The winter season is officially making its way in, and we all know what that means… hot steaming baths, central heating and horrible harsh winds outside, none of which lend themselves to providing you with a flawless complexion and healthy glow, making winter our number one skin enemy!
Naturally, a lot of people turn to moisturisers and creams when their skin starts changing over winter. However, the best thing that our skin experts can recommend is to drink more water and rehydrate yourself. The cool air is a lot dryer than what we’re normally used to, especially when we start to use central heating which dries the air out even more. This means that there’s far less moisture in the air, and has an instant impact on the texture of your skin. It’s not the perfect fix, but we promise you that if you increase your water consumption you will see a difference.
Another important habit to get into, especially in the winter, is to use a face cleanser instead of face wipes, which are packed full of chemicals that dry your skin out! We can recommend our Thalgo Make-up Removing Cleansing Gel-Oil, which will remove your makeup gently, leaving your face feeling soft and refreshed as well as smelling beautiful as it’s packed full of essential oils. This is suitable for all skin types and can be bought both in-store and on our website for just £29.
Exfoliating is another good practice that will refresh tired-looking skin. It is important not to do this daily and instead just once or twice a week to prevent your skin from becoming irritated. By doing this, you will clean and unclog your pores, which will allow treatments to work more effectively. You can use the Thalgo Eveil A La Mer Gentle Exfoliator that we have in-store and online for only £30. The Thalgo products use pure spring water that is rich in vitamins and minerals to help revitalise your skin.
Moisturising is, as always, crucial but it’s important you pick the right one for your skin type. Our skin experts at Serenity offer a free of charge skin consultation to help you work out which products you should be using or avoiding. They can also guide you through the products we house in-store and online and you’ll leave us with a plan for radiant skin and a perfect complexion!
To book your free consultation, call us on 01625 877875 or click here.
In this new age of TVs, iPhones, iPads, iWatches and just about i-everything, blue light is absolutely everywhere. But what is blue light and what has it got to do with your skincare?
Well, it turns out that the blue light emitted by your TVs and your smartphones can harm your skin in the same way that UVA and UVB rays do and may cause premature skin ageing.
What Is Blue Light?
High-energy visible (HEV) light, or blue light, is a high-frequency, short-wave light in the violet/blue band with wavelengths that range from 400 to 450 nanometers. It accounts for 50% of the sunlight spectrum and is the only part of light that is visible to the naked eye. The majority of our exposure to blue light is caused by the sun, but it’s also emitted by devices like smartphones, tablets and televisions along with fluorescent and LED bulbs from indoor lighting.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, natural exposure to blue light (from the sun) during the day can stimulate alertness, improve memory and elevate your mood. At night, however, staring at your smartphone or TV before bedtime can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm and make it harder for you to get a good night’s sleep.
What Effect Is This Having On My Skin?
Whilst there is scientific evidence to prove that blue light can affect your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, we are still learning about its cellular effects on the skin. There are few studies out there that do suggest that blue light can increase the production of free radicals in the skin which, in turn, results in increased pigment, redness and possibly premature ageing.
One such study conducted in 2017 shows that, like UV rays, blue light contributes to the formation of free radicals and induces oxidative stress in live skin. These free radicals cause skin cells to produce enzymes that break down collagen and elastin in the skin and it can also penetrate deeper into the skin, damaging essential proteins and resulting in wrinkles and loss of firmness. Similar research has shown evidence that exposure to blue light can delay skin barrier recovery and result in more significant hyperpigmentation when compared to UVB rays.
Is Blue Light Completely Bad?
It is important to note that while blue light can be potentially harmful, it can also be harnessed to benefit your skin, particularly if you’re dealing with acne. Blue light therapy has been shown to kill acne-causing bacteria. Lightwave is one type of blue light therapy that is pain-free and uses high-end LEDs to distribute specific visible wavelengths of light to the problem areas. It can help those who have lesions that become inflamed and result in red/tender bumps which can be filled with pus and bacteria.
