Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. Brighten Up

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    With winter well and truly behind us, many of us are beginning to look forward to the year ahead and with that comes the usual scrutinising of our face and body. So how do you get a brighter, more youthful appearance without having to resort to botox and fillers? Ever tried Microdermabrasion? If not, then let me tell you the benefits of this fantastic facial treatment.

    Microdermabrasion as an anti-aging procedure can be offered as a treatment for acne, acne scars, hyper-pigmentation, texturally rough skin, striae, and photo-damaged skin. The procedure reduces the effect of ageing naturally with a deep cleanse that helps reduce open pores, spots and blemishes. It can also blend stretch marks and smooth uneven skin appearance.

    It is a simple exfoliation procedure which offers benefits without scraping or scratching the skin, so as to work within the client’s comfort level and remove the risk of traumatizing the epidermis. The beneficial effects of the microdermabrasion procedures have long been proved by client assessment studies who have been highly satisfied with the procedures. For maximum benefits  it is recommended that a course of treatments should be taken.

    Also, because the reaction on the surface is purely physical, microdermabrasion does not have any side-effects that are associated with chemical treatments. Besides the procedure being quick, each facial lasts typically around an hour,with no downtime required, the main requirement after treatment is application of  SPF30. So you could say that microdermabrasion is a win-win for almost all skin types.

    During April at Beauty Haven purchase two Microdermabrasion facials and get the third treatment free, this fantastic offer should have have you glowing in no time.

  2. Dry or Dehydrated Skin

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    Dry skin or dehydrated skin?

    Dry skin is skin that’s lacking in oil. Dehydrated skinis skin lacking in moisture in the outermost layer of the epidermis.
    Dry Skin is more common in winter time, it can be itchy, red and scaly and gets worse with ageing. As people get older, the number of sebaceous glands that give out a type of oil in the skin are reduced, this influences the skin’s ability to hold moisture.

    One of the biggest consequences of dry skin is an increase in sensitivity, as dry skin is a precursor to sensitized skin. When skin is dry, it’s depleted of its natural protective lipid barrier. This lowers skin’s defenses against environmental assaults that can cause a sensitized response in skin, such as itching and redness.

    Over-use of soap and water, a dry, warm indoor climate, excessive sunbathing and other environmental effects such as strong winds have a great influence on how dry the skin can become.

    Some Tips for Dry Skin.

    Pat skin dry – don’t rub.
    Apply a moisturiser such as Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance, while skin is still a little damp. Intensive Moisture Balance is an ultra-rich phytonutrient moisturizer designed to combat dry skin and reduce the signs of premature aging. Contains no artificial fragrance or colour. It hydrates, improves elasticity and is an antioxidant defence cream.
    Air your home, and turn down the heating.
    Avoid too much sun, excessive exposure can cause dry skin, premature ageing and skin cancer. It is important to wear an SPF everyday such as Dermalogica Solar Defence Booster. Solar Defence is a sunscreen supplement specifically formulated to add full spectrum protection to your favorite moisturiser or make-up. Contains no artificial fragrance or colour, and is SPF30.
    It is also important to exfoliate the skin regularly to avoid congestion with dead skin cells. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant can be used on all skin types. This unique Rice-based enzyme powder microfoliates dulling debris and instantly leaves skin noticeably smoother and brighter. Contains no artificial fragrance or colour.
    Dermalogica has an extensive range of products to help the conditions of dry and sensitised skin. Speak to your skin professional at Beauty Haven for advice.

  3. Dermalogica Chromawhite

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    Dermalogica’s chromawhite products have been developed to brighten and lighten pigmented skin. The range is free of Hydroquinone, an ingredient used in skin whitening to reduce the colour of the skin – its use is banned in many countries with up to a third of the population allergic to the ingredient.

    There are different forms of hyper pigmentation:

    Sun damaged skin

    Melasma ( the mask of pregnacy)

    Post inflammatory inflammation ( scar tissue )

    Age Spots or liver spots

    Causes of various pigmentation disorders can vary from over exposure to sunlight, hormones triggered by stress, medications that cause photosensitivity, exposure to chemicals ( eg fragrance).

