Makeup Monday- blue eyes

Mickey Blue eyes 

Get the look with these products: 

1. Dermalogica Redness relief primer 

2. Dermalogica Sheer tint medium 

3. Hema Brow gel, brown 

4. MAC brow set, auburn 

5. MAC blush, Melba 

6. Tweezerman lash curler

7. MAC technakohl liner, smooth blue 

8. MAC 5-colour palette Bleuluxe pearl fusion shadow 

9.Snow season mineralize eyeshadow

10. MAC Prep + Prime lash

11. MAC studio sculpt lash, super black 

Bleuluxe pearl fusion shadow 5-colour palette 

Treatment Thursday- Chewton Glen Spa Day

I was treated to the Drop, Dip & Dine spa day for my birthday. My Mom & I had a warm welcome then enjoyed a breakfast smoothie & coffee accompanied by a mini croissant & pain chocolate in the spa dining room overlooking the luscious green grounds. 

We were then given a guided tour of the facilities before being left to enjoy the amenities. The locker rooms and showers are stocked with REN skin and haircare products. An aromatherapy steam room and crystal therapy sauna are also located in the changing area to help relax clients before and after treatments and gym sessions. 

The spa day includes use of the lovely 17-metre swimming pool that has a painted sky ceiling and a wall of floor to ceiling windows that overlook the green acres. The natural light and quiet ambiance enhance the relaxing environment. 

There is a separate area for the hydrotherapy pool that has various types of water based treatment options to relax muscle tension and massage the body. There is also an outdoor hot tub and heated lounge chairs in the pool area to relax in after or between dips in the pool. 

I was treated to a Pregnancy massage which was bliss! They have a special pillow for the bump to sit in, so even though you're elevated off of the treatment couch by several inches your body feels weightless and you can comfortably lay on your front while all your knots and muscle tension are worked out by the experienced therapist. 

When I have visited the spa before I was lead into a relaxation room post treatment, which promoted further relaxation. This time I was given water out if a flimsy, plastic disposable cup and seated in a chair that looked onto the treatment room doors. Not quite the relaxing finish I was expecting in this 5-star hotel. 

The day ended with a delicious three-course lunch in their award-winning fine dining Vetiver restaurant. For more information about our dining experience visit http://bonvoyagefriends.blogspot.co.ukfor a culinary review. 

This was a wonderful birthday treat and an amazing day mother and daughter day out, one of my favourite spas in Hampshire! 

Waxing Wednesday- eyebrow waxing

Australian Bodycare specialise not only in tea tree wax, but also in hygienic waxing. The hybrid system has pinhead sized pellets that are measured out individually for each client. The picture below shows the foil cup with melted wax ready for an eyebrow treatment. 

If you'd like to see the application process, this video demonstrates an upper lip wax and the same principle is used for any facial area. http://youtu.be/-VXCM4Hp8iw 

Waxing removes all the hair in the area leaving a defined brow. There is minimal redness with tea tree wax because it has anticeptic properties and is gentle on the delicate facial areas. 

This photo was taken about 10 minutes post waxing treatment. The new Dermalogica Redness Relief Primer helps to soothe & reduce the redness and a bit of MAC eyeshadow adds definition to the brows. 

Makeup Monday- go green for Christmas

Go Green for the holidays, to get this look we've used: 

Face: 

Speizia nourishing face balm 

Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer 

Dermalogica Sheer Tint Medium 

Mac powder, porcelain pink mineralize skinfinish 

Brows: 

Hema brow gel, brown 

MAC brow set, auburn 

Eyes: 

Mac powerpoint pencil, emerald sea- line along the upper lid and bottom corner 

Mac shadow, bows & curtseys- use as a  lash liner along top & bottom corner 

Mac shadow, high spirits- apply to the outer corner to contour and lift the eye 

Mac shadow, swimming- blend along the centre of the eyelid 

Mac shadow, snow season- blend along brow bone to finish the look. 

Tweezerman lash curler 

Mac Prep & Prime lash- apply one coat to top and bottom lashes to enhance length & thickness 

Mac Zoom Lash Mascara, black- apply two coats to top and bottom lashes to frame the eyes 

Cheeks: 

Arbonne blush, blossom- apply from the apples blending upwards & outwards 

Lips: 

Mac lipgloss, brook shields artful- apply a thick layer to complete the look. 

