Month: October 2014

6 Benefits of Pumpkins

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The irony of the Halloween season is related to that most spooky of fruits…the pumpkin! We spend hours carving the most hideous faces out of their plump, orange flesh and many of us don’t realise that that very flesh could be the key to helping us make the most out of our own faces! Our pumpkin facial is popular all year round and not just for Halloween! See our other facials

Pumpkins are good for your skin

Pumpkins are like nutrient bombs…they’re a perfectly packaged parcel of goodness:

  • so rich in fruit enzymes
  • alpha hydroxy acids

If we only made decent use out of all that scooped-out-flesh, we’d possibly be spending a lot less on expensive skin creams!

Many people mistakenly believe the pumpkin to be a vegetable because it is not sweet…if we’re going to get specific it’s actually a berry…belonging to the Cucurbitaceous family which also includes cucumbers, melons, squash and gourds.

Within the pumpkin are some of the vitamins which are most beneficial to skin…including vitamins A and C which are excellent at both softening and soothing dry or irritated skin. Funnily enough, these are the vitamins many of us most need as Autumn draws in and chill winds take hole…chapped skin is one of the most annoying things about the colder months!

 

pumpkin facial

Pumpkins make excellent facials

It’s not only the flesh of the pumpkin that’s uber powerful though…those pesky seeds which we’re often far too keen to discard are packed full of good things for your skin.

  • Zinc: Zinc is notoriously hard to get through your usual diet and it’s fabulous for acne-prone skin as it helps control both oil production and hormonal changes.
  • Essential fatty acids: This helps your skin to form and maintain its natural barriers…again great for cold weather.
  • Vitamin E: This is another wonderful vitamin for acne sufferers as it helps to regulate sebum.

Because the molecular structure of the pumpkin is small, it is better absorbed into the skin and the body making it one of the most powerful natural foods for improving your health.

Look out for pumpkin within over the counter products or consider making your own!

DIY Pumpkin Face Mask

150g pumpkin flesh

1 egg

For dry skin: a tablespoon of honey

For oily skin: a splash of cranberry juice

Apply the mixture to your face immediately and leave in place for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

This is a great way to soothe breakouts on your skin or to calm down any sore or rough patches. The pumpkin might be the perfect Halloween decoration but if you want to maximise your beauty rather than your spooky…try using it on your face!

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Beauty Lessons We Can Learn From Our Dogs

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dogs are known as mans best friend and they are notoriously famous for their extreme loyalty and loving, caring nature. However did you know that you can actually learn some beauty tips from your canine companion?

Below we will share the top beauty tips that we can all learn from our dogs:

Diet Is Important

Doggy Lesson:

A nutritious, balanced diet is essential to keeping your dog healthy and maintaining their shiny furry coat. An unhealthy diet can make a dog ill and can lead to a variety of skin and hair (fur) problems. Dogs have their own special food that is made uniquely just for them that contains all the right vitamins and nutrients that they require in order to stay healthy.

Beauty Lesson:

Even though we would never think to feed our dogs all the bad food that we put into our mouths on a daily basis a lot of us still continue to eat unhealthy. Put basically the food we eat provide the building blocks that are needed to maintain a healthy body. If we eat too much sugary and junk food our skin certainly suffers resulting in an varying skin problems and conditions. We are not trying to take all the fun out of your eating here, sure its fine to have a little treat from time to time but on the whole try to eat a well balanced diet.

Get Lots Of Beauty Sleep

Doggy Lesson:

It’s true what they say; it’s a dogs life alright!! Dogs spend a lot of their time recovering from their busy days running after frisbys, chasing those pesky lights on the floor or barking at that intruder dog in the mirror that looks awfully familiar. We can often find our lovable pets sprawled out across the floor catching up on some much needed R&R charging up their little batteries for round 2.

Beauty Lesson:

Whether its work, household chores or a hardcore social lifestyle we can sometimes neglect our beauty sleep. Sleep is a vital component in staying fit, healthily and looking your best. When you are in the land of nod your body is busy at work repairing and recharging itself – without the recommended 7-8 hours of daily sleep your skin can suffer by losing its usual healthy glow and your eyes will show signs of tiredness via dark under eye circles.

