Beauty Haven Belfast Online

thebeautyhaven@yahoo.co.uk

0

Visit Online Store

Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. How to treat sunspots and pigmentation

    Comments Off on How to treat sunspots and pigmentation

    Sunspots and pigmentation are very common conditions which appear on the skin due to excessive sun exposure. The face, hands, arms, neck and shoulders are the most exposed areas to all weather conditions, leaving them prone to further damage. Red heads or fair skins are most prone to sun damage as they tend to burn much easier. Sunspots are similar to freckles only much bigger and can vary in colour. They mainly appear as brown patches which look like freckles that have joined together. It can take a number of years for sunspots to appear and if not protected with a high SPF, they will continue to darken. It is believed to be sun damage from as long as 10-12 years ago so it is vital from a young age to be protected. Prevention is always better than cure and the most effective way to do this is wear a high SPF daily, sunglasses and a hat. Research suggests at least an SPF30 will give you sufficient UVA and UVB protection.

    Human skin cells contain Melanocyte which provides us with Melanin which is a pigment found in skin, hair and eyes. Too much Melanin leads to Hyperpigmented skin which can appear due to excessive sun exposure. Pigmentation comes in two forms, Hyperpigmentation and Hypopigmentation. The difference between the two depends on your skin tone. Darker patches on the skin is Hyperpigmentation and appears as sun spots, and freckles. Not a serious medical condition, but you may for cosmetic reasons want this removed through time. There are different kinds of Hyperpigmentation and knowing which type you have will assist on which treatment will work best. Melasma is the most recognisable type of pigmentation and is caused by hormonal changes or excessive sun exposure. It can appear during pregnancy and is sometimes known as the pregnancy mask. Some medications may also cause this as a side effect. Unfortunately this type of Hyperpigmentation can be difficult to treat but the good news is it often fades in the winter months. Hypopigmentation is the opposite to Hyperpigmentation as areas of the skin become lighter in colour with occasionally white dots appearing. This can sometimes be a result of sun damage or the skin disease, Vitiligo.

    Lentigines, more commonly known as liver spots or age spots, are caused by exposure of UV rays. Over 80% of people aged 60 or over will have Lentigines on areas which are often exposed to all weather. These tend to only appear in later years and continue to darken through time. Solar Keratosis is another common condition which appears as a small, rough, raised area. Some Keratosis may develop into a type of skin cancer so if there are any changes to yours, it is recommended to get checked by your GP. Also known as age spots, these look like oversized freckles usually appearing on the face, chest and hands. Anything that’s changed in size, shape or colour should be checked out by a dermatologist or GP.

    Sunspots and pigmentation tend to affect people who have fair skin, fair hair, are on medication or spend a lot of time outdoors. If any of the following applies to you, it is vital you take all necessary precautions to keep yourself sun safe to ensure the condition does not get worse. If you are reading this and think it is too late, it is never too late. Applying an SPF daily will prevent further darkening of the pigmentation which is already present, resulting in future treatments being more effective.

    At Beauty Haven we offer treatments which are effective in the minimising of sun damage and sometimes even complete removal of damage. Mesoestetic Peels, Microdermabrasion and Skin Rejuvenation are all effective on improving the texture and tone of the skin. Mesoestetic peels provide a deep exfoliation to brighten the skin lightening any present sun damage. These are £65 per peel and a minimum of 4 are recommended as we increase the strength gradually to provide a stronger treatment each time. Microdermabrasion is a superficial resurfacing treatment which exfoliates the top layer of the skin leaving it cleaner, brighter and smoother. These are £60 per session and a minimum of 3 are recommended for maximum results. Skin Rejuvenation is a laser treatment which reverses the signs of damage on the skin. This is great for the darkest of sun damage as the light is attracted to the Melanin which appears much darker and deeper on those badly sun damaged areas. A full face can be treated if needed or just individual areas of pigmentation. A full face treatment is £95 or individual areas start from £60 per session. 3 sessions are recommended for best results. It is vital if having any of the above that a SPF 30 is applied daily as these treatments are exposing the top layer of the skin which if exposed and not protected, could cause further or worse damage.

    If you would like any further information on pigmentation or which treatment would work best for you, give us a call or come into the salon for a consultation with one of our experienced skincare therapists.