Daily microfoliant Christmas presents

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ORCHIDS RETREAT! 

This year as a thank you to our clients, those who visit in December will receive a travel Daily Microfoliant. 

Benefits: 

- This rice bran powder is gentle enough to be used daily

- It can be used around the eye and lip area

- Licorice and grapefruit help to brighten the complexion 

- It is suitable for all skin types 

- Can be mixed with a cleanser for a power cleanse 

How to use: 

1. After cleansing, use a 20 pence or nickel amount of Daily Microfoliant in wet hands.  

2. Rub hands together to mix the powder into a foamy lather. 

3. Massage all over face, neck and decollete for 1-2 minutes

4. Remove with sponges or rinse off in the shower. 

Use 2-3 times a week to help maintain a healthy glow during the holiday season! 

Treatment Thursday Dermalogica BioSurface Peel Treatment Six

The grand finale! 

Six treatments concluded and now I have a my much improved, velvety Christmas skin with added sparkle.

Onwards, because the skin texture has improved and pigmentation marks lightened so much, Diana recommends that I continue to have a Biosurface Peel facial each month through to April and then move on to the Active Resurface facial each month during the summer. This facial is also good to stimulate cell renewal and so help reduce the appearance of fine lines with minimal redness usually associated with intense re-surfacing treatments.  Also very suitable to re-hydrate the skin during the summer months and reduce any pigmentation or uneven skin tone.

A course of Biosurface Peel facials does improve the quality, texture and tone of the skin - as it states in the pamphlet.  And it is suitable to treat skin concerns such as skin roughness, signs of sun damage, pigmentation and unbalanced skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, skin breakouts and congestion, AND IT GENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY WORKS!!! 

Many thanks to Diana and wishing a joyful festive season to all.

Ding Dong, Diana (Senior!!)

Feature Friday- 20 Christmas ideas under £20

We've put together a list to help you with stocking stuffer and small gift ideas:

1. Clear Start limited edition Clear as day and night set. £14.00 is a great Skincare introduction for your teenager this Christmas to fight breakout activity.

2. Clear start blotting papers, great for a makeup bag or to keep in your handbag to soak up excess shine during the day. £3.00 each 

3. Clear Start breakout clearing kit £9.50, contains travel foam wash and day treatment. Perfect for a teens sports bag! 

4. OPI polish £11.50- we have a variety of Colours from deep reads, bright corals, neutrals, deep blues etc. 

5. Top to Bottom- this top coat comes with a free base coat, so for only £11.50 you can finish a manicure by just adding colour! 

6. Rhinestone Nail Files £11 from OPI- keep nails smooth with these mini crystal files that are accentuated with a rhinestone at the top. 

7. Multivitamin Hand & Nail £6 these mini hand creams are perfect for your handbag or travelling to keep hands & nails nourished 

8. OPI Wipe Off- a box of acetone free polish remover wipes £10 for 10 individually wrapped wipes. 

9. HeShi Tan £20 includes award winning express liquid tan and a free tanning mitt. Stay sun kissed through the winter! 

10. HeShi Gradual Tan £14.50- a medium weight moisturiser that gradually enhances your skin's natural colour. Great pre or post holiday or to just give yourself a healthy glow during the winter. 

11. HeShi exfoliating Bodywash £11- a shower gel that contains exfoliating beads to gently rub away dead skin cells. Perfect to prepare skin before tanning but also great to use as a daily exfoliant. http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2014/09/tan-tuesday-feature-product.html 

12. Australian Bodycare Anytime Balm £13.50 for details about how to use and special ingredients check out our blog http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2014/06/waxing-wednesday-anytime-balm.html

13. Australian Bodycare Facial Exfoliator £8.80- gentle scrub to use 2-3 times a week for healthy skin. 

14. Australian Bodycare Body Lotion £15.99- can be used all over face and body daily and after waxing treatments to prevent ingrown hairs. 

15. Dermalogica Exfoliating Face Brush £17.60- a great gift for men to help lift facial hairs to aid a smooth shave. The brush can also be used to give skin a deeper cleanse. 

