Category: Beauty & Skin Care

How to Care for Your Skin in the Winter

There’s plenty to love about winter: the crisp weather, the gorgeous snow-covered trees, the cosy days under a blanket with a hot mug of cocoa. But the long cold months also wreak havoc on the skin. Winter temperature and winds strip away moisture and can leave skin chapped, irritated, tight and itchy. How can you battle the elements and maintain healthy, beautiful skin?

Here are your secret weapons against the ravages of winter?

Hydrafacial: Winter is the ideal time to pamper your skin. The Hydrafacial gently removes dead skin cells and strips away impurities. New skin is treated to essential cleansing and hydrating serums. You’ll see immediate results with minimal downtime. Perfect for the holiday party season.

Vitamin C Peel: Stave off winter illness with vitamin C – but it’s also great for the skin. In fact, when applied topically, vitamin C is 20 times more effective than oral ingestion. Our peel works to improve collagen synthesis, even pigmentation and protect cells from free radical damage. It works deep down, providing rejuvenation you can both see and feel.

DermaReviv Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Hyaluronic acid helps your skin preserve moisture, a must in the hydration-sapping winter. More people are also using HA to counteract the effects of ageing; while research thus far is not conclusive on this, it can’t hurt! And because it helps hydrate, HA can “plump” the skin, boosting its youthful appearance.

DermaQuest SPF: You’re not likely to hit the beach quite as often in winter, but you still need to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Apply an SPF solution before heading out into the elements. Choose an option that has protection combined with moisturising lotion; you get double the benefits in one easy step.

Sit back and sip that cocoa; London Premier Laser & Skin will end your winter skin worries. Contact us now to book your free consultation!

Skincare Q&A with Lady Nadia Essex

Today we met with Lady Nadia Essex from the hit channel 4 show, Celebs Go Dating to discuss her skincare. Read on to find out her current skincare regime and what she would change about her skin!

How would you describe your skin?

Combination, I have an oily forehead, however my nose and lips are drier.

What’s your current skincare regime?

I have a simple skincare regime, focusing on always removing my make-up of an evening. Generally, I wash my face, use a make-up wipe, and then use micellar water to ensure that all my make-up has been removed. I will then follow up with a night cream.

Have you tried any aesthetic skin rejuvenation treatments before?

I have tried anti wrinkle injections a couple of times in the past. However, I haven’t had it for a few years as looking back I don’t think I needed it. I think in a couple of years when I am a little bit older I will try again. I have also tried Dermaroller, which I love.

Is there anything you would change about your skin?

I recently found out that I suffer from some food intolerances, and certain foods do have a negative effect on my skin. Simply eating clean and healthy for a week can really change my skin, in a positive way. However, the one thing I would change the most is my motivation to look after my skin. It’s only recently that I have really started paying attention to it and ensuring I take on a proper skincare regime.

How often do you go for skin treatments?

Not as often as I like, I go for a facial around every 6 months, and each time I think ‘I must do this more often’.

It’s 6 Amazing Techniques in 1 – HydraFacial in West London

Our Premier Laser & Skin clinic in Notting Hill in West London offers Hydrafacial plus all the latest and most advanced treatments for a variety of skin types.  Whether you are looking for the best and safest laser hair removal techniques or facial rejuvenation, we can help.

Hydrafacial Notting Hill

Open since 2008 out Notting Hill clinic was one of the first clinics in the UK to perform the Hydrafacial treatment. The popularity of the Hydrafacial has exploded recently especially since its coverage on social media and TV. Have a look at our Hydrafacial before and after page to check out some of the fantastic results you can achieve for a range of issues including acne and pigmentation.

Fans such as Kim Kardashian swear by the 60 minute procedure. It gives their skin a quick deep cleanse, nourishing hydrating infusion and an instant healthy glow.

Hydrafacials suitable for all skin types

We have seen more clients asking for Hydrafacials in our clinics across London. The fact that it is suitable for all skin types and tones and it is gentle enough to your skin so you can wear make up afterwards have clients raving about the treatment.

If you need an instant skin pick me up, need to get ready for an special event or special occasion look no further then the Hydrafacial.