Work Hard, Play Harder

Doggy Lesson:

During the day while their owners are away at work a dog is hard at work watching over the house. His job is to bark at any passing postmen, scare away any wandering neighbourhood cats that dare step foot on its owners property or considerately hide socks and other soft items for safe keeping under the table  – you know just in case someone breaks in. However once their owner comes home and their watch is over a dog is ready to release the stresses of the day and play. Dogs are very playful and love to let go and just have a good time!

Beauty Lesson:

Finding time out to enjoy yourself and relieve the stresses of the day are vital in order to look your best. A build up of stress can cause a breakout of acne which I am sure you will all agree is not a pretty look. No matter how busy you are you can always find an hour or two just to take some time out and have fun…

Wash Daily

Doggy Lesson:

Cats are not the only animal species that are known to have good hygiene. Dogs are very clean animals too and will ‘wash’ themselves throughout the day. There are some breeds of dog for example the Vizsla and the Chihuahua who have impeccable grooming habits

Beauty Lesson:

It is essential to make sure to wash everyday. Keeping your skin clean of oils and bacteria from dirt, dust, sweat and even dead skin cells is important. However it is not recommended to wash too often or use products on a regular basis as over use can irritate your skin causing inflammation and redness.

Leashes Are Your Enemy

Doggy Lesson:

Dogs LOVE to go on walks and there is nothing better then a walk without a leash. Dogs love to explore the unknown and are never hesitant at checking out what is over that next hill.

Beauty Lesson:

We are talking metaphorically with this one. When it comes to clothing or cosmetics for women a lot of people like to play it safe and stick to what they know – hey if something works why try fixing it, right? Although there is some true in that statement it’s always good to be a little adventurous and try new things. Go out and buy that funky looking top you saw in Topshop or put on that green eye shadow that you have always wanted to but have never had the confidence to try and pull off, who knows you might love it.

Be Yourself

Doggy Lesson:

This one is more of an inner beauty lesson. No matter what shape, size or colour a dog is, they will always be happy and have their little tails wagging no matter the weather. While some dogs are big and muscular, others are smaller and more athletic. Every dog is unique and just perfect they way they are…yes even you pink unicorn dog.

Beauty Lesson:

I know it sounds cliche but you are who you are and there is no point in faking it. The key to truly rocking at life is to be comfortable in your own skin. Never be afraid to just be yourself, find out who you are and embrace it. At the end of the day your ‘bark’ is your own, love it and learn to use it.

If you enjoyed reading this maybe your other doggy loving friends will too. Please share using the buttons found at the top right of the page.

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What Type of Acne Do You Have?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So you know you’ve got more than just a breakout…it’s too regular, too constant to be called “the odd spot” and it’s affecting your life with it’s presence. The question is, before treatment can begin…what type of acne is it?

There are two main types of acne; non inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne. Non inflammatory acne consists mainly of a type of blemish known as a comedone…blackheads and whiteheads to the uninitiated.

This type of acne is easier to deal with than the inflammatory type and acne modelwith good hygiene, minimal products and regular exfoliation you can expect this to clear up on its own. Medical experts can of course speed the process up with treatments such as deep cleansing and microdermabrasion or even with vitamin c rejuvenation facials.

 

Non inflammatory acne is mainly down to clogged pores and without the redness which accompanies inflammatory acne it isn’t too hard to get rid of.

Inflammatory Acne can be looked at as mild, moderate, severe and extreme. In mild cases, only a few spots will appear but they won’t go away like ordinary spots…they’ll hang around on your lower face and neck for much longer than an ordinary breakout. The more severe cases can of course be disfiguring and upsetting…some people who are suffering from a bad case will have very low self esteem indeed.

To try to classify your own acne, it is necessary to learn about the different types of spots and pimples which characterise acne.

    • Whiteheads: These are formed from trapped sebum and bacteria just below the skin’s surface. They appear as tiny white spots which are difficult to squeeze. (Don’t try!)
    • Blackheads: These are caused by sebum becoming visible in an open pore; ordinarily sebum is not dark in colour but once it is exposed to the elements it becomes black in colour.
    • Papule: A swelling which may be sore but not very large; it is caused by a break in the follicular wall and the rush of white blood cells which is the body’s attempt to heal the break.
    • Pustule: This is yellowish green in colour and usually forms after a papule has appeared. It looks particularly nasty and can be sore.
    • Cyst: Caused by extreme swelling and the presence of a lot of pus beneath the surface of the skin.
    • Nodule: A large, uneven swelling which is extremely painful to touch and may be red or purplish in colour.

