It’s the time of year when redness and sore eyes become a problem due to the harsh conditions of winter that can play havoc on skin.
Understanding rosacea and its symptoms can really help to keep it at bay. Rosacea might start as slight flushing when going from the cold outside to inside in the warm or even runny bloodshot eyes. The condition can have a huge impact on self-confidence – 10% of the population suffer from it and feel they can’t go out without makeup due to the redness.
In a Gallup survey, 70% of rosacea sufferers said the condition lowered their self-esteem, 41% reported that they avoided social engagements and almost 70% said they felt it affected their professional life. In some of the worst cases, 30% said they had even missed work during flare-ups.
The actual cause of rosacea is not fully known and there is no known cure. However, there are actions that can be taken to reduce and control the signs and symptoms. Typically, the onset is noted by flushing of the cheeks and the odd broken capillary on the face. Sadly, many people misconstrue that the sufferer is a heavy drinker, which very often causes embarrassment.
What are the symptoms of rosacea?
Suffers may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
There are varying degrees of rosacea, however, these can be summarised in the following categories:
It is typical to experience symptoms across the sub-types; these symptoms may also progressively get worse, so early diagnosis and treatment is of paramount importance. Several theories have been put forward as to the cause, one is that the sebaceous glands may be infected with a skin mite, Demodex folliculorum. However, in skin biopsies, the mite was only present in one in five rosacea sufferers.
The condition has also been linked to mercury fillings and infection of the stomach, Helicobacter pylori. It is thought rosacea maybe be caused by problems with the immune system as it targets antibodies against certain sebaceous glands. It may be any one of these triggers or a combination of them that gives rise to the onset of rosacea. Personally, I find if I eliminate sugars and yeast from my diet then my skin is much healthier.
Action plan to treat rosacea
Your doctor may recommend a low dose antibiotic (tetracycline) to reduce symptoms, there are other things that you can try. It is important though that you consult a doctor if you start to get rosacea in your eyelids, it’s called blepharitis. It’s characterised by itchy, red eyes a little similar to conjunctivitis.
How you can help reduce the aggravation of rosacea
How diet and lifestyle affect rosacea breakouts
Most rosacea sufferers have dehydrated skin, drink plenty of water. Keep your body thermostat cool, sip cold drinks and do not have excessively hot baths.
Avoid stimulants, alcohol, spicy foods, cigarettes, and caffeine. Alcohol in particular dilates the blood vessels to make them more visible. It is vital to wear a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or apply a product with zinc or titanium oxide to protect the skin.
Keep a diary and make a note of any trigger factors. Dairy, yeast and sugar can be contributors to rosacea.
Rejuvenated Supplements
H3O Hydration and H3O Night Repair both contain powerful anti-inflammatory and are excellent for hydration levels.
Collagen Shots have been found to reduce the severity of rosacea as it strengthens connective tissue and acai berry is believed to increase the strength of vascular walls.
Rejuvenated Skin Perfecting Complex has been formulated to help with rosacea, acne and eczema. It has a host of skin calming ingredients to soothe and reduce irritation.
Which top skincare products to help rosacea?
What treatments will help rosacea?
Ellipse IPL will target red skin cells and blood capillaries. By exposing vascular lesions to the short pulses of light the heat coagulates the broken blood vessels which are dispersed naturally by the body. IPL gives a good reduction in general redness and is successful with individual broken capillaries.
LED Lights are specially designed to create chemical reactions within the skin tissue. The great thing is they are pain-free and a series of treatments can reduce redness and inflammation. Results continue to improve over a 6-month period. Suggested equipment: Light Fusion Facial in Salon and FaceLITE for home
TTC Natural Enzyme Peel - This ultimate adaptive treatment is an enzyme-based all-natural skin peel.
This masque’s dual-action helps to treats dead skin cells, comedones, blackheads, acne and rosacea which will assist in keeping your skin looking its best. It will also help to nourish, restore and deeply hydrate – a unique combination that is essential to achieving ideal skin.
Head to our online shop to browse the products mentioned and don’t hesitate to get in touch for tailored advice on how to combat the appearance of rosacea.
With people wearing face coverings to help keep the coronavirus infection rate down, “maskne” (aka mask acne) is becoming a more common skin issue. With clients suffering from chapped and irritated skin on their mouth, chin and jawline as a result of wearing a face covering, we have put together some advice on how to manage the symptoms of this frustrating, uncomfortable and, at times, painful condition.
