Category: Skin problems and treatments

Since Kate and His Royal Highness Prince William started courting, everyone has been discussing Mrs Cambridge’s beauty secrets, especially since commencing her royal duties with her wedding to him and becoming a Duchess.

Wherever the Duchess went, the onlookers and media have been fascinated and blown away by her beauty and elegant, effortless style. Whatever the occasion, she looked impeccable. Even during her pregnancy.

And again, with her first appearance after giving birth to the little Prince, people from all over the world have been impressed by her looks.

So how does she achieve this effortless look of elegant beauty?

Skin

According to close friends, Kate resorts to skincare products with bee venom ingredients. Yes, bee venom. Where we shy back and wince with the idea of bees and their painful venom, Kate sees the venom with all its benefits. Bee venom is said to refine and repair the skin, leaving a smooth, younger-looking face and body surface that radiances a healthy glow.

Of course we don’t recommend that you find a large stick and start poking about the trees in your nearest forrest in an effort to find some bees. This would not be a great idea and would most likely end up with you having, well, a very swollen face due to all the stings you will receive from a swarm of angry bees.

Instead if you wish you try bee venom a quick search online can bring up all sorts of skincare products, produced by various brands.

Body.

For her body, besides the before mentioned skincare products, the Duchess also likes to resort to fake tan to help with looking tanned, after all the British weather isn’t known for its sunny side!

Now there is one thing using fake tan to create an overall nice looking darker complexion and then there’s looking like an Umpa Lumpa.

Of course Kate manages to apply the tan evenly and subtly to her skin, giving her a nice tanned glowing apperance, without the whole orange look.

Hair

In terms of hair, Kate trusts her locks only to Kerastase and Phyto, two popular French haircare brands who use a combination of various natural ingredients, giving her mane a healthy shine, and making millions of women green with envy. Since we cant remember the last time Kate had a bad hair day, these natural products seem to do the trick. Also wearing your hair in similar fashion wherever you go, mostly down or in a half-up do, certainly helps too!

Fashion

Kate Middleton has an impeccable taste in fashion. Always looking the part with her elegance, she brings out her biggest physical asset – Her Waist.

Whether she wears a short or long dress, or trousers and a blouse, her waist is always accentuated, making her frame appear even smaller than it already is.

Additionally to this, Kate always wears a high-cut top, to round off her elegancy in contrast to many other celebrities, who use their chests to gain media attention.

 

If I was to ask you to put a snail on your face, I could have a guess as to what the answer may be, however what if I was to tell you that snails have the uncanny ability to turn back the clock? No, stop right there, I don’t mean that tucked under their little shells is a flux capacitor. However found in their mollusk mucus is said to be a cure for a variety of ills, including acne, scars and burns, and most importantly wrinkles.

Yes that’s right the secret to eternal youth could be lying at the bottom of your back garden. Snail slime is rich in proteins of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. This ‘miracle’ mucus has two main effects when applied to human skin, these are:

1. Stimulation of new fresh collagen, elastin and dermal components in the skin

2. Minimise damage that is caused by free radicals that are the reason for premature aging.

Why Do We Age?

Good question and if you know the answer to this question then you are within reach of a Noble Prize. The fact is no one really understands why we age, yes even those men in white coats have no clue. Well that’s not entirely true…there are two main theories that at present are our best ideas as to why we get old, get grey hair and lose our memories.

Theory 1 – We are Programmed to Die

This theory is known as the Gene Expression Theory Of Aging. It states that after a pre-programmed amount of time our bodies send out a code that basically slows down repairs. Proof for this theory is found in less complicated organisms such as coral and sponges that appear to show no sign of aging. This could mean that as organisms became more and more complex an evolutionary change may have occurred. Further justification of this theory can be found in the life spans or varying animals too – for example while some flies only live for a few days, the Bowhead Whale has been known to live up to 211 years. Why this massive difference? Is genetics the answer? Who knows….maybe.

Theory 2 – Age takes its toll.

Basically put the second theory states that as we get older the damage to our bodies becomes too extensive. As we all know are bodies are very complex ‘machines’ and with the constant damage to the tissue, cells and DNA it ceases the ability to repair itself and eventually shuts down.

Super Snail Treatment

So as far as I am aware your typical snail doesn’t possess some god like ability to turn back the sands of time however as discussed above their slime does have some anti aging properties.