    Chromawhite products can vastly improve many of these concerns treating the hyperpigmentation and protecting the skin from future pigmentation problems.

    Tri- active cleanse: A unique 3 in 1 cleanser, creamy and conditioning. Will cleanse, exfoliate and brighten the skin.

    Powerfoliant: A powerful exfoliant removing dulling debris and pigmented cells. Use once or twice weekly.

    C-12 concentrate: A targeted treatment to treat sundamage, chloasma and pigmentation. Very gentle, suitable for a sensitive skin, delivers unbelievable results. Use under moisturiser twice daily.

    Extreme C: A Powder to emulsion formula containing the highest concentrate of Vit C on the market. Best used as a spot treatment. Fantastic for speeding up recovery of scar tissue.

    Pure Light spf30: A medium weight moisturiser that will hydrate,protect and brighten the skin.

    Pure Night: A night time treatment to target pigmentation and reinforce skins barrier.

    Chromawhite products now available at Beauty Haven. Prices available upon request. Delivery can be arranged by contacting salon.

    Please remember to like our facebook page for updates on all our products and services.

  4. The Body Issue

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    As we gear up for a new year of effective exercise,flat stomach secrets, diet swaps and smart fitness make this year the year your  body goal comes true.The bigger the goals we set ourselves the more motivation is needed to achieve them. Start with initial small steps rather than making huge life changes.

    Some tips to get you started:

    Fuel your fitness.Eating the right foods can optimise the amount of calories burnt. Try to eat one or two hours before exercising and always immediately after. Low fat yogurts, bananas and nuts are slow release energy foods good prior to exercise. Immediately after even if you aren’t that hungry protein will help with your recovery and prevent you from becoming ravenous later. (eg eggs, chicken)

    Leave your desk after eating and have a walk for 5 minutes, sitting hunched over your desk bunches up the digestive organs so they can’t work properly.

    Cut back on sugar and fruit in late afternoon as they upset your natural bacteria and ferment in the gut causing bloating.

    Try to train three times a week, you will find your energy will increase, your skin and nails will also improve.

    Allow yourself a cheat meal once a week and try to keep the rest of your meals to a third protein, salad or vegetables.

    Here at Beauty Haven we have a personal trainer who can advise you on nutrition and weight management or to kick start the New Year avail of our inch loss body wrap and receive a free facial (£55 ).

  5. Glam It Up!

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    The Christmas party season is well and truly upon us now and with lots of different functions and parties to attend, Beauty Haven Belfast have come up with an ingenious way of helping you save money on perfecting your look!

    We’re all trying to save money and be more frugal with our pennies, so how about trying one of our Seasonal Party Packs. You can choose from either Option 1, which is a full body spray tan, file and polish on fingers and toes and express lashes for just £85 (RRP£134) or Option 2, which is a full body tan, gel overlays on either fingers or toes, an eyelash tint and eyebrow shape all for the amazing price of £50 (RRP £73). So not only is this an excellent option for your Christmas party but also for New Years Eve parties.

    Don’t forget for all your last minute Christmas shopping we are open until 2.00pm on Christmas Eve.

  6. Christmas Gift Ideas

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    So we all have that one person that we never quite know what to get for Christmas. This year why not let Beauty Haven Belfast take the pressure off and help you find something that will really be appreciated. From gift vouchers to hand-made gift sets we will be able to help you find that perfect gift.

    Gift vouchers are always a great gift to recieve at any time of year and can be made out for a specific treatment or for a monetary amount. At Beauty Haven Belfast we can help you choose the right option and with vouchers valid for six months there’s no excuse for not trying a treatment.

    If you prefer to give a present rather than a voucher, then why not try come in and visit us and we will help you make up a gift box full of goodies and treats for that special person. You can choose from the Dermalogica range of skincare products, OPI nailcare range or Vita Liberta Luxury Gift Bags or even some Jane Iredale make up. The choice is endless and the only restriction there is is your budget, so why drop in and let us do the work for you.