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Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. Our favourite products for oily skin.

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    Ok, hands up, who has an oily skin? Well, I have battled with oily skin since I was a teenager. Now in my 40’s its really not fair that I am still prone to breakouts. My husband often refers to my breakouts as ‘gig spots’ (he used to be in a band when he was in his early twenties and when an important gig was imminent he would get a huge spot) and now I find myself still battling the breakouts!! The good news for all you fellow sufferers is that as you get older you will age more gracefully, the oil in your skin helps to keep the lines at bay and we often look a lot more youthful than our dry skinned counterparts. Every cloud ……

    As a Dermalogica stockist I am in the fortunate position of having a vast array of products at my disposal. Whilst there are cheaper products on the market, do beware of clever marketing that promises to rid you of spots within a matter of days, a number of these products will strip the skin, leaving your skin red, dry and sore. Seek advice from a professional aesthetician rather than opting for something that could cause you more problems than you started with.

    My go to products haven’t changed over the last few years and that’s because they work.

    Dermal clay cleanser, this product absorbs oil as it key ingredients are kaolin and green clays, cucumber and sage will cool the skin, priced at £32 for 50ml.

    Skin prep scrub used twice a week to exfoliate the skin will improve the texture of your skin, removes dulling surface debris leaving pores clean, your skin will feel really smooth and look fresh. Don’t overdo it with this product though, if you are purchasing make sure you get advice on how often you should use it. Priced at £31

    Sebum clearing masque, I love this product, this masque feels cooling and contains oil absorbing clays to help prevent and dry out existing breakouts. Salicylic acid stimulates natural exfoliation to keep pores clear and eliminate excess oils. I have been known to go to bed with this dotted on my spots. Priced at £44.50 you’ll get months out of this product.

    Overnight clearing gel. Priced at £45 this serum calms inflammation and helps to reduce excess sebum therefore minimising breakout activity, apply at bedtime on affected areas and allow to absorb, you will see results with this treatment very quickly and unlike prescribed products such as benzoyl peroxide found in many topical creams you won’t find your towels and pillow cases bleached.

    Clearing mattifier This product is awesome to reduce shine which can be a real pain for those of us with an oily skin. Cinnamon bark blend helps eliminate bacteria to reduce blackheads, botanicals bio regulate oil secretions to help maintain an oil day long  matte finish. Priced at £47.50, this is a brilliant product. Apply under your moisturiser and  your makeup will last all day.

    Active moist is a moisturiser that has worked well for me, it is most suited to an oily/combination skin, feels lightweight, it contains a combination of plant extracts and silk amino acids to help improve skin texture, priced at £33.50 for 50 ml.

    In addition to a good home care regime it is worth considering some professional treatments. My treatment of choice would most definitely be the Mesoestetic skin peels. With a range of peels to choose from to suit your skin, these facials are results driven and clear up my skin really quickly. Priced at £65 for one treatment we do advise to take a course of 6 for optimum results. The treatment has little downtime and takes about 40 minutes so could be done in your lunch hour if you are ok with going back to work with no make up on.

    I could talk to you endlessly on the subject of oily skin as I have learnt how to deal with it so well over the years. I understand that spots can have an affect on your self esteem and ironically stress can exacabate your problem. Seek advice, this is a common problem which can vary in degrees of severity, try chatting to your GP or find a reputable aesthetician or Dermatologist, there are many ways to tackle this problem. I hope you have found some useful advice here but please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you would like to discuss further.

     

     

     

  2. Understanding and Managing PCOS: Hair Removal Options and Laser Treatments

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    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Common Condition

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting approximately 1 in 5 women in the UK. Symptoms often appear in late teens or early twenties and can include irregular periods, excess hair growth, weight gain, acne, and difficulty getting pregnant. While the exact cause remains unknown, PCOS can be hereditary and linked to insulin or hormone imbalances.

