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
Thursday, 22 April 2010
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
Saturday, 27 February 2010
What type are you?
What type are you?
Hurrah! For the Oily skin types. Well I would say that cos that’s me coupled with some genetic Acne thrown in.
However, as I’ve said before, it’s my personal battle with my skin that has made me the skin therapist I am today.
So for the basic low down read on, and if you would like me to be more specific about you and your skin just ask!
Oily skin…
What does it look like?
The skin has a ‘sheen’ to it, and may look ‘thick’. There will be visible dilated pores in the T-zone area.
The skin may look tired and sallow.
What will it feel like?
Slick and oily to the touch.
There is typically congestion, blemishes and visible oil flow present.
What can I do?
Only use masks for oily skin in the oily areas.
Treat gently! Contrary to popular belief oily skin can be quite sensitised, usually due to incorrect product and treatment use.
Protect from daily UV exposure to preserve the skins immune system and assist in fighting bacterial build up.
Next week: Diffused redness…
Don’t know your Oily shine from your matt sheen? 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
Hurrah! For the Oily skin types. Well I would say that cos that’s me coupled with some genetic Acne thrown in.
However, as I’ve said before, it’s my personal battle with my skin that has made me the skin therapist I am today.
So for the basic low down read on, and if you would like me to be more specific about you and your skin just ask!
Oily skin…
What does it look like?
The skin has a ‘sheen’ to it, and may look ‘thick’. There will be visible dilated pores in the T-zone area.
The skin may look tired and sallow.
What will it feel like?
Slick and oily to the touch.
There is typically congestion, blemishes and visible oil flow present.
What can I do?
Only use masks for oily skin in the oily areas.
Treat gently! Contrary to popular belief oily skin can be quite sensitised, usually due to incorrect product and treatment use.
Protect from daily UV exposure to preserve the skins immune system and assist in fighting bacterial build up.
Next week: Diffused redness…
Don’t know your Oily shine from your matt sheen? 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
Saturday, 20 February 2010
What type are you?
What type are you?
Following on from last weeks blog where I spoke about how to define your skin type and my anguish at cosmetic sales assistants giving product advice after glancing at the customers face fully loaded with make up, I thought I would give you an insight into the majority skin types that as a skin therapist I recognise.
After 13 years in the industry I avoid such terminology that is used by the cosmetic retail market such as ‘combination’ and ‘normal’ skin, since these are unrealistic terms.
The first skin type that I will look at this week is Lipid dry. Remember that this is just a basic overview and for your skin type to be professionally determined you need a full and thorough consult and skin analysis.
Lipid dry skin…
What does it look like?
Dull, rough and worn with a matt appearance and lacking in suppleness.
Milia (small, white, fatty deposits) maybe found around the eye area.
What will it feel like?
Changes in climate may make it feel hot, burning and itchy.
There may also be premature ageing and the skin could be slow to heal.
What can I do?
Avoid drying masks and harsh exfoliants.
Avoid sun exposure and protect skin daily.
Receive facial treatments to specifically target your skins needs.
Next week: Oily skin…
Want to know your skin type? 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
Following on from last weeks blog where I spoke about how to define your skin type and my anguish at cosmetic sales assistants giving product advice after glancing at the customers face fully loaded with make up, I thought I would give you an insight into the majority skin types that as a skin therapist I recognise.
After 13 years in the industry I avoid such terminology that is used by the cosmetic retail market such as ‘combination’ and ‘normal’ skin, since these are unrealistic terms.
The first skin type that I will look at this week is Lipid dry. Remember that this is just a basic overview and for your skin type to be professionally determined you need a full and thorough consult and skin analysis.
Lipid dry skin…
What does it look like?
Dull, rough and worn with a matt appearance and lacking in suppleness.
Milia (small, white, fatty deposits) maybe found around the eye area.
What will it feel like?
Changes in climate may make it feel hot, burning and itchy.
There may also be premature ageing and the skin could be slow to heal.
What can I do?
Avoid drying masks and harsh exfoliants.
Avoid sun exposure and protect skin daily.
Receive facial treatments to specifically target your skins needs.
Next week: Oily skin…
Want to know your skin type? 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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