Hilary Lowry, Author at Beauty Haven Belfast Online

Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

Facial Thread Veins – Does laser work?
January 17, 2017 11:20 am Comments Off on Facial Thread Veins – Does laser work?
Have you ever noticed little red, sometimes purple veins running across your cheeks and noses? Perhaps you weren’t quite sure what they were or how you got them, so what they are, who gets them and what you can do you reduce them?

These little veins are called Thread Veins, which are actually just slightly enlarged veins on the face, they can also be referred to as spider veins or broken veins (yet they are not actually broken at all) the technical term for these veins is telangiectasia. The telangiectasia have no exact cause to how and why they appear however we have found some common factors which relates to who has them, and what can aggravate them.

Typically telangiectasia begin to appear with aging, as the elasticity in our skin starts to decrease – so does the elasticity in our blood vessels. We have also found that thread veins are more common in woman as they can be provoked by hormonal changes such as menopause and pregnancy. The over use of steroid creams and certain auto immune conditions may induce this skin condition. Genetics could also be a possibility to why these veins appear, as well as excessive sun bathing and exposure to extreme temperatures. It is said that prolonged standing may aggravate this condition – but it will not be a “cause” of them.

So who can get Thread Veins? Anyone can get thread veins as aging does and will eventually happen to all of us. Only one in five women in their 20’s will have thread veins in comparison to over 70% of women in their 70’s who have thread veins on their face and chest. Men can also have telangiectasia, more commonly though in a 60+ age range.

Thread veins, are not dangerous, they do tend to become larger and increase over time, but it will not cause any harm to you or your skin. Often they may cause a lack in confidence, as they give the skin a red, flushed look. Imperfection is something that we all deal with on a regular basis. As beauty therapists here at Beauty Haven we strive to help people with their appearance, to help them look and feel more confident. So what can you do to get rid of them?

A treatment that we would recommend and do offer here at Beauty Haven is our IPL – laser treatment. 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 IPL 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 IPL treatment we advise to avoid any means of “tanning”, saunas and steam room, vigorous exercise, swimming and make-up on the treated area.

A common question 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.

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.

For further information or to book a treatment please give us a call.
Restless Leg Syndrome – Can Reflexology help?
January 11, 2017 9:56 am Comments Off on Restless Leg Syndrome – Can Reflexology help?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that causes a strong urge to move your legs. This mostly occurs at night making it difficult to sleep and causing drowsiness throughout the day.The sensation is likened to an itch you can’t scratch, often uncomfortable and at times painful. Some people have little or no sensation apart from the strong urge to move. Symptoms can vary in severity, with some people suffering only occasionally whilst others suffer every day. Movement will temporarily give you some relief but simple things such as adopting a good bedtime routine, sleeping regular hours, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine late at night, quit or at least cut down smoking and take regular exercise.RLS is not life threatening but it can cause insomnia which in turn can trigger anxiety and depression.

So how can Reflexology help?

Although there is no sure way to get rid of RLS, Reflexology can help to ease stress and promote good sleep patterns which can in turn improve levels of anxiety.

The Reflexology treatment is a pressure point massage treatment of reflex areas found in the hands and feet but most commonly the feet. The reflexes (areas) on the feet are linked to areas on the body and have a direct relationship to the area of the body they affect. The treatment has many benefits,the main aim of the treatment is to stimulate energy flow and ease areas of tension and pain. Reflexology is not recognised in the medical world and a therapist should never offer to cure you however case studies have shown that symptoms can improve with regular treatments.