    Managing PCOS Symptoms: Diet, Weight, and Treatments

    Maintaining a healthy diet and managing weight can significantly improve PCOS symptoms. Additionally, medications can address issues like irregular periods and fertility concerns.

    Addressing Excessive Hair Growth

    Many women with PCOS experience unwanted hair growth. While complete removal might not be achievable due to the underlying hormonal condition, various hair reduction methods offer effective management:

    • Waxing: Offers temporary hair removal, best for fine to medium hair.
    • Electrolysis: Permanent hair removal, but can be time-consuming and costly.
    • Laser Hair Removal: A popular choice for long-term reduction, targeting dark hair with light pulses.

    Understanding Laser Hair Removal for PCOS

    Laser treatment works by targeting and heating melanin (hair pigment) to damage the follicle and impede future growth. Here’s what to know:

    • How it Works: Light pulses target the hair follicle, disrupting its growth and changing its structure over time.
    • Treatment Process:
    • Area is shaved and prepped with gel.
    • Laser applicator delivers precise light pulses to the follicles.
    • Multiple sessions (3-6) are needed, spaced 6 weeks apart initially, with maintenance sessions later.
    • Pre-treatment guidelines include avoiding hair removal methods like waxing or tanning for 4 weeks and sun exposure.
    • Effectiveness: Targets hair in its growth phase, hence multiple sessions are necessary.
    • Skin Type: Darker skin tones might experience more discomfort, but advanced technology has improved safety and efficacy.

    Remember:

    • Consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment guidance.
    • Discuss your individual needs and goals with a qualified laser hair removal technician.
    • Manage expectations, understanding that PCOS can impact treatment outcomes.

    By understanding PCOS and exploring hair removal options like laser treatment, you can effectively manage unwanted hair growth and improve your quality of life.

  3. Thread Vein Removal, everything you need to know.

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    If you have facial thread veins, its likely you are fed up covering them every day with make up before you leave the house, how refreshing it would be to face the world bare faced!

    Its a very common problem faced by both men and woman and can vary in degree. Thread veins are often referred to as broken veins ( the technical term is telangiectasia),unfortunately there is no exact cause but there are common factors which can aggravate them. Hormonal influences such as pregnancy or menopause can provoke the development of thread veins. As we age the elasticity in our skin decreases and so does the elasticity in our blood vessels. Its rare to see someone in their 20’s with facial thread veins and is much more common amongst men and woman over 60. Veins can also appear as a result of over exposure to the sun. Prevention is better than cure so whatever age you are, you should always protect your skin against UV, we recommend wearing an SPF 50 on your face all year round.

    What ever the reason for the onset of thread veins there are options to consider in terms of removal of the thread veins and the correct products to consider which are gentle on the skin. Sclerotherapy is more commonly used to treat veins on the legs, this procedure is carried out by a qualified medical practitioner. Electrolysis is also used but less commonly nowadays as laser has taken the industry by storm, the laser treatment being less painful and with faster results.

    Our laser treatment is very effective at removing fine thread veins. This treatment will eliminate the unwanted red veins and will not affect the surrounding skin on your face. This treatment works by laser light. It is directed at the veined area, causing them to heat up extremely fast, break down and collapse in on themselves. (A process also known as photothermolysis.) This treatment has better results when the veins are smaller (If the veins are left untreated, and become larger, it becomes slightly more difficult to remove them.) After only 3 treatments clients have noticed a 75% reduction to their thread veins – yet the total amount of treatments needed varies from client to client.

    For one week before having the laser treatment, do not wax, or pluck in the treatment area – also do not bleach or use depilatory cream to avoid sensitivity. We recommend you avoid sunbathing/sun-beds and self-tanning products, as treatments cannot be performed on tanned skin. On the day of your treatment it is best to avoid swimming, vigorous exercise and any cosmetics on the area being treated. For 2 days after your laser treatment we advise you to avoid, saunas and steam room, vigorous exercise, swimming and make-up on the treated area.