16. Dermalogica Precleanse Wipes £14.80- these wipes are great for on the go people- post gym workout, camping, travelling, and much more. 

17. Dermalogica Exfoliating Body Cloth £12.50- use daily with shower gel to slough off dead skin cells & keep the body soft. 

18. Dermalogica Hydroactive Mineral Salts £2.50- use the sachet in the bath, as a foot soak or mix with Conditioning Bodywash. 

19. Arbonne Lipstick or gloss £18- for more details check out our Makeup Monday Feature 

http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2014/08/makeup-monday-arbonne-lipstick.html

20.  Give a gift voucher for any amount, vail for six months and can be redeemed for treatments or products. 

Treatment Thursday- Holiday Hands

Five hacks for keeping your hands healthy this holiday season: 

🔹Thermal Manicure- the use of heat in a manicure treatment helps to penetrate the moisturiser or masque deeper into the skin leaving the skin more moisturised and softer for longer.

🔹Gel Nails- a gel finish on the nails lasts longer than regular polish, so your manicure will shine for longer during the festive social gatherings. 

🔹Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise- handcream is essential during these winter months because everything is zapping the mousture from them- Central heating, cold weather, car heaters, etc. 

🔹Cuticle oil- is important weather you have a professional treatment or maintain your nails at home. By massaging oil into your cuticles not only does it promote healthy nails growth it also prevents hangnails. The cuticles frame the nails so by keeping them soft it makes the polish look ten times better! 

🔹Wear gloves- wearing gloves is recommended aftercare all year round- when washing dishes, cleaning, etc. During the winter months wearing gloves when outside and driving it protects your hands from the elements & helps prevent dry, cracked skin. 

Follow these tips for happy hands during the holidays and throughout the winter. 

Feature Friday- Mothers SOS Kit

Being a mother of two big babies who both ended up arriving my cesarean I've put together a mother's SOS Kit to help those heal after their little bundle of joy arrives.

Calendula Balm- to put over the scar to help it heal and it has anti critic properties to keep the area clean. 

Rosemary Balm- apply to hands and forearms to ease muscle strain and help prevent repetitive strain injury or carpal tunnel from holding, carrying & feeding big babies. 

Arnica Balm- apply to the stomach as it's shrinking back down and any other areas that may be bruised- don't use it on open wounds though! 

Baby Balm- great for nappy rash, cradle cap, any little scratches or sores a baby might develop. 

These post natal remedies are organic and all natural if purchased by the right company. My favourite is Spiezia, 100% natural and Organic made in Cornwall, England. 

Treatment Thursday- BioSurface Peel update 5

Dermalogica BioSurface Peel Treatment Five with Ollie (9 days old)

Coo-ing Stage with Ollie. With the fifth treatment, Diana chose to pre-cleanse, followed by an exfoliating cleanse using the active resurfacing cleanser before the BioPeel enzyme preparation stage.  Then, this time I had five layers of the active acid over a period of 25 minutes - this is the maximum number of applications recommended to achieve greatest results.

Cuddle Stage with Ollie.  Ten wondrous minutes with sleepy treasure whilst the de-accelerator calms the skin.

Onwards, cannot claim that my skin is as smooth, soft and perfect as Ollie’s.

However, certainly the improvement continues.  My skin is smoother than at commencement of the treatments - as in the fine lines feel less defined to the touch of a finger, particularly on the forehead and between the eyebrows.  

My face is softer to touch and naturally stays much more hydrated in all weathers, with the correct use of skin care moisturisers.

Not perfect, but certainly the patches of skin discolouration have faded noticeably - now happy not to wear any form or tinted moisturiser or foundation during the winter months.  I would previously always worn some ‘hint of a tint’ when the summer tan fades.

I have now introduced MAP -15 regenerator to my skin regime to further improve skin firmness in specific areas. Diana has several clients that are devoted to this product and the positive effects that it has on their fine lines particularly on the the upper lip and around the eyes, although it can be used all over the face.

Shorter account this time - lots happily happening in the family fold!