  2. Our Favourite Dermalogica Solar Products

    Comments Off on Our Favourite Dermalogica Solar Products

    Dermalogica’s skin treatment systems are each designed to address a specific set of concerns which will help you achieve your best skin ever. Not sure where to start? Never used Dermalogica? At Beauty Haven we have Dermalogica trained skincare therapists who can guide you using the face mapping skin analysis. This is the ultimate way to diagnose your skin’s needs and create a personalised homecare regime suitable for you. Face mapping solves skin problems in as little as 5 minutes. The time it takes to make a cup of tea! Our therapists will section you skin into zones enabling them to choose the most effective product for each area.

    The most vital thing anyone can do is protect their skin from the sun, even from an early age. Most people experience sun damage from an early age, although this can take years to become visible. If you spend too much time outdoors without sunscreen or protective clothing your risk of sun damage is much greater, leaving you with potential problems in the future. Would you go out in the rain without an umbrella or coat? usually not, so the same applies with sun protection. Even on a cloudy day, the suns rays can still penetrate through the thickest of cloud cover. Do remember the same rules apply all year round, as the sun is lower in the sky during the winter months. Most of us think of sun protection only when on holiday but we need protection here, even in Northern Ireland. Another fact to remember is that solar products will also protect against windburn. Whether you are out walking the dog or climbing the Mourne Mountains, on a windy day you can still get burnt. Sun rays can even cause you damage through glass so sun protection is vital even if all you do in a day is drive to work and sit by the window.

    Forgetting to apply SPF will not only leave you sunburnt, but in fact increase your risk of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 80%. Sun damage can appear as age spots, freckles, uneven skin tone and dilation of capillaries, all of which are hard to cover up even with the best of makeup. While these symptoms are cosmetic and not harmful as such, it is very important to be mindful of the more serious conditions that excessive sun exposure can result in. The most serious but also common is skin cancer. There are different types of skin cancer and if you are at all concerned, please speak to your doctor immediately about any changes to your skin. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and can appear anywhere on the body. The first signs can be a change to an existing mole, in either size, colour or even bleeding. Melanoma can be successfully treated if caught early enough.

    Dermalogica are very aware of how important it is to protect the skin from sun damage so much so, they have a full solar range for the face and body. The skincare therapists at Beauty Haven would like to share with you their favourite product and why. Emma our Dermalogica skincare therapist loves the Ultra sensitive tint SPF 30. This product offers a 3 in 1 as it moisturises, has a high SPF and also offers a light tint leaving the skin with a healthy glow, great for any sensitive skin, retailing at £42. Deirdre another skincare therapist at Beauty Haven loves the Solar defense booster SPF 50 which is suitable for all skin types. This broad spectrum sunscreen can be used alone for full UV protection or can be mixed into any moisturizer or foundation, creating a daylight defence without leaving that heavy, chalky feeling. This retails at £42. Hilary’s go to product is Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 from the Age Smart range retailing at £66.50. This 3 in 1 will shield against the primary triggers of skin aging as it is an emollient daily spf moisturizer rich in reparative peptides. Extremely effective for any prematurely aging or aged skin. Chiara loves the Dermalogica Protection 50 sport SPF 50, as it is water-resistant with a broad spectrum of sun protection. Retailing at £32.50, it has a lightweight non greasy formula which is suitable for all skin types. Oleosome technology provides high SPF protection without irritation so great for even the most sensitive skin. The After sun repair is a firm favourite of Siobhan’s with its light weight formula providing a natural remedy from sun or wind damage. Fortified with Clove and Cucumber extracts to help reduce discomfort and redness, and help support the healing process. This retails at £30.20 and is a holiday essential.

    With all this information at hand I hope this makes you more aware of how important it is to protect your skin from those harmful sun rays in a safe and most effective way. If you would like any further information or advice contact us or call into the salon and we would be happy to assist you.

     

     

     

     

     

  3. Top Ten Skincare Tips For Teens

    Comments Off on Top Ten Skincare Tips For Teens

    Now the exams are over it is time to take care of yourself again! Summer is here and what better time to show off a healthy glowing skin to be proud of. A little extra work and thought going into looking after your skin with a good regime will pay off. We all would like to look our best, especially during the summer months. After all when we look good on the outside we feel good on the inside.

    There are many products claiming to be the best items on the market to combat your skin problems and deliver amazing results that will leave your skin glowing, spot free and smooth. Trial and error of these can be expensive and time consuming. Dermalogica have a unique skincare range called Clear Start, which is specially designed to treat a teenage skin. The Clear Start products contain ingredients which treat the breakouts whilst keeping the skin calm and hydrated. We would like to guide you with some tips and advice on achieving the healthiest skin possible.