You don’t need to travel into Harley Street or Central London to receive award-winning and leading aesthetic treatments. Our location in West London is conveniently accessible to clients from the surrounding areas:

  • Bayswater
  • Lancaster Gate
  • Earls Court
  • Kensington
  • Queensway
  • Holland Park
  • Ladbroke Grove
  • West Brompton
  • Marlybone
  • Maida Vale
  • Primrose Hill
  • Sloane Square
  • St. Johns Wood
  • Knightsbridge
  • Notting Hill

HydraFacial in West London

HydraFacial has streamlined the processes for improving the overall health of your skin.  With the careful precision of this machine, get ready to experience the most incredible facial of your life.

The multi-step treatment is non-invasive and combines the best of hydradermabrasion and a chemical peel with a special blend of :

  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Peptides
  • Antioxidants

This treatment plan can be tailored around the specific needs of all skin types.  The Notting Hill location is able to offer this amazing treatment with no downtime afterwards, no skin irritation, and considerable noticeable results.

Best Hydrafacial in West London

The HydraFacial is really a one-stop-treatment-plan for a variety of issues that might plague skin.  It removes dead skin cells, dirt, and other particles that may have gotten in the skin but aren’t meant to stay there.

At the same time, it moisturises and hydrates skin cells, offering a new platform for healthy skin cells to grow.

This HydraFacial machine found at our Notting Hill location can also solve a myriad of other skin issues, including to:

HydraFacial Kensington

  • Help your skin regain elasticity and firmness
  • Help prevent advanced signs of ageing
  • Smooth out wrinkles and fine lines
  • Create a radiant skin tone
  • Clean oily skin
  • Reduce hyperpigmentation
  • Eliminate large pores

A treatment plan can be designed with your specific needs in mind, with results after the first treatment lasting a minimum of five to seven days.

In some cases, one treatment can be recommended every two weeks, depending on what your main goals are from your treatment.

With the HydraFacial machine at our Notting Hill clinic, a variety of skin types can be accommodated.

Our experienced technicians will consult you, help you define your goals, and then create a plan tailored specifically to your needs.

 

Lip Fillers: Everything you need to know

Full, plump lips – it’s certainly a sign of beauty, but not everyone has them naturally. Products like lipstick and lip liner can help, but they wear off, and they don’t always offer you the results you really want. If you’re sick of fighting your lips for real results and wasting your money on over-the-counter treatments that can only go so far, it’s time to book your lip filler treatment with us.

What Is Lip Filler?

We use hyaluronic acid to help fill out your lips; our chosen filler is a natural gel that helps flow gently into your skin and instantly offer you the fill you want. It means real definition and very little downtime. You’ll get that perfect natural look within just a few weeks.

What Can I Expect?

If you book one of our lip filler treatments, we’ll schedule an assessment appointment before the actual procedure. On the day of your procedure, we’ll clean and numb the area, then gently inject the filler into the area(s) that need the most help. While you may see some bruising within the first few days of the procedure, it will subside quickly, and you’ll be left with the look you want most.

Sarah Sheedy

Follow-Up Treatments

Most patients experience the results for up to twelve months. We can, however, do follow-up treatments within six months if you want more results.

Meet Our Lip Filler Expert!

When you book your appointment with us, you’re going to meet our lip filler expert – Aesthetic Nurse Sarah Sheedy. Sarah has been working with patients for more than seven years, and she’s worked in a number of different settings to help patients achieve the beauty they need. A specialist in today’s hottest dermal fillers, she’s ready for you right now. Book your session today!

 

Meet DermaQuest!

If you’re like most people, you’re always on the lookout for products you can use at home that will really change the way your skin looks. You have complex skincare concerns that need to be addressed on an ongoing basis, right? That’s why we’ve introduced the DermaQuest line.  One of the most advanced options on the market, here you’ll find a variety of products with effective delivery systems that ensure maximum absorption.

Eight Different Collections

DermaQuestOne of the most unique aspects of this brand is the fact that they’ve carefully developed eight different collections, all of which are carefully tailored to different skin types. Take a peek at the options.