  
Great Aunt D (56) with contented Oliver Matthew (12 days)

Feature Friday- Gentle Soothing Booster

Dermalogica's boosters are formulated with the smallest molecular structure out of any of the product ranges.  They are designed to increase potential results of a current skincare routine and to help treat any skin conditions that are caused by climate, hormonal, or lifestyle change.

Gentle Soothing Booster is a concentrated complex used to soothe irritated skin, windburn, or sensitised skin. It contains honey to help bind moisture and hydrate skin and Raspberry Fruit to calm the aggravated skin. Ultra-soothing botanicals such as Calendula and Cornflour that help to instantly reduce inflammation.

This oil-free formulate helps rebuild the skin's barrier without leaving it feeling greasy.  It can be used in the areas of inflammation or all over the face.  It works best in combination with the Ultra Calming range, but can also be used before your daily moisturiser.

Feature Friday- Extra Firming Booster

Extra Firming Booster is a super-concentrated, rich, re-texturizing solution that strengthens the skin's structure and smooths the skin's surface. It contains key ingredients such as Horsetail and Protein Peptides that help to firm the skin. Tailored botanical ingredients perform a flash-firming affect that is visibly noticeable and helps smooth the skin's texture. 

Red Clover and Vitamin C aid in restoring skin suppleness and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles of dry or prematurely ageing skin. Antioxidants defend the skin from damaging free radicals and correct the signs of ageing on a deeper level. 

This booster is great paired with the Age Smart range such as Skin Resurfacing Cleanser, Multi-vitamin Serum, or Multi-vitamin Masque. It can also be combined or applied before the Intensive Moisture Balance to increase the effectiveness and moisture benefits. Apply 6-10 drops after cleansing and toning as target treatment or add it to your daily moisturiser.  

Waxing Wednesday- types of wax 101

Hard wax is used for small, course hair areas such as bikini, underarm and facial areas. Hard wax is also known as stripless wax, or as I refer to it as pick & flick style wax. It is used at a lower temperature than strip wax and is always applied with a spatula. It hardens on the skin and congeals around the hair and is removed in one quick motion taking the hair with it! 

Australian Bodycare melted hot wax pellets- individual use making it the utmost hygienic product on the market. 

Warm wax is also referred to as strip wax as it's applied with a spatula, roller or glide applicator and removed with a fabric or paper strip. Warm wax is suitable for all areas of the face and body, but hot wax usually makes the intimate areas easier to treat. Depending on the area and hair type warm and hot wax may be used to remove all the hairs. 

Tube of warm wax with individual applicators that are changed between each client to prevent cross contamination. 

Suncare Sunday- Sun Damage and Protection

Ultraviolet research shows that phaeomelanin may cause skin cancer.  It is the red pigment in skin, that is mostly found in the fairer or Fitzpatrick types of skin, red heads, blondes, blue eyes, freckles etc. These types of skin produce very little melanin pigment and more phaeomelanin, which makes these skins more prone to skin cancer.

People with fairer skins can burn in 15-30 minutes of exposure and sometimes it only takes 5-10 minutes.  The face, neck and decollate are up to four times more sensitive to sunburning than the limbs. Extra precautions should be taken for children and elderly as they are more vulnerable to heatstroke and sunburn with too much exposure.  Sunburn reaches its maximum up to twelve hours after exposure. 

Sunburn leads to DNA damage to the melanoma and increases metastasis, which increases the risk of cancer in the body.  Sunburn can be avoided with the proper protection and products. Sunscreens offer 100% protection from three types of cancer caused by UVA, UVB and UVC rays. It also protects the p53 gene, which is that anti-cancer gene that lowers abnormal cell activity. 

The immediate effects of sun damage are dehydration, suppressed immune system, apoptosis (skin cell suicide), skin thickening and weakening, and an inflammatory response. The UVB rays start to tan the skin and that is actually starting the skin's defence mechanism to protect the body.  UVA rays can cause skin damage at the dermal layer, which can take more in-depth treatments to repair and sometimes damage is irreversible. UVA rays are present in daylight, so it is essential to wear an spf all day everyday throughout the year. 

Long term effects of sun damage start to morph the cell shape and cause skin ageing.  The skin's collagen production starts to decrease and the renewal process is impeded.  Age spots and wrinkles start to appear and the skin's barrier function can be impaired causing more skin sensitivity when using products. 