    One of the most common questions we are asked is whether this treatment is painful or not? Personally I would say no – as the sensation of the laser feels is likened to a rubber band flick to the naked skin. After each treatment the skin may appear to have a little erythema and slightly raised in the area worked on – not to worry though as this will go down in a few hours. That said, it may be best to arrange your treatment on your day off work incase the skin takes a while to settle down, we don’t want to have to explain to our co workers what we have been up to during our lunch break.

    Your home care routine may alter slightly after having the laser thread vein treatment. We recommend keeping the skin cool, using Aloe Vera if the skin feels warm and flushed, and avoiding any harsh chemicals or abrasive products.  The Ultracalming range from Dermalogica is perfect to use following treatment as it is designed to reduce sensitivity.This ranges formula is pH balancing, redness reducing, and soothing to the skin – with ingredients like lavender, oat and cucumber it is sure to calm the skin.

    The treatment cost can vary dependant on the number of veins that need treated. Prices at our clinic start from £60. After consultation we can advise you of the exact cost per session.

    There are scores of clinics out there offering laser treatments, my best advice is to make sure the clinic you choose is registered by the RQIA, a list of registered clinics can be found on their website. Any clinic registered by the RQIA will have regular inspections to ensure standards are high and staff are properly trained.

    For further information or to book a free consultation please give us a call.

     

  4. Our top tips to rehydrate the skin after summer.

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    Can you believe summer is over and autumn is in the air. After all the great adventures outdoors, what with the sun, sea and suncreams our skin may be in need of a little TLC.

    We are all looking for firmer, smooth and hydrated skin. Whilst some people are blessed with a flawless, dewy complexion, the majority of us have to work hard to achieve the same. Hormone reduction like oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone results in a lack of collagen and skin elasticity, which causes the skin to thin out and more susceptible to dehydration. Fine wrinkles also appear when we are dehydrated, especially around the eyes, and lack of sleep will show up in puffiness. We are constantly told to drink at least 2 litres of water a day,it just doesn’t sound as appealing as a Latte, does it? In fact, drinking half your body weight in water a day is recommended, the calculation is if you weigh 140 lbs you will require 70 ounces of water, which is roughly two litres. Even when we drink enough water our skin can still be dehydrated, so what else can we do?

    The do’s

    What we definitely should be doing is feeding our skin the right food, vitamins and nutrients. Food and drinks containing vitamin C & E will assist with skin cells to hold moisture. Salmon, mackerel, almonds and walnuts that are high in Omega fatty acids will leave your skin beautiful. Top nutritionists say some foods, bag as much as 90 per cent water, making them the best choice to stay hydrated. Naturally high in fluids, are most fruits and vegetables and give the added advantage of minerals and vitamins. Drink liquids with every meal and snack to boost your intake. Carry a reusable water bottle and top up at work. Sometimes when you think you are hungry, it could be dehydration, have a glass of water. Drink water like its your job !!!

    The don’t’s

    It always seems to be the things we enjoy that really aren’t that good for us, moderation is the key !! The biggest culprits of draining water from your body and skin are alcohol, coffee, and smoking. Foods high in sodium will naturally draw water from the body, so avoid those crisps and salted nuts.

    Super simple Tips:

    Look for products containing Hyaluronic acid, this is a key ingredient in many skincare products and plays a huge role in the skins rejuvenation process. Not only does it help to hold moisture in the skin, it regulates tissue repair and helps to keep the skin to remain supple. Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a super moisturiser.

    Exfoliate regularly to ensure your skin is absorbing your hydrating products.

    Carry a facial spritz in your handbag. Check out Jane Iredale’s pommist spray, it reignites your make up and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

    Use a hydrating eye cream to keep this area delicate and smooth. The eye and neck areas are often neglected and are a giveaway to your age if you have neglected these areas.

    Aloe Vera, a plant with natural healing properties can be used as a natural moisturiser.