  • The Essentials Collection: If you’re looking for simple nourishment and protection, this is exactly the collection you want to consider. No matter what your skin is like, this brand core will help revitalise it and address your concerns.
  • The Peptide Vitality Collection: Dealing with ageing skin is never easy, but this collection helps to fight collagen breakdown and smooth your skin to help smooth out wrinkles completely.
  • The C-Infusion Collection: Vitamin C is a must for your skin, and this collection utilises BVOSC, one of the most potent forms of vitamin C on the market today. It can help energise and tighten your skin.
  • The SkinBrite Collection: Dark spots, circles under the eyes, and hyperpigmentation are all fairly common problems. This collection contains a number of botanical and illumination ingredients that help to even your skin tone and dump the dark spots forever.
  • The DermaClear Collection: There are many different types of acne, and almost everyone who deals with it is experiencing a different stage. Our products help to alleviate the symptoms, no matter where you’re at with acne.
  • The Sensitized Collection: Some people deal with sensitive skin on a daily basis. Some people only encounter it a few times a year. No matter what category you fall into, these specially formulated products help to purify, protect and calm your skin .
  • The Advanced Therapy Collection: When an extra boost is a must, this is the collection you want to shop. Complete with an Algae Polishing Scrub, Youth Serum, and much more, it will help you attain the look you want quickly.
  • The Stem Cell 3D Collection: Plant stem cell technology can do so much to repair your skin, and this collection includes an eye lift, body creme, and much more to rejuvenate your body from head to toe.

Ready to make DermaQuest part of your daily routine? Give us a call today so we can help you select the perfect product to meet your needs.

Your Essential Wedding Skin Guide

The big day is coming fast, and you want to look nothing short of amazing. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to make that happen, and it starts as soon as you get engaged. Take a look at this skin care guide to help keep you on track to becoming the beautiful, blushing bride you’ve been seeing in your dreams.

A Year Before Your Wedding

It may seem like you have quite a bit of time on your hands, but the reality is that it’s coming faster than you think. One of the first procedures you’ll want to schedule is laser hair removal. If you want to see the maximum reduction in hair growth, it can take up to six sessions, and those have to be spaced at least four weeks apart. Wondering where you might want laser hair removal? Consider how that bikini line might look on your honeymoon. You might also want to finally eliminate underarm hair, leg hair, or even problem facial hair.

Tattoo removal starts as soon as you get engaged too. If you have a tattoo you’re embarrassed about, or simply one you don’t want showing when you don that gorgeous dress, we can help, but it’s going to take some time. Professional tattoos usually take four to six treatments to remove, and treatments have to be scheduled at least six weeks apart.

Acne scarring is one other issue you may want to address right after you get engaged. It will help both your engagement photos and your wedding pictures look fantastic. Dermapen Microneedling is the best way to eliminate the scarring. This innovative treatment pushes the skin to release collagen, which means a complete elimination of the scars you’ve dealt with for so long. Depending on the severity of the scars, though, it may take several treatments to see real results.

Six Months Before the Wedding

Carbon Facial

Still dealing with acne on a regular basis? That’s the last thing  you want your guests to see, and a Spectra Carbon Peel, also sometimes called the Hollywood Peel, you can put a stop to the problem. Regular treatments mean improving your collagen levels and putting an end to acne, but you’ll want to retreat at least once before the big day for best results.

Loose skin may need to be tightened before your wedding as well, and the Ultraformer is the way to make that happen. It targets the deepest layer of skin, which can help lift your eyebrows, deal with that sagging skin on your face or your neck, and even help eliminate wrinkles. you’ll see real results within three months.

Hoping to say “yes” to the dress that doesn’t quite fit now? Cyrotherapy fat reduction is easily the best way to eliminate fat in those problem areas. It uses fat freezing technology to help target the fat cells you find most problematic and break that down. You could see a loss of a few inches within three months after a single treatment.

Three Months Before the Wedding

HydraFacial

Hydration is as important for your body as it is for your skin, and our HydraFacial is one great way to make that a reality. It revitalises and exfoliates your skin to give you that natural glow you’ll want to see in the pictures.

