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With our skin already suffering with its lockdown problems, with the interruption of a routine, stress and lack of Vitamin D. “Maskne” has just added to the list.
The mask causes friction on cheek and chin area, to bacteria transferring from the mask onto the skin causing the skin to be irritated and congested. So what causes the problem: The air you're breathing in and out builds up underneath the mask and will begin to suffocate the skin. Wearing your mask for long periods will create sweat and this is a breeding ground for bacteria which will cause breakouts and congestion. What can we do to “curb” the problem? Here are some of our top tips and products to help: A Clean Mask. Always wear a clean mask and if your using a washable one have a few so you can change throughout the day, also remove your mask when you don’t have to wear it to let your skin breathe. Turn skincare regime up a notch. If your skin is prone to inflammation and breakouts, you may want to invest a little more time and money into your skincare whilst we have to wear masks. Also try double cleansing your skin, morning and night, this will ensure its regenerated each day, Dermalogica have foaming, cream and milk based products for all skin types – we will advise on what’s best for your skin. If you don’t already – Double Cleanse, using warm water and a muslin cloth to remove any unwanted bacteria from all areas of the face and neck. It’s the quickest way to achieve deeply cleansed skin. You could also start to use face masks more regularly, perhaps a few times a week. These will work to draw out any impurities and bacteria which has surfaced onto your skin from wearing the mask and will work deep into the dermis. A clay mask is best for acne prone skin Dermaligica Sebum Clearing Mask is one of our Favs. Book in for Skin Solver so our skin therapists can advice the best products for you. Add in anti-oxidants and serums into your daily skincare So if you are heading out for the day and want to protect your skin further against harmful pollutants. Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant which will keep your skin healthy and illuminated. Dermalogica Biolumin-c serum is perfect for this and also reducing the appearance of wrinkles so a win win. Now Lockdown as eased and we able to offer face treatments so booking in for regular facials will really help those pesky breakouts and our Dermaco machine has light therapy which will help diminish the acne bacteria and reduce any scarring that’s occurred. We also would recommend Age Bright Clearing Serum to target those individual breakouts, this will also help soothe those sore areas overnight. This product is advertised for aging skin however works well on all skin types.
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With so many products out there, it’s easy to see why your skincare routine has got a little confusing lately. It’s hard enough to know what products to use, let alone work out what order you’re supposed to use them in.
If you find yourself wondering what products you’re meant to use and when, keep reading, but bear in mind that this will change for everyone depending on your skin type. Some people may not need to use heavy oils and some people don’t react well to acids. To find out exactly what products you should be using, pop in to see one of our Dermalogica trained skincare experts. As for when to use them, a general rule of thumb is use thinner, water-based products first and follow with thicker, oil-based products, and during the day, always end with SPF. Kickstart your 2020 skincare routine with this handy cheat sheet! Daytime skincare order Cleanser First thing’s first, always start with washing your face using your cleanser and a hot flannel or cloth. This will make sure your face is clean and ready for you to start your skincare regime and your other products will work more effectively. Toner Not a necessity in your skincare routine but if you have a toner and you like to use it, this is the right time to! Toners are a much-debated topic in the world of beauty but if you have a toner that contains AHAs or BHAs, they might help if you struggle with breakouts, clogged pores or slow skin cell turnover. If you want more advice, our skincare experts are always happy to help in the salon. Serums and moisturisers In the morning, it’s a good idea to use a product with antioxidant properties as these offer additional protection against pollutants and other external factors. We recommend using treatment serums first and hydrating serums (things like hyaluronic acid) afterwards. Sun cream/SPF SPF should be used every day, not just in the summer or when the sun is shining. This is especially true if you are using acids or retinol in your routine as they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Always put your sun protection on last after using your other products as this will provide you with the most protection and remember to use enough of it - the rule of thumb is one teaspoon of sunscreen for your face. Evening skincare order Cleanser Again, always start by cleansing your face. This will remove any makeup and impurities from the day. Mask Where does your face mask actually fit into the whole cleanse – tone – moisturise routine? Right after cleansing once or twice a week. The mask can get to work on your clean face, and it’ll help the other products to work more effectively too. Toner As we mentioned before, a toner isn’t always a necessary step but if you have a toner and you like to use it, this is the best time to. Retinol Retinol has many benefits but is also pretty potent so on the days that you use it, we recommend not using other products that contain acid so that you avoid any reactions. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun so always apply in the evening and use SPF the following day. If you choose to follow this step with other products, you could dilute the active ingredient and reduce its effectiveness. If you’re a newbie to retinol, introduce it gradually and begin with a low concentration. Our skincare experts can help with this if you would like further advice. Serums Just like your morning routine, we recommend using treatment serums first and hydrating serums second. Moisturiser Finish off your evening routine with your moisturiser or night cream and if you find your skin is particularly dry, layer an oil over the top to lock in moisture. If you’re not sure what products are best suited to your skin type, book in for a Skin Solver or a facial with one of our skincare experts who will be able to advise you. Hyaluronic acid is the beauty buzzword of the year, but what is it and why do you need it? There are lots of trends in the beauty industry and it can be difficult, not to mention expensive, to keep up with it all, but hyaluronic acid is here to stay and that’s because of it’s amazing benefits!
