
Blog
Blog

What Is Dermaplaning and Is It for Me?
What Is Dermaplaning and Is It for Me?
February 22, 2020
Dermaplaning is one of the most exciting new developments in skin
care in the last few years - it’s a super-effective exfoliation treatment
that promises to smooth and rejuvenate your skin, giving your
complexion a new lease of life.
What Is Dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive esthetic procedure for anyone who
enjoys the feeling of clean, smooth and newly-exfoliated skin. It
works in a similar way to dermabrasion and exfoliation in that it
works by removing dead skin that sits on the top layer of your skin,
along with also taking off the tiny vellus hairs (which are sometimes
called ‘peach fuzz’) that grow on your face.
Although there has been some talk about dermaplaning making the
vellus hairs grow back thicker, it’s a fallacy. Research has proved that
the vellus hair regrowth after a dermaplaning treatment is exactly
the same as the initial hair growth beforehand.
What Happens in a Dermaplaning Session?
Your esthetician will take a sharp surgical blade and use it to
carefully and very gently remove the dead skin cells, hairs, in-follicle
dirt and excess oils from your skin. This not only exfoliates, but it also
brightens dull skin and gives it a clean, smooth feeling. The results of
a dermaplaning session are visible straight away, another reason that
it’s such a popular facial treatment.
Who Is Dermaplaning Good For?
It’s good for anyone and suits all skin types, but is especially helpful
for softening and smoothing dry, rough skin. It can be effective at
reducing the effects of skin pigmentation, fine lines or mild acne
scars, too. If you’re usually a fan of the effects of chemical peels, but
don’t want to risk them because you’re pregnant or breast feeding,
dermaplaning is a safe and effective alternative that can be used
during both periods.
While dermaplaning suits most skin types, if you have active acne or
psoriasis breakouts it’s best to wait until the breakout has passed
before booking a treatment. It’s also not suitable for you if you
currently a beard or facial hair.
Is Dermaplaning Safe?
Yes, it is a completely safe procedure, and no downtime is necessary
although you might experience slight redness or feel like your skin
has been scraped for a few days afterwards.
You’ll need to stay out of direct sunlight after a session, as sun
damage could reverse the effects of dermaplaning, or even produce
pigment blotches on your skin. To avoid this, always make sure that
you wear a high SPF moisturizer following a dermaplaning treatment
(in fact, all the time.)
How Long Does Dermaplaning Last?
Although it’s effective and the results can be seen immediately, they
aren’t permanent. The procedure should exfoliate away around
three weeks’ worth of dead skin cells, and the effects last about the
same amount of time before they fade.

Why Sticking With One Therapist Will Get You Better Results
Why Sticking With One Therapist Will Get You Better Results
February 12, 2020
It’s tempting to follow the special offers and go where there are
deals for a facial or a series of treatments; but that’s not always the
best deal for your skin care. It might not even be the best thing for
your pocket, as more and more beauty salons and therapists are
starting to offer loyalty programs and cards.
Sticking with one therapist may help you save money in the longer
term but why exactly would it be better for your skin? They all do the
same thing, right?
Wrong.
Firstly, if you go to an Esthetician, the first thing they will do is take a
lot of notes. They want to know about your general health, your skin
care routine, and your skin concerns. They will make notes about any
allergies or reactions. This is a necessity and it’s also there to help
the therapist when it comes to treatment #2 or #3. It helps them
plan out what products work best for you.
When you go to a new therapist, he or she will have to start all over
again to find out what your health, medical conditions and skin
concerns are when you could have been using that valuable time to
actually get on with treating your skin!
After a few sessions, your Esthetician will get to know you even
better and will know for example, whether to leave a skin peel on for
longer, or whether you need extra moisturiser. She will be able to
see the results of the treatments she’s already carried out for you,
and hopefully the home care products that she’s recommended.
You’ll get to trust her, and her judgement, and so you’ll be more
relaxed – stress isn’t good for the skin!