Face coverings can rub and irritate the skin so, if you’re prone to breakouts, wearing a face-covering will amplify the condition. A mask also traps the breath which causes an increase in humidity and temperature in this region. As the skin temperature increases, so does circulation and sweating, and this combination of friction and heat means accelerated oil and cell production.
Increased sweating can result in clogging and congestion of the skin - the warm, moist environment is the ideal breeding ground for acne conditions.
Initially, the skin may feel rough, but it gradually becomes bumpy, and then starts to develop more blackheads, raised papules and painful spots.
There are several steps to reducing these breakouts. Firstly, we advise you to wear a clean mask or face covering each day. Reusable fabric face coverings should be washed and left to dry thoroughly.
Trying to reduce bacterial build-up is beneficial for the skin but also ensures essential hygiene necessary for controlling coronavirus risks, too. Taking the mask off for a period, if it is appropriate to do so, will also give your skin some respite.
Avoid wearing make-up underneath a mask if at all possible or wear mineral-based makeup, such as Mii Minerals, which will not clog your skin, but will heal and protect your skin instead.
A face wash with salicylic acid is an excellent choice as it reduces clogging and has anti-inflammatory action. We would recommend the Active Cleanser by Priori - this cleanser uses lactic and salicylic acids which will naturally exfoliate and decongest the skin. Ensure that you cleanse your skin twice a day. In an evening, it's important to double cleanse - the first cleanse to remove the days build up and your makeup, the second cleanse to really clean your skin.
Gentle and regular exfoliation with a mild exfoliator is an important addition to the regimen. This prevents the follicles and pores from becoming blocked.
Keeping skin hydrated with a light or matte moisturiser will improve the skin’s barrier, help regulate sebum production and reduce irritation. Perfect Matte fluid by Thalgo is a great option as this minimises the appearance of pores and gives an anti-shine correction.
When choosing a spot treatment, opt for a less drying formula like the Gel Perfector by Priori, this contains lactic and salicylic acids which give excellent results for clearing your breakouts.
Breakouts may not be the only concern, though. Contact dermatitis or eczema can develop in these pressure areas where masks or face coverings abrade the skin. Apart from red and sensitive patches, skin can even become raw and weeping.
To ease discomfort and pain, restore your lipid barrier with soothing barrier products such as Barrier Restore by Priori or Nutri soothing cream by Thalgo. Cleanse with gentle cleansing milk and keep skin well moisturised. Avoid artificially fragranced products, or those with astringent botanicals, as not only will they sting on application, but they can increase redness and aggravate the sensitivity.
Treatment masks to be used at home can also be very beneficial as this is like having your own mini facial treatment and will give a long-lasting, deeper result.
For further advice, we offer free skincare consultations.
Your early teens can be when problems start with your skin. Navigating your first skincare routine can be particularly confusing. Your skin may be either dry, oily, dehydrated and spotty, or congested with blackheads and sensitive. This may not always be at the same time but you’ve got to figure out how to deal with it.
The products we use as teenagers actually helps set up our skin for later on in life. Think of your youthful skin as the foundation that your skin starts from. When you’re young, your skin is functioning fantastically, so taking care of your skin the right way early in life means you won’t be making up for lost time in years to come.
Cleanser
Gentle washes tend to be best for any skin type since they’re the least likely to strip the skin’s natural barrier. A foaming cleanser, which helps with oiliness, or a cleanser containing salicylic acid or lactic acid are great at treating acne. If you’re wearing makeup, micellar water is great as a pre-cleanse step in your routine.
Serum
Teenage skin needs the same sort of environmental protection as adult skin does. This means antioxidants are key. Vitamin C will fend off pollution and help brighten skin. Vitamin C also helps with collagen production to reduce acne markings post-breakout and keeps the skin protected against UV light and pollutants.
Retinoids
We know how retinoids should become a part of anyone’s skincare routine by the time they hit their late twenties, because of their anti-ageing effects. The vitamin A derivative can also be effective for teens as it considerably reduces acne.
Exfoliation
This is essential and needs to be done one to two times per week. Exfoliating the skin removes dead skin cells, smooths texture, encourages cellular turnover and improves the absorption of the products you apply.
Moisturisers
On the moisturising front, opt for a lighter lotion instead of a heavy cream. Whether you’re dry, oily, or a little bit of both, most teenage skins prefer a lighter texture. Don’t feel the need to skip a moisturiser, this is important to protect your skins natural protective layer, avoids bacteria invasion and the skin to become dehydrated.
