Month: December 2013

 

Snow Reflects Around 85% Of The Sun’s UV Rays

Although it may seem hard to believe in the freezing cold weather, it is still very important to wear sun cream to protect your skin. Don’t be fooled into thinking that because it isn’t warm, you don’t need to take steps to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. In fact, it is just as easy to get sunburn in the winter as it is in the summer! Most people forget that the snow reflects around 85% of the sun’s UV rays so it can be very easy to get burnt.

Can I Wear Any Sun Cream?

Experts advise that you should wear a sun cream with an SPF of at least 15 if you want to keep your skin looking young and fresh and wrinkle-free. However, it isn’t a simple case of making use of the sun cream you bought for your summer holiday. Look out for ones specifically created for the winter weather. These will contain different products which will help protect your skin from the icy elements as well as shielding it against UV rays. If you don’t want to spend money changing sun creams every season then look for ones which are multi-functional, such as a daily moisturiser which contains SPF 15; these can also be easily incorporated into your daily beauty regime meaning you are less likely to forget about applying them.

But What About Acne?

Don’t avoid wearing sun cream either under the illusion that it will cause you to have an acne breakout or clog your pores. Look for products which are oil-based as these will not only provide an extra layer of protection for your skin but should also leave your pores clear which will reduce the likelihood of having problems with spots.

Protect Against Sun Damage All Year Around

Most of all though, sun damage can be bad for your skin and you should work hard to prevent it if you want to keep your skin glowing and healthy looking. Not only is there a risk of cancer but you can cause significant wrinkling and ‘leathering’ of your skin by going outside unprotected. Despite all that we know about the risks of the sun’s UV rays on our skin people still choose daily to not use sun cream before going outside. Should you already be victim of sun damaged skin there can be ways to repair it but doesn’t it make more sense not to put your skin at risk in the first place and to simply choose to wear sun cream when you go outside, in all seasons?

Why Not Treat Yourself This Christmas?

Christmas is coming and with it there will be numerous invitations to parties and functions to celebrate this magical time of year. Many of us will be hitting the high street to find the perfect party outfit to dazzle during the festive season, so why not treat yourself to a beauty treatment at the same time to make sure you are looking your best?

Make up can enhance our natural beauty and help us to achieve a more glamorous image this yuletide, however a smooth base is a must for products to sit correctly to achieve a flawless look. Any acne scarring, pitting or fine lines and wrinkles will be highlighted by heavier make up during the party season as foundation or powder will sit in the uneven areas. To get your skin party ready indulge in an advanced skin peel that works at cellular level to combat common skin conditions using the highest quality pharmaceutical-grade ingredients.

 

Sublative Rejuvenation

If you like your technology, then super sublative rejuvenation is the perfect treat to tackle problem wrinkles. Using fractionated bi-polar energy via a light or laser, this treatment to penetrate deep below the skin to stimulate collagen production and simulating cell re-growth with amazing results in just one treatment. If its rosacea that you are battling, then fret no more thanks to the phenomenal photo rejuvenation. This treatment involves Intense Pulsed Light, which will safely treat rosacea, birth marks, broken veins and sun damage in a non-invasive way with immediate results in many cases.

Laser Hair Removal

A bodycon bandage dress will not look quite as attractive if you are also displaying some excess hair so make sure that you are smooth and fuzz free this Christmas by preparing your legs and underarms with the latest in laser hair removal technology. You will be amazed at the results and after as little as a course of 6 treatments saving you hundreds of pounds in waxing sessions over the years.

AWT – Cellulite Treatment

Once you are primped and preened, and found the dress to impress, you may be thinking of investing in a fabulous pair of spanx to complete your smooth sexy silhouette. But why not make a more permanent difference and remove any unwanted lumps, bumps and cellulite with non-invasive cellulite reduction treatment. Using cutting edge Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) technicians apply acoustic sound waves to areas of cellulite to stimulate the skin layers, improve elasticity, breakdown fat deposits and tighten the connective tissue. You don’t need to be a celebrity to enjoy these premier treatments so get ready to look truly fabulous this Christmas.

 

The winter months can be very harsh on the skin, especially the face. Not only do you have to combat the freezing temperatures and cold winds, you may also catch one of the many illnesses that arrive at this time of year. However, there are a number of ways you can look after you skin and keep it looking healthy and fresh, no matter how chilly it is outside.

Moisturise Well

It is important to moisturise more frequently in the winter months, especially on areas which notoriously become dry such as your hands and face. Make sure any moisturiser you are using is oil based as the oil will provide a protective layer on the skin helping to keep moisture locked in which will shield your skin from the colder elements.

Products which contain almond, avocado and mineral oil are ideal choices as are any moisturising products which contain vitamins E and C.

Protect Your Skin

Remember that the sun is still present, even in winter. You should make sure that you are wearing suncream when you go out if you want to keep your skin looking great. Of course, you may already be suffering with sun tanning damage from the summer months. If this is the case then you could consider laser treatment to painlessly remove the wrinkled or blemished skin, leaving it looking healthy and fresh. Just remember to apply that sun cream in future!