The more you see a particular skin care therapist, the more she will
learn about your skin and how it reacts. Not only that, but she’ll be
updating your notes with details of everything she’s done and will be
able to look back at them to see what’s working and what didn’t. She
will also get to know your lifestyle so that the home care products
she recommends fit in perfectly with your day to day routine.
There’s no point suggesting a complicated morning and evening
routine to someone who barely remembers to moisturize in the
morning – if she knows you have a busy lifestyle she may suggest
that multi-tasking products would suit you instead. You’re more
likely to use the products you pay for and stick with a skin care
routine if it’s tailored to your needs.
It all comes down to sometimes, sticking with who and what you
know is for the best…

A NEW FACE EVERY MONTH
A NEW FACE EVERY MONTH
February 02 2020
Did you know it takes about 4 weeks for your face to move through
the full life cycle of skin cells exfoliating and rejuvenating? So
effectively every 4 weeks you practically have a new face
However in those 30 days you probably choke your cells with creams,
make up, chemicals, oils and dirt from your hands, environmental
pollution and more.
All of these toxic layers build up and suffocate your pores and cells
that are trying to rejuvenate. This all makes your body work harder
to try and come back to a healthy status as we are adding more
pressure to its natural role. This is why those ladies that invest in a
facial minimum once a month always have a certain glow over those
that don’t. They seem to look fresher, younger and healthier.
Why?
Well the reason why is the aesthetician they are visiting has all the
skills and tools to support your skin heal from breakouts and sun
damage from heat and humidity AND dry and flakiness from cold
wintery air.
A visit approximately every 4 weeks will ensure your skin stays
hydrated, toned and bright looking.
Regardless of whether you go once a month, or once a season –
there are some things you can do at home to prolong the benefits of
your facial, support your skin and make sure that you’re getting the
best return on your skin investment.
Cleanse daily with a PH balance product that your aesthetician
recommends as they will select one that suits your skin type and
works in conjunction with the type of facial you have received.
Be gentle on your face and don’t be too vigorous – your aesthetician
has already given you a deep clean, there is no need for you to rough
your face up. They have given you an amazing glow so lets just
support it rather than strip it away.
Understand that if you have had a chemical treatment on your face,
then the skin can be more sensitive to sunlight so check with your
practitioner as to what products to use and avoid as you transition
through this period. For example some sunscreens can irritate your
skin post chemical treatments.
Finally, sometimes we are lead to believe (with phrases such as “if its
too good to be true, then it probably is”) that the pampering bliss
you get from a fantastic facial isn’t something you should do all the
time.
It’s a treat and we were always told to limit our treats, no?
Well hold on to your hats ladies – this treat is one that you can
indulge in every month and not only feel fabulous but invest in it
knowing that your are taking the right steps into ensuring your
gorgeous face remains glowing and thankful for you taking the time
to look after it.
Remember to love the skin you’re in. Treat it well and you will look
and feel amazing for years to come.

How to Up Level Your Skincare for Winter
How to Up Level Your Skincare for Winter
January 14, 2020
You wouldn’t wear the same clothes to go outside in the winter as you
do in the summer, so why would you use the same skincare products
and keep to the same routines when the weather gets colder? Your skin
is sensitive to changes in the temperature, weather and humidity, and
deserves a little TLC if you want it to look its best in the colder months.
Going from warm, heated offices and homes out into cold winds and
wet weather is harsh on your skin. Skin needs to maintain a constant
supply of moisture, and when the humidity drops outside and is
stripped out of centrally heated indoor environments, it can leave
thirsty skin screaming for a little hydration. The winds that often
accompany wet, cold winter weather can also lead to wind burn, where
the skin on your lips and hands becomes red and dries out.
It doesn’t help that to warm up we’ll spend longer in hot baths and
steamy showers on cold days. Who hasn’t spent just a few minutes
longer under a hot shower to avoid the cooler bathroom air? This might
feel like a luxury but it’s actually stripping your skin of even more of the
natural oils it needs to help look and feel good. No wonder your skin
often needs intensive care after a harsh winter. Many of us find
ourselves with dry and irritated skin that’s cracked, chapped and flaky.