    Hydration is so important for your skin and drinking enough water daily is the best thing you could do. Drinking the recommended eight glasses a day will flush out any toxins and prevent dry flaky skin. The use of suitable products also plays a big part in the hydration levels of your skin. Moisturiser absorbing too quickly is an indication that the skin is dehydrated and maybe not the most effective product for you.

    Antioxidants are the best skin protectors against the harmful effects from the sun. Vitamins A, C and E are the most effective antioxidants. Adjusting your diet and being aware of what foods you are eating plays a vital part in the health of your skin. Dairy products, fish, meat and dark green vegetables have the highest levels of vitamin A. Did you know that kiwi fruit has more vitamin C than oranges? The richest sources of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) are found in extra virgin oil, nuts especially almonds, wholegrain cereals and bread. Green Tea is another antioxidant which is most commonly used with body detoxing and is a great anti- inflammatory.

    Regular Exercise believe it or not, improves the skin, as your heart and lungs work harder to increases the blood flow throughout your body, delivering oxygen to the skin.  As your skin heats up your pores open to release sweat which clears out the skin. Removing all makeup before exercise is recommended to avoid the pores clogging up with dirt or impurities.

    Rest, relaxation and plenty of sleep will result in a brighter, healthier complexion. The recommended hours of sleep on average for a teenager is 8-10 hours per night. Smiling uses more muscles than frowning which aids in a great work out for your face. In other words the more we smile the younger we will look!

    Protection from the sun, sea and swimming is essential to any skin. Using an SPF is a must have, to provide sufficient protection from the sun rays and the long term damage this can cause. Salt water and chlorine dehydrates the skin, stripping if from its natural oils.

    Homecare is vital in the health of your skin as it is carried out daily. Using the most suitable products for your skin will give the most effective results. If you are unsure what your skin needs, at Beauty Haven we offer a Dermalogica Face Mapping Skin Analysis by a fully qualified skincare therapist who will asses your skin and advise you on the best solution to your needs.

    Monthly facials are a great way to ensure you are looking after your skin whilst giving you that deeper clean you cannot always achieve yourself. Express facials are a quick effective way to guide you in product usage whilst the Prescriptive facial gives us more time to asses the skin and provide a pore cleaning, deeper facial. If you are short of time you can do a DIY fix to give you that squeaky clean feeling. Get a bowl of hot water and put a towel over your head and the bowl, holding your face into the steam for 5 to 10 minutes. This will clean out the pores and bring all blockages to the surface of the skin.

    Dermalogica Clear start offer a full range of homecare products such as a cleanser, scrub, mask, toner, moisturiser and other products which target areas of concern. Keeping the skin clean and nourished is a vital part of skin health. If you cannot commit to using a full range of products then using a cleanser, scrub and moisturiser regularly should give you your desired results. The Clear Start products fight acne and blocked pores whilst still leaving the skin hydrated . They contain ingredients such as Salicylic acid, Tea Tree and Lavender to remove bacteria gently.

    If you would like any further advice on skincare contact us at Beauty Haven and any of our qualified therapists would be happy to guide you.

     

     

     

  4. Reflexology in Pregnancy

    Comments Off on Reflexology in Pregnancy

    ‘A baby fills a place in your heart that you never knew was empty’ –

    Reflexology during pregnancy is recommended after the first trimeaster. After the initial excitement of hearing the wonderful news of your pregnancy, this could be the time to organise a health regime for yourself throughout your pregnancy. To help you relax and maintain well-being for your body, mind and spirit.

    The arrival of a baby into the world is the most eventful time in your life. Reflexology may be able to help you throughout your pregnancy by having regular treatments to assist you with focusing on relaxation. Which may in turn assist with a straightforward labour and birth.

    We encounter many conditions during pregnancy, most common conditions are *Hyperemisis, Sciatica, Tiredness, & Heartburn, although many of our clients simply come for a treatment to relax.

    *Morning sickness or Hyperemesis is severe of continued sickness during pregnancy and is quite common for about seven out of every ten women. It can lead to hospitalisation as it can cause dehydtaion. Vomiting and/or nausea is not just in the morning, it can occur any time of the day. Thankfully for the majority, this stops around week 14. If you are struggling to keep food and water down for a prolonged period of time you should consult your doctor.

    Often clients turn to holistic treatments when all else fails. Perhaps you have gone down the traditional route, attending your GP and not really feeling any better. As reflexologists, we cannot promise to heal but case studies from many clients have shown that this therapy can make a difference to many health conditions. Many ailments are brought on by stress and in the fast paced lives we lead its not surprising that so many of us suffer from anxiety, stress, insomnia, the list is endless. Just relaxing and taking the stress out of your life can in itself improve many of these conditions, and if nothing else, you will enjoy this therapeutic foot massage, an hour to yourself sounds pretty good, doesn’t it!!!