SPF
This is a must and needs to be applied every day! You must protect the skin from ultraviolet light damage.
Sharon’s tip!
Wash your pillowcases and makeup brushes regularly. These are the areas that sweat, dirt and bacteria are likely to build up and then this could cause congestion and breakouts within your skin.
Lastly and most importantly, always remove all makeup before going to bed - your face will thank you for it!
Why is everyone talking about Collagen drinks?
Discover the benefits of drinking Rejuvenated Collagen Shots daily to promote:
• More radiant skin
• Delay the signs of ageing
• Boost natural collagen, elastin and hydration
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
• Nourish the whole body from the inside out
• Improves your Hair, nails & joint tendons
What are Collagen Shots?
Collagen Shots are a unique high potency drink with 10,000mg of hydrolysed marine collagen in a clinically researched formulation, to supplement collagen levels, support hydration of the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
It works more effectively in the dermis with the aid of hyaluronic acid and a combination of peptides, antioxidants, vitamin C, copper and zinc, which have proven EFSA (European Food Standard Agency) Efficacy.
Why do I need to take Collagen Shots?
After the age of 25, our collagen level diminishes by up to 1.5% per year, this is an easy and pleasant way to supplement those levels.
Can Collagen Improve your Skin?
Skin is the largest organ in the body giving protection from the outside world. Collagen levels are key in providing support for youthful skin, connective tissue, joints, hair and nails. Special cells within your skin called fibroblasts are responsible for making the extracellular matrix and collagen.
These fibroblasts continually produce collagen, however as you age this production slows and existing collagen is further damaged with exposure to sun, smoking and poor diet. The collagen matrix weakens and shows signs of fine lines, wrinkles with a loss of youthful plumpness.
Benefits to your body:
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, not just in your skin but also in your hair, nails, joints tendons and soft tissue. Our customers have reported improvements in:
• The strength and appearance of their hair and nails.
• Improvement in the appearance of cellulite – ‘heal your body by giving it the best environment to take care of itself.’ Dr Murad.
• It may assist with joint health. Collagen is the key protein in joint cartilage. As the characteristics of collagen hydrolysate are similar to those in the cartilage matrix it may provide building blocks for cartilage tissue.
Benefits to your skin
Your skin is incredible, it grows with you, protects you from the outside environment and by giving it good nutrition you can help to keep it healthy and glowing. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your skin, it provides the strength and elasticity to keep your skin firm. It is often described as the building block for healthy skin but over time production slows down, which leads to a reduction in elasticity and hydration.
Using our high strength formula you can stimulate your skin’s natural production of collagen to protect, nourish and firm skin from within.
Collagen Drinks compared to tablets and creams
Collagen Shots come in a freeze-dried formula for maximum freshness and potency allowing for 10,000 mg per serving.
To achieve the same dosage in tablet form it would take around 20 tablets per serving, which would be impractical.
Over recent years there has been much debate scientifically as to whether it is possible for collagen creams to penetrate the dermis. The general consensus is that it is not as the molecular structure is too big to allow penetration. It would seem logical that taking high strength collagen will give the best results.
How long does it take to see a difference?
Everyone is different; it depends upon an individuals physiology. Typically you will feel a difference in hydration levels first, check the skin on your elbows before and in 10 days time.
What can I expect?
It is a subtle difference, finer lines, brighter, glowing, more hydrated skin – it isn’t a dramatic change – not one where someone will say to you ‘What have you done?’ more likely it would be ‘ You look well, what are you using.
What happens when you stop taking Collagen Shots?
Once you stop taking them the levels of collagen gradually decline and your skin will slowly go back to its original condition…. I promise though you will be addicted and will want to continue.
Where do you source your fish?
The fish used for Collagen Shots is sustainably sourced from free running fresh water and of European origin. The types of fish are white flesh, such as sea bass.
Is there a potential for heavy metals and mercury? We don’t source fish from the sea because of potential heavy metal contamination.
Why are Collagen Shots in a powder?
By using freeze-dried ingredients you can be assured of 100% potency over the time you drink Collagen Shots. Currently, there is not a recognised method of putting such formulas into a ready-made drink without heat treating the ingredients to pasteurise them, it's believed this process can affect the potency of collagen and vitamin C.