Benefits include:
- Stress reduction – Studies suggest that reflexology can aid in alleviating the negative effects of stress.
- Relaxation – The therapy encourages the body and mind to enter a deeply relaxed state
- Stress reduction – Studies suggest that reflexology can aid in alleviating the negative effects of stress.
- Relaxation – The therapy encourages the body and mind to enter a deeply relaxed state.
- Soothing tired feet – The average person walks around 7500 steps per day, its no wonder our feet can get sore and tired. The techniques used in reflexology can help to ease tension and pain in the feet.
- Reducing pain – Research suggests that the therapy is an effective pain reliever.
- Improving circulation – Reflexology helps break down deposits in the blood stream which can affect circulation.
- Enhancing overall well-being – Reflexology is an enjoyable treatment ( at least for those of us that enjoy our feet being touched) Many people use the therapy on a regular basis to support a healthy mind and body.
Many people also find reflexology helpful in reducing stress-related ailments, including:
- Tension headaches – The application of strokes over certain points on the foot by the big toe are thought to help ease tension headaches.
- Arthritis – Reflexologists may work on specific points on the hands and feet to help with arthritis pain.
- Digestive disorders – Reflex points for the digestive system are located on the plantar surface of the feet. Reflexologists will focus on these areas to relieve digestive discomfort and ease stress.
- Insomnia – Reflexology can be soothing. The thumb and finger movements over certain reflexes help to target hormonal imbalances that can disrupt sleep.
- Menstrual problems – Many women find the therapy useful for addressing common menstrual problems. These include severe pain, irregular cycles and general discomfort.
- Back pain – Pressure on certain reflex points is thought to alleviate nerve problems in the back which can cause pain.
- Sports injuries – Reflexology boosts the body’s healing ability. It stimulates blood and nerve flow to an injured muscle or tissue.
The treatment should not be painful although occasionally some areas may feel more tender, this will depend on what area of the body they correspond to. The therapist should adjust the pressure and you should find the treatment relaxing rather than painful. Following treatment, drink plenty of water, have a simple diet and try if you can to have a relaxing day. Following treatment you can experience what is know as ‘the healing crisis’ symptoms can include, post nasal drip, headache, frequency in urinating, sometimes even feeling a bit nauseous, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to know they will usually pass within 24 hours and it is actually a good thing as the body is ridding itself of toxins.

For advice or to book a treatment please give us a call.
Sun-damaged skin, treatment and prevention.
January 3, 2017 1:36 pm Comments Off on Sun-damaged skin, treatment and prevention.
Most people want to keep a young and fresh look but as our skin ages due to sun exposure and decreased production of collagen this can become a challenge.

Ellipse treatment of sun-damaged skin makes your skin look younger by removing age spots, other uneven pigmentation and diffuse redness. The skin texture is also improved and many women report that it becomes easier to apply makeup. Although facial treatments are the most popular, any area of the body can be treated.

Last year we upgraded our Ellipse system to the new sirius model. The system uses SWT (selective waveband technology). Short, safe busts of light are directed at the skin. The light is filtered to ensure the wavelengths used are absorbed by the haemoglobin in the the fine blood vessels and the melanin in the age spots.When cells containing a lot of melanin or haemoglobin are treated, the target heats up and is destroyed within a few thousandths of a second.

The ideal patient are those with light skin, who are not suntanned at the time of treatment. The contrast between the age spots/blood vessels and background colour of the skin is greater, making the treatment easier. Treatment time is relatively short with a full face taking around 20 minutes. We recommend three treatments but usually improvement can be seen after the first treatment. The treatment is to painful and requires no downtime. Some clients liken the sensation to the flicking of a rubber band. Generally aftercare is minimal but a sensitive skin may benefit from using an aloe vera gel after treatment or a cold compress. Sun exposure should be avoided for 30 days even if there is no sign of inflammation in the treated area. An SPF30 is recommended for 30 days following treatment.

Following treatment you may notice the skin looks a little ‘dirty’ but after a few days your skin will look shooter and fresher. You might choose to have 1-2 annual maintenance treatments to maintain your youthful appearance.

A patch test is recommended prior to your first treatment to rule out any contraindications and to ensure you are choosing the right treatment for your specific skin concern. For optimal results a professional peel can be carried out prior to your first laser treatment. Our mesoestetic skin peels vary from glycolic, lactic, salicylic and mandelic to the use of combined peels. All our professional peels are customised, safe and extremely effective. This can be discussed as an option at your laser consultation.

