Month: May 2014

Remove Your Unwanted Tattoos With Laser Tattoo Removal

Research Suggests Third of People With Tattoos Have Regret

Tattoos are more popular and socially acceptable than ever before; with a myriad of glamorous tattoo parlour based television shows on offer, people young and old are being seduced into joining the millions of tattooed individuals who live in the UK today. But are they being hasty? Recent research suggests that as many of a third of people with tattoos have tattoo regret after they’ve made the leap.

Once it’s on, it’s not so easy to get it off again. Tattoos are usually permanent…that’s part of their draw…so when a young man or woman decides that they need a tattoo of a butterfly or a tiger or whatever image they currently think is “cool” they really need to think very carefully before doing it because how can they foresee what they might feel about that tattoo in twenty years when their skin is not so smooth and supple and when showing off their ink is no longer a concern. Continue reading “Remove Your Unwanted Tattoos With Laser Tattoo Removal”

3 Simple Tricks to Pause the Ageing Process

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There’s a lot of nonsense spoken about the ageing process these days; be it the purists who say that ageing “gracefully” is the only way to do it (since when did crow’s feet ever look graceful or ageing hands?) or the hardcore anti-ageing brigade who believe that we should all be as smooth and blemish-free as a doll even if achieving it means eating nothing but guava fruit and macaroni….however, it should be remembered that the best road to take is somewhere in between the two!

Let’s face it, we all want to look young for as long as possible and there are certain things we can do to ensure that this is a possibility…and looking  young it should be remembered is synonymous with good health so that’s where we should all begin! The three tricks you’re about to read aren’t magic, they’re not even secret…they’re so obvious that you may even doubt their ability to change anything about you ageing process…but you’d be wrong! If you take the time to make these three small changes to your lifestyle then within two weeks, you will see a physical difference.

skincare and ageing

Water is life!

That’s right…water is the key and the most important of the three steps to slowing down the ageing process. We’re made up of all kinds of stuff…cells and whatnot…but the majority of us is plain, simple water. Around 60% of an adult is water…and how much of that do you honestly drink on a daily basis? Be honest now…do you manage a small glass with breakfast? Perhaps you take a bottle with you to bed for those attacks of “sand-mouth” syndrome which we’re all prone to now and then? Whatever your answer you can be almost certain that it’s not enough.

The average adult drinks about a litre of fluid per day…that’s fluid and not necessarily water. Most people’s day-to-day drinking habits include, tea, coffee, fruit juice, milk and alcohol…and very little pure water. If you were to switch the majority of that fluid to plain, filtered water then you’d be on the way to pausing the ageing process within days.

Men should drink 2 litres of water per day and women 1.6 litres per day.
Water doesn’t only flush your body of toxins and help keep your digestive system running smoothly but it also plumps up the skin. Quite literally fills the dermis with moisture giving a smoother appearance and diminishing fine lines. Not only does water improve your appearance but it also helps to stop headaches, muscular tension and there’s evidence to suggest that many sufferers of chronic back pain are simply dehydrated.

So up your water intake as the first step in your battle against the years!

Sunshine…sometimes!

There’s a lot of talk of vitamin D deficiency lately…and of the return of rickets! These maladies are blamed on a lack of exposure to sunshine and the vitamins which it provides…and certainly there’s a need for humans to be exposed to plenty of natural light on a daily basis. However it should not be forgotten that unlimited sun ages the skin terribly.

Rather like leather being cured in the great outdoors, our facial skin and the delicate skin on necks, hands and chests will wrinkle up and become tough and leathery if we don’t take sensible steps to prevent this!. Wear sunscreen and a hat if you’re going to be outdoors for any length of time and always avoid the midday sun when those rays are at their most dangerous!

Keeping fit and fabulous!

Whether you enjoy exercise or not there’s no arguing against it…we all need it and staying active is one of the fundamental needs of humans no matter what their age. If you don’t like the gym environment and jogging’s not your thing, then why not try cycling? Cycling is a wonderful way to get active and because you’re seated, there is less stress on your joints…so no matter what your age, it’s an easily achievable route into improving your health.

