Q. I have read about ‘DIY’ facial kits that you can buy. Are they any good and will they replace a facial?
A.
1. To give your skin a deep cleanse.
A good facial treatment should include some method of deep cleansing. It’s the one part of the treatment that gives you that squeaky clean, bright, blocked follicle (pore) blitzing glow as a result.
Some of the remedies you may experience are enzymatic peels, fruit acid washes or stimulating scrubs that gently munch away at dirt, grime, oil and dead cells.
I also, as a skin therapist, like to go back to basics for some clients and use a facial brush to achieve these benefits.
A method of warming the skin can sometimes also be used, such as steam, hot compresses, paraffin wax or infa red lamps since heat will help to soften the skin and open the follicles (pores) thus aiding in the ‘good’ riddance of impurities.
Then there is the holy grail of grime busting….extraction….known to those on the street as the bit when the therapist ‘squeezes any blackheads’. Although I don’t believe in subjecting the skin to too much of this it has to be said that ask any skin therapist and they will tell you the sheer delight we have in performing this task for you.
We are not disgusted by your blocked chins and noses but love nothing more than the satisfaction of seeing those little plugs of grime pop out of the skin.
You won’t find the skilled extraction techniques of a therapist in any box of product.
If you would like to experience the U andyourskin tm facial then call me Louise on 07810 872 633 or email: enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk
www.uandyourskin.co.uk
Copyright 2009
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Q. I have read about ‘DIY’ facial kits that you can buy. Are they any good and will they replace a facial?
Q. I have read about ‘DIY’ facial kits that you can buy. Are they any good and will they replace a facial?
A. Even I as a skin therapist, have to remind myself of the virtues of having a professional facial treatment.
I thought, therefore, I would remind you too and over the next 5 weeks give you 5 reasons to have a facial.
I do get quite cross by the suggestions that an over the counter cosmetic range can be a substitute for my, soon to be, 14 years of skin treating experience so reason no 1has to be:
1. To find out your correct skin type and condition.
Any skin therapist worth their weight should always start with a full and detailed consultation. This is to a) determine your medical history and to ensure that you can have the treatment, b) to determine your true skin type and condition and c) to allow a treatment and homecare plan to be devised. These are amongst other important fact finding issues.
For those of you that read my previous blogs, you will know that it is virtually impossible to have your skin type determined without a thorough consult and skin analysis minus your make up.
You certainly won’t get this from buying a DIY facial kit and you maybe using products that could be aggravating your skins condition.
This was one of the reasons I developed the U andyourskin tm facial. This bespoke skin treatment takes a 3 dimensional approach to treating your skin by working with science, nutrition and holistic therapies.
It pulls on all of my ever growing skin related knowledge which you certainly can’t find on the side of a product box.
If you would like to experience the U and your skin facial then call me Louise on 07810 872 633 or email: enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk
www.uandyourskin.co.uk
Copyright 2009
A. Even I as a skin therapist, have to remind myself of the virtues of having a professional facial treatment.
I thought, therefore, I would remind you too and over the next 5 weeks give you 5 reasons to have a facial.
I do get quite cross by the suggestions that an over the counter cosmetic range can be a substitute for my, soon to be, 14 years of skin treating experience so reason no 1has to be:
1. To find out your correct skin type and condition.
Any skin therapist worth their weight should always start with a full and detailed consultation. This is to a) determine your medical history and to ensure that you can have the treatment, b) to determine your true skin type and condition and c) to allow a treatment and homecare plan to be devised. These are amongst other important fact finding issues.
For those of you that read my previous blogs, you will know that it is virtually impossible to have your skin type determined without a thorough consult and skin analysis minus your make up.
You certainly won’t get this from buying a DIY facial kit and you maybe using products that could be aggravating your skins condition.
This was one of the reasons I developed the U andyourskin tm facial. This bespoke skin treatment takes a 3 dimensional approach to treating your skin by working with science, nutrition and holistic therapies.
It pulls on all of my ever growing skin related knowledge which you certainly can’t find on the side of a product box.
If you would like to experience the U and your skin facial then call me Louise on 07810 872 633 or email: enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk
www.uandyourskin.co.uk
Copyright 2009
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Q. What can I do if my skin is both dry and oily?
Q. What can I do if my skin is both dry and oily?
A. I’m so pleased that you didn’t mention the term ‘combination’ skin; since this is a phrase adopted by the cosmetic industry and is not classed as a majority skin type.
Your skin will fall into one of three categories (read my previous blogs on ‘What type are you?’ for further details) and so what you are experiencing will be conditions that as a skin therapist I would work to control and remedy.
The following are some tips to assist you with controlling your skin at home; however you should seek the professional advice of a skin therapist to ascertain your true skin type.