    Don’t neglect your feet …….If you find you have hard skin on your heels after a long summer of sandals and flip flops, try applying lotion to your feet at bedtime and wear socks in bed ( after just a few nights you will notice the difference)

    It can be confusing to find the right beauty regime to ensure you are using the correct products to target dehydration, often confused with dry skin. Here at Beauty Haven we offer a face mapping service which gives an in-depth skin analysis using our skin scanner. We have the expertise to advise on the right products for your face and body. Some of our favourite products for combating dehydration are Dermalogica Skin smoothing cream, Overnight Repair Serum, Skin hydrating masque and from the body range, the Body hydrating cream is one of our top selling body products to leave your skin silky smooth and smelling gorgeous. You can always pop in for a chat and receive some free samples to try out at home.

    Treat your skin kindly to delay the skin ageing and stay younger looking, for longer!!

     

  5. Why should you choose electrolysis?

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    Hair removal is a bit of a mine field these days, there are so many options available from waxing to depilatory creams, shaving, electrolysis and laser hair removal. If you are looking for a more permanent solution it can be difficult to decide between laser hair removal and electrolysis, these being your only real options.

    Electrolysis has been used for many years now and is still the only method of permanent hair removal for all hair colours. Whilst we would still recommend laser hair removal if you have darker hair, for many of us, electrolysis may be the only solution if the hair is lighter in colour. We are often asked, how long does the treatment take, will it work ? These can be difficult questions to answer as hormonal fluctuations and certain medications can cause hair growth so the number of treatments will vary from person to person. The bottom line is that excessive hair can be a distressing and embracing problem to live with and if you opt for this method of hair removal its important to have the correct expectations and to be consistent with your treatments. This should all be discussed with you at your initial consultation.

    So what is electrolysis?

    Electrology is the permanent hair removal for men and women, helping to cut down on the time spent shaving and waxing unwanted hair.

    The definition of electrology is using electric to remove hair from the root on the face and body through the use of electrolysis.

    The skin is initially sterilised with antiseptic before treatment commences. A small thin needle is inserted into the hair follicle down to the papilla, which is the tissue below the hair root. The intensity and timing of the electric current is sent down through the needle destroying the part of the follicle, and so stops hair re-growing in that follicle. We use individual sealed and sterilised sterex disposable needles.

    This was my preferred form of treatment when I had excess hair on my chin and neck due to hormonal changes in my body. Would I say the treatment was painful? It depends on your sensitivity and pain threshold, but I would say its not as painful as waxing and because the allocated time is quite short, anywhere between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, means the treatment is over quite quickly. Some clients have referred the pain to a slight stinging but is over very quickly. An anaesthetic cream can be bought from the chemist and a thick layer put on before treatment.

    Most areas can be treated using this method of hair removal but the most common are the upper lip, chin, the neck, sides of face and beard area. Electrolysis can be done in pregnancy although we would usually avoid the breast and abdominal areas as the skin here is already stretched and under duress.If you are pregnant discuss with your electrologist, some electrologists may decide not to treat you.

    Following treatment you may notice redness, or localised swelling,some clients may also notice small brown pinprick size scabs. These usually drop off within a few days to a week, it is important not to pick at the skin. Use aloe vera to soothe the skin. your reaction following treatment will help the electrologist decide on the frequency of your treatments as the skin will need to settle before you have another treatment. If you wish, you can cut or shave the hair between treatments as long as the hair is long enough to be lifted by tweezers when you attend your next treatment. Ask for details if you are unsure.

    It may be worth having a chat with your GP to determine there is no underlying hormonal issue such as polycystic ovary Syndrome, this is often accompanied by weight gain, irregular periods and acne. Even if you do have PCOS, electrolysis can be used as a management system and can help keep the hair growth under control

    Permanent hair removal is very private and personal . Hilary our trained and qualified electrolysist consultant will discuss your needs and ensure you are comfortable and taken care of in her very experienced caring hands.

