can also occur much later in life.

    There are two main types of adult acne:

    Persistent acne: If you had acne as a teen, and it is still present in your mid 20s you are probably suffering from persistent acne. Particularly around the mouth, chin and jaw line. Persistent acne often causes inflamed pimples and deep-seated, painful lesions, which can lead to scarring.

    Late-onset acne: Acne can appear for the first time as late as in your 30’s,or 40’s. Even during the menopause. Late-onset acne can be just as severe as persistent acne, and can affect the chest and back as well as the face.

    The reason this happens is that acne occurs when the oil glands in your skin secrete too much sebum. This overproduction can be caused by hormones, diet, medication, genetics and even the beauty products you use.

    Some useful tips…..

    Avoid frequent washing, it can be tempting to want to scrub the skin several times a day in the hope that this will reduce your breakouts however this can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse. Use a mild cleanser such as Dermalogica’s UltraCalming Cleanser and lukewarm water twice a day. As in most skin conditions, very hot or cold water can exacerbate condition.

    Avoid squeezing pores or spots as this can lead to scarring. Make-up and cosmetics can also aggravate the problem if your cleansing regime is not up to scratch. Mineral make up such as Jane Iredale mineral make up is very pure and non comedegenic.

    Remember, always take your make up off at bedtime using a gentle cleanser.Using the Dermalogica rule of thumb which is to ‘double cleanse’ to ensure there is no trace of make up or grime left on the skin.

    Exercise can give you a boost but make sure you shower immediately afterwards to rid the skin of sweat and avoid irritation to skin.

    Wash your hair regularly and avoid letting it fall onto your face as this can make your skin oily.

    De- stress ….. stress can exacabate your acne, try to find time to read, do yoga, whatever helps you relax, perhaps a massage !!!

    The best products for acne in our opinion:

    Teenage acne has met its match with the Clear Start range from Dermalogica to combat acne effectively. Our top seller within the range is the foaming face wash, priced at £15.75  its has a  great price for teenagers. There are other products within the range which are also very effective, you can trial the range by purchasing a travel sized kit which includes 5 products and gives you about a months worth of product.

    You can also take action with one of these effective Dermalogica products: Dermalogica MediBac Oil Control Lotion has hydrating oil-free, feather-light lotion contains additional micro sponges to help absorb the oil on your skin’s surface and maintain an all day matte finish. It also has an active sebum-regulating complex to help control oil production as well as reducing oily shine.

    Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF30. Although the sun can help acne sufferers, you still need to use sun protection to filter out harmful UV rays – and an oil-free sunscreen is the best product to use. Dermalogica’s lightweight, ultra-sheer sunscreen helps to prevent shine, regulate oil production and soothe inflammation. It contains oil-absorbers to maintain an all day matte finish without a powdery residue and, to be even kinder to acne-prone skin, it is formulated without artificial fragrances and colours.

    Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment is perfect for acne and breakout-prone skin this is an intense treatment with a natural-looking tint ideal for daytime coverage of breakouts. Sulfur and Zinc Oxide quickly target, conceal and help clear breakouts – and it’s an amazing alternative for those who prefer treatment products free of Benzoyl Peroxide.

    In addition to a good home care routine salon treatments can be a big help.

    Mesoestetic peels are excellent for acne suffers, especially if there is scarring. This facial offers a quick and very efficient solution to target acne scarring. The most commonly used peel for acne is the salicylic peel, we have had amazing results with this treatment, recommended as part of a course, this facial can be taken every two weeks for 6 treatments. Cost of one facial peel is £65

    Acne treatment using Ellipse targets the acne and scar tissue and helps even out the skins complexion, A patch test is required prior to treatment with treatments starting at £60.

    Hopefully we have have picked up a few useful tips here, for further advice please feel free to call the salon.

  6. More than meets the eye

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    Are there a few wrinkles around your eyes, perhaps you notice them mostly when you smile? This is indicative of your character and hopefully the many laughs you have had, but it is also a sign of ageing, something we cannot avoid.

    The skin around the eyes is thin and as the years pass this skin gets weaker, begins to sag and develops dryness and dehydration unless properly hydrated. The most common eye concerns are wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles and skin sensitivity due to dehydration. The good news is that by adding a bit of moisture you can delay the signs of ageing.

    Don’t neglect your eyes. This is one of the areas that can give away our age so invest in a good product and use it regularly. Follow the instruction on the package and give your products the chance to work. Its likely you won’t see results straight away; in fact, it can take several weeks to see a difference so stick at it, after a few weeks it will become a habit.

    The best eye creams and why you need them;

    Age reversal eye complex. This is my all time favourite eye cream. This product contains retinol and Vitamin C to strengthen the skin against fine lines and related signs of ageing. Priced at £64 this product is on the higher price bracket however it’s a best seller here at Beauty Haven with clients reporting a visible difference when using the product. This product is to be used only at night, when you initially buy the product, start by using every other night for the first week or two until your skin gets used to the product as the ingredients are active.

    Intensive eye repair, this eye cream is used to target dehydration lines around the eyes. The key ingredients include Vitamin A and Vitamin B5 to combat the signs of premature ageing, Vitamin C and E plus grape seed extract shield the skin against environmental damage. Priced at £43. Apply morning and night.

    Multivitamin Power Firm. This is another of our best selling products. The silicones leave the skin feeling like velvet, they act as a barrier to protect vunerable skin. Antioxidant Vitamins C and E improve skin elasticity and Vitamin A accelerates skins natural repair properties. Priced at £43.50, apply morning and night.

    Total Eye Care. This product is mostly used to improve puffiness and dark circles. It also contains an SPF which is chemical free and helps prevent further damage. This product is priced at £42 and can used in the morning.

    A few tips to improve the appearance of lines around the eyes;

    Drink more water. Fine lines around the eyes are often caused by dehydration, drink a glass of water before you go to bed.

    Are you getting your eight hours sleep every night? When you sleep the body repairs and replenishes, this has an impact on fine lines which to some extent will repair themselves while you sleep.

    Avoid concealer or heavy foundation on wrinkles around the eyes and temples. Use a moisturising primer instead, this will smooth crepiness and improve the appearance.

    Best treatments for the eye area;

    The most obvious treatment to eliminate lines around the eyes is anti wrinkle injections but not everyone wants to go down this road initially. If you are thinking about this do your research and make sure the Doctor is qualified and has experience. Usually treatments start at around £180 for one area but this will vary from clinic to clinic. (The areas usually treated  are the centre brow (frown line), the eye area and the forehead) The treatment is fairly quick following an initial consultation and will last from 3 – 5 months.

    There are other options available which can treat the eye area very successfully including microdermabrasion, professional peels and revitalising eye treatments.  A consultation with a reputable aesthetician will help determine which treatment will best address your concerns.

    Your eyes are the doorway to your heart. They reflect your emotions and your inner being. A lot can be concluded from the expression of your eyes, look after them.

     

     

     

     

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