Firstly, don’t let the name scare you off, hyaluronic acid is a moisturising miracle! Unlike the scary name suggests, it’s something our bodies naturally produce, and it plays a vital part in helping skin stay hydrated and plump. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, which helps to moisturise and protect your skin. So, what exactly is hyaluronic acid? Otherwise known as sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar, or polysaccharide if you want to be fancy, that is present in our skin and connective tissue. A single molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, which is gradually released into the skin, so it plays a crucial role in helping skin stay plump and hydrated over a period of time. What does it do for skin?
How does it work? Hyaluronic acid gradually releases hydration into the skin, in the process plumping, softening fine lines and giving skin an overall radiant look. Who should I use it? If you didn’t already have enough reasons to introduce hyaluronic acid to your skincare regime, you’ll also be pleased to know that it works well for a wide range of skin conditions due to how powerful yet gentle it is.
Can it burn your skin? Absolutely not! Unlike many acids, hyaluronic acid doesn’t strip or exfoliate skin, instead, it delivers gentle, long-lasting hydration. What products should I use? To give your skin a serious hydration boost, we love:
Head over to Dermalogica to read more or book in for a SkinSolver with one of our skincare experts who will advise on your skin type and what products will work for you. With autumn comes pretty colours, cosy jumpers, festive events and bad skin. The colder, rainy, windy days can make your skin feel tight or drier than usual, and if you suffer from acne or spots, they might feel more inflamed.
These changes in your skin can be caused by the change in seasons and this is because the harsh weather that autumn and winter brings can strip the skin’s natural protective barrier which allows water to escape and irritants to get in. This results in dehydrated and sensitive skin. You’ll probably find that your lips and eyelids tend to suffer the most. This is because of how thin the skin is around these areas. If you suffer from eczema, rosacea or psoriasis, the cold weather will aggravate your skin and worsen the condition. It’s not just the weather that can irritate our skin after a season change either, it’s partially due to the habits we adopt as the temperature drops. The hot showers we take to warm up and the heating we put on to stay toasty are also to blame for dehydrated skin. But we have some helpful tips to see you through the winter months! Skincare Take a look at your skincare routine, use products that are gentle and will add moisture back into your skin. You want to look at day creams that will protect you from external factors to keep moisture locked in and repair your skin’s natural barrier. Sounds like a lot but we have a few products that’ll help you on your way! Invest in a good quality soap-free cleanser if you can. These are more gentle on your skin and will also remove any debris you’ve picked up throughout the day. We love Dermalogica’s Intensive Moisture Cleanser which moisturises dry skin as it cleanses and Dermalogica’s Ultracalming Cleanser which helps to calm and cool and it cleanses. Make sure you have a decent moisturiser to increase and lock in moisture in your skin and protect you from the elements. We love Dermalogica’s Prisma Protect with SPF 30. It’s a multitasking moisturiser that provides broad spectrum defence while preventing future signs of skin damage. All while protecting your skin from pollution and external factors. During the winter months, we love using a richer moisturiser overnight to help repair the damage from the day keep skin healthy. We love Dermalogica’s Skin Hydrating Masque to remedy