A teaspoon of sunscreen is required for the face, neck and decollate to protect it from the ultraviolet rays for two hours.  There are many more products on the market with sun protection built into face and body moisturisers and makeup to try to help the public protect their skin. Dermalogica has 14 products with and spf 15 or above. To achieve the required amount to protect the skin, layering spf ingredients can help.  Apply a daily moisturiser with spf, a primer with spf and a tinted moisturiser or foundation with spf to ensure your skin is properly protected.  If you're going on holiday make sure you reapply your sunscreen every two hours to protect your skin against signs of ageing and sunburn. 

Feature Friday- Skin Renewal Booster

The Skin Renewal Booster kick starts anti ageing and is suitable for all skin types except for sensitised because it's aimed at improving the skin's texture. It helps target concerns such as scarring, pigmentation, dehydration or rough textured skin by speeding up cell turnover. 

When using this booster make sure you wear a high factor spf 30 or above and limit sun exposure during use and for a week afterwards and this may increase skin sensitivity.  It should also not be used in conjunction with any acne medication, waxed, or professional exfoliation or skin resurface treatments. 

This exfoliating complex is made up of several hydroxy acids to loosed dead skin cells improving the skin texture and reversing the signs of photo-ageing. Aloe and Cornflour extracts soothe and hydrate the skin leaving it feeling smooth. Vitamin A is an active anti ageing ingredient that stimulates new skin cells and improves the skin elasticity.

For optimum results a moisturiser or masque must be used over or in conjunction with the booster.  Apply 6-10 drops onto finger tips and apply directly onto the face, neck and decollate or mix with a daily moisturiser and then apply onto the skin. 

Treatment Thursday- BioSurface Peel part 4

Originally the treatment plan was to do a course of three treatments with this client because her main focus was on anti ageing and she had a good skincare regime already. The course of treatment was to target skin renewal and give the skin an exfoliating boost as the seasons changed.  

As you've read from each bi-weekly update the skin had a mind of it's own and after the first treatment darker areas of pigmentation were present on the skin.  It has been interesting to watch these surface and after seeking expert advice, it was suggested that the course continue onto a course of six to encourage the pigmentation to work it's way through the layers of the epidermis.  

Read on for the feedback and diary entry after BioSurface Peel number four. 

Dermalogica BioSurface Peel Treatment Four

 

After the success of the first three BioSurface Treatments, my skin feels definitely smoother, some of the fine lines have reduced and the pigmentation marks that first became darker as they came to the surface, have now lightened considerably.  Result!

 

So Diana recommended that I have three further treatments, at fortnightly intervals, to complete the re-surface!!  So here I am again.

 

Skin was not sensitive at all during Treatment Four.  So Diana opted to cleanse three times to prepare the skin for maximum absorption of the peeling agent.  Then the biologically active peeling solution was applied four times with five minutes between each subsequent layer - the time allowed is to facilitate the utmost effectiveness of the peeling stage.

 

Followed by a de-celerator stage which de-sensitises and calms the skin over a period of ten minutes.  

 

Diana commented that my ‘skin felt very smooth, and that there was a very obvious lightening in the areas of skin pigmentation’.

 

After each appointment, the client leaves with the BioSurface Peel homecare box containing five products

 

ultra calming cleanser

 

barrier repair cream

 

intense moisture balance

 

super sensitive shield spf 30

 

multivitamin thermafoliant to exfoliate the skin every three days - not to be used three days either side of the treatment.

 

Depending on the individuals’s skin, there is sufficient product to last a week plus.  The multivitamin thermafoliant is more than enough to carry out a home exfoliation treatment every three days.

 

So it maybe necessary to supplement the home care kit with additional:

 

Super sensitive shield spf 30 (check if client has some Dermalogica suncream product at home, minimum spf 30)

 

barrier repair cream if client feels skin maybe prone to ultra sensitivity

 

moisturiser - check what the client already has available at home as intensive moisture balance from kit will not last more than a week

 

Maybe also helpful to use a moisturising mask every 2/3 days such as

 

skin hydrating mask  or

intensive moisture mask

 

As my eyes are prone to sensitivity I also used

ultra soothing eye serum

 

and had some ultracalming serum concentrate available to use if I found myself, unavoidably, in outside elements.

