Skin Soothers...

One of my approaches to treating the skin is a holistic one. I believe that the skin is a window allowing us to get an insight into systemic problems that may need to be addressed.

Whether it be digestive troubles, stress, poor diet, medication or a period of ill health, our skin is usually one of the first places to shout.
This could be in the form of spotty outbreaks, redness, dryness or a sudden 'sensitivity' to products that we may be using.

That's why I wanted to share with you this article I read courtesy of 'Yoga Journal' which is one of my favourite websites.
I love how this talks about the ancient Ayurvedic therapies & it gives some great remedies for combating skin dryness from the inside out, one of my other firm beliefs.

It explains the principles of Ayurveda & at this time of year helps to work towards calming & nurturing the body & ultimately the skin.
Check out the article & I would love to know your thoughts & experiences with the philosophy...http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2549?utm_source=MyYogaJournal&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=MyYogaJournal

To experience Louise's 'U and your skin' facial & learn more about her approach to improving skin health call: 07810 872 633 email:enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk web:www.uandyourskin.co.uk Norwich . London

Men’s skincare…just buy your own…!!

Men’s skincare…just buy your own…

Over 14 years ago before my now husband was my husband and we were both at college, he asked me a year into my Beauty therapy training, if I could ‘sort his skin out’. Was this a subtle way of him asking me out for a half pint of Fosters and a bag of crisps? No he really did want me to sort his skin out.

So even at this early stage of my career I guess he had the belief in my knowledge of the skin enough to want me to give him some advice. After a brief conversation about shaving habits and product use I introduced him to a couple of male skin care tips and low and behold, was astounded, when less than a week later his skin was, well, normal again. He was delighted and seven years later we were married.

Now I didn’t just tell you all that to reveal my romantic history I want to talk men and male grooming and write this blog for all the men out there who are dabbling in the men’s’ skincare market….come on you know who you are.

Despite the fact that we are seeing and reading more and more about this side of the market and that the likes of David Beckham and Pierce Brosnan are promoting skin care products for men, men still only spent £57 million last year on skincare products.

You may think that’s a lot of money but its nothing compared with the whopping £602 million that women spend, which means that your average man spends a mere £2.50 a year.

I only have to look at my loyal clientele to see that still the majority of them are women, although, that said this is starting to change and, to my delight, I am seeing more men who are genuinely concerned with the health of their skin than before.

I still think there is a big gap in the market with male ‘A’ doing absolutely nothing to his skin apart from maybe run a razor across his poor weathered complexion to male ‘B’ moisturising daily, exfoliating weekly and coming for a professional facial treatment monthly.

Rather sickeningly men do tend to age a lot better than women (mainly due to the difference in our hormones) however that doesn’t mean to say that they can scrub at their face like it’s a pair of mud covered football boots, or blast it with hot water in the shower, no men’s skin also needs some TLC just in a manly kind of a way.

So just for all you men out there here’s some basic skin stuff that will keep your skin in top condition….I ask one thing though…buy your own.
• Wash your face morning and night with a product that contains a fruit acid. My husband loves the MD Formulations cleanser (www.uandyourskin.co.uk) £25.00, which will gently lift away dead cells daily and prevent in growing hairs.
• Use an environmental shield, to hydrate and protect your skin. One with a SPF of at least 15 would be a good starting point.
• Opt for a shaving cream or oil, since gels and foams will up set the balance of the skin causing shaving rash and dryness.
• Have a regular facial treatment. I recommend my male clients to see me every 4-8 weeks for a deep cleanse and skin health reassessment.
(Statistics sourced from Mintel)

So don't be shy book your skin treatment Bookings:07810 872 633 enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk

www.uandyourskin.co.uk Norwich . London

Mineral Make up...It's not just a pretty face.

Now just in case you didn't realise it, my passion (apart from a Grande Spearmint Green Tea from Starbucks or sometimes it's a London fog) is skin!

Over the last 14 years I have been lucky to have a diverse career in the beauty industry and a big chunk of it was spent as an Account development manager & trainer for the skincare range that I still use & recommend, MD Formulations.

It was whilst working in this role, about 8 years ago, that during one of our team meetings we were told that we were to become the UK distributor of a mineral make up range, Bare Escentuals.

I can still remember sitting in that meeting & thinking 'Make up!! I hate make up! I can't sell to or teach therapists make up!!', but let me tell you I have never looked back when it comes to using & applying this range.

I am fortunate to have been taught the truly amazing benefits of this 100% pure mineral range by Leslie Blodgett, the lady who developed this 'cult' range in San Francisco back in the '70's.

I was so inspired by her & she used me to demonstrate the abilities of this range to heal, conceal & protect the skin.
It makes complete sense to me as a skin therapist, to be able to use a product & retail it to my client's knowing that it is actually good for the skin & won't undo all the hard work carried out in a facial treatment.

I would love to show you all what this make up can do for you & pass on my expertise & knowledge in this range & I pride myself on being a true Bare Escentuals veteran.

Let me show you how to 'Swirl,Tap & Buff' with Bare Escentuals. Book a 30 minute tutorial with me & I'll give you 15% off any Bare Escentuals retail you purchase.
(tutorial £15 without product purchase)
Bookings: 07810 872 633 enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk
www.uandyourskin.co.uk Norwich . London

The latest innovations in skin technology...

I'm such a sponge when it comes to learning anything new about the skin. I guess it's so much easier to absorb and use information when you truly love the subject.
Maths, on the other hand, was a whole different ball game. I was the one that would glaze over at the first hint of the word multiplication and was so uninspired by these mundane lessons.