dry, stressed skin. It contains a high dose of hyaluronic acid which traps moisture to deliver time-released hydration. You could also invest in the Overnight Repair Serum packed with argan and rose oils, vitamin E and ferulic acid which helps repair skin while you sleep. If your skin is feeling very sensitive, the UltraCalming range from Dermalogica has all the staple products you will need to get you through the winter. As your eyes and lips tend to take the brunt of cooler temperatures, you may want to look at getting an eye cream and a lip treatment. We love Dermalogica’s Intensive Eye Repair which is an ultra-rich cream that targets dehydration and smooths the texture of the sensitive eye area. It also helps to protect your eyes from further environmental damage. We would also recommend Dermalogica’s Renewal Lip Complex which infuses lips with moisture to help smooth and restore your skin. Reduce the temperature We know it’s all too tempting to jump in a hot bath to warm up while it’s bitter outside, but hot showers and baths can cause havoc for your skin so try to reduce the temperature while you wash. Look at bath oils that will help to keep your skin moisturised while you bathe and invest in moisturising shower creams rather than gels or bars. Once you’re out of the shower or bath, apply moisturiser straight away to replace the moisture you’ve lost. Your skin will thank you for it! Central heating and fan heaters are also responsible for our skin drying out when it gets cold. If you can, avoid heaters and layer up to keep warm. We’ll probably leave the heating on for now though! Diet Not a word we love but since the dry winter weather robs your skin of moisture, it’s important to increase it through your diet. Avoid caffeine and increase your essential fatty acids. We hope our tips help you fight off bad skin this winter! If the weather is playing havoc with your skin, why not book in online to see one of our skincare experts for a facial or a SkinSolver. They will be able to advise exactly what products will work with your skin type and what treatments will be best for you. 9/10/2019 0 Comments Our favourite looks from summerA new season is here which means it's time to look back at a few of our favourite nails from summer (oh how we miss sunny days!) Autumn usually brings out deeper, darker colours and of course, neutrals will be here to stay! But during summer we had fun painting bright, colourful nails to match the UK's weather. Kicking off with this glorious set from May. Although not officially summer, we love them and the weather was good so we're having it! Back in June we had a throwback to winter and created this icy blue set using Shellac. We told you neutrals are here to stay! We love these cute candy floss nails. All that shimmers is silver. It’s not very often we get to paint silver or gold nails, so we make the most of it when we do. In the middle of summer we got to paint a lovely lilac set on our lovely client. We couldn’t miss this amazing moment off the list! Chloe from Geordie Shore popped in for a manicure. Summer is all about bright colours and this teal set is no exception! The girliest nails we ever did see. Pink and glitter – it doesn’t get much better than that! We absolutely love red nails. They look bold and beautiful all year round and really are a timeless look. A bright red set to kick off August in style! A break from brights and neutrals, we loved painting these navy nails in August! We ended summer on a high with this killer set! Feeling inspired? Book a nail appointment online.
It’s no secret that we absolutely love Dermalogica to keep our skin happy and healthy. We love the message they are spreading – helping you achieve your healthiest skin, we love that the products are cruelty free, we love the ingredients, and best of all, we love the results we get. We just LOVE it.