 

It is an active treatment and the client is encouraged to make a note of any personal observations during the interval between treatments.  Diana will be in contact during the interim to discuss how the skin has responded.

 

I use primarily Dermalogica products on my face.  However, having worked in the beauty profession for several decades I do have an assortment of other reputable skincare products in the cupboard.  I did find, however, that whilst undergoing the course of this treatment - it is better to use just Dermalogica products on your face - altogether seem to compliment the treatment for maximum efficacy.

Altogether I feel that the skin looks considerably brighter and fresher with an added bonus of a reduction of dark circles under the eyes.  My skin is much calmer after this treatment and is positively glowing.

 

As a family, we are all now glowing with enormous love and happiness on the safe arrival of Oliver Matthew on Monday, 3rd November.  

Heartfelt congratulations to Diana and Phil and big brother, Alfie; and big rub for George, the family’s loyal golden retriever.

True to Diana’s professionalism, I enjoyed my fifth treatment this Wednesday, with 9 day old Ollie cooing contentedly in the background.  Joyful!

Top Tip Tuesday- Baby Salve

My new born son isn't even a week old and developed nappy rash because he would poo whilst sleeping & sleep in it for several hours. 

Each time I changed him he would cry- at first I thought it was in protest & then I realised it was in pain because his little bum was sore. 

I tried to air his bum for about 10 minutes between nappy changes- this does create extra laundry because inevitably I would be peed on & so would the towels covering him! 

Pictured above is his nappy rash 12 hours later and over 3 times better. I used a pea-sized amount of Speizia baby salve after each nappy change to the irritated area and could see the inflamed area visible shrinking with each application. 

It's obviously helping because he doesn't cry as much at each change and almost instantly stops when I put the Baby Salve on as it soothes the area! 

Makeup Monday- the natural look

Makeup Monday- natural make-up 

For a natural day look these six products enhance the natural features without leaving you looking too 'made up'! 

Dermalogica Power Rich- makes a great all over moisturiser when you're short on time and away from your regular skincare routine, apply all over face, eye area, neck and decollate. 

Mac Blusher in Melba- apply to the apples of cheeks and work up and outwards towards temples to enhance the cheeks. 

Mac Eyeliner in Photogravure Kajal- apply a thin line along the upper lashes to create a fuller lash line and add definition to the eyes. 

Mac Mascara in Zoom Lash Black- apply 2 coats to the top and bottom lashes to frame the eyes  

Mac Lipstick in Ramblin Rose- apply all over lips to enhance the natural colour and complete a natural glow to fair skins. 

Mac Gloss in Artful- this is the new range inspired by Brooke Shields, add a touch of gloss to add shine to lips. 

Suncare Sunday- Knowing the Equation

A recipe for SPF (sun protection factor) includes ingredients in the products, the broad spectrum protection and also the skin's natural burn time. Knowing your personal equation is easy...how long would it take you to burn in natural sunlight without protection?  For example, for a fair skin it may be 10 minutes burn time, so by adding an SPF15 to the equation the skin is protected for 150 minutes (10x15=150). 

There are two types of sunscreen, a physical which physically reflects the sun from the skin and a chemical which allows the rays to penetrate into the skin and the ultra violet rays create a heat sensation and it deactivates the rays.  For sensitive skins it is important to wear a physical sunscreen because this prevents the skin from reacting to the heat from the sun and the product. 

Buying broad spectrum (UVA symbol) sunscreen is vital now as the skin needs protection from UVA rays all year round.  There are three classifications of broad spectrum sunscreen- Low, Medium, and High depending on the UV protection.  It is now required by the EU that product ranges label their sunscreens with the broad spectrum symbol, protection factor and the level of protection. Low sunscreens are usually from 6-10SPF, medium from 15-25SPF, and high protection SPF30-50, and very high is SPF50 and above. 

What does that mean? A general example is that an SPF15 will protect the skin from 94% of UVA rays, SPF30 protects from 97% UVA rays and 45-50SPF protect from 98% UVA rays. Sunscreens block the UVB rays which are mostly from the sun, but it's the UVA rays that are important to remember to protect your skin from all year round. 