In some cases you could even end up with itchy rashes or eczema.
What Skincare Product Do You Most Need to Use in
Winter?
The first step in protecting the health of your skin is to look for a really
good quality hydrating moisturizer. The best moisturizer you can afford
should form the bedrock of any winter skincare routine. If you feel that
despite using a moisturizer regularly, your skin is feeling tight, irritated
or flakey, upgrade your moisturizer to one that’s suitable for dry skin,
even if you don’t usually suffer from dryness. Locking the hydration in
and the inclement weather out will help keep the skin on your face
much healthier.
In the winter it can pay to switch to rich oil-based creams, even if you
prefer using lighter water based lotions during summer. The water in
the lighter lotions can evaporate off of your skin, so the effects aren’t
as long lasting as a more heavy duty oil-based cream. You’ll get used to
the way it feels and in the long run it should leave your skin feeling
much more comfortable.
Ingredient-wise, look for a product which contains vitamin E, as it’s
helpful for keeping moisture in. Anything that has a built in humectant
is also great for winter skin as these ingredients work to attract
moisture to your skin.
Other Winter Skincare Saviors
• Even if you don’t normally use it, a lip balm is a great addition to
your winter skincare routine. It helps to avoid cracked sore lips
and will keep them pout perfect all winter long.
• Make sure that you use a gentle, creamy cleanser or milk as part
of your cleansing routine daily, along with a soothing, gentle eye
cream that will protect the delicate skin around your eye area
from the effects of the wet, cold and wind.
• If you like using oils on your skin, treat them with pure, nonclogging essential oils like avocado oil or almond oil to nourish dry
or irritated skin.
What Not to Do in Winter
Some products just make your skin worse in the winter months, so if
you want to stay feeling great, you should avoid them.

20 Self-Care Ideas for 2020
20 Self-Care Ideas for 2020
January 10. 2020
Welcome to the new decade! It’s time to make the twenties an
upgrade on the teenies (is that what we’re calling them??) and start
putting ourselves first with a self-care routine that gives us the inner
strength to deal with whatever the new decade brings.
It’s no secret that people who don’t give themselves the care that
they give to others will usually end up stressed and burned out. To
stop this happening to you, develop an attitude of nurturing - take
care of your mind, body and soul every day, in small ways and
occasionally (but regularly) bigger ways too. Self -care is nonnegotiable these days, but you have to make an effort to make space
for it. Here are a few ideas for things to do that rebalance, re-energise
and replenish.
Do something physically energizing
Whatever floats your boat, make time for it if it makes you feel good.
This could be a series of stretches, Pilates or yoga, a run, a swim or a
walk in the park. Just get that activity up.
Stretch it out
Hunched over a desk or in a car? Bodies aren’t meant to be cooped
up so stretch it out. Find a set of effective stretches that stops your
body feeing like it’s ten years older than it really is. Your muscles will
thank you for it. If you want to do even more for yourself, get a
professional involved; book a massage!
Take a bath
It’s a self-care cliché but for a good reason. If you have the time, shut
the door, put some music on, and take a magazine or book in with
you. Lie back and let the stresses of the day dissolve away into warm,
sweet-smelling water.
Try a mini-meditation
Begin or end your day with just one minute of deep breathing, while
focusing your awareness onto your body, inner thoughts, and
feelings. This is an exercise that’s also useful to do during the day
when you feel stressed and need to take time out.
Be still
Find a quiet place outside, find somewhere comfortable to sit and be
still. Pretend there’s nobody else around and focus on the quiet and
stillness.
Unplug just for a day
We always used to manage without social media and instant
messaging, so just for a day, switch them all off and embrace a
notification-free existence. It’s very freeing and you may end up
wanting to do it for even longer.