Our clients are always asking what products they should get, and the best answer is to pop in for a SkinSolver so that we can advise your based on your skin type, but we’ve put together a list of our absolute must-haves. These are products that we swear by, we use ourselves every day, and our clients keep coming back for. Precleanse This deep-cleansing oil melts away layers of excess oil, sunscreen, waterproof makeup, environmental pollutants and residual products that build up on skin throughout the day. Just add water to transform the formula into a milky emulsion that easily rinses debris from the skin’s surface, allowing your Dermalogica cleanser to penetrate even further for professional cleansing results. Sounds lovely and clean ey? Special cleansing gel Perfect for all skin types, this iconic cleanser, which contains naturally foaming Quillaja Saponaria, gently rinses away toxins and debris to leave your skin feeling smooth and clean. Use after Precleanse for beautifully clean skin every day. Daily microfoliant This miracle microfoliant achieves brighter, smoother skin every day. The rice-based powder activates upon contact with water, releasing papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes to polish your skin to perfection. Multi-active toner While preparing your skin for proper moisture absorption from a moisturiser, this toner also hydrates and refreshes, making you feel fabulous after cleansing. Biolumin-c serum If you want brighter and firmer skin, this serum is a great place to start. The high-performance vitamin C serum dramatically reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Overnight retinol repair This concentrated night-time retinol treatment accelerates skin renewal and reduces the appearance of aging. And if it couldn’t get any better, it also contains vitamin C to help reduce uneven skin tone and discoloration. Skin smoothing cream Dermalogica’s Skin Smoothing Cream is truly amazing and infuses skin with 48 hours of continuous hydration, as well as protecting against environmental stress. If you thought it couldn’t get any better, it packs in vital hyaluronic acid with a number of other incredible ingredients to moisturise and protect. Prisma protect SPF30 This multitasking moisturiser provides broad spectrum defence while preventing future signs of skin damage. Intelligent drone technology is activated by visible light to help boost your skin’s natural luminosity, breakthrough antioxidant technology helps to protect against pollution, SPF30 provides protection from UV damage and a bio-ferment from sage helps maintain an even skin tone. Could this meet any more of our skincare needs if it tried?! Again, it’s important to stress that for your best skin, you should pop in so that we can analyse your face and tell you what products will work best for you skin type, but these best-sellers are a great place to start. You can pick up any Dermalogica product in the salon so pop in to purchase or if you just want some advice. 6/8/2019 0 Comments 9 sunburn mythsThe summer holidays are in full swing, and many of us are jetting off on our holidays or making the most of the UK sun. While you’re living your best life in the sun, it’s really important to protect yourself.
And you know, nothing says a Brit a holiday like lobster red shoulders and tan lines! Here’s nine sunburn myths and how to look after your skin. Myth: You won’t burn in the shade Sorry to break it to you, but you can. UV radiation reflects off nearby surfaces and can cause you to burn. According the World Health Organisation, even the most seemingly benign surfaces can increase your chances of burning. For example, sea foam reflects 25 percent of UV radiation, sand reflects 15 percent. Myth: It’s OK to tan as long as you don’t burn Although having a tan is known to make you look like you have a health glow, that bronzed skin is actually sun damage. It’s very sad but St Tropez is here to get us through the pale times! Myth: You can’t get a sunburn when it’s cloudy Not only can you still burn, it might be even worse than when it isn’t cloudy. We’re often more relaxed about applying sun cream when we can’t see the sun but 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. So, keep your cream topped up! Myth: If you have dark skin, you don’t need sun cream Basically, if you have skin, you can get sunburn. A naturally higher level of the pigment melanin does offer some protection from the sun, but it doesn’t mean that sun damage isn’t happening. Myth: The first sign of a sunburn is pink skin Pink skin is an obvious early sign but believe it’s not always the earliest sign. Look out for itching, skin tenderness, tightness and your skin turning white when you press it. If you notice any of the above, apply some sun cream, grab a glass of water and try to get out of the sun for a bit. Myth: A higher SPF won’t provide greater protection for longer The higher the SPF rating, the better the protection, not the longer the protection. You still need to make sure you are regularly reapplying sun cream. Myth: Foods like tomatoes and strawberries will prevent sunburn Strawberries contain vitamin C and tannins, which are beneficial to sun protection, and tomatoes contain lycopene, which is known to protect the skin from UV damage, but they shouldn’t be used as a replacement to sunscreen. Myth: You will only burn between 10am and 2pm While the sun’s rays are strongest during that window, burns can also happen earlier and later. So, if you’re out and so is the sun, you should protect yourself with sunscreen. Myth: If you get a sunburn, look after it After sun, aloe vera gel and cover-ups will be your best friends here. You only get one skin, so look after it. 17/7/2019 0 Comments 5 ways to beat holiday bluesThis time of the year is always busy with people popping into the salon to get ready for their much deserved and much needed holiday, but for many that time has come and gone. The holiday blues are very real and we’re craving that vitamin D.
