Hilary Lowry, Author at Beauty Haven Belfast Online

Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

Are you Just a Little Bit Sensitive?
October 7, 2011 2:34 pm 49 Comments
Millions of people worldwide suffer skin sensitivity and this figure is on the increase. Studies have shown that at least 50% of people consider themselves their skin to be sensitive.

Although few people are born with this type of delicate and sensitive skin, it can be genetically predisposed. For example, if you suffer from allergies,eczema or psorasis, the liklihood of you having a sensitive skin type is high.

The most common factors in triggering skin sensitivity are severe weather conditions and reactions to products. There has also been a rise in the number of people suffering from stress, which studies have also shown to have an effect on skin sensitivity levels.

Most people will know when they have a sensitive skin type but if you are not sure the main characteristics to look out for include, a feeling of tightness after washing, excessively dry skin, red blotchy appearance, prone to blushing.itching and stinging, broken capillaries across cheeks and nose and small rash like bumps. The skin can also appear thin and translucent.

If you are still unsure about your skin type then consider having a consultation and face mapping skin ananlysis with a Dermalogica trained therapist at Beauty Haven Belfast to answer your queries.

After having a detailed skin analysis your therapist will recommend products best suited to your skin’s needs. With skin sensitivity issues products from the Ultracalming range will be the most suitable option. Ultracalming serum concentrate, for example, is a super concentrated serum that helps calm, restore and defend sensitised skin and can reduce skin redness by up to 21%.

Follow us next week for a more in depth discussion about the Ultracalming product range and the benefits it can provide you with.
Autumn Well Being
October 1, 2011 10:17 am 5 Comments
As Summer disappears for good you may be looking for a little pick-me-up. Why not think of having a treatment that you have never experienced before. People can be prone to having the same treatment over and over again because they know what it entails and they feel safe and comfortable with it. Try stepping out of your comfort zone and dipping your toe into something different, as they say, nothing ventured nothing gained!

A Dermalogica Thermal Body Treatment, for example, serves two equal purposes-to deliver skin health and feel incredible. Through zone-by-zone analysis of your skin the treatment will be customised to your skins needs.

Many people suffer from acne which can effect their back and chest aswell as their face. If this is the case, then cleansing, exfoliation and treating are just as important for overall skin health. The treatment is also beneficial for those of us who have a drier,dehydrated skin type. Depending on your skin’s needs that day the treatment can then be customised to suit. This may be products to hydrate or products to detoxify. After the treatment the therapist will prescribe a home care plan that will help you maintain the results of your treatment between visits.
Changing Seasons
September 7, 2011 3:47 pm 5 Comments
As we say goodbye to summer and the children get ready to back to school, it’s time for all you stressed out parents to indulge in a little ‘me time’. You have probably spent the summer months trying to keep the kids amused and in doing so now find your bank account and, not to mention your hair, are possibly a bit lighter than a few weeks ago!

We all get that guilty feeling when we think about how much we would like to just spend a day being pampered from top to toe. Stress no more as studies show that people who incorporate treatments into their lives, may it only be a simple nail shape and paint or back massage, lead more productive home and work lives. So for the incoming season make the decision to look after your health and well-being.

By working on specific pressure points, massage can ease away tension in the body and help relax muscles and reduce tension and pain. Make a change for the better for this new incoming season and give yourself a treat.
Uneven Skin Tone: Understanding Pigmentation & Treatment Options
August 31, 2011 11:58 am 26 Comments
Ever noticed darker patches on your skin compared to surrounding areas? This is pigmentation, a common yet harmless skin condition caused by melanin (skin pigment) overproduction.

What Causes Pigmentation?

Sun exposure is the leading culprit for most pigmentation concerns, including:

Melasma: This most common type appears as dark spots, usually on the face, neck, and arms. It’s more prevalent in women, especially during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, affecting over 50% during that time.

Vitiligo: This condition causes white patches due to melanin loss.

Solar Lentigines: These are also known as “age spots” and appear as small, brown patches on sun-exposed areas.

Treatment Options for Brighter Skin:

Professional treatments like Mesoestetic facial peels and Laser can be successful in addressing pigmentation concerns. However, a complete solution also includes a dedicated home skincare routine.

Environ’s innovative Vita-Botanical Mela-Fade Serum System contains a concentrated blend of vitamins and botanicals to assist in targeting and in improving the appearance of discolouration, leaving the skin looking more evenly toned and healthier. Benefits of Vita-Botanical Mela-Fade Serum System

Special ingredients have been selected to work in combination to assist in improving the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Leaves the skin looking fresh with a renewed radiance.

Helps to clarify the appearance of sun-damaged skin.

Intelligent ingredient combinations have been selected that work together to fade and reduce the appearance of pigmentation, uneven skin tone and dark spots.

This system works well alongside Intense C-Boost Mela Even Cream. So how does this work?