Your big day is going to be perfect! Don’t forget to consider an annual package for some of our services so you can maintain those amazing looks throughout the year.

The truth about skin peels

When you think of the term ‘skin peel’, you probably imagine the application of harsh, damaging chemicals, resulting in the skin physically peeling off. And in some cases you would be right.

Some types of skin peels are incredibly invasive, using painful acids to strip back the skin and promote collagen growth. A deep or medium peel may require anaesthesia before application, and will be conducted in a surgical setting. A deep chemical peel has a recovery period of 2 – 3 weeks, during which time the treated area will be heavily bandaged and painful. Certainly, having a chemical peel is not something to be entered into lightly.

Continue reading “The truth about skin peels”

Introducing the New 5:2 Diet…For Your Skin!

Whether you tried it or not, we’re all familiar with the 5:2 Diet. It hit the headlines in 2012 with promises to allow dieters the freedom to eat normally for five days a week, still being able to eat virtually whatever they wanted, as long as they then heavily restricted their calorie intake for two days a week. Well now there’s a version for your skin, which involves leaving your skin clear and make-up free for two days a week.

The first five days are “key to its popularity”, according to an analysis on BBC Good Food, and it’s claimed that women on the diet can lose 1lb a week, men potentially a bit more.

There are lots of claims and theories surrounding the diet, some overwhelmingly positive, and some much more critical, but there’s a new 5:2 in town that’s a little bit different.

The 5:2 Skin Diet was suggested by dermatologist Dr Sejal Shah, who thinks giving our skin a break is pretty essential. Apparently “residue from make-up builds up on skin over time because people don’t properly cleanse their faces”. The skin is left covered in things that will irritate it and encourage it to break out over time, it will also clog pores and potentially cause inflammation – all the stuff you really don’t want, basically!

Beauty products, though we all stand by them and use them regularly, interfere with our skin and change its ability to stay fully hydrated and clear. So taking two days out a week to ‘detox’, and give your skin chance to breathe, could be really beneficial.

Fasting for your skin

‘Fasting’ doesn’t mean not putting anything on your face at all. It’s essential to use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t contain any alcohol (notorious for drying out the skin), and to rub the cleanser in without the use of a washcloth. Fingers only! Some materials are surprisingly abrasive.

Next, rinse with lukewarm water. Heat opens up the pores, but too much can leave you red-faced and it’ll take a little while for it to go down. Hot showers can make the face feel dry and tight, because it washes away a lot of the skin’s naturally occurring, essential oils. Skin tightness is something you need to be aware of, no matter what the circumstances of your skincare regime. If your face feels tight after cleansing, you’re using the wrong cleanser and drying your skin out.

Moisturiser is an important third step, and it’s also crucial to limit washing your face to twice a day. This is the most you’ll ever need – any more is excessive.

When did you last clean your make-up brushes?

An awkward question, yes. Especially as none of us can really claim to wash them anywhere near often enough! Foundation brushes especially are used all over our skin, so cleanliness is important. You don’t need any special products, just some baby shampoo or an unscented soap, and they can dry overnight.

One great beauty hack is to use olive oil or almond oil on brushes that are particularly caked. It breaks down residue efficiently, and means you don’t have to buy any expensive, harsh, alcohol-based make-up brush cleansers.

More than a quick fix

Taking two days off from wearing makeup isn’t something most women will want to try, let’s be honest. How do you choose the two days? At work it’s not always appropriate, and the weekend is red lipstick time, not no lipstick time.

For the same experience and results, without having to go out barefaced and self-conscious, there are a variety of facial treatments and peels which leave the skin glowing and thoroughly cleansed.

The Obagi Blue Peel RADIANCE® contains a unique blend of acids to provide a gentle but effective peel, resulting in tighter, smoother, brighter-looking skin immediately after just one procedure. Don’t let the word ‘peel’ but you off though, this is a gentle, soothing treatment that has zero recovery time.

So nothing can stop you from that daily smokey eye.