Luckily, we know just the trick to help you feel fabulous and conquer those blues! Gel removal and back to reality mani Everyone loves getting their nails done ready to go and lounge in the sun and look fabulous while on holiday. However, all that sunshine, sea water and those holiday activities can take a toll on your fresh mani. When you get back, treat yourself to a gel soak off and get them redone. Plus, a bright colour will really make that tan pop. Massage After a holiday you should be feeling very relaxed, but something about coming back to reality can make you feel quite the opposite. A massage will give you the boost you need and make you feel your best. They’re also great for stimulating circulation so will be a great pick-me-up if you’re suffering from jet lag. Facial There’s never a bad time for a facial. Ever. But after a few too many sangrias and a whole lotta sunshine, your skin will definitely need some nourishing. A Dermalogica facial will be everything your skin needs and more. Prolong your tan We all know we feel our best when we look like bronzed goddesses! When the real tan starts to fade, St Tropez has our backs. Why not pop in and top up your glow with a spray tan? Deep conditioning hair treatment A week (or more!) of sitting in the sun and swimming in the pool means your hair will need some serious TLC. Chlorine is not your friend and can really dry out your locks. We love Olaplex to nourish and repair your hair. You can pop in to LK Hair for a deep conditioning treatment to make your hair soft and shiny again. Toner Us blondes know the struggle is real when it comes to light locks, the sun and the pool. Your hair can often be bleached by the sun, discoloured by the chlorine and suddenly those glistening highlights can look dull and brassy. Book yourself in at LK Hair for a toner and bring your hair back to life! If this doesn’t conquer those holiday blues, we don’t know what will! Fancy booking in for one of the treatments mentioned? Do so easily using our online booking system. 30/6/2019 13 Comments 7 habits for healthy skin Happy, healthy skin is something we would all love to have but it doesn’t just happen overnight, and unless you’ve hit the genetic jackpot, it doesn’t usually come naturally. The people who have the best-looking skin tend to have the best habits when it comes to skincare. Here are our top tips and favourite products to look after your skin.
Stay hydrated Hydration is key so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. And it’s not just about what you put in your body; you should invest in a good quality moisturiser to lock in your skin’s moisture. We love Dermalogica’s best-selling Skin Smoothing Cream with HydraMesh Technology that infuses skin with 48 hours of hydration and protects against environmental stress. With a hyaluronic acid complex, mallow, cucumber and arnica, your skin will be left hydrated and protected. Always take the day off Always, always, always remove your make-up properly at the end of the day. And even if you don’t wear make-up, you should be treating your face to a cleanse to wash the day away. Your skin does a lot of rejuvenation while you sleep, so you should give it a helping hand. Dermalogica has an extensive range of cleansers to suit every skin concern but we love best-selling Precleanse and Special Cleansing Gel. Precleanse melts impurities and make-up from skin allowing your Special Cleansing Gel to penetrate even further. The Special Cleansing Gel will rinse away toxins and debris to leave your skin smooth and clean. Exfoliate Dead skins cells get in the way of every other treatment that you do for your skin, so get rid of them. By exfoliating regularly, you’ll remove the dead skin cells that are clogging your face and uncover fresh new cells below. This allows moisturising products to penetrate more deeply, making them more effective. Our go-to product is Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. It’s gentle enough to be used daily and helps achieve brighter, smoother skin. This rice-based powder is activated with water and releases papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes to polish skin to perfection. Never pop your spots We repeat, never pop your spots. Annoying but unavoidable, spots are bound to appear from time to time, and when they do, please leave them alone. Popping and picking them can leave scars that can take months to heal. Instead, pop on some of Dermalogica’s Overnight Clearing Gel to help clear breakouts while you sleep. Bonus - it’ll also reduce visible skin ageing! A balanced diet Good skin starts from the inside. If you want your skin to get the vitamins and minerals that are essential to keep it happy and healthy, make sure you eat a balanced diet consisting of lots of fruit, veg and protein. Sleep Getting a proper night's sleep is one of the best habits you can have for your skin, and your overall health. While you sleep, your body takes time to recover from the day so regularly failing to get the