• Use a fruit acid based cleanser twice daily to sweep the follicles (pores) clean and balance oil secretion, whilst sloughing away surface dead skin cells from drier areas.
• Water, water everywhere…drink it! At least 1 ½ litres a day.
• Use hydrating, soothing products on drier areas that contain anti oxidants to protect the skin cells and gentle, deep cleansing and balancing products on oilier, congested areas.
• Use light weight, non-comodegenic moisturisers (wont clog pores) to hydrate but not add excess oil to oilier areas.
If you would like a skin health programme tailored to nurture your skin back to health then call me Louise on 07810 872 633 or email: enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk
www.uandyourskin.co.uk
Copyright 2009
A. I’m so pleased that you didn’t mention the term ‘combination’ skin; since this is a phrase adopted by the cosmetic industry and is not classed as a majority skin type.
Your skin will fall into one of three categories (read my previous blogs on ‘What type are you?’ for further details) and so what you are experiencing will be conditions that as a skin therapist I would work to control and remedy.
The following are some tips to assist you with controlling your skin at home; however you should seek the professional advice of a skin therapist to ascertain your true skin type.
• Use a fruit acid based cleanser twice daily to sweep the follicles (pores) clean and balance oil secretion, whilst sloughing away surface dead skin cells from drier areas.
• Water, water everywhere…drink it! At least 1 ½ litres a day.
• Use hydrating, soothing products on drier areas that contain anti oxidants to protect the skin cells and gentle, deep cleansing and balancing products on oilier, congested areas.
• Use light weight, non-comodegenic moisturisers (wont clog pores) to hydrate but not add excess oil to oilier areas.
If you would like a skin health programme tailored to nurture your skin back to health then call me Louise on 07810 872 633 or email: enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk
www.uandyourskin.co.uk
Copyright 2009
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Q. Does going on a detox diet have any benefits to the skin?
Q. Does going on a detox diet have any benefits to the skin? I am thinking of going on such a diet.
A. Detoxifying the body certainly has benefits to the skin; since it’s our largest organ and one of elimination hence the ‘outbreaks’ that people tend to get as a result of over indulgences.
However, I do not advocate these ‘extreme’ supplementation detox packages where you are forcing the body to go through a process of elimination.
It can be beneficial to cut out the following from the diet for a period of 7-28 days: Alcohol, sugar, wheat, dairy, processed foods and meat and replace with lots of water, veg and fruit juices/smoothies, oily fish, nuts and seeds and a diet abundant in a rainbow of fruits and vegetables.
However as with most things it should become a way of life not just a quick fix and an excuse to over indulge and abuse our bodies.
As a skin therapist I recommend the following to aid in gaining a clearer, brighter skin;
1. Drink hot water with a wedge of lemon and some grated ginger at the start and end of your day.
2. Take Milk thistle supplement to support the liver (a main organ of detoxification).
3. Dry skin brush before every shower, upwards and towards the heart.
4. Use steam in the form of steam rooms or localise and steam the face. (Avoid if you have high blood pressure, sensitive/vascular skin or severe Acne)
Make it a lifestyle change! Stick to the 90/10 rule (being good 90% of the time)
The facial I have developed, ‘U and your skin’, encompasses the treating your skin inside and out approach and uses advice endorsed by Nutritional therapists.
Reducing Alcohol, sugar and processed foods will also have anti ageing benefits since eating/drinking these things will increase the ‘free radicals’ within the body which are the ‘thieves of youth!’.
(www.uandyourskin.co.uk)
If you would like a skin health programme tailored to nurture your skin back to health then call me Louise on 07810 872 633 or email: enquiries@u-andyourskin.co.uk
www.uandsyourskin.co.uk
Copyright 2009
A. Detoxifying the body certainly has benefits to the skin; since it’s our largest organ and one of elimination hence the ‘outbreaks’ that people tend to get as a result of over indulgences.
However, I do not advocate these ‘extreme’ supplementation detox packages where you are forcing the body to go through a process of elimination.
It can be beneficial to cut out the following from the diet for a period of 7-28 days: Alcohol, sugar, wheat, dairy, processed foods and meat and replace with lots of water, veg and fruit juices/smoothies, oily fish, nuts and seeds and a diet abundant in a rainbow of fruits and vegetables.
However as with most things it should become a way of life not just a quick fix and an excuse to over indulge and abuse our bodies.
As a skin therapist I recommend the following to aid in gaining a clearer, brighter skin;
1. Drink hot water with a wedge of lemon and some grated ginger at the start and end of your day.
2. Take Milk thistle supplement to support the liver (a main organ of detoxification).
3. Dry skin brush before every shower, upwards and towards the heart.
4. Use steam in the form of steam rooms or localise and steam the face. (Avoid if you have high blood pressure, sensitive/vascular skin or severe Acne)
Make it a lifestyle change! Stick to the 90/10 rule (being good 90% of the time)
The facial I have developed, ‘U and your skin’, encompasses the treating your skin inside and out approach and uses advice endorsed by Nutritional therapists.