Getting some exercise improves your blood flow and releases much needed endorphins to your brain…the kind that make you feel good. We all know how much the way we feel affects the way we look; when you feel good you look good. Don’t minimise the effects that getting some exercise can have on your looks because once you get going you’ll see the truth of it!

The beautiful thing about these three tricks to stop ageing is that they’re all readily available and don’t cost the earth…go on, start small and up your water intake and then move on to the other tips. You’ll see a big difference in as little as two weeks![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

What Are Acne Scars And How Do I Get Rid Of Them?

Sufferers of acne know the misery that can be caused not only by the pimples but also by the scarring which can occur after a breakout.

It’s a particularly miserable situation for those who have managed to eradicate their acne but find that the scarring is just as disfiguring as the actual acne was…and there is so much conflicting advice surrounding the issue that it is easy for people to fall into the trap of spending a lot on supposed “cures” for scars which often do nothing to reduce the marks at all.

What is acne scarring?

Put simply, acne scars are the skin damage left behind after more serious types of acne spot such as nodules or cysts, burst and break down the layers of skin causing pits and craters. Less serious spots can also leave scars if they are picked or squeezed…skin is easily damaged and if infection sets in then scars are to be expected. Acne spots should never be picked or squeezed but should be left well alone to dissipate in their own time.

For many people however, the worst type of acne spots will cause scars even if they are left alone and it is then that treatment for them can be sought….but which treatment is the right one for your acne scars?

Dermatologists recognise that scarring from acne can be placed into different categories with two main sub-types; these are atrophic which means that there has been a loss of skin tissue and these generally cause an indentation in the skin; and hypertrophic which means that there is a build up of skin tissue and a lump or bump may be discernible.

acneTypes of acne scars

  • What not to do

If you have acne scars there is no doubt that you will feel frustrated, self conscious and even depressed about them but there are certain things which you must never try when it comes to attempting to cure yourself of them…no matter how desperate you may feel.

Never add chemicals to your skin in an attempt to lighten or bleach the discolouration of the scars…equally do not over-exfoliate the affected areas as you could irritate and even make scars worse.

Do not expose your skin to the sun too much but protect it with a hat and sunscreen….the sun can damage already damaged skin very quickly. Avoid soap and harsh cleansers but seek out gentle preparations for your skin and try to maintain excellent hygiene with regards to washing your face. Do not touch the skin often as dirty fingers can cause more infections and further breakouts.

  • How to reduce acne scars

The first thing you should do is seek professional help. The treatments available do vary according to the type of scarring which you have sustained and whilst one type of scar may benefit from dermabrasion for example, another will not

Speaking to a professional will make your options clear; there are treatments such as dermal fillers available for pitted scars as well as punch excision where some of the surrounding tissue is removed in order to create a more even skin tone.

Steroid creams and injections are commonly used to shrink hypertrophic scarring and can be extremely successful…the main thing to remember is not to try anything at home but to get the proper help in reducing your scars and you could soon be benefiting from clearer skin and increased confidence.

Guaranteed Running Motivation Techniques To Keep You Going

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So you have booked yourself a summer holiday to a sunny destination across the pond and have hit the shops to grab yourself some bargain bikinis / swimming shorts.

As you enter the changing room carrying a basket full of summer clothing you enter a cubical, undress and look at yourself in the mirror. You only go away in couple of months time and in the last few months you have put on a bit of weight – right you think, time to get back in shape. (Alternatively contact us for a free coolsculpting consultation)

Many people who decide to lose weight or tone up do so by regular exercise in the form of running. Running can be an effective way to help drop a few pounds, combined with a healthy clean diet. The only problem is running can get old, really quick and many find it to be boring resulting in many giving it up after a a week or two. So what can be done to stay on track and keep yourself motivated?

Stay Away From Roads

Who needs shin splints right? Stay clear of hard pavements and roads and find dirt roads and trails instead. Plus as an added bonus you will have all that nice clean air to breathe and  some beautiful scenery to look at.