recommended eight hours of sleep can really take a toll on your body and your skin. Catch those Z’s! If you want an extra boost, Dermalogica’s Sound Sleep Cocoon transforms your skin by optimising overnight skin recovery. Tamarind seed extract creates a nourishing cocoon of comfort for softer, more hydrated skin while motion-activated French lavender essential oil (with sandalwood and patchouli) work all night to promote deep, restful sleep for healthier-looking skin by morning. Sun cream UVA and UVB rays can cause long-term damage to your skin. We recommend that you wear sunscreen or a moisturiser with at least SFP 30 to combat the damaging effects and protect your skin. Dermalogica’s Prisma Protect SFP 30 is a moisturiser that provides broad spectrum defence and prevents future signs of skin damage. It comes loaded with antioxidants so not only does it protect you from UV rays, but also pollution. It’s a perfect all-rounder and we don’t go a day without it. If you’d like to learn more about your skin and find out what products you should be using, book an appointment for a Skin Solver and a facial at the salon. 13/6/2019 4 Comments Eyelash extensions, half sets, full sets, express extensions, lash lifts – what are they?!There are so many eyelash treatments out there, how do you know which one is right for you? We’re here to explain exactly what each treatment is, how long it takes, how long it lasts and whether it will require any maintenance.
Semi-permanent eyelash extensions What are semi-permanent eyelash extensions? The application of one extension to each individual eyelash. If you’re looking for fullness and length from your eyelash treatment, we’d recommend this one. Half set This treatment comes in a half set or a full set. Most people tend to start out with a half set of lash extensions. This look will add length and volume but still give a natural look. Full set When you opt for a full set of semi-permanent eyelash extensions, more extensions are added to give a more dramatic look. How long do they last? If you look after your lash extensions, they can last a full growth cycle of your natural lashes – typically 6-8 weeks but we do recommend you come back for a touch up every 2-4 weeks to maintain a full lash look. Eyelash extensions will fall out naturally along with the growth cycle of the natural lash, so don’t be alarmed. And make sure you don’t pick at your eyelash extensions because it will cause them to fall out and take your natural lashes with them! How long do they take? A full set of eyelash extensions takes about two and a half hours. A half set takes about an hour and a half. Is there any maintenance involved? Due to the nature of the treatment, there is maintenance involved, that’s the price we pay for beautiful lashes! Oil based products, like makeup remover and moisturiser should be avoided around your eyes as this can weaken the adhesive. You will also need to be careful you don’t rub or pull at your lashes as this will cause them to fall out. How much does it cost? Full set: £80 Half set: £49 Eyelash maintenance £41 Individual express eyelash extensions What are individual express eyelash extensions? The application of one extension to every other eyelash, rather than every lash like semi-permanent eyelash extensions. It won’t give as much of a full look but will still add length and volume to your natural lashes and will save you time and money on mascara! How long do they last? Similarly to eyelash extensions, if you look after your express extensions, they can last a full growth cycle of your natural lashes – typically 6-8 weeks. How long do they take? Express eyelash extensions take about an hour. Is there any maintenance involved? Again, oil-based products should be avoided around your eyes as this can weaken the adhesive and you will need to be careful you don’t rub or pull at your lashes as this will cause the extensions to fall out, taking your natural lash with them. How much does it cost? £44 LVL lash lift What is an LVL lash lift? The treatment lifts your lashes from the root to create longer lashes with more volume. If you opt for a tint, this will also darken your eyelashes. How long does it last? An LVL lash lift can last up to six weeks. How long does it take? The treatment takes about an hour with a tint, and 45 minutes without a tint. Is there any maintenance involved? The benefit of a lash lift in comparison to extensions is that there is no maintenance required. You need to keep your lashes dry 24 hours after the treatment and that’s all! How much does it cost? A lash lift costs £35 and £45 with a tint It’s worth noting that we will always conduct a patch test before extensions and lash lifts to ensure you don’t have a reaction. What do they all have in common? No need for mascara so your makeup routine is halved! You can book in for any of these treatments online here. |
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August 2020
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