The question has arisen that ‘does my body still absorb Collagen Shots if it is not fully absorbed’.
Collagen Shots are fully absorbed as you only have to hold a small amount on your tongue to see how quickly the digestive juices break down the powder.
Do I have to drink Collagen Shots with water?
Our customers drink Collagen Shots in everything from their morning smoothie to a latté whatever you will enjoy it in most.
Can I take Collagen Shots when I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
All our products are totally natural but we would always recommend that you consult a doctor or medical practitioner if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication.
Discover the benefits of drinking collagen for beautiful skin.
High strength award-winning Collagen Shots drink with skin-firming antioxidants and vitamins.
10,000 mg hydrolysed marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, acai berry super antioxidant, combined with vitamin B3, B5, C with zinc and copper.
Rejuvenated collagen shots - £43.95
Comes in a 30 serving pouch
The skin around the eyes is fragile, more prone to dryness and quicker to show age and fatigue. The eyes are often the area to show the first signs of ageing. Squinting and constant movement of the eyes hastens the appearance of lines and wrinkles and fluids collect under the eyes causing puffiness and dark circles. Eye creams can address some of these issues.
Applying eye cream should be the final step in your skincare routine every day, both in the morning and at night. The one exception - you should apply sunscreen after eye cream!
Eye creams are formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eye, so they tend to be thicker but very light in texture. They contain more oil than regular facial creams, and they have a lot of active ingredients aimed at the problems we see around the eyes. Face cream can be too rich and heavy for the eye area, which eventually may lead to puffiness and bags.
We would strongly recommend everyone starts to use an eye gel or cream from their early 20s - by the time you reach 25, the collagen in your skin starts to deplete year on year. If you start using an eye product early, prevention is far easier than cure and can really help prevent premature ageing and crows feet.
Use your ring finger as this will apply minimal pressure. Use the size of a grain of rice for each eye, apply in a circular motion from the bridge of the nose across, under the brow, circle on the temples and under the eye around the eye socket. Only apply to the eyelid if the cream is suitable for this area.
Using an eye patch once to twice per week will help to reduce puffiness and dark circles. Eye patches are exceptionally hydrating and cooling for the delicate eye area.
Are you wondering how to get smooth legs and clear skin? The answer is simpler than you might think.
When it comes to cleansing the skin on your face, back, chest and even your bottom, exfoliation is the most effective and preventative way of eliminating acne or folliculitis. To put it simply, exfoliation is the process of removing the dead layer of skin cells from the top layers of your skin. This layer can cause skin issues by clogging healthy pores. When pores become blocked and inflamed, they can cause conditions like folliculitis. Not all types of exfoliation are equal. You can exfoliate with both scrubs and chemical treatments.
So, are chemical or physical exfoliants better? Let’s look into physical exfoliation vs. chemical exfoliation to help you decide which to choose.
The chances are that you’re already familiar with physical exfoliation. You may have previously used nice-smelling scrubs, touting ingredients like apricot which work as abrasives to physically remove the dead skin cells as you wash and scrub. Physical exfoliants show you quick results as they are literally using force to buff off the dead skin cells. They also generally have fewer chemical interactions than other skincare products as well as promoting blood circulation to the face.
An exfoliating scrub falls short when it comes to delicate skin. While the abrasives in the scrubs are good for removing skin cells on a normal skin type, using them on delicate skin could cause irritation which is something you want to avoid! What's more, for issues on the bottom like folliculitis, the irritation could actually make things worse. If you are unsure about whether you have delicate or normal skin, we recommend speaking with one of our skin specialists.
To better understand the physical exfoliation vs. chemical exfoliation dilemma, let’s take a look at the latter.
The word chemical may evoke thoughts of toxic substances however, for exfoliation purposes, these chemicals are incredibly safe and natural. The two main types of chemical exfoliators are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA’s).
AHA’s work superficially to interrupt the bonds holding together dead skin cells. BHA’s, on the other hand, have an affinity for oil and are great at penetrating deep into pores - perfect for people with acne issues. Lactic acids AHA’s and Salicylic acid BHA’s can both be found in our Priori range.
Of course, there are drawbacks to using a chemical exfoliant too. While using a BHA exfoliant or any salicylic acid product is simple enough, you need to consider how long you’re willing to wait for results. It’s gentle, will encourage a clearer, smoother, softer skin; fantastically anti-ageing. But this doesn’t happen overnight.