    This holistic therapy available for anyone at any age. We use gentle manipulation by pressing on parts of the feet and hands to produce an effect on different parts of the body. It is a science because it is based on physiological and neurological study.  Occasionally, it is not suitable for everyone to receive  a treatment. During your free consultation at Beauty Haven, we will determine which therapy is best suited to your needs. Everyone receives a bespoke treatment which is specifically tailored for you. We talk to you about your wellbeing and any points  that require attention.

    What to expect during treatment

    A consultation sheet will be completed taking into account medical and any health problems. A list of prescription drugs will be noted. This is your chance to ask any questions and your expectations from the treatment. Socks and shoes will be removed and you can lie down on a treatment couch and switch off, perhaps even fall asleep. The therapist will use thumb pressure on points on your feet.

    How will I feel after a reflexology treatment?

    Talk to your reflexologist about how you feel after your treatment, giving feedback will be a tremendous help in devising a treatment plan and which areas to pay particular attention to.  Most common post treatment reactions can include:  going to the toilet more, this is due to the kidneys being stimulated to produce more urine, feeling nauseous, headaches, post nasal drip, all of these symptoms are temporary and are the bodies way of getting rid of excess toxin. They usually pass within 24 hours. Not everyone suffers from symptoms such as these, it does not mean the treatment has not worked.

    Reflexology assists the body to restore its equilibrium. After the first treatment the tension in your body may reduce and a feeling of relaxation may ensue. You may feel lighter, happier and your sleep patterns could improve.

    A typical session lasts for one hour, but we understand not everyone wants a full hour, therefore we can offer a 30 minute or 45 minute treatment, depending on your needs. A course of treatments is recommended to feel the full benefit.

    Everyday life puts lots of strains and stresses on the body. Now is the time to take control and responsibility for your health and deal with any issues as they arise. For advice please call the salon and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you.

     

     

     

     

  5. Male Hair Removal

    Comments Off on Male Hair Removal

    These days increasingly more men are becoming aware of their personal image with regards to body hair. At some point most men have dabbled in hair removal, nobody wants to have excessive hair but be warned looking good isn’t always easy and painless.

    In addition to shaving, there are various options for consideration such as waxing, electrolysis and laser hair removal, which option you decide to go for will be very much dependant on the amount of hair,you want to get rid of as well as your budget.

     

    The benefits of waxing.

    Waxing is quick and inexpensive. The results are instantaneous leaving silky smooth skin for 4 – 6 weeks. Don’t be tempted to buy over the counter waxes, book yourself into a reputable salon and let the professionals preform this procedure. If you have never had a wax treatment before speak to your aesthetician and ensure that he/she knows, the usual protocol would be to carry out a patch test to test the skin for sensitivity. Following your waxing treatment, avoid hot bathes or showers for 24 hours, perfumed products, and excessive heat for 24 hours. If the skin is red and irritated use aloe vera gel, this will calm the skin and in most cases the skin is back to normal within 24 hours.

    The benefits of electrolysis.

    This method is more commonly used for smaller areas such as the beard and neck area. The great thing about electrolysis is that it can be used on any skin type and any skin colour.

    Electrolysis is advised where the hair is not dark enough to opt for laser hair removal. The process involves using a small sterile needle which is inserted into the hair follicle, the probe is charged with a tiny amount of electrical current and you will feel either a build up of warmth concentrated in the locality or a sensation similar to a slight sting. Sensation depends on the area being treated. A topical anaesthetic cream can be applied and is available over the counter at pharmacies if you find the treatment uncomfortable.

    For successful and effective results, each individual hair requires repeated treatments. This is because each individual hair has its’ own growing cycle called Anagen, Catagen and Telogen. This is not unlike the ‘cycle of life’ with Anagen being the ‘alive’ and growing stage, Catagen the ‘collapsing’ stage where the hair collapses away from its source of food and nourishment (the dermal papilla) and the Telogen stage where the hair is ‘tired’ and dying and disconnected completely from its dermal papilla. Successful treatment for electrolysis (and incidentally also laser and ipl) has to target the hair in Anagen to achieve optimum results as it is the destruction of the dermal papilla which is required. Therefore results are not immediate and take a little time… but electrolysis does work and it is permanent.

    The benefits of Laser hair removal.