Reducing Alcohol, sugar and processed foods will also have anti ageing benefits since eating/drinking these things will increase the ‘free radicals’ within the body which are the ‘thieves of youth!’.
(www.uandyourskin.co.uk)
If you would like a skin health programme tailored to nurture your skin back to health then call me Louise on 07810 872 633 or email: enquiries@u-andyourskin.co.uk
www.uandsyourskin.co.uk
Copyright 2009
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Q. I have noticed after I have shaved, that I have spots and redness around my neck in the shirt collar area.
Q. I have noticed after I have shaved, that I have spots and redness around my neck in the shirt collar area.
What is this and is there anything I can do to help?
A. It’s so nice to have a male perspective on skincare so thank you for asking this question as I suspect we can help a lot of men out there who suffer with this problem.
What you are experiencing is trauma to the skin as a result of the regular act of shaving but you don’t need to put up with this.
This problem will be exasperated by the heat and friction caused by wearing a shirt and the spots are likely to be ingrown hairs that have been trapped under the skin by dead cells and oil.
Below is my guide to how to shave for improved skin health and a closer shave.
• Always gently wash the face first with a soap free wash and warm the skin by holding a clean wash cloth on the area to be shaved for 2 minutes before.
• If you wet shave then change your blades regularly and if you dry shave then ensure your shaver is clean and oiled on a regular basis.
• Avoid using shave foams, gels and soaps as these are heavily alkaline based, great for softening the hair but awful for skin health since they strip away protective oils and moisture causing ‘shaving rash’ and leading to spotty outbreaks.
• I recommend MD Formulations sensitive facial cleanser (£24.00 www.uandyourskin.co.uk) to my male clients since they can wash and shave with this. Containing Glycolic acid this product will sweep the follicles clean and prevent the ingrowing hairs and help you get you a close shave.
• Hydrate, soothe and protect after your shave with MD Formulations moisture defense spf 20 (£35.00 www.uandyourskin.co.uk) This lightweight formula will guard your skin without leaving an oily residue.
• Don’t do a Macaulay Culkin and apply any aftershave or Eau De Toilette to your face. They have a high alcohol content and aside from causing you to scream into the mirror, will dry and irritate your face.
If you would like a skin health programme tailored to nurture your skin back to health then call me Louise on 07810 872 633 or email: enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk
www.uandyourskin.co.uk
Copyright 2009
What is this and is there anything I can do to help?
A. It’s so nice to have a male perspective on skincare so thank you for asking this question as I suspect we can help a lot of men out there who suffer with this problem.
What you are experiencing is trauma to the skin as a result of the regular act of shaving but you don’t need to put up with this.
This problem will be exasperated by the heat and friction caused by wearing a shirt and the spots are likely to be ingrown hairs that have been trapped under the skin by dead cells and oil.
Below is my guide to how to shave for improved skin health and a closer shave.
• Always gently wash the face first with a soap free wash and warm the skin by holding a clean wash cloth on the area to be shaved for 2 minutes before.
• If you wet shave then change your blades regularly and if you dry shave then ensure your shaver is clean and oiled on a regular basis.
• Avoid using shave foams, gels and soaps as these are heavily alkaline based, great for softening the hair but awful for skin health since they strip away protective oils and moisture causing ‘shaving rash’ and leading to spotty outbreaks.
• I recommend MD Formulations sensitive facial cleanser (£24.00 www.uandyourskin.co.uk) to my male clients since they can wash and shave with this. Containing Glycolic acid this product will sweep the follicles clean and prevent the ingrowing hairs and help you get you a close shave.
• Hydrate, soothe and protect after your shave with MD Formulations moisture defense spf 20 (£35.00 www.uandyourskin.co.uk) This lightweight formula will guard your skin without leaving an oily residue.
• Don’t do a Macaulay Culkin and apply any aftershave or Eau De Toilette to your face. They have a high alcohol content and aside from causing you to scream into the mirror, will dry and irritate your face.
If you would like a skin health programme tailored to nurture your skin back to health then call me Louise on 07810 872 633 or email: enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk
www.uandyourskin.co.uk
Copyright 2009
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
When should you start using an anti ageing skincare product?
Q. When should you start using an anti ageing skincare product?
I am 23 and not sure if I should start worrying about it yet.
A. As with most things prevention is better than cure and since, rather depressingly, the ageing process starts at age 18 it’s never too early.
In our early twenties, depending on how many extrinsic factors you have exposed your skin to i.e. sun, smoking, alcohol, you can expect subtle changes to the skin’s appearance.