In truth, the main downside of chemical exfoliators is that they are not as fast-acting as physical scrubbing. This is because it takes a little time for the chemicals to break apart the bonds holding the dead skin cells. On the other hand, using a physical exfoliant, such as a scrub, offers much faster results that some will prefer.
So, whichever method you choose to gain that beautiful smooth skin, exfoliating is a must. Contact our skin specialists to discuss the correct method and what products to use for your skin type.
The Priori 2xfoliant Peel and Scrub is both a physical and chemical exfoliant. Simply use as a scrub or leave on the skin as a mask and let the AHAs get to work!
The Thalgo Revitalising Marine Scrub is the perfect luxurious physical exfoliator. With its creamy and soothing texture due to Chondrus crispus red algae, this scrub delicately exfoliates the skin. Feeling smooth and toned, the skin is ideally prepared for the application of skincare products.
To achieve beautiful skin, there are some simple steps you can do at home regardless of skin type.
CLEANSE
No matter what skin type you are, you need to cleanse the skin. Just rinsing it with water can be detrimental to your complexion. Water alone does not remove the daily debris and doesn’t prepare the skin for the application of further products. The key is to make sure you are using the correct cleanser for your skin type. For example, use a cream cleanser for dry skin or a lightweight wash off cleanser for a combination/ oily skin.
TONE
This is such an important part of your daily routine. All skin types need to be toned. Skipping this stage can leave the skin vulnerable to dehydration. Toners help to rebalance skin after cleansing by resetting the skins PH levels, therefore increasing absorption of active ingredients.
SERUM
This is the stage that is often missing from a daily routine, however, this is what makes the difference between good skin and fantastic skin. Serums allow you to target particular areas of concern, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, sensitivity, dehydration and so on.
A serum is the most active product you can apply to your skin and is often referred to as an insurance policy to protect you against ageing.
EYE CREAM
The earlier you incorporate an eye cream into your routine the better. This is where we show our age quite quickly. Eye creams/gels will treat dehydration lines, dark circles and puffiness. The skin around the eyes is finer and far more delicate than the rest of your face and therefore needs eye products that are specificity formulated for this area
MOISTURISER
All skin types need a moisturiser even oily! Oily skin is often dehydrated. Not using a moisturiser can lead to itchy dry skin, flaking, fine lines, sensitivity and more. Choosing the correct moisturiser for your skin type is important, if you like the texture and how it makes your skin feel you are more likely to use it.
SPF
Don’t go without one. Apply an SPF every day it is your environmental shield.
Always use a physical SPF on your face, it’s far less irritating, It sits on the skin and reflects the UV rays away. A chemical SPF is absorbed into the skin and absorbs the UV rays and scatters them.
EXFOLIATE AND MASK
This need to be done 1-2 times per week on average. An oily skin around every 10 days. Exfoliating the skin boosts the microcirculation and increases the cell turnover, the skin will look brighter and feel smoother. It’s always useful to apply a treatment mask after exfoliating this gives the skin that feeling of a mini facial at home. Treatment masks help to lock in moisture, absorb excess oil, improve the appearance of open pores, fine lines and wrinkles.
Perimenopause usually starts in a woman’s 40s. This is the phase when the body starts to slow down making hormones and this usually occurs 3- 4 years before the menopause phase.
Menopause, being the time when a woman hasn’t had a period for a consecutive 12 months, indicates that the ovaries have stopped producing oestrogen. As women reach middle age they face all sorts of hormonal changes, internally and externally.
So, why does this impact the skin? The decrease in oestrogen is the main culprit of accelerating the ageing of the skin.
Wrinkles and sagging: Oestrogen helps to distribute fat deposits evenly under the skin. During menopause, this tends to be more focused around the stomach, bottom and thighs. The face, neck and arms have a lesser amount of supportive fat in these areas and therefore start to sag. Deep joy!
Proteins: Collagen and elastin are also partly controlled by oestrogen and therefore lose the ability to repair and reproduce this import protein as efficiently. These proteins are the ‘springs’ that we need the keep our skin supple.
Sun Damage: Melanocytes, are the cells that make the pigment melanin. Melanin is our natural protection from uv rays. These are also under the control of oestrogen meaning that we produce less during menopause leaving the skin more prone to sun damage. ie- pigmentation.
Hot flashes/flushes: Sudden heat to the skin and excessive sweating. This again is caused by a reduction in oestrogen. This causes capillaries to be more dilated, the body temperature to rise and an increase in the heart rate. This can result in the skin being more sensitive than it was and thread veins appearing on the face, neck and décolleté.