Buy A New Pair Of Running Trainers

The running trainers bit is very important – yes you can go running using an average pair of trainers but they will not provide the support and comfort of that of ones that have been made for running. Most running footwear will have an air pocket in the heel helping to minimize the impact to your heel as you run.

Buying new trainers also helps to keep you motivated!!! Once you have paid for a new pair you are more likely to stay committed to justify the cost of purchasing them…nobody likes to buy something new only to leave it locked away in the cupboard.

Stop Clock Watching

I know it can be very tempting to take out a watch or timing device to keep track of your performance whilst you run however this can become counter productive as you could find yourself trying to go too quick to try and reach a set time which can throw your pace all out of sync.

However this is not to say you cannot track your time. Before you run start a stop watch at the door of your house before you go out and then stop it on your return.

Sign Up To A Organised Run

There is nothing more motivating then knowing that you have to run 10k in the near future. By signing up to a run and letting friends and family know your taking part you will feel obligated to train in order to get your best time possible. You don’t want this to be you now do you:

Friend: “So how did you do in your run? What time did you get?
You: “Ermmm, I did it in 4 hours 16 minutes…
Friend: “Oh I didn’t realise you were running a marathon…well done!”
You: “I didn’t…”

Couple on beach

Explore Your Surroundings

Mix it up a little, you don’t have to stick to them same old paths each and every time you go for a run. There is a big world out there…explore it!!!

Think Of The Mileage As Calories

Did you know that every mile you run burns roughly around 100 calories? So next time you do that 6 mile run think of it more as chips and sausage from your local chippy.

Leave The Excuses At The Door 

“I was supposed to go for a run yesterday but I had to put the washing out to dry and today I had to clean the dishes”. The moment you start letting excuses get in the way you are doomed to fail, the washing can wait until later…your fitness can’t.

Set A Routine And Stick To it.

if you decide you are going running on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday then make sure you stick to it.  Once you get into a routine you will feel that it becomes easier as it starts to become the norm.

Grab A Friend

By pairing up with a friend you will find that you are more committed. On days that you feel a little de-motivated the thought of not wanting to let your running partner down can be all the motivation you need to put on your running gear and get some exercise.

Set Your Self Goals

Goals are great to help you track your progress. Your first goal could be to run to the park and back and then your next goal to make it past the park to your old school and back, each time adding a little extra distance to your run. Sometimes without goals it is far to easy to become stale and never push yourself to the next level.

Quotes

I know this can sound a little silly but sometimes reading motivational quotes can help to change your mindset and really fire yourself up for your next run. Below is a quote from Lance Armstrong which I find very inspiring…

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” – Lance Armstrong

Put Together A Motivational Playlist

Running to some high up tempo songs can make all the difference. Try googling ‘running playlists’ for good running songs that others have put together. In the mean time here are a handful to get you started:

Eye Of The Tiger:

Titanium:

Pump it:

Pack Rock Anthem

 

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10 Tips On How To Prevent / Rid Yourself Of Back And Chest Acne

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With vest top and swimsuit season just around the corner, if you are someone who suffers with acne on your chest or your back, your thoughts are probably turning to the best way of ridding your skin of these irritating spots. Worry not, we have put together the top 10 ways of preventing and reducing the appearance of acne in these areas:-

1. Use the Right Products

If you find that you simply can’t prevent acne breakouts then consider changing your body wash.  Believe it or not, heavily scented products can cause acne, so choose something light and simple which won’t clog your pores unnecessarily.

2. Use Blemish Pads

Blemish pads fight acne breakouts by purifying pores and drying out any existing blemishes on your skin.  Before using any kind of blemish pad, ensure the affected area is clean, and then gently rub with a pad once or twice a day.  Be aware that the pads work by drying out the acne so if you already suffer with dry or flaky skin then you need to minimise the amount of times you use them.