A change in pore size, moisture content, fine lines around the eyes and mild atrophy (sagging) of muscle tone, could be present.
The first, and still the most important, product you should be using is one that contains a SPF of at least 15. Sun is still the no.1 cause of skin ageing and you should protect against its harmful effects everyday.
Another good addition to your bathroom cabinet should be a product that contains anti oxidants.
Ingredients like Vitamin A, C, E and Green tea are all anti oxidants and work to ‘mop up’ Free radicals which are the ‘thieves of youth’.
Free radicals are harmful molecules that are prevalent as a result of sun exposure, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and exposure to pollution.
A fab product that will give you all of the above protection is MD Formulations Moisture Defense spf20 cream (£35.00 www.uandyourskin.co.uk) this lightweight formula is an amazing defence against premature ageing and is a great place to start.
If you would like a skin health programme tailored to nurture your skin back to health then call me Louise on 07810 872 633 or email: enquiries@ uandyourskin.co.uk
www.uandyourskin.co.uk
Copyright 2009
I am 23 and not sure if I should start worrying about it yet.
A. As with most things prevention is better than cure and since, rather depressingly, the ageing process starts at age 18 it’s never too early.
In our early twenties, depending on how many extrinsic factors you have exposed your skin to i.e. sun, smoking, alcohol, you can expect subtle changes to the skin’s appearance.
A change in pore size, moisture content, fine lines around the eyes and mild atrophy (sagging) of muscle tone, could be present.
The first, and still the most important, product you should be using is one that contains a SPF of at least 15. Sun is still the no.1 cause of skin ageing and you should protect against its harmful effects everyday.
Another good addition to your bathroom cabinet should be a product that contains anti oxidants.
Ingredients like Vitamin A, C, E and Green tea are all anti oxidants and work to ‘mop up’ Free radicals which are the ‘thieves of youth’.
Free radicals are harmful molecules that are prevalent as a result of sun exposure, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and exposure to pollution.
A fab product that will give you all of the above protection is MD Formulations Moisture Defense spf20 cream (£35.00 www.uandyourskin.co.uk) this lightweight formula is an amazing defence against premature ageing and is a great place to start.
If you would like a skin health programme tailored to nurture your skin back to health then call me Louise on 07810 872 633 or email: enquiries@ uandyourskin.co.uk
www.uandyourskin.co.uk
Copyright 2009
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
What type are you?
What type are you?
Gently does it, is the approach to, what’s commonly know as a sensitive skin type. We professionals refer to it as permanent diffused redness.
Once again, for the basic low down read on, and if you would like me to be more specific about you and your skin just ask!
Permanent diffused redness…
What does it look like?
This skin classically has permanent patches of blotchy redness. A tendency to ‘flushing’ of colour across the neck and décolleté are common. It may mark and scar easily.
What will it feel like?
Can feel warm or hot to the touch with an itching sensation present.
This skin tends to age quickly and can be congested or blemished.
What can I do?
Avoid extremes of temperature, hot, spicy foods, alcohol and tea/coffee since all of these will increase blood flow to the skin and aggravate the condition. Protect the skin daily with a good environmental shield. I recommend MD Formulations Moisture defense anti oxidant cream spf20 (www.u-treatments.co.uk)
Confused by sensitive skin and a full blown reaction? Why not let me determine your majority skin type. To schedule your bespoke facial treatment; call Louise on 07810 872 633 or email enquiries@u-treatments.co.uk to book your skin health assessment and bespoke facial treatment.
www.u-treatments.co.uk
Copyright 2009
Gently does it, is the approach to, what’s commonly know as a sensitive skin type. We professionals refer to it as permanent diffused redness.
Once again, for the basic low down read on, and if you would like me to be more specific about you and your skin just ask!
Permanent diffused redness…
What does it look like?
This skin classically has permanent patches of blotchy redness. A tendency to ‘flushing’ of colour across the neck and décolleté are common. It may mark and scar easily.
What will it feel like?
Can feel warm or hot to the touch with an itching sensation present.
This skin tends to age quickly and can be congested or blemished.
What can I do?
Avoid extremes of temperature, hot, spicy foods, alcohol and tea/coffee since all of these will increase blood flow to the skin and aggravate the condition. Protect the skin daily with a good environmental shield. I recommend MD Formulations Moisture defense anti oxidant cream spf20 (www.u-treatments.co.uk)
Confused by sensitive skin and a full blown reaction? Why not let me determine your majority skin type. To schedule your bespoke facial treatment; call Louise on 07810 872 633 or email enquiries@u-treatments.co.uk to book your skin health assessment and bespoke facial treatment.
www.u-treatments.co.uk
Copyright 2009
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