What do we offer here at Serenity to improve this?
Wrinkles and sagging - CACI treatment; Thalgo Silicium Cream.
Proteins - iBeauty iSmooth; Thalgo Redensifying Cream.
Sun Damage - Priori Peels; Ellipse skin rejuvenation; Priori Qsod Brightening Serum.
Hot flashes/flushes - Ellipse thread vein treatment; Priori DNA Intense Recovery Cream or Thalgo Nutrisoothing Cream.
During facial treatments and skin consultations, many of our clients ask questions like “Why do I have a spotty forehead?”, or “Why have I got spotty cheeks?”. To answer, Sharon our skin expert often refers to Chinese face mapping. This 3000-year-old practise is commonly known as mien shiang (which directly translates to “face reading”). Similar to reflexology points in the feet, it maps different organs to various sections of the face, which may give very telling signs as to what your spots really mean.
What are the different zones in Chinese face mapping and what’s causing breakouts in these areas?
Zone A: Digestive System – High amounts of fat in the diet can lead to spotty outbreaks on the forehead.
Zone B: Liver – A high alcohol or dairy intake can cause this area to flare up, as well as possible food allergies.
Zone C: Kidneys – Spots close to the ear and dark circles around the eyes are usually caused by dehydration.
Zone D: Heart – High blood pressure, caused by fatty foods and lack of fruit or vegetables in the diet.
Zone E: Lungs – Smokers may find they’re more prone to outbreaks along the cheeks.
Zone F: Hormones – Women find this zone a major key indicator of stress and hormonal changes within certain times of the month.
Zone G: Stomach – This area is most prone to breakouts when the diet has been very rich and foods have been particularly difficult to digest.
With that in mind, it seems clear that healthy lifestyle choices (i.e. reducing alcohol intake, increasing your water intake, eating less fatty foods) are all key elements to a healthier complexion.
Here at Serenity, we house a range of treatments that are great for both clearing up spot prone skin and ridding you of your acne scars for good.
Your skin is your most visible organ, so if you’re having problems or still over-indulging, it’s sure to let you know about it! There’s plenty of treatments out there to improve problematic skin.
Get in touch with the team at Serenity to book your free skin consultation, where our experts, including Sharon, will discuss and advise the best treatment options for you. Call us on 01625 877875, email info@serenitypoynton.co.uk, or click here to book now!
Eczema is a skin condition that causes inflamed, red skin that becomes very dry and itchy. Usually, it’s diagnosed in children, but it can flare up in adulthood too. Eczema can get particularly bad over the winter when the air is drier, so here are our top tips to help you cope with your flare-ups this winter.
Skip Hot Baths
Heat can cause the skin to dry out, so you should try not to get into scorching hot baths this winter, no matter how tempting it is. If you really can’t go without a bath, make sure it’s just warm water and try to do this less often than you usually would. After you get out of the bath, it’s important that you don’t rub your skin with the towel to dry, as this will only irritate your eczema and cause it to itch even more. Instead, pat yourself dry and make sure you moisturise straight away. Emollient moisturisers like petroleum jelly are great to use as they hydrate the skin as well as forming a protective layer.
Use Gentle Cleansers
Always keep your eyes peeled for fragrance, alcohol and dye-free cleansers as these will be less harsh on the skin. We would recommend using our Priori TTC Naturally Enriched Cleanser, which is specially formulated to leave you feeling soothed and revitalised and can be bought for just £40. Christmas is the time of year when you might receive lots of nice smellies, but if you are prone to eczema flare-ups then avoid using them! If you’re really sensitive, you might need to keep an eye out for gentle laundry detergent too, as this will rub off from your clothes straight onto your skin – look for a detergent that’s suitable for sensitive skin.
Stay Hydrated and Moisturised
Staying hydrated is always important, but if your skin is starting to get dry and itchy, the first thing you can do is have a glass of water. It’s not going to cure you, but it will relieve the itching slightly after a short while. Try to moisturise with thick cream at least once a day, and again look for products that are for sensitive skin, as anything else will only make your eczema worse!
If you have any questions about your skin or would like to speak to one of our experts, don’t hesitate to call Serenity on 01625 877875. We also offer free skin consultations from our team of experienced skin experts, where they will advise you on what kinds of products are best suited for your skin type.
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!