     

     

  6. Have you got sensitive skin?

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    Skin sensitivity is such a common topic of conversation for us in the salon. So many clients suffer from sensitivity but often getting to the root of the problem can be a challenge.

    Common conditions include rosacea, eczema. psoriasis and dermatitis. Often environmental sensitivity, due to over exposure to the elements like sun and wind can cause the skin to flare up and can feel very uncomfortable. In fact the environment can count for almost 70% of problems with skin. Winter is particularly harsh on your skin, coming from extreme cold outdoors to centrally heated homes can play havoc with a sensitive skin.. I went on holiday a few years ago in January to Canada, I went to niagara falls on an extremely cold day with the wind chill factor plunging the temperatures to -40. Unfortunately for me I forgot to cover part of my neck and ended up with windburn. Then I flew onto Florida and to make matters worst I was then sunbathing, so moving between the two extremes caused my neck to be sensitive.

    Skin sensitivity can be caused by many factors. Most people believe they have sensitive skin because they get a reaction to skin creams or makeup or even household products. The results being itchy, tightness, redness, stinging or burning skin, however if you were to visit a dermatology clinic they would be looking for skin bumps and pustules, very dry skin and any skin redness or blushing. A dermatologist would carry out a patch test to check for any signs of allergies like food intolerances, pollen or many other factors. Sometimes it is easy to know what you are allergic to, for example if you have streaming eyes and runny nose in the spring and summer then this would indicate allergy to pollen. Skin flushing following a glass or two of wine, and whoosh bright red cheeks !!!  In other words there is often a trigger and it is raising awareness to these triggers that can make a huge difference to the how the skin looks and feels.

    Lots of skin care products, make-up, shampoos and household products can cause your skin to be sensitive. So try using products that are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. There is now available a much wider range of hypoallergenic products for sensitive skins. A lot of deodorants are 0% alcohol which is kinder for the skin.

    Facials using the correct products for your skin type will help improve the overall appearance of your skin,while at the same time reduce sensitivity and protect your skin with moisturisers that have a good SPF to create a barrier against sun, wind and even rain.Be kind to your skin and feed it the correct ingredients. A reputable skin care therapist will be able to guide you.

    Food can also play a huge part in skin sensitivity. Try to stick to a well balance diet with as much organic foods as possible and drink plenty of water. Getting enough sleep and learning to relax will help to reduce stress levels. When our bodies are stressed the hormonal activity increases and break-outs are common. If the body is in a continual fight or flight mode your skin will be unable to repair itself and function properly to protect against bacteria.

    For me, my two most sensitive areas are my face and hands. I always wear my marigolds when doing the housework or gardening gloves when weeding, The harsh chemicals in cleaning products irritate my hands and dry them out. I have even bought a steam cleaner to minimise the risk, and use this on my floors and bathroom tiles.

    Smoking, car fumes, dust, dirt and industrial pollution all plays havoc with the skins natural barrier, leaving it open to absorbing all these nasty ingredients and weakening the protective barrier.

    Areas with hard water which contains quite high levels of minerals like iron, magnesium and calcium, and is highly alkaline can also dry the skin out. A client advised me recently she had moved to an area with hard water and had noticed how her skin had changed, feeling really dry and dehydrated. If you notice a build up of lime scale on showers, taps and in kettles, this is a sure sign you are in a hard ward area.

    Another surprising thing that most people dont take into consideration is clothing materials, some of the fabrics like wool can cause itching and heating the skin up.

    Jewellery containing nickel can also cause skin problems.

    As you can see there are so many reasons why the skin could become sensitive. Think about what has changed …. have you changed your products, washing powders, shampoo, cleansers? Have you got a new pet? Have you got a new hobby, perhaps outdoors such as running or golf? Eliminate your triggers as a start point using a process of elimination, if your skin is painful it may be worth chatting to your GP and of course you can also seek out a reputable aesthetician who will be able to advise you.

     

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