On Monday I once again visited The International Dermal Institute to attend two skin related courses and the scene in that classroom couldn't have been more different.
If I could have shot my hand up any quicker when a question was asked I would have ripped my arm out of it's socket and I was tempted on a couple of occasions to use my pen just so my hand would be the highest out of the others that were raised....yep I am indeed a swot.

I found the day reassuring as I realised that I did actually know what I was talking about! I also took on board a wealth of new & exciting knowledge, the cutting edge in all that is skin and cant wait to put it into practice on my clients existing and new.

The morning was all about 'Discovering skin disorders' a recap for me on the sometimes weird and wonderful things that we can have appear on the skin. It's great to get updated information on these and be able to recognise them so as to decide if I can help these problems or refer to somebody that can.
There was a bit of squirming going on as we all looked at the photos that accompanied some of the more serious issues.

After a bit of lunch and a third Green Tea hit I was set to find out the latest developments in treating Rosacea.
This progressive, inflammatory, vascular disorder is recognised by facial flushing/blushing along with spotty outbreaks and capillary damage.
It's something that I see alot of in my clinics and have controlled successfully for clients, but was wonderful to have a new understanding of this disorder that can have such a huge negative impact on somebodies life.

I was lucky to be the model for the skin treatment (yep that hand up reflex was especially quick that time) and to be on the receiving end for once giving me time to reflect on my own signature facial treatment and come up with any additions that I could make.
I drove home feeling studious and brimming with inspiration.

I pride myself on being more than just a Beauty therapist I have an empathy and understanding of the skin that I feel goes a big step further but I'm also not afraid to put my hand up once in a while and increase my skills.

Louise needs your skin! Bookings: 07810 872 633 enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk
www.uandyourskin.co.uk
Norwich . London

Words from the treatment room...

Love, passion, excitement, enthusiasm...these are all words that describe how I feel about my chosen profession. No really!!

I am so lucky to be working for myself in a profession that allows me to help build and develop people's confidence.

It's not just about giving a relaxing facial it's about working to change someone's perspective on their skin and sometimes their outlook on life as a result.
I was so humbled and delighted when some of my client's sent me their thoughts about the treatments I had delivered.

It's comments like this that make my work so worthwhile and inspire me to keep growing and learning as a skin therapist....thank you....


'I've been seeing Louise for 6 months - a monthly facial - and my skin has never been better. I've seen a huge improvement in skin tone (annoying brown spots diminished) so my skin looks even, enlarged pores reduced and, dare I say it, my skin looks radiant I'm normally 'promiscuous' with skincare and regimes - always convinced the new product I read about will do the trick - but I'm glad I've stayed the course and followed Louise's advice. Plus it's a heavenly de-stressing experience!'

(Read more: http://www.beautywoome.com/beautyblog/u-treatment-facial-reviewed.html#ixzz12BFu53dm)

'Now I have to tell you Louise, I am so pleased with the improvement in my skin!! The small spots are still underneath, but the inflammation has gone, and the colour has completely evened out!! Even my husband agreed it was worth it! x '

'Thank you very much for my skin consultation and facial last week. It was great to meet you and feel like I'd finally found someone who understood my skin and could help me with it. The facial was extremely relaxing and I came away feeling confident we could improve the condition of my skin!'

See for yourself and book a 'U and your skin' facial with Louise. 07810 872 633 enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk www.uandyourskin.co.uk
Norwich . London

Part 2 of: How to Winter proof your skin...

As promised here's Part 2 of my 'How to Winter proof your skin'.
Get on board with the following 2 top tips and you'll be on your way to happy skin.


Problem: Uncomfortable tightness.

Louise recommends: Dehydration is the term coined by the cosmetic industry to describe the tight, creapy appearance that’s down to a lack of water in the skin. Its a lot more complex than this, however, upping your fluid intake can help. Limit diuretics like caffeine and increase water and herbal teas.

Tip: Buy a humidifier for your home or office to create a more hydrating atmosphere for your skin.

Problem: Spotty, oily skin.

Louise recommends: If your skin is parched it will try and help out by secreting more oil onto the skin. This can lead to an oily shine and blocked follicles resulting in outbreaks. Gentle exfoliation will sweep the pores clean and limit spotty eruptions.

Tip: Using a product containing AHA’s will be a more effective and can also re balance the oil secreting glands.

Remember it’s still important to protect your skin with an SPF everyday despite the lack of sun, since UV rays are present all year round.

A change of season is the perfect excuse for booking a professional facial. I offer skin health checks as part of my treatments to reassess your skin and ensure you get that healthy, rosy winter glow.

Bookings: 07810 872 633 enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk Norwich . London

How to winter proof your skin...

We seem to be having a slow start to the usual cold snap of winter that October brings but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't think about 'winter proofing' your skin already.

With central heating going on, brisk winds, bracing rain and the possibility of some of the white stuff, we need to think about protecting our delicate outer layer from these harsh and ever changing elements.

I am going to walk you through the 3 most common skin issues that I see on my clients as we change season's and help you to avoid them.

- Problem: Dry and flaky.

- Louise Recommends: Any moisturiser worth entertaining should contain ingredients that are found in our skin. I use and recommend to my clients products that contain Hyaluronic acid, the moisture binding component of the dermis.

- Tip: Apply your moisturiser to slightly damp skin this will further enhance its humectant properties and make your product go a little further.

Remember that your home care regime should change with the season so feel free to contact me to give you a winter 'skin health' check.

Bookings: 07810 872 633 enquiries@uandyourskin.co.uk www.uandyourskin.co.uk