How Do I Protect My Skin From Blue Light Damage?
Reducing your exposure to blue light is the easiest way to spare your skin from its unwanted side effects. Here are some top tips from our Serenity Skin Experts:
We would recommend using Priori Tetra daily on your skin to protect against blue light, which we sell both in-store and on our website. We would also suggest applying SPF 45 to your skin to protect against UVA and UVB. It also contains DNA complex to repair your skin. Don’t hesitate to pop into Serenity Poynton with any questions regarding your skin – you’re always welcome!
Ever dreamed of never using that razor again… many women do! To have a body free from embarrassing and unsightly hair is a wonderful thought. Attempts to realise this dream have probably led to a great deal of effort (not to mention suffering!) in the way of razor blades, electric shavers or the more uncomfortable methods of tweezers, wax or needle electrolysis. As a rule, all the energy is wasted as the hair soon grows back.
Well, why not make a change this Summer and have Ellipse Intense Pulsed Light treatment (IPL), it offers fast, safe and practically painless permanent hair reduction.
Most ladies and men that have this treatment have a flurry of questions before wanting to go ahead. We have put together below the top questions we get asked to help guide anyone who may be interested! Of course, we also advise that anyone that is looking to undergo treatment makes sure they choose a reputable and experienced salon.
How does IPL hair removal work?
Concentrated light from the laser passes through the skin to be absorbed by the hair’s pigments as heat. This heat destroys the hair follicle at its root meaning no further hair can grow.
Who is it suitable for?
Since the laser targets pigment, it works best on those with darker hair and pale skin tones. Lasers are being developed that work on darker skin tones but they can’t eliminate blonde, grey or white hairs due to the absence of pigment.
Can you have it done anywhere on your body?
Yes, IPL hair removal can be carried out on any part of the body excluding the delicate area around the eyes. Protective eye-wear is always provided during treatment.
Will hair be permanently removed?
We prefer to call it permanent hair reduction – that is that hair growth will be permanently reduced by up to 95% after completing a course of treatment. Some slight regrowth is to be expected from hair follicles that weren’t destroyed (see below) so some clients opt for an annual ‘top up’ treatment.
Does the hair come back eventually?
Human hair grows in cycles – follicles have active and resting phases. IPL hair removal can only kill follicles in the active growing phase and once damaged the follicle can no longer grow hair. However, hair follicles that were notin the active phase will need to be treated again hence laser removal is carried out over several appointments and a period of months.
How many sessions are required on average?
Generally, we recommend six treatments to ensure total clearance but since everyone’s hair type is different some clients may need seven sessions, whilst others will have the desired result after just four or five.
Will it hurt?
Most clients liken the sensation to having a rubber band snapped against their skin – so whilst not totally pain-free it can be easily tolerated by the majority of people we treat. It really depends on your pain threshold. The equipment we use employs an effective cooling fan that can take the edge of the heat.
Is it true you need to stay out of the sun before and after treatments?
Yes. It’s absolutely essential that your skin hasn’t been exposed to sun for at least four weeks before treatment. If skin is tanned the laser could cause scarring or burning. The same applies to fake tanning too. Clients must have untanned skin or they won’t be able to commence treatment and some practitioners might carry out a melanin count to assess how your skin will react to treatment. We also advise that strong creams with a high SPF are worn post-treatment.
Now, we’re not talking about Radio 1, or any other channel worthy of mentioning, we mean – Radio Frequency for the skin. This is a real buzzword in the beauty business at the moment and if you are yet to tune it – you probably will very soon!
With more and more facials now combining cutting-edge technology, the demand for treatments such as Radio Frequency is ever increasing. And, we don’t just mean with normal folk like us – superstars like Jennifer Aniston is crediting Radio Frequency for keeping her skin in its enviable youthful state – helping to soften her fine lines while firming her facial contours!