    This is no doubt a more expensive option at first but by far will give the longest lasting results. Following a patch test to determine if you are suitable for laser hair removal you will have a course of 6 treatments usually 6 weeks between treatments. Its important you don’t skip treatments so you do need to think about your scheduling as you cannot have any sun exposure 30 days before or after treatment.This is a great treatment for larger areas such as the back, chest and legs. The hair does need to be dark, your aesthetician will advise you at your patch test consultation if the hair is dark enough for laser treatment. The sensation of the treatment is often likened to the ‘ping’ of an elastic band, and aftercare advice is similar to that of waxing: avoid heat for 24- 48 hours, use aloe vera to cool the skin and wear an SPF 30 for 30 days following treatment. On completion of your course you will need top up treatments from time to time, this is a very worth while treatment and achieves approx 85% hair reduction.

    Regardless of the reason for wanting rid of excessive body/facial hair, do seek the advice of a professional, in many cases they will offer a free consultation.

    Contact Beauty Haven to schedule an appointment to see which hair removal system is best suited for your requirements.

     

     

  6. Boost your Beauty with Laser Therapy

    Comments Off on Boost your Beauty with Laser Therapy

    Beauty is only skin deep, but some facial imperfections, like blemishes, suns spots, redness and thread veins can’t be removed with an ordinary facial. As a bride, bridesmaid or mother of the bride/groom, you want to be looking your very best for that special day out. The latest in skin technology can have you looking radiant and blemish free for the occasion.

     

    Ellipse is a market leader in medical grade intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser treatments, which has become an increasingly popular choice in solving body blemishes and for stimulating anti-ageing collagen boosts. Ellipse Sirius uses the latest technology, combining laser and selective waveband technology (SWT), which is practically pain free. Ellipse treatments are peer-reviewed (independently checked by leading skin doctors and published in medical journals) and administered by specially trained therapists.

     

    The Ellipse Sirius can treat many skin conditions found on the face and body, including:

     

    • Hair removal
    • Treatment of small lines/dull skin
    • Thread veins
    • Roseacea, or skin redness
    • Sun damage/pigmentation
    • Acne and acne scarring

     

    At Beauty Haven, clients can choose from a selection of Ellipse Sirius laser therapy treatments upon consultation, however, our most popular treatments are the Laser Hair Removal, skin Rejuvenation  and Thread Vein Removal.

     

    Skin Rejuvenation

     

    The new Preventative Laser Facial by Ellipse tackles skincare concerns early and aims to treat those concerns before they turn into bigger issues later in time. Ideal for those who generally suffer from dull, lackluster complexions, this singular laser facial results in radiant, blemish-free skin with the added benefit of a collagen boost to refresh and plump out the skin. Issues that can be treated early include age spots or pigmentation, redness, acne prone skin and fine wrinkles.

     

    Thread Vein Treatment

     

    Thread veins are tiny blood vessels that run close to the surface of the skin and look like fine red, or sometimes purple, wiggly lines. Also know as ‘spider veins’ or ‘broken veins’, thread veins tend to develop due to ageing, causing the skin and blood vessels to lose their elasticity. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menopause are thought to provoke their development – making them more prevalent in women than men. Other causes include overexposure to sun, wind and extreme temperatures, cortico-steroid medicines and radiotherapy.

    The Sirius by Ellipse is a complete vascular system which is able to treat all sizes of vessels on the face. A treatment once a month is required on the face, with a minimum of one to three treatments necessary at intervals of four weeks. The finer thread veins on the surface can be treated in a single treatment depending on the individual.

    Ellipse’s patented dual mode filtering and square pulse technology are key innovations enabling practically pain-free treatments. The sensation felt during your treatment can be described as heat with a light flick of a rubber band, leaving your skin appearing slightly sun kissed after the treatment. There is no downtime with this procedure – it can simply be done in your lunch hour and you can resume with your daily activities straight after.

    Permanent Hair Reduction.

    Excess hair growth can be a major problem for some people, there are a many different reasons why laser hair removal might be the treatment for you, including PCOS and the menopause – whereby hormone levels cause excess hair growth that can cause low self-esteem and embarrassment. Also, laser hair removal encourages the hair to grow straight, so it’s a great solution for ingrown hairs. When compared to a lifetime cost of shaving and waxing, the treatment is good value for money and saves an enormous amount of time in other hair removal procedures. As long as the hair is dark, you can have anywhere on the body treated, the most common areas on woman are the lip, chin, underarm,, bikini and legs and for men, the most common areas being the face, chest and back. A patch test is required prior to first treatment.

    For more information or to book an appointment, contact Beauty Haven, Belfast, tel: 028 9066 6628.

Top