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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

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

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

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

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!

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!