Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. 5 common concerns with laser hair removal

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    Laser hair removal has come a long way since its first introduction to the beauty industry around the mid 90’s. Clients however still have reservations and concerns before committing to the treatment. some of the most common questions and concerns we deal with on a regular basis are highlighted here and will hopefully help you in your decision making.

    • The single biggest concern regarding laser hair removal is cost.  Most clinics will recommend a course of treatments ( around 4-6 sessions) Some laser hair removal clinics will offer payment plans to help spread the cost. Reputable laser hair removal centres understand that lasers work differently on different people and if in any doubt should recommend single sessions rather than purchasing a course.
    • Many clients are concerned about the side effects form laser hair removal treatment, such as scarring, pigmentation problems and can laser cause any permanent damage? If you do your research and find a reputable clinic you should be asked to attend a consultation before your treatment begins (usually about 2-3 days) and have a patch test (skin test) to assess skin suitability and to rule out any contraindications to treatment. Assuming you have done this then any risk of side effects are minimal but cannot be ruled out totally, ensure that if you decide to start the treatment that throughout the course you keep your laser operator informed of any changes to your health/medication.Laser hair removal risks include: burns, scarring,infection and permanent pigment changes ( whilst rare, some of these can be permanent).Side effects can include sensitivity,swelling and redness and will usually subside within 48 hours.
    • What are the side effects of laser hair removal on pregnant woman? There is no evidence that anything bad would happen if you had a laser treatment during pregnancy however it is impossible to make a definite claim and the one in a million chance that anything could go wrong is just not worth it. Check with the clinic what their policy is but to use that old analogy … if in doubt, don’t!
    • Is laser hair removal safe on dark skin? Dark skin can be treated effectively but check with the clinic that the laser/IPL machine they are using has been approved and is safe to use on dark skin. The side effects are higher when treating a dark skin as darker skin absorbs more of the energy, this can make the treatment feel a little more uncomfortable and as the energy has to be kept lower the results can be slower. We have however treated several darker skin types with great success.
    • How to find a reputable clinic. Laser clinics based in Northern Ireland must be registered with the RQIA ( regulation and quality improvement authority). Any clinics registered with the RQIA have regular inspections to ensure equipment used is up to standard and regularly serviced, staff are trained on an ongoing basis and all safety measures are in place. We would not recommend using a clinic who is not registered.

    Whilst these are some of the main questions we get asked, please do not hesitate to contact us with any other queries you may have.

     

     

     

  2. Customer Testamonial on Laser Hair Removal

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    Having been waxing and shaving for a number of years I had come to the point where shaving was frustrating me as the hairs just grew in the next day (or that night) and I didn’t like having to let my hairs grow for a number of weeks to be waxed, especially in the summer months.

    I was desperate to get a treatment that would give me more permanent results. Having spoken to a beauty therapist I learnt that there was a treatment called IPL hair removal. Sounded just like what I wanted!!

    I came in for a patch test which involved an in depth consultation, where it gave me more knowledge of the treatment and assured me how the treatment would be carried out and results which would be expected from it. A patch test is needed 3 days before first treatment!

    My first treatment was carried out exactly how it had been explained to me during my patch test appointment. The therapist assessed the area to ensure I had shaved the hair that morning or night before a gel was spread onto skin to help conductivity. I felt a sensation like someone flicking me with an elastic band (still not as sore as waxing is) I got told this was from the pigment in my hair absorbing the light from the applicator head and converting it to heat as it is the heat that destroys the hair follicle.

    After having 6 treatments with 4-6 weeks intervals I have seen a HUGE improvement. There really isn’t much hair growing back now and the hair that does grow back takes so much longer to come through. I have been advised to have a couple more treatments to target the remaining hair.

    I have to say this is such an amazing treatment and I am so glad I started it. It is totally worth the money. I also feel much more confident now as I was prone to ingrown hairs from either the shaving or waxing and they have totally gone. My skin is so smooth now and it is the most pore less looking it has ever been.

    My advice to anyone is book in at Beauty Haven for a patch test and you will love the results!!

     

  3. Thread Veins

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    Are you constantly checking your make-up?  Do you cover your red facial veins daily?  You don’t have to try to cover your thread veins anymore.   Clinically tested and safe Ellipse treatment can help!

    How does the Ellipse facial thread vein treatment work?
    A thread vein is a small blood vessel near the surface of the skin.  The Ellipse operator guides the visible light from the flash-lamp to the blood vessels needing treatment.  The unique Ellipse I²PL system carefully filters this light in two ways to ensure that only light with correct characteristics (wavelengths) is allowed to reach your skin.