Get The Chelsea Look: Glossy, Posh Girl Fabulousness in 3 Steps

‘Sloane Ranger’ entered Britain’s national vocabulary in the 1980s to refer to young and wealthy Chelsea-dwellers with a distinctive, understated style. Princess Diana was the original poster girl. But now, 30 years on, Sloane style has evolved to include the enviably glowing, shiny-haired, fur gilet-wearing cast of Made in Chelsea, who many of us are oh so familiar with already.

Let’s forget about the boys for a moment, because we’re not too bothered how Spencer got his six pack, we’ve got the gist from Instagram and his numerous Men’s Health cover shoots. What we want to know is how the MiC girls are so glossy and perfect looking all the time.

Hair

We all know the weather is slightly nicer here in London than most of the UK, but even the streets of the Royal Borough experiences a few gales. How come their hair is so voluminous without looking bulletproof?

Most of the girls have shared their love of various clip-in hair extensions, products and mousses in various interviews, but Lucy Watson owes her look to learning how to backcomb. “After being on so many shoots I’ve learnt about different make-up and hair products…It makes such a difference because my hair’s very fine.”

If you have fine hair like Lucy’s, invest in some good rollers and any volumising products that are suited to your hair type – you might find cream-based products a bit heavy, so try mousses and sprays instead.

Louise Thompson has an even more low-maintenance hair regime; “I pop a bit of serum on my hair and leave it in a turban”, she says, preferring to let her hair dry naturally. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have effortless, natural, shiny waves, so firing up the curling wand might be in order.

Skin

Back in January, when the winter blues were hitting us all pretty hard, Binky Felstead blogged about a Premier Laser treatment that gave her skin some much-needed refreshment. Just back from some winter sun in Mexico, Binky could feel the effects of constant sun-exposure – something that can really dehydrate and damage the skin – and “wanted a treatment that would refresh and clear my skin without the downtime of a peel”.

The Vitamin C Rejuvenation Facial was Binky’s treatment of choice, as it exfoliates the outer layer of skin as well as targeting the deeper levels of the dermis, encouraging cell renewal beneath the surface. I think we can all agree it’s left her with an amazing youthful glow.

vitamin c peel skincare

Style

The Made in Chelsea cast love a themed party, but the rest of the time their style has become so varied it’s hard to claim they’re a ‘type’ anymore, like Sloane Rangers were in the 1980s. Rather than tweed, polo necks and barely brushed hair, the 21st Century Sloane is branching out into more high-street brands.

“My favourite shops are Zara and All Saints…and I like Topshop too.” Says high-street lover, Lucy Watson. You’d expect her to still have some serious splurges in her wardrobe though, right? “.

Handbags and jackets

I would only ever spend that much money on a nice handbag or a jacket, but not on day-to-day clothing because my wardrobe changes all the time” – so it seems even Chelseaites love a bit of fast fashion.

Lucy doesn’t think there’s a specific Chelsea style because they’re all so different, but “there is an air of sophistication, everyone dresses in a classic way and it’s important to be well-groomed”.

Well, there you have it, straight from the horse’s mouth. It doesn’t matter if you have a huge budget or not, the British high street is the place to be for the modern Sloane. They’re just like everyone else really…

So there are a few different style options for aspiring MiC girls. Your budget might be much smaller, but you can still use Victoria Baker-Harber as inspiration.

Luxury Wardrobe

Her luxe wardrobe, sky-high heels that are suitable for nothing less than UberEXEC, and waist-length golden hair is the envy of many. Okay, so she’s Chelsea’s mean girl in residence, but we still want to look like her…

Rosie Fortescue, international style blogger and MiC veteran has one of the most enviable Instagrams you’ve ever seen, though you will occasionally wonder how she’s wearing that skirt with no tights in the middle of February. (Turns out you just get driven everywhere if you live in Kensington & Chelsea)

With her pick of most labels and high street favourites, Rosie has accumulated quite the wardrobe, focusing mainly on bright faux fur pieces, statement shoes and simple dresses. If you want to emulate Miss Fortescue, be prepared to branch out. A lot.

So none of the MiC girls can entirely thank their good breeding for their flawless complexions and wardrobes, turns out you can cheat your way to the same look.