The cost for a professional skin peel is £65 and for a full face photo rejuvenation treatment is £95. Individual age spots on the face and body can be treated and price will be discussed at consultation.

For further information on clinical trials carried out by leading doctors you can visit the Ellipse website at www.ellipse.com.

Prevention is always better than cure, so follow these simple steps to avoid damaging your skin:

Apply sunscreen before you go outdoors.

Use a sunblock on your lips.

Limit your time outdoors when the sun is at its peak.

Wear sunglasses with UV protection.

Wear a large hat, loose trousers and a long sleeved shirt.

Be aware that some medications, including antibiotics can cause your skin to become more vulnerable to the sun ( photo sensitive). Follow the above precautions and reapply your sunscreen regularily.

The more unprotected exposure you have to the sun over your lifetime can increase the risks of skin cancer. If you have a persistent scaly patch or nodule on your skin or have noticed any change in moles, contact your GP for advice.

Often clients who have been sun worshippers will report a very dehydrated skin with more noticeable lines and wrinkles. The Dermalogica age smart range has a variety of products within the range that can improve the appearance and feel of the skin. The ‘NEW’ daily superfoliant just launched 3rd January 16 is set to become this years best seller, this product will resurface, detox and reduce the signs of ageing all while helping to protect the skin from harmful environmental pollutants.RRP £55

Get your new year off to a good start and book your skin consultation at Beauty Haven today, invest in your skin today and reap the rewards.
FACE THE FACTS: Facial hair removal treatments – what’s right for you?
December 21, 2016 9:24 am Comments Off on FACE THE FACTS: Facial hair removal treatments – what’s right for you?
Whether using a traditional or technology based method, one thing’s for sure, facial hair removal is a versatile service that continues to prove hotly in demand.

Let’s face it, whilst hair has its place, unwanted facial hair is at best an inconvenience and can be a real nuisance with many of us choosing to make regular efforts to remove it. Despite being a common problem, for many women, it is socially unacceptable and embarrassing. It tends to result in a loss of self-confidence and self-esteem and often leaves people at a loss to know how to deal with the problem or where to get the most appropriate treatment.

Well despair no more, for a solution is at hand! Check out our guide to the most in demand facial hair removal treatments available for keeping your face hair-free.

When it comes to removing unwanted hair, many women will try a combination of approaches. Most will have tried the usual methods of bleaching the hair or removing it by plucking, threading, shaving, waxing or using depilatory creams. When used correctly these methods help to effectively remove the hair, however they only offer a temporary solution. The problem is that the hair tends to grow back and needs to be repeated on a regular basis. Not to mention that these methods may also prove harsh on delicate areas of the face causing pain, irritation and redness. Not ideal when choosing to go about your daily activities immediately after leaving the salon, as many of us don’t want to make it obvious that we’ve just tackled our unwanted lip hair!

Whilst waxing and other more traditional methods of hair removal are most likely going to remain as the top favourites for salons, some customers may be looking for a more permanent solution for treating their unwanted hair. These treatments include electrolysis, IPL and laser therapy.

The past decade has seen more salons using light based therapy such, as laser treatments, due to the increased demand for permanent hair removal as well as high profile celebrities boasting about its effects.

“More than light”

Virtually pain free with results that last years, Laser and IPL treatments are fast and highly effective, but how does it work? Well, these light treatments use safe, short bursts of intense pulsed light to remove unwanted hair from ALL body sites in minutes. a thin layer of gel is applied to your skin prior to treatment to allow the maximum amount of light to enter the skin. The application rod is placed against the skin and a controlled pulse of light is released. the light is absorbed by the pigment “melanin” in your hair. Melanin converts the light into heat which then travels down the hair shaft and into the base of the follicle. The hair will be prevented from growing any further once enough damage has been done over the course of the treatment.

So what’s the difference between IPL and Laser?

The difference in the two treatments is the waveband in which the light is emitted on. IPL has a broad waveband (or colour) of light whereas Laser emits light in parallel beams using only a single wavelength. the results between the two aren’t much different as both laser and IPL require the hair to be in its growth phase in order to be successfully treated. Approx 30% of hair will be in this stage at any one time which is why a course of around 5-6 treatments is advised to see the optimum results in hair removal.