 

The presence of all of the above in proliferation on your face, neck, shoulders and back would indicate a severe form of acne. This is the worst type to have and the most debilitating.

In moderate cases, sufferers will have just some of the above but may still feel extremely unhappy about their skin’s appearance and seeking assistance with acne is the only way to break the cycle of misery.

If you are suffering from acne and want to hurry along the healing process, it might be a good idea to look into some of the latest laser techniques; from mild to severe acne there will be a treatment designed just for your needs…improving your skins’ texture and appearance with a non-invasive and safe therapy can be a wonderfully freeing experience for anyone who has suffered with their skin on a long term basis..

Remember…don’t try to squeeze spots or pimples, you will only damage your skin and make it more susceptible to infections. Do practice good hygiene and avoid touching your face more than necessary. Change your pillowcase often and keep your hair away from your face. There is help out there no matter how severe or mild your case is…seek it and change your life.

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Laser Tattoo Removal – Straight To The Facts!

Looking at laser tattoo removal for the first time can be a little overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the facts.  There is a lot of confusion for those who are new to the treatment and all it entails. If you’ve got questions or doubts about laser tattoo removal, read on to learn all about the basics and how laser tattoo removal works.

Continue reading “Laser Tattoo Removal – Straight To The Facts!”

What Type of Pigmentation Do You Have?

Pigmentation of the skin is a misleading phrase…when it’s problematic it is best referred to as hyperpigmentation, the hyper part of the word is describing the fact that there’s too much pigment in that area. All skin contains pigment…as does hair; this is what gives our skin its unique tone and colour. When damage or illness has occurred however, then the skin may be affected permanently or temporarily and too much pigment becomes apparent in visible marks on the face or body.

Continue reading “What Type of Pigmentation Do You Have?”

Top Ten Reasons People Get Rid Of Their Tattoos

For many people, getting a tattoo was an ill-thought out mistake. The subject matter, the execution or just plain growing up can all be reasons why people decide to get shot of their body art. For others, they’re happy with their tattoos and wouldn’t ever consider removal…all well and good. But sometimes, life gets in the way and an old tattoo simply isn’t relevant or convenient any more. It’s then that people begin to look into laser tattoo removal as a means of fixing the issue.

Continue reading “Top Ten Reasons People Get Rid Of Their Tattoos”

Cellulite And The Lymphatic System

Cellulite; it’s the bane of many women’s lives and yet there is a surprising lack of knowledge surrounding this lumpy, bumpy issue. There are also a shocking amount of “old wives tales” based on all kinds of silly assumptions around the causes of it. Part of the problem is that cellulite is caused by multiple factors including hormonal changes and poor diet.

The battle to beat cellulite is one that has been and still is fought by people every day; with combinations of:

  • dietary change
  • supplement
  • massage

women fight to keep it at bay with the ultimate goal being to make it go away forever!

understanding cellulite

To understand more about cellulite, one first has to understand the basics of what it actually is; to put it simply…cellulite is fat. The lumps and dimples that you see most commonly on thighs, bottoms, hips and arms are caused by fatty deposits under the skin which have become “stuck”.

There are varying degrees of severity when it comes to cellulite with the mildest only being noticeable when skin is cold or when flesh is squeezed and the most severe affecting the texture of the skin and making it appear rough all the time in addition to dimply.

Whatever degree you’re suffering from cellulite it’s important that you take a multi faceted approach to ridding yourself of it. Not only must you change your diet and exercise regime but you must also consider the way in which your body rids itself of toxins. Helping your lymphatic system to function well will definitely help you to reduce or oust your cellulite problem.

cellulite and your lymphatic system

To understand how important your lymphatic system is, consider this fact; the body contains twice as much lymphatic fluid as it does blood. That’s obviously a pretty major part of your body!

The lymphatic system is like a filter; what it does is to isolate infections and also cellular detritus from the rest of your body…and unwanted fat cells are cellular detritus. If your lymphatic system is sluggish (which is likely if you’re diet and exercise regime aren’t good) then you need to change this.