A Japanese salon in Tokyo has took advantage of these properties and started a revolutionary treatment named the Celebrity Escargot Course that involves placing lives snails on a person’s face, allowing the snails to slither across the complexion. The treatment that lasts around 60 minutes will set you back around £161 – this also includes a series of facial massages and the use of an electrical pulse machine.

In addition the salon also uses creams that have been infused with snail slime from snails that are on a special diet of organic vegetables. Well you wouldnt want a snail that had been feasting off Big Macs sliding about on your skin now would you?

If the above doesn’t quite appeal to you then the Premier Laser Clinic might have the answer you’re looking for. Our Sublative treatment uses a fractionated radio frequency to provide a truly unique procedure. Sublative is FDA approved and is clinically proven to treat fine lines, stretch marks and wrinkles.

Hair Removal Options

Summer is finally here. Its thats time of year when people jet off on their summer hols, unearth their BBQ from under the clutter in the shed and wear short-sleeve t-shirts, shorts, dresses and bikinis.

If you haven’t already done so it’s time to remove them unwanted hairs. So you have a few options available to you, but which one is best?

1) Shaving

2) Waxing

3) Hair removal cream

4) Bleaching

5) Plucking

6) Laser Hair Removal

Below we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The ratings shown below are only an approximation as some peoples hair grows a lot quicker or slower than others.

Days Till Re-Growth: 1 (sometimes less)

Cost Score: 8/10

Efficiently Rating: 2/10

Well this method is probably the most commonly used technique used by both men and women to keep their hairs from getting out of control.

Advantages:

• Very quick

• inexpensive and painless (well unless you have a blunt blade)

Disadvantages:

• Can cause irritation

• If your shaving skills with the blade are not the greatest you can end up with cuts to your face, legs and arms

• Only a day later stubbly re-growth can be seen

Days Till Re-Growth: 2-4 weeks

Cost Score: 6/10

Efficiently Rating: 7/10

Waxing works by removing the hair from deep within the root. Waxing can be done in the comfort for your own home or you can get it done at a salon.

Advantages:

• Good results (compared to shaving)

• Re-growth is quite slow

Disadvantages:

• Painful – seriously this method hurts

• Can cause in-growing hairs

• Red patches on skin

• If the wax is too hot you can burn your skin

Days Till Re-Growth: 2-7 days

Cost Score: 7/10

Efficiently Rating: 3.5/10

I am sure you have all read the reviews on Amazon about what can happen when men use hair removal cream. This product works as it contains chemicals that dissolve the hairs at the root.

Advantages:

• Painless (if used correctly)

• Softer re-growth than other methods such as shaving

Disadvantages:

• Not the most efficient

• Can get very messy

• Can cause irritation on sensitive skin

• Doesn’t have the most pleasant of fragrances.

Days Till Re-Growth: n/a

Cost Score: 7/10

Efficiently Rating: n/a

Ok so bleaching doesn’t remove your hair however it is used by mostly woman to hide small areas of hair like above the lip.

Advantages:

• No razors, wax kits or cream = no pain

Disadvantages:

• Can only really be used on small areas

• If you have dark skin this method isn’t really effective

Days Till Re-Growth: 2-4 weeks

Cost Score: 10/10

Efficiently Rating: 7/10

This method is usually avoided by the majority as it involves plucking out hairs one by one which as you will have guessed is quite painful. However if you feel like you want to use this ‘old school’ method makes sure you have plenty of free time on your hands as this is going to take you a while.

Advantages:

• Accurate

• Cost effective

Disadvantages:

• Very painful

• Time consuming

• Can cause scaring if done wrong

Days Till Re-Growth: Dependant on person – while some see re-growth after several years many find they don’t have to shave again. Most people see a 75%-95% hair reduction on the area they have treated

Cost Score: 9/10
(I know what you are thinking but laser hair removal is an investment and after you have completed your treatments you will never have to think about hair removal again).

Efficiently Rating: 9/10
(75%-95% hair reduction)

Laser hair removal is the modern way to remove your unwanted hairs. This method can seem quite costly upon initial inspection however this should be seen as an investment as after your treatments laser hair removal works out cheaper then most of the above methods in the long run saving a lot of money.

Advantages:

• Safe

• Quick

• Very effective

Disadvantage:

• Expensive in short term

• Several treatments are needed.

 

What Is A Vampire Facelift?

 

The vampire facelift (PRP) is a non-surgical procedure that involves the re-injection of PRFM (platelet rich fibrin matrix) that is derived from the patient’s own blood, hence the name, back into the skin in the patients facial area to rejuvenate the skin.