Some clients won’t be suitable for light treatment therapies for a number of reasons, such as skin colour and light hair pigmentations. In this case, electrolysis would be their best bet for permanent hair removal.

Electrolysis is ideal for both men and women, this innovative technology targets the deeper layers of skin where the hair follicles are and destroys the root. A very fine, flexible needle is inserted into the follicle and a small current is then passed through the needle which destroys the follicle which prevents any more hair growing from that particular follicle in the future. But don’t worry, it isn’t as scary as it sounds! Just like laser, no anaesthetics are required. This method requires consistency and numerous treatments are required. Clients usually start with 10 -15 minute sessions once a week, with sessions becoming less frequent as the hair weakens. To decide which option is best for you, book in for your free consultation. Whichever method you opt for, one thing is for sure, you will feel more confident as the hair growth slows and disappears and wonder why you didn’t start the treatments years ago.
Fed up up with excessive hair?Throw away your razor !!!
December 13, 2016 12:30 pm Comments Off on Fed up up with excessive hair?Throw away your razor !!!
Have you been considering laser hair removal. The New year is the perfect time to start your treatments.

Book today for your free consultation. Payment plans available.
Feeling stressed – Indian Head Massage, the benefits!
November 30, 2016 12:53 pm Comments Off on Feeling stressed – Indian Head Massage, the benefits!
Indian Head Massage is one of our favourite treatments, theres a good chance you won’t look great after your treatment as your hair will not only be tussled but if oil has been used you might look like you haven’t washed your hair for a while. Our tip is to bring a hat or scarf to wear on the way home, despite all of this you will feel great.

The treatment costs £30 and takes around 30 minutes and starts on the back and shoulders, progresses to the head and finishes with a pressure point massage of the face. Often the main energy centres of the body can be blocked (chakras), the massage releases negative energy that can manifest as illness and disease and encourages free flow of energy throughout the body creating a feeling of wellbeing.

Indian head massage has a number of benefits:
1. Relieves migraine, headaches and back pain. The therapist will work firstly on the shoulders, upper back and neck to release those hard to get at knots. Often tension in these areas can lead to headaches and back/neck pain and dependant on your job if working at a desk and your posture isn’t great can lead to ongoing problems.
2. Hair growth. The massage can stimulate hair growth as it can increase nourishment and oxygen to the hair follicles and this in turn can stimulate hair growth. If you are a male and concerned with hair loss, suffer from alopecia or simply just wanting longer locks this treatment is worth trying. Although there are no guarantees quite often hair loss can be stress related so even the simple fact that you are relaxing will help.
3. Increase your energy levels. By creating a feeling of well being, this massage can have a powerful effect in increasing your energy levels and creating a state of homeostasis (balance).
4. Loss of memory can be a common modern lifestyle problem, in many cases caused by a stressful busy lifestyle. An Indian Head massage will force you to relax, slow down and calm down. This state of mind is much more to conducive to a proactive/productive lifestyle.
5. Improved sleep. Many of us suffer from insomnia and broken sleep pattern. Make a point of switching off your mobile, iPad, laptop a couple of hours before you go to bed. A monthly maintenance Indian head massage treatment will encourage you to relax and open your body to better rest. By massaging the head we encourage oxygen to the brain which will reduce anxiety and encourage deeper relaxation and state of well being.
Other conditions that Indian Head Massage can help with are eyestrain, sinus congestion, depression,anxiety and tinnitus. Sometimes following any holistic treatment, the body can go through what is called ‘a healing crisis”. This is nothing to worry about and is usually just the body ridding itself of toxins; symptoms include headache, lethargy, post nasal drip, increased urination, disturbed sleep, soreness of muscles and heightened emotional state. These symptoms will usually subside within 24 hours and you will feel great as the body will have rebalanced itself.

A very popular treatment that doesn’t have to take up too much of your time but will benefit you greatly …. definitely worth a try !!

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