So, if you imagine that Microdermabrasion is the holy grail of ‘skin smoothing’ then consider Radio Frequency the ‘contour refiner’.
Radio Frequency is just perfect for anyone who is experiencing loss of firmness and dullness to their skin. It’s amazing at boosting oxygen levels too, so is great for radiance.
If you are someone that wants to keep their skin looking young but will not go under the knife – skin clinics across the UK, just like Serenity, is where they house a hareem of treatments that can give you dream-like skin, but with no surgeons needed and no pain relief required!
So, what is radio frequency and how does it work? Radio Frequency is all about stimulating your own collagen production. It draws moisture to the surface, so the skin can increase hydration levels very quickly.
During a treatment a machine is used to heat the skin to between 38-40 degrees with Radio Frequency, which feels like a hot stone face massage – you do feel heat in the skin but it’s comfortable.
Benefits can be seen very quickly. You will get an immediate tightening of the collagen fibres, so it’s great to do before an event, but it also gives a long-lasting lift and increased volume. It also continues to promote collagen production over the next four-six weeks following treatment.
At Serenity, we have seen wonderful results on softening lines, especially those nose to mouth lines – as well as lifting cheeks and tightening the jawline.
We always remind clients that there is no downtime required either on this treatment, so you can pop in and even have it on your lunch break!
Serenity offers a whole host of treatments in their newly formed Skin Clinic.
Or our treatment which involves Radio Frequency is our IBeauty Hydration.
*This treatment is currently called iBeauty Hydration Youth Activator on our price list and website.
If you’re looking for a radio frequency facial with dramatic and immediate results, this is the treatment for you.
Not only does this treatment involve the Youth Activator elements, it also treats dehydrated skin by including the Hydration Corrector.
Treat your dehydrated or tired skin to this facial! Following a cleansing, the skin is exfoliated with iBeauty’s sound vibrations technology. Hydrating Sève Bleue from the ocean is pushed deep into the skin using draining, infusing and stimulating motions with iBeauty’s sequential ultrasound technology.
Then, an application of I PLUMP combined with radio-frequency stimulates the fibroblasts to restore their original youth functions. The complexion is smoother, lines are plumped, and skin tissue is firmer and hydrated.
Microdermabrasion – what’s this treatment all about?
Some say it’s a half an hour facelift, others call it the glowing skin miracle worker. But you may be wondering whether the treatment is right for you and your skin type.
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that uses tiny crystals or other exfoliating surfaces to help remove the superficial layer of dead skin cells.
When you remove the stratum corneum or the top layer of skin, the body interprets it as an injury. It then quickly replaces the lost skin cells with new, healthy ones.
The benefits?
Microdermabrasion benefits people with uneven pigmentation, fine lines and clogged pores. It resurfaces the skin, removing imperfections and impurities and leaves clients with smoother and younger-looking skin. Even after just one treatment clients can see a real difference. Many opt for this over collagen injections, the results are that good!
What is the CACI Microdermabrasion treatment?
CACI Orbital Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment. It works by gently removing the dead layer of skin with the use of an orbital rotation handpiece which significantly reduces skin imperfections such as pigmentation, age spots, wrinkles and impurities.
Light therapy is also emitted from the device to enhance circulation, wound healing, speed up cell renewal, stimulate collagen and also act as a calming agent.
Microdermabrasion can be used on sensitive skin, normal and mature skin. The disposable abrasion tips come in 3 grades, fine, medium and coarse allowing Serenity’s skin experts the ability to adjust the abrasion level. They are coated in an anti-allergy layer of Silicon Carbide that progressively removes the superficial layer of the epidermis.
The final process to this treatment includes the Hydratone Gel Mask, which is infused with the powerful hydrating properties collagen, hyaluronic acid and rose water. The mask is used in conjunction with active microcurrent rollers that massage the face so that the mask becomes ‘charged’. The rejuvenating energy improves lymphatic drainage, giving your face a softer, radiant, more youthful appearance.