Recently this treatment has been made famous by Kim Kardashian who was quoted as saying ‘I love trying anything that makes you look and feel youthful,’.

Why Should I Get A Vampire Facelift?

If you are showing any of these typical signs of aging then this treatment is for you:

1.  Your face has a grey tinge to it due to a lack of blood flow in the facial area.

2. Your facial shape appears more droopy as the muscle and collagen are decreasing in the skin

3. You have fine and course wrinkles

4. Your skin is lacking elasticity

5. Thinning of the dermis

6. Pigmentation asymmetries

There are other types of treatments to rejuvenate the face so why should you choose the Vampire Facelift apart from it has a really cool sounding name?

The main and key reason is that the procedure uses the patients own blood meaning that the treatment is 100% natural and safe. Surgery is one option that can have some pretty impressive results but it is usually a bit excessive for what is usually needed and has risks associated with it.

Who Should Get The Treatment?

The Vampire Facelift is ideal for anyone who would like to:

•  Regain their youthful appearance

• Improve the texture, colour and look of their skin

• Reduce/remove fine line and wrinkles

• Improve skin tone.

How Does The Treatment Work?

Step 1

Firstly the physician will use a Hyaluronic Filler to fashion a more youthful appearance whilst keeping the shape of the face natural.

Step 2

The physician then extracts blood from the patient – around 2 teaspoons. Using a centrifuge the platelets are isolated from the blood in around 10 to 15 minutes. These platelets are then activated to cause the release from the platelets of at least 8 growth factors that is normally used to heal damaged tissue.

Step 3

Finally Numbing cream is applied to the patients face and with a small needle the extracted growth factors are injected back into the facial area. This is where the magic happens – the growth factors activate multipotent stem cells that are already located in the skin and trick them into thinking that there has been a facial injury and that new tissue should be created. As a result these stem cells develop new collagen, blood vessels and fatty tissue to repair your skin that was never damaged. Clever huh?

 

Spoiler Alert: If you are not up-to-date with Game Of Throne (Season 3) and you don’t want to spoil the story then read no further.

Game Of Thrones Over For Another Year

So the moment we have all been dreading has finally arrived, Game of Thrones has come to an end for its third season and what a season it has been. Game of Thrones had us from the very first episode and we have addicted ever since…seriously mark my words there will be a medical condition attributed to it soon as many around the world will be feeling the withdrawal symptoms now that we cannot get our fix…well at least for another year anyway. The show unlike many of the poor quality TV programs aired currently actually makes you care for its characters, when they are happy so are we and when they die we grieve. Oh and as we know Game of Thrones is not scared of killing off main characters – however this unpredictability is a breath of fresh air for TV viewers as one moment you convince yourself you have figured out the plot only for it to throw you a curve ball. Although did they really have to kill off Eddard? Really?

The show certainly isn’t lacking in the beauty department with characters such as Daenerys, Cersei, Sansa and Margaery Tyrell. But how do these woman look so good? Below you can find a set of tutorials that guide you though styling your hair like your favorite Game Of Thones character.

Daenerys

The mother of dragons is arguably the most beautiful woman on the show. She is the sole child survivor of King Aerys II Targaryen (the mad king). With 3 dragons at her disposal this is not a women you want to mess with.

Style 1:

Style 2:

 

Catelyn Stark

Catelyn is a strong woman who is wife to Lord Eddard Stark and Lady of Winterfell. She is a devoted mother and is very protective of her children.

 

Arya Stark

Arya is the youngest daughter of Catelyn Stark and is fiercely independent. She can often be seen wielding her sword named needle.

 

Sansa Stark

Sansa is the eldest daughter of Catelyn and Eddard Stark. She was once wed to King Joffery but now finds herself the wife of Tyrion Lannister following an arranged marriage by his father, Tywin.

 

Margaery Tyrell

Daughter of Lady Alerie Tyrell, Magaery is the widow of King Renly Baratheon. She currently is wed to King Joffery.

 

Cersei Lannister

Last but certainly not least Cersei. Widow of Robert Baratheon and Queen Regent of the seven kingdoms Cersei has a child named Joffery who currently resides on the Iron throne. However his claim to the throne is false due to him being the product of Cersei’s incestuous relationship with her bother Jamie (king slayer).

Youtube Videos Credited to https://www.youtube.com/user/silvousplaits?feature=watch

 

 

 

The East End Boy Who Became a National Icon

David Beckham came into his own during the renaissance of British football, a time when players became national and international superstars overnight and an influx of money flooded the game. The players of this era were not only icons but super rich icons with the world as their oyster.