3. Exfoliate

It might seem like a lot of work, but exfoliation is key to preventing acne breakouts.  It keeps your skin clean, and helps to unclog pores.  If you suffer with regular flare-ups then make sure you are exfoliating your chest and back at least once a week.  Opt for a gentle exfoliating product so you don’t over-irritate the skin.

4. Use Moisturiser

Make sure you are keeping your skin well hydrated with a good moisturiser.  Use it after showering to prevent your skin drying out.

5. Have A Skincare Regime

It’s important to take care of your skin, especially if you are prone to acne.  One of the best ways to deal with this is to develop a specific skincare regime for yourself using products which can help combat any breakouts.

6. Use Spot Treatments

Spot treatments are great if you have one or two persistent spots which just won’t clear up.  It’s not worth doing this for every spot on your back however, just those few that refuse to budge.

7. Change Your Shampoo

It might seem like a strange tip but what you are washing your hair with really could be causing chest and back acne.  Try switching to another brand and see if it makes a difference.

8. Body Spray Products

If you don’t have anyone to help you target those spots in hard to reach places on your back, consider a body spray product.  There are a number of inexpensive options available in most drugstores.

9. Change and Shower After Exercise

Make sure that you shower and change as soon as possible after exercising, or whenever you get a bit sweaty.  If showering isn’t possible, then try and wipe down the areas and put on clean clothes.

10. Seek Help

If you really are struggling to deal with your acne flare-ups then seek the help of professional treatments. Sometimes no matter how hard you try acne can be very persistent – take a look at our acne treatments available.

if you need to speak to someone about your acne and live in London why not book a free consultation today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Using Make Up To Conceal Acne

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Whilst make up will obviously not deal with the root cause of an acne flare-up, sometimes it can be necessary to cover up existing breakouts, either because you have a special occasion or maybe even just because you feel self-conscious and want to minimise the appearance of any acne on your skin.  Whatever the reason, if you are using make up to conceal your acne then make sure you follow these simple steps:

The Right Products

Using the wrong type of make up can cause your acne to worsen, so it’s important that you buy the correct type of products.  Make sure you avoid anything oil based as this will irritate your skin further and try and buy hypoallergenic products too.  Before purchasing, make sure you test any new product; if your skin is going to react negatively to a product, it will do so in around 60 minutes.  To get the right amount of coverage you should invest in concealer, foundation and powder.

Skin Preparation

Before you start to apply your newly bought make-up, gently wash your face and neck with a cleansing product and pat dry.  If you don’t use one, then now is a good time to start!  Not only will it assist in dealing with any acne breakouts but it will also ensure that your skin is ready for the application of make up.  If you are using any acne treatment products, apply this after cleansing but before make up and allow time for it to dry completely.

Make Up Application

Concealer

To begin with, dab a small amount of concealer directly onto any blemishes.  Ensure you only use a small amount as concealer can look very obvious when dried and if you have too much on your face, it will show.  Use a throwaway sponge to blend the concealer into your skin.

Foundation

Once you have finished with the concealer, you can start with the foundation.  Natural mineral based products are best as they allow the skin to breathe and these can be easily applied with brushes.  However, you might prefer liquid foundation and if so, again use a sponge to blend the foundation into your skin, starting slowly and building up over any areas which need more coverage.  Just as with the concealer, it’s important not to overdo your make up and this will draw attention to your face, which isn’t what you want.

Powder

If you have used a liquid based foundation then ensure you apply a light layer of powder using a make up brush to seal the foundation.

Tips

Use Soft Brushes
If using make up brushes then opt for the softest ones you can find; this will prevent unnecessary irritation of your skin.

Apply Makeup Gradually
Start slowly and build up the amount of make up, you should want the make up to appear subtle.

Throw Away Used Sponges
Dispose of any make up sponges you have used; sponges absorb oil from your face and if you were to use them again they would transfer that same oil back onto your face.

