Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. Dermalogica Age Smart

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    There comes a point in everyones life were they start to have concerns about how their skin is going to age. We start to question if we were better at applying a high SPF when we were younger, would we look better for our age? Well worry not with the Dermalogica Age smart range.

    Dermalogica’s Age Smart products are part of a professionally formulated range that is specifically aimed at controlling the signs of skin aging. Age Smart products contain scientifically advanced ingredients that are proven to impact the major biochemical reactions that contribute to skin aging before they start, leaving your skin smoother, firmer and healthier. Many of the products contain SPF30 which ensures your skin is shielded against sun damage, which is a major factor in skin aging.

    The SkinPerfect Primer SPF30 is part of the Age Smart range which is targeted towards mature or prematurely aging skin. If you want to smooth away fine lines as well as brightening skin, then the SkinPerfect Primer will be perfect for you. This product works to smooth fine lines, firm skin, brighten and even-out skin tone, while also shielding against any sun damage from UV light. Apply alone, over a moisturiser, or after moisturiser application and before foundation to help decrease the appearance of fine lines, and for a lasting make-up finish. RRP £38.40

    The Age Smart Daytime Radiance kit (worth £40) is FREE when you purchase any product of the Age Smart range at Beauty Haven. The set includes travel sized MultiVitamin Power Firm, Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF30 and SkinPerfect Primer SPF30. *offer while stocks last

    For any more information on the products listed above, please call Beauty Haven Belfast.

  2. Treating Pigmentation

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    You may not have deep frown lines or crow’s feet, but if you feel like you’re ageing chances are it’s due to uneven skin tone; such as uneven brown patches not just on the face, but the hands and decolletage and shoulders. These ageing dark spots are known as pigmentation.

    Pigmentation is usually caused by sun exposure, specifically UVA rays which penetrate deep into the skin and cause ageing. UVA stimulates your pigment cells cause Melanocytes to manufacture the pigment called Melanin. This is the process in which our skin tans, but also how sun spots are formed. Sun spots can take between 10 and 20 years to develop. If you notice any developing now, it is best to treat it now before it becomes more noticeable.

    Here at Beauty Haven Belfast, our Photo Rejuvenation Facial using Ellipse is excellent for ageing, sun damaged skin and pigmentation. It assists the skin to look firmer and smoother. This Ellipse treatment  works by directing well controlled pulses of light into the upper skin layer. This light is absorbed by two of the body’s own natural chemicals – melanin in the pigmented areas and haemoglobin in the red blood cells.

    Both these pigments convert the light energy into heat. This heat is used to destroy the parts of the cells in which melanin is stored, and and to damage the walls of the vessels supplying blood to the areas where vascular damage is seen. The visible light produced by the Ellipse system is carefully controlled to produce the correct pulse length and right amount of energy to destroy the targets without damaging the surrounding tissue.

    Another treatment at Beauty Haven Belfast that is provided and recommended for those with worries of uneven skin tone is the Ecopeel Microdermabrasion.  Microdermabrasion painlessly buffs away any dry, damaged skin cells while encouraging the rise of new, natural collagen; the building blocks of clear, vibrant, youthful skin. It improves the appearance of fine lines, mild scarring, sun damage and uneven skin tone.

    Finally, the Mesoestetic Facial Peel available at Beauty Haven Belfast helps reduce skin blemishes, imperfections, small wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, pigmentation and uneven skin tone. The peel works by encouraging deep exfoliation to different layers of the skin. It increases cell regeneration and restoration of collagen and elastin fibres. After the peel the skin will appear luminous and hydrated.

    In Beauty Haven Belfast, we have a Skin Scanner. This machine allows a therapist to see deep into your skin’s layers and see things that may not be visible to the naked eye – such as pigmentation that may not yet be visible on the skin’s surface. This amazing piece of machinery is a fantastic way to diagnose and treat the skin with exactly what it needs.

    There are a number of products available to help with these concerns. Dermalogica’s ChromaWhite Range has been extensively researched and developed  for ingredients that would safely minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

    Prevention is better than a cure, and the Dermalogica’s Daylight Defence range shield the skin with high SPF for amazing protection against the sun’s rays.