Beckham made his first team debut for his boy hood club, Manchester United back in 1992 aged just 17. Later he became part of a group of talented young players that were later known as “Fergies Fledglings” and in the 1995 -1996 season after the infamous comment made by pundit Alan Hansen on Match of The Day “You’ll never win anything with kids”, United went on to win the Premier League title with Goldenballs pixel perfect passing and free kicks shooting him to stardom.

David has experienced lows and highs over his successful 20 year football career but overall he has established himself as one of England’s best ever footballers to grace the beautiful game. Making 115 appearances for his country and 394 for Manchester United his total trophy haul for his boyhood club amounted to 6 Premier League titles and the Champions league.

He has gone on to win the league in 4 different countries – a feat that has never been accomplished by any footballer before him.

Trend It Like Beckham

The truth is, the rest of us mere mortal men hate Beckham. Arguably one of the most handsome men on the face of the planet he leaves scores of beautiful adoring women in his wake making us normal males seem inferior in every respect.

We have seen the many varying hairstyles that David has sported over the years from the shaved head and Mohawk to the boy band curtains and cornrows. I remember the day Beckham was first pictured with the famous Mohawk in the local newspaper and a week later the streets were full of little Beckhams just proving the influence that this man had.

David is a style icon and his current and past endorsements have included Armani Underwear (take a deep breath ladies), Pepsi, Mark and Spencers, Motorola and many others. He went on to launch his first signature fragrance in 2005 and in 2006 he teamed with his wife to launch Intimately Beckham. One of his most recent fragrances is David Beckham Homme which was released around a year and a half ago.

Beckhams Beauty Secrets

During his playing days for Real Madrid, one of Europe’s most successful football clubs, Beckham unveiled his pampering techniques.

“I’ve learned a lot. Being out in the cold and rain doesn’t help your skin, so moisturiser in the morning is a big thing. And at night it’s the eye cream. A manicure is probably my favourite pampering splurge.”

It is of no surprise that he was named the “ultimate metrosexual” by the very man who coined the term. Whether he was seen in a sarong, wearing nail varnish or sporting a combination of the two, there was never any doubt as to his sexuality. His fashion and dress sense may be a little flamboyant for many tastes but he helped pave the way for a new breed of man, one that takes pride in his appearance and is well groomed…he made it ok for men to ‘really’ care how they looked.

It was also revealed back in 2008 that the secret to his and Posh’s perfectly glowing skin complexion was down to none other than a beauty regime involving bird poo. Yeah you did just read that right, while the majority of us hate falling victim to natures very own A10 Thunderbolt, the Beckahms have been applying bird’s number 2 too their skin for years.

What Next?

Since the recent news of Beckhams retirement which left the nation rocking we are all left wondering what this will mean for the brand which is Beckham. A spokesman on behalf of David said

“Over the next year, we will see his business grow and expand. The sky is the limit really, in terms of what he can do globally”

For now we can only sit and wait to see what this man has planned for the future.

Share or like this page to show your tribute to Beckham.

 

Where Does The Time Go?

Is it me or are the days getting shorter and shorter as we grow up? After thinking about this phenomenon I came up with 2 possible theories:

1. With the cellular degradation that corresponds to us aging with the passing of time, maybe we are forgetting about certain events that have taken place throughout the day, therefore making it appear shorter. This would coincide with a high percentage of memory issues found in the older generation of people.

2. Our lives are simply getting busier.

Obviously the answer is number two. As children the world seemed to be our oyster, we had unlimited time to play out with friends, build spaceships from cereal boxes or sit and watch hours of continuous cartoons on TV. Life as a child was a carefree experience, your only worry being you had to behave all year round to make it onto that all important good list that is owned by a certain man in red that lives at the North Pole. You know the one…he makes presents for little boys and girls and rides a flying sleigh lead by a famous reindeer with a red nose.

However as the wick of our lives burns down so does the time in which we find we have free. As you make your own passage through the journey of life you will most likely find a job, get married, have children and buy a dog. Now why is this important? Because with each and every step you take along that journey you acquire more and more responsibilities which you have guessed it = less spare time.

Semi Permanent Makeup

I don’t know about you but I hardly have time to go to the toilet and wash my hair in the morning, never mind applying any cosmetics. In a recent survey it was found that around 95% of women wouldn’t leave the house in the morning without first putting on their war paint. This is where semi permanent makeup (SPMU ) comes into its own.