Dermalogica has thoroughly researched their ingredients and found an ingredient that enables a higher protection without the added chemicals. These plant oleosomes are found in the seeds of plants that carry natural vitamin E.  This newly formulated technology allows them to be mixed with sunscreens helping to boost the sun protection factor.  The natural plant extracts help to provide an emulsifying effect making the products non-irritating and creating an easily absorbed non-greasy texture to the product. 

Reading the Ingredients in a product can help you understand what you are putting on your skin and what type of sunscreen or block you are buying as that aspect isn't always clearly labelled.  

A physical sunscreen is good for sensitive skins, they still block the whole spectrum of ultra violet rays and the lack of chemical ingredients prevent the skin from reacting.  Look for main ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in these sunscreens.  Ingredients in a chemical sunscreen are often avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone, and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate which means they can protect at a higher level. Sometimes sunscreens are a mix of chemical and physical protection ingredients which are usually ok for sensitive skins, but it's always best to test on very sensitive skins.

To protect the skin for two hours of sunlight a teaspoon is required for the face, neck and decollate and a shot glass worth of sunscreen to protect the body.  If you're on holiday it is necessary to reapply your spf every two hours and remember 'water resistant' sunscreens are only effective for 40 minutes in the water and protection should be re-applied once you're out of the water. 

Feature Friday- Skin Hydrating Booster

November's feature is all about target treatments for your skin.  The weather is changing and the same moisturisers and basic skincare routine may not be holding up to the cold, wind, heating, and everything thing else that comes along with the seasons changing. That's why it's important to listen to your skin to keep your skin glowing throughout the gloomy months. 

Boosters, serums or other highly concentrated products are designed to customise a day-to-day regime.  Dermalogica boosters can be mixed with moisturisers, masques and used on their own to adapt a home care regimen. 

Dermalogica's Skin Hydrating Booster is formulated with highly-active ingredients that help all skin types and quench thirsty skin. The oleosome microphage promotes double hydration when paired with Hyluronic Acid, which holds 1,000 times its weight in water and when using this booster the results are noticeable after just a few days. Panthenol, also known as vitamin B, promotes skin repair and aids hydration.  Algae Extract aids moisture balance and restoring soft skin and minimising fine lines. 

This product can be used all over the face, neck, decollate, and eye area to improve the barrier layer and hydrate the delicate skin.  Apply 6-10 drops after spritzing with your daily toner or after using daily resurfacer and before moisturising. It can also be used under or mixed in with the Skin Hydrating Masque.  Boosters need to be used with a daily moisturiser to maximise potential results. 

Waxing Wednesday- pre wax tips

Waxing is an effective way to remove unwanted hair. Waxing treatments vary from full body, to legs or more sensitive areas such as underarms, bikini, or facial waxing. Almost every part of the body can be waxed, and we do get some unusual requests! Regardless of the area, skin preparation for waxing is an essential part of the epilation process.

1. Avoid waxing when skin is more sensitive: It's best not to wax when your skin has had a lot of sun exposure, when you are menstruating, or when you have used aggressive skincare products (such as AHA or retinol treatments). Give your skin at least a week after any of these before you wax.

2. Check the length of your hair: The best length for waxing is at least 1/4 of an inch in most areas. For women's facial hair a different wax is often used and the hair can be shorter.  

3. Prepare your skin: 
Cleanse- Use a gentle soap to clean the area you want to wax. Avoid using very hot water as this may irritate your skin.

Exfoliate- Use a loofah, exfoliating scrub or exfoliating mitt and gently rub in circular upward movements to help lift hair in preparation for waxing and prevent ingrown hairs. 

4. Pain prevention: Take a pain killer, like Tylenol 30 minutes before your appointment if you're worried about pain. (Aspirin and Ibuprofen may not be the best choices as they both are known to thin blood.)

5. Moisturise: Use a water-based, or oil-free moisturiser after you shower to prevent skin from being too dry. An oil-free moisturiser helps prevent your skin from burning or abrading during waxing. Some companies that make waxing products, sell a pre-wax moisturiser made to prepare the skin for waxing, like Australian Bodycare Tea Tree range. 