    To find out more information about getting your skin scanned, or about any of the treatments and products listed above, please call Beauty Haven Belfast.

  3. Healthy Habits

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    The lifestyle you choose to lead can impact many things, including your skin. We’ve all heard the saying “You Are What You Eat”, and in light of recent studies on skincare, it rings true.

    A number of studies have found that trying to stick to organic foods can help to improve the skin dramatically. However, trying to go “fat free” isn’t always the answer. Healthy fats, such as those found in fish, avocadoes and almonds are packed full of skin friendly ingredients that improve it’s overall condition. It has been found that skimping on these healthy fats can lead to dull, dehydrated skin.

    Exercise is key to a healthy skin tone, as well as body. However, according to research, intense aerobic exercise, if done regularly, can have a detrimental effect on the facial skin. When women reach the age of 30, it is recommended by experts that  resistance training, stretching and low-impact exercising such as swimming, cycling and power-walking should be concentrated on.

    To help your skin’s condition improve, as well as making small changes to your diet and exercise routine, here at Beauty Haven Belfast we offer treatments which can also help. The Ecopeel Microdermabrasion (£60) is recommended to improve the appearance of fine lines, mild scarring, sun damage and uneven skin tone on the face.

    Products that can help brighten your skin, as well as maintain it after any treatments are available at Beauty Haven Belfast. Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant instantly leaves the skin smoother and brighter. Also, from the Dermalogica’s Age Smart range is the Dynamic Skin Recovery; a 3-in-1 SPF daytime moisturiser which helps fight skin-aging triggers and provides broad spectrum SPF, as well as hydrate without a chalky finish.

    For the body, we offer the Hydro-Active Mineral Salt Scrub (£25), a perfect treatment leading into summer in anticipation of showing a bit more skin…weather providing of course! The treatment involves an all-over scrub using mineral salts and seaweed, which polishes the skin while providing critical hydration and nourishment. You can also upgrade this treatment to the Dermalogica Perscriptive Body Treatment (£55) during which your skin is prepared by starting off with the mineral salt scrub, for your customised body mask. You can choose from “Sea Mud Pack” which purifies and detoxes, or the “Hydro Pack” which infuses the skin with moisture. Whilst you are cocooned in your mask, you can enjoy a relaxing scalp massage to ease away any tension.

    To help maintain any body treatments you recieve, we have the Conditioning Body Wash and the Ultimate Buffing Cloth. The Conditioning Body Wash provides soap free cleansing, which is acid balanced to prevent over-drying of the skin.The Ultimate Buffing Cloth exfoliates gently yet efficiently. When both products are used in conjuction with each other it achieves an amazing power-cleanse with a wonderful aroma. These products and more from the Dermalogica Body and Skin ranges are available at Beauty Haven Belfast.

    For more information on any of the treatments or products that we offer, please call Beauty Haven Belfast.

  4. Summer Tanning Tips

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    As summer approaches many of us may wish to achieve a sun-kissed glow, but what is the best tanning method? Is it the natural approach of sun bathing? Or do you get the best results from artificial tanning methods such as spray tans?

    Artificial or ‘fake’ tans achieve the sun-kissed look without the risks associated with sun bathing and sun beds. Using sun beds or sun bathing  is  dangerous and damaging to your skin because of the ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun itself and the lights used in artificial tanning beds. The UV rays, both UVA and UVB, penetrate deeply into cells and are a known carcinogen (causes cancer). Not only does ultraviolet radiation damage your body’s genes and cells but it  also causes ageing of the skin.

    Using spray tans and liquid tans will provide you with tanned skin without any damage being done. To achieve the best results you should follow a number of steps both before and after having a ‘fake’ tan. First and most importantly exfoliate, paying particular attention to the lower half of your legs, knees, and ankles, top of feet, toes, elbows and knuckles. Also ensure to shave at least 8 hours before appointment, wear loose fitting clothes when going for your tan (for 5 hours resist washing hands or wearing tight clothing), don’t exercise, swim or moisturise and wait at least 8 hours before showering.