What is Semi Permanent Makeup?

Semi Permanent Makeup is a well kept Hollywood secret. In the procedure a coloured pigment is placed into the dermal layer of the skin, which can last for several years.

Is It Expensive?

Not at all. When you look at the money invested over the several years that Semi Permanent Makeup can last you can actually make quite a saving. Also, SPMU doesn’t run or wash off so not only is a money saver but a timer saver too.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

It will usually last approximately an hour for your initial appointment. If you want to have more than one area done you will have to allow for further time. A second visit is required at around the 6 to 8 week mark after your first visit to perfect the makeup and boost the colour. This second visit works on the basis of “less is best”. Its better to do under-do an application on the first procedure than over do it.

How long Does It Last?

The Semi Permanent Makeup can last for several years. It is suggested however that you return for a ‘top up’ appointment to boost the colour around every 12 to 18 months.

Does it Hurt?

While most people say they feel no pain at all, others have reported only a mild discomfort. If this is a concern topical numbing can be used to keep any discomfort felt minimal.

Is An Allergy Test Required?

An allergy test is offered and recommended but it is not a mandatory requirement. If you decide to have a test it can be carried out 24 hours before your treatment – 99.9% of people who have this test do not have a reaction of any kind.

Will It Look Natural?

After you have had the treatment the area that has been treated will be darker and intense. However after around 3-5 days after the area will naturally exfoliate and the true colour will emerge through. Some people experience some swelling, don’t worry this is completely normal and usually subsides within 24 hours.

 

You open the fridge door and pull out the milk, yes you think, there’s just enough to make your morning cereal and pour yourself a nice glass of ice cold milk. You throw the empty carton away and continue to eat your breakfast before going to the gym. You drink your protein shake, train your little socks off and head off to the shower. After cleansing yourself you have a cheeky look in the mirror whilst nobody is looking, “who’s that sexy little thing” you think, get dressed and drive to work.

You arrive at work and stick on the kettle. Everybody knows that without that all important morning brew you would cease to be able to function, resulting in you sitting at your desk, monotonously typing away resembling something out of the film night of the living dead. Fast forward 8 hours, you have finished work and have drank enough coffee throughout the day to sink a small island. You drive home, eat your tea and watch a little telly before its time to hit the pillow.

The Hidden Cause Of Acne

The above routine may have been made up but it won’t be too far from the truth for a lot of people. Without scratching the surface there appears to be nothing wrong with the above, I mean after all you are having a healthily breakfast, exercising at the gym and having an early night…just what the doctor ordered right? However there is one thing that you are missing, something which has become integrated into our everyday lives which is causing your body harm. Ok so it is not dangerous but ‘natures perfect food’ is causing havoc for your skin resulting in skin conditions such as acne. The culprit…MILK!!!

 

“Wait a second!” you might ask. I thought milk and dairy products were packed full of essential vitamins, minerals and calcium.

Well they are but keep reading and you will see why milk isn’t as healthy as it is made out to be.

Why Milk Causes Acne?

There are a number of reasons that milk brings on acne in humans:

1)  The main reason is all down to a little hormone called IGF-1. Now IGF-1 is great for the little baby cows of this world, helping them grow up big and strong but for us it just induces acne.

2)  Milk causes an insulin spike in humans which results in our liver producing even more IGF-1. Brilliant just what we need!

3)  Milk increases the production of sebum (oil) in your skin which leads to clogged pores. What do blocked pours mean…you’ve guessed it, acne.

4)  By clogging and gluing together dead skin cells, again eating dairy leads to blocked pours which equals acne.

What Should I Do?

Never drink milk or have dairy products ever again in your lives…EVER!!! I’m only joking, we all love a bit of cheese on toast or a milkshake on a hot summer’s day but seriously you should start to restrict your intake. I know it will be hard but the rewards you will reap, or should I say your skin will reap, will make you feel and look a lot better. You will notice you skin looking a lot clearer and radiant as your pours will become unblocked and be able to breathe again.

You may have heard that acne is a teenage problem and that you would eventually grow out of it. While there is some element of truth to this the fact is that acne can affect anybody no matter how old they are.

Although milk may be one cause of acne there are lots of other factors consisting of other dietary intakes, stress, bacteria, medication (e.g. lithium or an anticonvulsant), pollutants or even a simple genetic predisposition.

If you are suffering from acne the Premier Laser clinic has a acne skin treatments which can help you manage and clear your acne problem.