A course of treatments is recommended for optimum results, or you can book this as a one-off treatment.
The causes behind many of Serenity’s client’s unhappiness with their aged skin is sun exposure, smoking, alcohol and sometimes the industry in which they have worked.
However, the owner and founder of Serenity, Nichola, is sure that looking ahead into the future there will be a dramatic shift and the main contributing factor will be technology devices. If you’re a tech adopter you are more likely to age quicker – #fact!
The act of individuals constantly checking their phone, iPad or even laptop, resting on their lap is leading to a rise in what experts across the skin and aesthetics industry are branding ‘Tech Neck’.
Nichola says: “This endless neck bending that is occurring when people are viewing their screens is causing neck muscles to be shortened, thereby increasing the gravitational pull on the skin. This effect leads to sagging skin and drooping jowls and a noticeable crease above the clavicle bone – all hallmarks of an ageing neck.
“With the move over to everything technical and the number of devices on the market ever increasing – I’m afraid that the younger generation will be prone to this type of ageing more than their elders! In particular, young adults are accelerating the impact of gravity on their lower face, throat and upper neck. I can see in years to come that my colleagues and I across the beauty and aesthetics world will be inundated with clients saddened by their over-aged neck.
“I would advise anyone that wants to steer clear from any early-ageing signs to hold their device up so that your chin is parallel to the ground – and be conscious to not always have your head down! I would also advise some stretching to make sure you are giving your neck extra strength.”
Acne is an age-old issue, but again, the use of technology is increasing the number of people suffering from problematic skin.
Nichola continues: “Many people that come into Serenity have acne that is positioned around the ear, jaw-line and side of the face – a classic sign that their phone is increasing oil and blocked pores.
“As the rise in mobile use continues to grow, I can only see my appointments for acne treatment increasing – especially in the younger generation. Holding your phone up to your face means that there is a mechanical stimulation (the pressure against the oil glands) that triggers them to produce more oil. Then, the bacteria and the heat from the screen breeds more bacteria, mixes with the skin and results in blemishes.
“Also, touching keyboards or pads that have not been cleaned regularly and then touching your face is another contributor to bad skin.
“The only way to protect your skin against any ‘phone acne’ is to clean your screen and keyboard regularly, or after every use! This will help to remove up to 98% of germs, or try using earphones instead of holding your phone up to your face.”
Serenity also offers, through their partnered provider SkinViva, Aesthetics and non-surgical procedures. They treat lots of patients that are unhappy with their wrinkles that are typically known as ‘Crows Feet’. Nichola foresees that the reason behind these type of wrinkles will also change in years to come.
“The main reason behind most of my clients having pronounced wrinkles around their eyes is sun damage, but I envisage this is going to change dramatically in the future.
“The amount of people that are squinting whilst using their technology devices is very obvious – just look around you. Often, we squint to try and read something, viewing a small video or even type into our mobile phones.
“If you are squinting on a regular basis over a length of time you will cause repetitive strain on your skin which will cause wrinkles! I would recommend increasing the font size and brightness on your phone and any other device to help prevent fine lines around the eyes.”
Recent discoveries are backing up earlier thoughts that using computers and other hand-held devices may be as harmful to your skin as spending time in the sun.
Nichola advises: “There has been a lot of media hype about how our computer screens and other devices are keeping us awake at night due to the blue light they emit, well this very same light is ageing and damaging skin too.
“I can see that in the future one of the main reasons people will look to a skin expert or aesthetic practitioner will be to improve the damage caused by over-exposure to technology devices.
“Known as high-energy visible (HEV) light, it can penetrate the skin more deeply than UV rays, the electromagnetic stress can cause breaks in the DNA strand which can prevent skin repairing itself and place oxidative stress on cells. Research is still developing, but recent discoveries suggest the effects may be as harmful as the damage caused by UVA and UVB light combined. With some saying that as little as four hours on a device can be as harmful as a whole day in the sun!