Write a Gratitude List
Focusing on all of the things that you're thankful for will put a happy
spring in your step. Try to think of three things every morning or
evening. Or when you feel down, refocus with three things to be
happy about.
Dance like nobody’s looking
They aren’t! Dancing is incredibly freeing, so stick on a few dance
anthems or whatever makes you want to move and shake your
booty.
Take a walk
Have you really taken the time to explore the area you live in/ Walk
around, slowly, and really notice the details. Be curious about your
neighborhood.
Make an appointment with a counselor
Find someone non-judgemental to talk to about your innermost
thoughts; It doesn’t have to be a therapist or psychologist; it could
also be a spiritual mentor.
Sleep
Are you getting enough? We suspect not. Why not take a quick nap if
you feel tired, or try an earlier bedtime give your body a bit more
downtime?
Do something new
That thing you’ve always wanted to try? Do it.
Journal your thoughts
It only has to take you 10 minutes – get whatever is on your mind
down in writing and out of your head.
Spend quality time with people you love
Hanging out with the people you love most in the world is good for
your soul. If they're far away, give them a phone call.
Take a full day of rest every week
You deserve it and your mind and body will thank you for it.
Do an activity mindfully and slowly
Pick an everyday activity, like laundry, and focus on it while you’re
doing it. Savor the moment, it makes dull things much more
absorbing if you’re prone to zoning out.
De-clutter your life
You don’t have to do it all at once, but decluttering is very
therapeutic. Start with an email inbox, work up to your desk or a
closet, feel the benefits of less clutter.
Make a personal mission statement
If you don't have a personal mission statement, create one. Think
about this year and what you want to do with it. Who do you want to
be?
Enjoy a piece of chocolate or a glass of wine
Even better, have both…while writing your mission statement. In the
bath!
Book a massage or a spa treatment!
We may have mentioned this before but taking the time to invest in
yourself is a supreme act of self-care, and we think you should
indulge in it as often as you can.
Have a great 2020.

Make Self-Care A Priority This Year!
Make Self-Care A Priority This Year!
January 05, 2020
Are you in the habit of making New Year’s resolutions and then not
keeping them? We’ve all been there of course; we set goals to lose
20 pounds, to go to the gym, or to stop procrastinating…but it’s so
easy to let the big ideas fall by the wayside as expectant January
turns into cold February and can’t be bothered March. One resolution that you really should keep is to make sure that you include more self-care in your daily life in 2019. It’s not an option, it’s a priority. Even those of us who have busy lives – a family, a job and responsibilities, remember that you can’t fill from an empty cup and if your own cup of well-being is empty, you won’t have the capacity or the inclination to think about pouring a cup for anyone else!
So, what do we think is the number one thing you need to make time
for next year? You. And a relaxed, contented you will be. Good thing
for you, and your family and workmates. Now is the time to decide
how you intend to look out for yourself in the coming year. Of course, we believe that skincare and spa treatments should be high on your
list of things to schedule in on a regular basis. Just one facial a month
even – it will give you something to look forward to, a session of me- time where you can focus on your own wants and needs for an hour
or so and address any niggling physical problems that might be
irritating you.
Don’t stop at facials – your well-being is so important that you
should also make sure you are up to date on any tests and
examinations – self-examination is key for breast health and take any
mammograms and pap smears that are offered by your healthcare
provider. Get your teeth checked regularly and make sure your eye
exams are up to date. These tests all take a few minutes of your time
but will spot any potential health problems early enough so that you
can nip them in the bud. If there’s nothing to worry about you get a
clean bill of health and a smug feeling that everything is up to date.
Relaxation is key; along with regular spa treatments you could try adding in some Reiki – or how about getting to grips with yoga, at home or in a class? Meditation – it’s on the list for many of us but make this year the year you take that ten minutes in the bath or as you sit in bed, and really focus on breathing and mindfulness. Try an app to get you in the meditation mood and you’ll be zoning out in no
time.
Try all of these ideas for a happier, healthier and more relaxed you in
2020…Happy New Year!