Environ C-Boost Mela-Even Cream works by targeting melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin colour. When melanin production is uneven, it can lead to hyperpigmentation. The key ingredients in this cream work in the following ways:

Vitamin C Inhibition: Vitamin C can help inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. This can help reduce the formation of hyperpigmentation.

Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin E scavenges free radicals, which can damage skin cells and contribute to hyperpigmentation.

Hydration Boost: Glycerin attracts and retains moisture in the skin, leading to a plumper and more even-toned appearance.

Things to Consider:

Gradual Introduction: Vitamin C can be irritating to some skin types. It’s crucial to introduce Environ C-Boost Mela-Even Cream gradually

Sun Protection is Essential: While the cream might offer some added protection, it’s not a substitute for sunscreen. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial to prevent further sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

Part of a Regimen: Environ recommends using this cream as part of your skincare routine that incorporates the Mela fade system

Contact us today for a personalised consultation and discover which treatment options and home care routine are best suited for your unique needs.
Summer Setbacks Part 2
August 20, 2011 2:29 pm 12 Comments
We’ve all done it-gone to hotter climes to get that sun kissed look and overdone it on the first day and had to suffer the consequences for the rest of our holiday. However, even after the redness has died down and the peeling has stopped, do you actually realise the damage that has been done?

Apart from the obvious signs such as, skin redness and irritation, severe cases may also have blistering, fluid loss and possible infection-not really the look you were after I’m sure.

If sun damage occurs,your skin cells can only regenerate a certain number of times. Losing much needed skin cells can result in sagging and wrinkling far earlier than those without sun damage therefore leading to premature ageing.

Dehydration can also be linked to over-exposure in the sun. One of the first signs of a dehydrated skin is the development of fine lines, located mainly on the forehead, around the eyes and cheekbones. In some cases the whole face. The appearance of lines may also be coupled with a feeling of tightness and itching may also occur. Dehydrated skin loses elasticity and radiance and can make the skin look tired and lifeless.

It is also important to remember that we do require some sun exposure to keep our vitamin D levels at their optimum. Vitamin D is produced naturally when the skin is exposed to sunlight and it plays a key role in strengthening bones. 50).

Products from the Jane Iredale make up range such as Amazing Base, Dream Tint and Powder-me, all come with a built in SPF and are recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Dream Tint gives you sun protection and anti-ageing benefits. The oil-free formula uses soft focus minerals to minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores and added sea lipids to improve skin’s elasticity and prevent waterloss and antioxidants for potent protection.
Summer Setbacks. Part 1
August 12, 2011 6:25 pm 15 Comments
During the summer months we all love to get our feet out and into flip flops and sandals. So how do we get our tootsies into tip top condition and avoid those menacing problems such as dry, cracked heels, Athlete’s foot or other associated problems.

We nearly always seem to avoid giving our feet the attention that they deserve. When did you last treat your feet to a luxury pedicure or even moisturise them at home? One of the most common problems at this time of year is dry,cracked heels. To treat the problem book yourself a luxury pedicure. During the treatment various different elements will be included to not only reduce the hard skin build up but also your stress levels. Follow this up by choosing anOPI nail colour of your choice,such as,” The Thrill of Brazil” and you definitely will want to flaunt those feet.

After your treatment,you will want the effects to last as long as possible. To help keep your feet super soft after your pedicure, try using Dermalogica’s Body Hydrating Cream. The hydroxy acids and essential plant oils will help smooth and condition the skin. To intensify the benefits of the moisturiser try putting a pair of cotton socks on at night after you have applied the cream. Another benefit for all you savvy shoppers out there is that you will not need to buy a separate body moisturiser, as this can do both.

Athlete’s foot is another common foot problem. A fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling,flaking and itching of the affected areas. Blisters and raw skin may also occur leading to exposed raw tissue.

Hygiene plays an important role in managing the infection. Since fungi thrive in moist environments, keeping feet and footwear as dry as possible and avoiding sharing towels etc aids prevention of primary infection. Severe or prolonged fungal skin infections may require treatment with antifungal medication.

Verrucas are also another bothersome condition. A verruca is a wart on the sole of the foot and are generally slightly raised and circular in shape,with a thickened rim of surrounding skin that looks like callus. The surface of the verruca may have black dots and there may be several verrucas or just one.

We probably all know someone or have seen someone with pigmentation on the backs of their hands. This pigmentation is more commonly known as, age or liver spots. Although some people are pre-disposed to pigmentation problems, the main cause is over-exposure to UV light without proper protection.

To help prevent liver spots from occurring always ensure that you use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on the hands and try to avoid over-exposure in the sun. Some other effective treatments for pigmentation can include, bleaching, peeling, dermabrasion and laser treatments. A good quality hand cream such as, Dermalogica’s Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment Cream (rrp £20) will help to condition hands, even out skin tone and helps to reverse the signs of premature aging.

Top