“It’s simple, the skin will age much quicker for those who are on their devices all day long because the electromagnetic field is altering the minerals in the skin. Sunscreen alone will not protect you from your electronic device, but if you saturate your skin with anti-oxidants it can help prevent DNA damage.
As research continues, more and more products targeting HEV light are sure to develop and I would advise the younger generation who spend their lives on these devices to heavily invest to protect their skin!”
Serenity offers a plethora of products, treatments and therapies that will help protect your skin from the multitude of issues mentioned above. Here is a breakdown of some that are perfect.
Let’s face it, over the years men have become far more interested in how they look and ‘male grooming’ is such a huge trend! Many are still rather shy to profess how much they care about how they look, but they do and are quite willing to invest in the right products and treatments to make them look the best they can. There is still a handful however that still follow a very basic regimen of a cheap disposable razor, a bar of soap and some Old Spice – but the average man’s skin needs more attention.
From shaving to acne, to moisturising and sunscreen the men’s market for skincare products is growing and at a fast pace – but what products, accompanying treatments and tips and tricks are key to achieving simply glowing skin this summer for Cheshire’s men? Serenity’s skin expert explains.
But are they? The first mistake men are making when shaving is going against the grain. Most men will shave this way to achieve a closer shave, but by doing this, the blade often nicks the buried surface of the hair follicle and can create inflammation.
The best way to shave to ensure the skin is left unharmed is by shaving in the direction that feels smooth, so doing a stroke on each section of the face – making sure that the area is not being shaved over and over again.
The skin care industry in recent years has been bringing out more and more products specially designed and created for men. Is this just another way for the big corps to generate income? Or, are they really worth their price tag? Easy answer, yes, they truly are worth every penny.
We’re sad to say that zits, spots, acne (whatever you like to call them!) happen regardless of age and many men will still be suffering well into their adult life. Men have, on average, slightly more oily skin (than women) because testosterone stimulates sebum production in the hair follicles. With this in mind when purchasing any product it really is worth understanding your own skin type and how your skin differs from the fairer sex.
We have heard this statement numerous times and whoever says it couldn’t be more wrong! Over the years’ the team here at Serenity have welcomed men of all ages through the doors for such a vast range of treatments – from facials to waxing, to eyebrow treatments to massage.
Men really shouldn’t be embarrassed to step foot in a beauty salon or to be investing in their appearance. Women will only be impressed if you care about how you look and want to remain in tip-top condition. Women spend thousands of pounds across a year taking care of their looks and investing in the right products and we will only view it favourably if our other halves, friends, dads, brother and uncles do the same!
Serenity offers a plethora of products, treatments and therapies that are created with just men in mind.
Here is just a handful of treatments we recommend:
This machine based facial is just perfect for men’s skin.
Featuring a purifying mechanical exfoliation from sound vibrations and a sequential ultra-sound emission to drain and stimulate the skin and infuse the treatment products.
The iBeauty treatment from Thalgo can be tailored to all skin types for a purifying, hydrating or anti-ageing result.
The price for this facial is £35 for a 30-minute treatment.
We advocate massages of all types for everyone – but clinical massage is very popular with our male clientele.
Clinical massage combines sports massage and eastern massage to treat anyone from athletes to those suffering from pain or chronic pain. Treatment includes trigger point therapy, shiatsu massage, advanced stretching, myofascial release and deep tissue work.
At Serenity, we can treat lower back pain, sciatica, herniated disc, acute locked back, migraine, whiplash, cervical spray, carpal tunnel, RSI, golfers elbow, tennis elbow, hip and pelvic pain and leg, knee and foot pain.
Our clinical masseuse is Karen and she is more than happy to meet with anyone to discuss their issues before a full appointment is booked.
Prices are £45 for 40 minutes or £55 for a 55-minute session.