End of the Day

Always make sure you wash and cleanse your face before going to bed each night.  Your skin needs time to breathe and leaving make up on may cause more acne to develop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Achieve Glowing Skin For The Summer

 

If you have ever wondered how to get clear, luminescent skin then look no further.  We have put together the top 10 ways to ensure your skin positively radiates good health and is the envy of all those around you:-

1. Wear suncream

Almost 90% of all wrinkles come from skin’s overexposure to UV rays and it is much easier to prevent wrinkles altogether than to try and reduce their appearance.  Ensure you apply suncream all year long; the winter sun can be just as strong, if not harsher than in the summer.

2. Eat mixed nuts

Brazil nuts, walnuts and macademia nuts are all great for the skin as they help to increase elasticity and reduce inflammation.  For best practice, eat a small handful every day.

3. Clean your brushes

Clean make up brushes can help to prevent breakouts as every day use can cause them to collect dirt and bacteria.  As a rule of thumb, you should ensure you are cleaning your brushes once every two or three weeks in lukewarm water with a small drop of shampoo.

4. Switch your moisturiser to serum

Serum is much more concentrated than cream so you only need to use a small amount to see results.  Looks for a serum which contains antioxidants and pentapeptides as these will boost collagen, keeping skin looking youthful.

5. Clean your mobile phone

The majority of us touch our phones constantly throughout the day, meaning we are transferring all kinds of germs onto it.  When we then put the phone up to our ear, we are putting those germs into direct contact with our cheeks.  Not a pretty idea!  Wipe your phone down a couple of times a day with an antibacterial wipe to keep it clean.

6. Use your products correctly

The order in which you use your skincare products is vital if you want to see proper results.  Use your most powerful products first, as you want them to come into direct contact with your skin, and also ensure that you use lighter products before heavier ones otherwise you will block the lighter products from reaching your skin, thereby making them completely redundant.

7. Drop the dairy

Dairy products stimulate oil glands and pores, which can lead to acne breakouts.  If you can’t rid your diet completely of dairy then stick to skimmed milk where possible.

8. Start using retinol

Retinol is a clinically proven ingredient which can boost collagen production, reduce the effects of wrinkles and other sun damage and also has great anti-inflammatory properties.  Beauty experts recommend that everyone have one product containing retinol in their beauty regime.

9. Get some sleep

It might seem like an old cliché but lack of sleep causes poor circulation, which means you will look pale and tired.  So it really is all about the beauty sleep; more sleep, means a more youthful appearance.

10. Exfoliate

To ensure that your pores are clean of dirt, oil or dead skin cells, you should exfoliate on a regular basis.  You should do this on a daily basis, then follow with a cleansing product which will soften and smooth your skin.

Britain’s Most Tattooed Man To Update His Tattoos

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Have you heard about Britain’s most tattooed man? Many people have tattoos here and there, but this man has tattoos covering the length of his body and was classed Britain’s most tattooed man at the age of 34 last year.

Most Tattooed Man In Britain To Have Redesign

However, Matthew Whelan, who changed his name to the King of Inkland, has spent £6000 getting some of his tattoos removed because he has run out of space on his skin and wishes to start again. Matthew even has tattoos on his eyeball, but he is now starting to think that his tattoos look out of date and he wants what he calls his living canvas to evolve as he changes as a person. He said he considers himself as a kind of art gallery, which constantly gets updated.

In fact, many people have tattoos which they later regret. Having a tattoo is a permanent reminder of a time in your life or a particular belief or like that you had. As is the very nature of humans, changes will develop and something which you once loved can turn into a burden.

Advanced Laser Tattoo Removal

What is great about modern technology is that you are now able to get permanent tattoos removed using lasers. The laser will be able to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin where the ink is stored, and removes the colouring completely. Any tattoos are considerably reduced in their appearance, with some being removed altogether. If you are like Britain’s most tattooed man, you may use this space to have a different tattoo put over the top, or you may just want to see your bare skin again!

Whether you have a tattoo on your face, your arm, your hip, your stomach or your leg, you are able to get a professional consultation which will give you your options for tattoo laser removal.

If you have a tattoo that you wish to have removed  then the Premier Laser Clinic can help. Take a look at our laser tattoo removal page to learn more about this advanced treatment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]