Suncare Sunday- Moley Melanoma

This week I had a client in who's mole was crusty, discoloured and had changed shape slightly.  As a skincare professional I always keep an eye on my client's skin and moles because often they don't notice the change, and many times they are in areas that client's see or don't look at regularly like their back. 

The Rule of Thumb about moles: 
For more information visit Cancer Research UK

Shape- the circular outline becomes an irregular shape 

Texture- the smoothness becomes rough and crusty 

Size- if the mole starts to spread or change shape 

Colour- the darkening of a mole can mean that it is turning cancerous and could become a melanoma. 

If you notice any of these changes GET YOUR MOLE CHECK ASAP! It might not be anything, but it could be the early signs of skin cancer. 

"A great tool to download is the mole map...a handout for prevention against skin cancer." -Geraldine Schefermann (Dermalogica International Regional Education Manager) 

Keep an eye on your moles and those on your loved ones to monitor any changes that occur and pop in to see your local GP to have them checked incase it's the beginning of a malignant melanoma. Early detection or prevention is better than cure, so be aware of moley melanomas!

Feature Friday- biosurface peel part 3

Dermalogica BioSurface Peel Treatment Three 

This treatment was taken exactly two weeks after the last one - this time in the evening.

Interestingly, my skin was more sensitive during this facial. It may well have been that I had been camping for the previous three days and may have been less conscientious with skincare - as in not re-applying super sensitive shield spf 30 when my skin got drenched with rain.  Equally, I had been out in the elements that day - rain and strong wind howling around Stonehenge along with occasional patches of hazy sunshine.

During the treatment, Diana carefully monitors the reaction of the skin at each stage and it is treated in accordance with what the skin can tolerate on the day.  So, on this occasion, it was decided that to keep the number of applications of the active acid stage to three layers, as my skin was appearing much more sensitive.  I was also sailing in all weathers in the Solent over the next four days.  My skin was more prickly (heat-like sensations) than previously both during the treatment and the subsequent few days.  It was not flushed afterwards, just more sensitive on application of products on the following days. As mentioned before, there is no downtime - make-up can be applied two minutes after the end of the facial treatment.

Home care is critical with this deeper peeling, particularly in the first three days, and all essential products are supplied in the home-care kit. In addition to intensive moisture balance; the extra layers of barrier repair cream and the  super sensitive shield spf 30 are vital. Because of the sensitivity (historical) of my eyes, I do also use the ultra soothing eye serum for the first few days after treatment as they can be runny at the outer corners. I also used a booster treatment of Ultracalming serum concentrate which I use on the days when my skin may feel more sensitive.

When considering whether a client is suitable for the treatment, Diana will be happy to advise.  Some skins may need to be ‘primed’ over a period of a few weeks, perhaps addressing dehydration concerns or the need to use home care exfoliants before commencing the treatment - this is to ensure that the skin gets maximum benefit without any adverse reaction.  A patch test on the client is also carried out to try all the active treatment products, a minimum of 24 hours prior to the initial appointment.

I also respect that the treatment is recommended only during the autumn/winter and early spring - it is super effective but the skin is definitely more sensitive to direct sunlight and the elements.

Photo - also bitten in several places on the face by a random mosquito just to help the overall glow!!

Onwards, I am very pleased with the results from the first three BioSurface Peel Treatments.  My skin definitely feels smoother, some of the fine lines have reduced and the pigmentation marks, that first became darker as they came to the surface, have now lightened considerably. Result!

Diana has recommended that I continue with three further treatments, at fortnightly intervals, to complete the course.  This works well as my skin is clearly benefiting - I will have had six treatments over a period of 3 months and continue on a maintenance course of one treatment a month during the early Spring. Then have a break during the summer months when I am outdoors much of the time and return in the autumn for more maintenance!!

In the Dermalogica BioSurface Peel brochure - the following facts are highlighted and which I can emphatically concur:

While many clients seek out overly aggressive peels in the hopes they will reduce the signs of premature ageing, the side effects of these treatments, most notably inflammation, actually age the skin more by damaging the delicate skin structure at the layers associated with cell birth.  BioSurface Peel is especially designed to deliver all the benefits of a chemical peel without the scarring and downtime.

So exceptional results with minimal downtime!