How to wake up your lymphatic system and get rid of cellulite

Help your body to get back on track and help your lymphatic system to do its job by following the next few lifestyle changes to the letter.

  • Cut out sugar and processed foods; yes it’s tough…but so is cellulite!
  • Get some exercise: when your body is immobile your lymphatic system becomes lazy. You need to maintain activity in order for your system to keep moving.
  • Consider a lymphatic massage: this is an excellent way in which to wake up your tired system and to aid the body’s recovery from cellulite.
  • Look at Acoustic Wave Therapy: this amazing treatment effectively “smashes” fatty deposits with waves of sound which are applied to the affected areas.
  • Try Fat Dissolving Injections: injecting a special aqua based fluid directly into affected areas will disperse the deposits around and out of the body.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that cellulite is a permanent problem; it’s not…all you need to do is take control of it!

Laser Hair Removal – Is It Affordable?

Can I Save Money With Laser Hair Removal?

The short answer, yes!!! Many people are afraid that they won’t be able to afford laser hair removal but the fact is that today, thanks to the popularity of laser hair removal, it is very affordable, if you’re someone who has extra hair in places you don’t want it then the chances are you’re already shelling out a tonne on hair removal products and treatments. Many people book into expensive salons on a regular basis for waxing treatments when over time, this actually works out as more expensive than laser treatment.

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How To Treat Facial Thread Veins

Thread veins are a common problem for many people. They affect both men and women equally and can be upsetting as they give a reddened, uneven appearance to the skin and can look unattractive. Often appearing across the nose and cheeks they are due to a combination of factors which include hormonal changes, environmental exposure (sun and wind) and also the ageing process. As veins loose elasticity they show up through the skin more easily which is why they are more apparent…they’re not “broken” as some people assume them to be but simply enlarged and so more visible.

Continue reading “How To Treat Facial Thread Veins”

Get the Best Out of Your Laser Hair Removal

Booking a course of laser hair removal treatments is a big step for many people; not only is it a financial commitment but it can be a little nerve-wracking to embark on a skin treatment with the potential to change your body in such a remarkable way. It makes sense to consider all that laser hair removal involves before you book your sessions and also to plan ahead…in order that you get the best out of your experience and fully reap the rewards that laser hair removal offers.

There are a number of things to look at when planning ahead for your treatments. Whilst laser hair removal is not at all invasive, painful or damaging to your skin there are certain precautions which are important to take before and after a session.

Preparing your skin

It’s advised that you do not wear any sun lotions, moisturising creams or makeup when you’re about to have a laser hair treatment; the chemicals in these can sometimes cause a reaction with the laser light…so stay safe and avoid exposing your skin to any skin lotions for 24 hours prior to your session.

Similarly, stay off the sun bed! Even though you might think that a tan will be just the thing to show off your hairless body, you need to keep your skin in a calm state so it’s not a sensible idea to go on tanning beds just before you have a laser session.

It’s fine to use soap and water in the shower as normal on the day of treatment.

After your session

Your practitioner will give you tailored advice with regards to aftercare when you finish your session but the general advice remains the same for most people.

Do not head straight for the pool or the gym after a laser hair removal treatment; your skin needs time to recover and for any slight redness to fade; saunas and hot workouts won’t help!

Similarly do not expose your skin to the sun…allow it to remain under cover for 24 hours. Some people experience slight redness or swelling following a treatment and it’s advisable to use an ice pack or Aloe Vera gel to cool it down.

How many sessions will I need to get the best results?

Because hair grows in phases and not at the same constant rate, it’s necessary to have several treatments in order that all the hair may be “caught” in its growth stage. Your practitioner will advise you of how many treatments will be needed…upon examining your hair, they will be able to judge in a ball-park fashion the amount of treatments you will require to get the best results possible. Most people need around 4-6 treatments to get a really great result.

Listen to your therapist

When you have your consultation, your laser hair removal therapist will examine the area or areas which you would like to be treated and they will advise you on the best course for you. They will discuss any medications which you are on and in some cases it’s necessary to briefly cease medication before laser hair removal can go ahead; if this applies to you be sure that you speak first to your doctor before stopping your medication.

Listen carefully to your laser hair practitioner’s advice when it comes to after care…it’s vital that you heed their orders when it comes to caring for your skin post treatment.

Laser hair removal can boost your confidence and save you both time and money..