Watch Those Lips

Lips can be a real problem area in winter with many people suffering from cracked and chapped lips. This happens because we automatically lick them when they start to become dry in an attempt to keep them hydrated. However this is counterproductive as licking your lips will actually cause them to become chapped in the first place as the moisture dries out in the cold air. Invest in a good lip balm and apply it whenever you feel like licking your lips.

Eat Well

Having the right diet during winter can also be a great help to your skin. Buy foods which are high in vitamin A such as sweet potatoes and vitamin C such as cauliflowers. Foods which contain vitamin E are also great as it is known for its antioxidant properties which is perfect for soothing skin in the cold weather. If you are struggling to find the right kinds of foods you could also consider taking a vitamin supplement to boost your natural intake.

 

Interestingly, whilst most women are generally very good at regular hair removal, many only opt for a temporary solution such as waxing or shaving. They usually start thinking about permanent hair removal when they have a significant event coming up which as a holiday in the sun or a wedding and, of course, by the time it has occurred to them it is usually too late!

Don’t Leave It Too Late

If you are thinking about using a permanent hair removal reduction method, such as laser hair removal, then you need to allow plenty of time for the process. To have the best results you would need to have several treatments, approximately six weeks apart, so as you can see it would take several months in total.

It isn’t the kind of decision you can really make at the last minute. To make sure you are getting the best treatment possible you need to plan ahead. For example, one of the common mistakes people make is assuming they can have laser hair treatment at any time of year. In fact, the worst time to have treatment is in the summer when you may be out in the sun for prolonged periods of time.

Find The Right Clinic

You should also spend time researching the different clinics in your local area. Don’t just pick the cheapest or the closest. Search online for reviews, visit a few times and make sure that you are comfortable with the clinic and all its practitioners. Not opting for the cheapest isn’t to say that you have to pay full whack for treatment however as this can be very expensive; keep an eye out for discounted deals or money off vouchers and buy them when you can. Just make sure you look up the clinic first!

Safety is Number One Priority

Before embarking on any treatment plan make sure you have a patch test carried out. This will ensure you aren’t going to react with the treatment or any of the products used. It is also a good idea to read up on the types of laser removal available for your skin type. Not all skin types are suitable for treatment so rather than be disappointed by the results, if you are aware of your options you can be in a more knowledgeable position when visiting potential clinics. An experienced clinic will know the best laser for each skin type in order to achieve optimum results and maintain safety.

Remember to trust your instincts. If you don’t like the look or feel of a clinic, then don’t feel obliged to stay. There are plenty of good clinics, so simply find one you feel comfortable with.

 

It has long been considered a myth that the food you eat can cause acne, with many dermatologists dismissing the links as too inconclusive. However, a 50 year long study has recently revealed that in fact certain foods are linked to acne outbreaks, and so in the bid to have healthy looking skin, you should watch what you eat.

The research also indicates, interestingly, that skin problems are predominantly a ‘western’ problem, based on our diets which contain lots of sugar and refined grain products. In cultures where the diet is mostly meat, vegetables and whole grain foods with limited refined produce there are very few acne issues.

That doesn’t mean that you have to turn your entire diet upside down on its head and adopt a more caveman approach to eating, but it is important that you know which foods you should avoid. Unfortunately, whilst there are certain foods which are more likely to cause a flare up of acne, there isn’t a one answer fits all and it is very much an individual thing based on your skin and your body. Monitor the way your skin reacts to the different food types, perhaps by keeping a food diary for a week or two, and then take steps to adjust how much of them you are eating.

So, exactly what food should you limit? Here is a quick breakdown of the food most likely to cause a spot problem:

Foods to Avoid

• Processed food

• Sugary food

• Dairy

• Spices such as chilli

• Anything high in caffeine including drinks such as coffee and food such as chocolate

Of course, it could be that these foods do not cause an acne problem but it is always best to have a balanced diet. If you are stuck for some healthier options, there are some good ideas below.

Foods To Eat

• Vegetables which are high in vitamin A, such as carrots and sweet potatoes. These help to detox your skin.

• Oily fish is perfect for reducing the production of sebum, the very thing which cause acne.

• Any fruit and vegetables with a high water content as this will re-hydrate your skin.

• If you are trying to cut out your caffeine intake, try green tea instead. It contains a lot of polyphenols which are great for the skin.

Taking care of your skin is about more than just the food you eat but this should give you some ideas about whether your skin is affected by your diet.

I Have Changed My Diet And Still Get Acne, Now What?

Unfortunately just changing your diet may not be enough, some people may be prone to acne purely from a genetic point of view. If your mum, dad or both suffered from acne then there is a good chance that you will also. If this is the case there are a few acne treatments available that can help to reduce or clear up your acne problem including the IMAGE Acne Lift, Silk Peel with BHA Serum Infusion, Green Peel or Obaji – Blue Radiance.