    Different products will provide different results and the product best suited to you will depend on the sensitivity of your skin. If your skin often reacts to any tanning products then you should try Vita Liberata as their solutions are 80% organic and contain no parabens, perfumes or alcohol. If your skin is less sensitive then you could try He-Shi products which provide excellant, even coverage with no streaks and many of their solutions are quick drying making them ideal for when you’re in a hurry.

    A patch test is advisable prior to treatment. Full body tan at Beauty haven is £25

  5. Sun Protection

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    Coming into the Spring and Summer months we are all going to be exposed more to the Sun. Wearing sunscreen isn’t the only way to protect your skin from the sun’s rays as many specially formulated beauty products provide SPF. Sun Protection Factor or SPF measures how well a product protects skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin, and can contribute to skin cancer.

    Dermalogica provides a range of SPF products that are brilliant for everyday use and also great for travelling.

    Solar Defense Booster SPF50 – Add critical UVA and UVB defense to your moisturizer or foundation with this Broad Spectrum sunscreen for all skin conditions. RRP £38.50

    Pure Light SPF30 – A brightening, conditioning SPF moisturizer with an exclusive blend of peptides, minerals and botanical extracts to help treat and prevent cellular discoloration for unsurpassed skin brightening and tonal balancing. Contains UV Smart Booster Technology for enhanced photoprotection against pigment-inducing UV light. RRP £56.40

    Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF30 – Achieve absolute hydration and help defend against the internal and external causes of skin aging with this medium-weight, emollient daily moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF30.  RRP £60.70

    Sheer Tint SPF20 (lightly-tinted SPF moisturizer)  & Cover Tint SPF20 (creamy foundation delivering full coverage) – Natural, light-diffusing agents and Iron Oxides balance skin tone and soften fine lines while Broad Spectrum sunscreens help protect against damaging UV rays. RRP £34.80

    Ultra Sensitive Tint SPF30 – Broad Spectrum sunscreen with tinted earth minerals helps guard skin against UV damage with antioxidants from soothing Grape Seed and Green Tea extracts, as physical sunscreens shield against skin-aging and irritating UV damage. RRP £33.30

    Super Sensitive Shield SPF30 – Chemical-free, Broad Spectrum sunscreen helps protect and reinforce barrier lipids, which are often compromised in sensitized skin conditions. RRP £39.00

    Redness Relief SPF20 – Neutralize, relieve and defend against inflammation and redness induced by skin sensitivity and rosacea with this three-in-one SPF moisturizer. Sunscreens, Vitamin E and phytoactive anti-irritant agents provide critical defense against UV rays and help to control severity of daily flare-ups and long-term damage caused by the elements. RRP £34.80

    Call in to Beauty Haven and we will help you find the most suitable product for you.

  6. Feeling Blue?

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    ‘The purpose of life is a life of purpose’  Robert Byrne.

    Do you:

    • Get 7-8 hours of sleep
    • Have an optimistic Outlook
    • Enjoy Time Alone
    • Breathe deeply
    • Laugh Often
    • Live with purpose

     

    When times are difficult sometimes we need time out, for some it may be a long walk, reading a book or maybe a treatment such as a massage. We have a number of holistic treatments to help you release stress and tension such as Reflexology, Indian Head massage or a Balinese Massage.

    Balinese massage is generally performed by channeling energy and working through intuition. There is however some fundamental techniques that contributes to the well being of a client.

    These have been handed down through generations to balance the body and restore vitality. Compression massage will ease the tissues (release the wind often trapped in the body) before the energy lines are cleared and the circulation and lymphatic system is boosted. Half of the massage is done dry and then coconut oil and ginger is applied to work deep in to muscle tissue. The main energy lines and meridians are cleared.

    This powerful massage will leave you uplifted and recharged and is an effective way to release stress.

    Live with purpose and create the life you want. Be proactive and take responsibility for your actions, decisions and your path in life. Be good to yourself and don’t feel guily, you will be a better person to be around.