    Blood contains hemoglobin that absorbs the light and converts it into heat.  This heat destroys the protein in the wall of the thread vein.  As a result the vein will gradually and safely disappear after treatment.

    How long does an Ellipse treatment take?      

    Timing will depend on the amount of facial thread veins present.  A single session typically lasts 10-20 minutes.  Including consultation and preparation, you should count on 30-45 minutes in the clinic.

    How many treatments are necessary?
    The number of treatments depends on the severity of the thread vein.  Clinical studies have confirmed that 1-4 treatments usually are needed, and these are timed about one month apart.

    Does it hurt?

    Sensation varies from person to person.  No anesthetic is required and many clients describe the discomfort as a warming sensation similar to the feeling one has after a day on the beach.

    Call us now to book your patch test.

  4. Remove Spots in a Flash

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    There are many myths about the cause of acne.  Some people think that the incidence of acne is higher if you eat foods like chocolate or French fries.  Others think the presence of acne is due to poor hygiene.  Neither is true.

    Acne is caused by the body’s increased production of the hormone androgen, which stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. The increased production of oil cannot come up to the skin surface. The acne itself is an infection caused by skin bacteria that feed on and break down the oil. As the bacteria multiply, waste products and sebacic acid are created and the sebaceous gland becomes inflamed- causing what is known as a blackhead, a whitehead or a pimple.

    But now – with the clinically tested and safe Ellipse treatment – help is at hand!

    How does the Ellipse Acne treatment work?
    The Ellipse IPL carefully filters its light energy. The light that is allowed through is absorbed by haemoglobin, which is the red pigment in blood. The light from the flash lamp heats up the haemoglobin in the fine blood vessels that supply the sebaceous glands. This causes a minor injury to the sebaceous glands and slows down the overproduction of oil that leads to acne. You are required to have a patch test prior to treatment so that we can make sure there are no contraindications to you having the treatment. We also recommend use of differin gel for 3 weeks prior to the treatment starting, this ensures the skin is free from bacteria and as clear as it can be this achieving optimum results. This topical gel is available on prescription so you will need to speak to your GP.

    How long does an Ellipse treatment take?     

    It takes approximately 60 flashes to treat the full face.  Including consultation and preparation, you should count on 30-45 minutes in the clinic.

    How many treatments are necessary?
    Typically treatment should be once every 3 weeks for 4 treatments. Each treatment takes approximately 20 minutes.

    Does it hurt?

    Sensation varies from person to person.  No anesthetic is required and many clients describe the discomfort as a warming sensation similar to the feeling one has after a day on the beach.

     

  5. My Acid Peel Experience

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    Being a therapist myself I am really into looking after my skin and trying to do the best I can to stop any premature ageing.

    I had never heard of mesoestetic before coming to Beauty Haven but as soon as I was told they are a cosmeceutical skincare range this got me excited.  The more results driven the better!

    I began my treatment with a very in depth consultation to ensure I would get the most out of my peel.  I have had many peels in the past so we knew my skin was able to take a higher level strength of peel.

    After the cleansing and prepping stage of the facial, a thin layer of glycolic acid was applied around my face.  I experienced a slight tingle from this (what I want to feel so I know its doing something).  The glycolic acid wasn’t left on for long as it was just a base for my Azelan peel.  After 3 minutes this was removed and a stem cell active growth factor cream was applied.

    My results were truly amazing, my skin was so smooth and soft, it felt hydrated and tighter with a diffusion in my redness.  I would recommended mesoestetic peels for anyone and any skin types.

    The benefits for a chemical peel are:

    Close open pores, improve the texture, address the effects of skin aging which softens wrinkles, lighten pigmentation and reduce the manifestations of acne and improve the appearance of scars.

    A before and after image of what mesoestetic peels can do for acne sufferers

  6. My Miracle Product

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    This, without doubt has become my favorite product and one I definitely feel I cannot live without. Resurfacing peel booster by Mesoestetic.

    The product was given to me to trial a couple of months ago. Suitable for treating oily, acneic or seborhoeic skins with blemishes and or actinic keratosis, resurfacing peel booster is a coadjuvant for medical -aesthetic procedures particularly for anti aging and anti-acne treatments.

    The texture is a non oily gel. A formula combining the exfoliating and regenerating properties of glycolic acid and the highly keratolytic, sebum controlling effects  of the salicylic acid. Eliminates impurities and dead cells, normalizes excess sebum, the serum stimulates cell renewal and activates collagen and elastin synthesis, improving elasticity and reducing wrinkles. this product perfects skins surface and reduces the size of pores for a clearly visible, more glowing, matt complexion.

    The results are obvious when using this product, I have become quite addicted to it. For further details on this product or others in the Mesoestetic range please call us or drop in and speak with one of our skin care therapists.