Adult Acne

March 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Increase in adult acne!

Over the last few years there has been an increase in acne among adults. There are many factors that can cause acne and several types of acne.

I have never suffered from acne personally but I have treated many of my clients over the years and with great success. I believe that there isn’t a one size fits all solution and that every single one of my clients has had to be treated as an individual. This is how I treat every single person that comes to me with a skincare issue.

There are 4 grades of acne 

  • Grade I – Pimples, commedones (blackheads) and milia (whiteheads) these appear in small clusters but are not inflamed and appear and disappear on the skin. This can be treated with skincare products and a good skincare routine.
  • Grade II – Pimples,  commedones (blackheads) and milia (whiteheads) appear in larger numbers over the face and sometimes the upper body. They will appear inflamed with redness around the areas of congestion. Papules and pustules will start to form if left untreated. This can be treated with a skincare products and a good skincare routine. Avoid squeezing the inflamed areas.
  • Grade III – Papules and pustules are more apparent. The skin appears more red and inflamed. Nodules (lumps) appear under the skin and if left untreated there is an increased risk of scarring. The papules and pustules can become infected at this stage and this is the main reason for the scarred tissue know as pitting. this type of acne will need treatment by a dermatologist. This may be a topical and oral medication type of treatment over a period of several months.
  • Grade IV – This is the most sever kind of acne. The skin is over sensitised and there are more papules, pustules, milia and commedones. The skin appears very inflamed. The acne can cover the face, neck, upper arms and torso. This type of acne is also known as cystic acne. Cysts and nodules are more apparent and there is a very high chance of scarring on the skin. This type of acne can only be treated by a dermatologist.

Many acne sufferers try to cover up their breakouts with make up but this can make the problem worse. Some of my clients have stripped there skin with alcohol based products thinking this will stop the oil. In fact it increases the sebum (oil) production.

Getting good skincare advice from a skin therapist will help. Some products containing benzyl peroxide or salicylic acids  are great for reducing the sebum and exfoliating the excessive skin cells that cause acne.

Treatment Advice

  • Don’t pick or squeeze the pimples this can lead to scarring.
  • Avoid using harsh and irritating products on the skin, they cause breakouts.
  • Let your skin breathe. Caking it in make up isn’t going to help the acne especially if the make up contains pore clogging ingredients.
  • Don’t over clean your skin. By this I mean washing twice daily is enough anymore and you will over sensitise the skin and make it more irritable.
  • If you think you have more than Grade II acne speak with your GP who can start you on treatment or refer you to a dermatologist.

If you’d like to talk to me about your skin. You can contact me through the website.

Joyce xx

 

 

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Image Skincare – A reviewers diary – Ageing Skin

November 8, 2011 by 5 Comments

A while ago i asked for testers to help me test a new skincare range i was thinking about investing in. I would like to thank her for volunteering to be a tester for this blog post. I asked Denise to keep a daily diary for me and take a before and after photo and note any changes to her skin.

The diary below is in Denise’s own words and I haven’t edited it at all.

Here’s the daily diary of Denise

Before

Tuesday – pm – I have no make up on and am taking a picture of my skin ekk! The Vital C smells wonderful – all warm oranges. After washing off the cleanser face feels seems much brighter. I’ve used the hydrating repair creme and it sinks into my skin – big tick.
Wednesday am – Face feels very moisturized, I have a wrinkle starting by my nose, I am watching this week to see if the anti aging creme will have any effect. I also get really spotty if I am stressed, I am really spotting at the mo.
Wednesday pm – Tried cleaning my face with my makeup on, am surprised that the cleanser actually removes my makeup and my face is clean – covering my spots does require a lot of makeup!!
Thursday am – After cleaning and mosturising my face I have applied the sunscreen today. I usually wait around 15 minutes between mousturising and putting my makeup on. The sunscreen is still sitting on my face so I need to wipe it off before I can get my foundation on.
Thursday pm – Am trying the masque tonight. After cleaning my face I pop the masque on, its really really creamy and also smells yummy. It says it is exfoliating – not sure about this – will see when I rinse off.
Not exfoliating at all. But skin is very very hydrated.
Friday am – Urgh, my skin is feeling really clogged up and I can feel new bumps under my skin. I usually use a toner to get a deep clean feel and I am missing it. Stick with the program though and cleanse and moisturizse.
Friday pm – OK I am climbing the bathroom walls now and have given in to the toner. My face feels really congested so a bit of a quick swipe with my toner (sorry).
Saturday am – Put the masque on and sit and watch junk TV to make up for using the toner! My face is feeling really soft. Checking the wrinkle and there is absolutely no change. The masque washes off really easily and I opt just for the anti aging cream as both creams are too heavy for me.
Saturday pm – I have a new spot and I am getting a bit grumpy with the cleanser being more of a cold cream than a cleanser,
Sunday am – cleanse and exfoliate, not happy. Skin is definitely brighter and softer so moisture is going in but I am sooo clogged up I want to go to a sauna.
Sunday pm – had no makeup on today so a really quick cleanse and moisturise.
Monday am – I am so happy today is the last day. I am going to scrub my face the minute I get in from work.
Monday pm – my face is cleaned within an inch of its life. I have probably over done it. But I have used the hydrating repair creme after a scrub and toner and my face feels soo much better now.
After
Overall – this product is not for me. It smells wonderful and is really rich and creamy, I would use for adding moisture to my face but the cleansing process was missing actually cleaning beyond the surface of my face. The cleanser removed the makeup no problem but my face never felt clean. Adding more and more product to my face just clogged my skin up more and with the congestion I already get this was horrible. The exfoliator didn’t exfoliate – it was creamy but had no grain in it to remove anything. The sunscreen was too heavy for my skin and sat on top making my skin feel really greasy. Following the instructions of putting the sunscreen over the moisturiser was too much for my face.
I liked the repair cream that went into my face well and did make my skin softer and feel less dry.
There was absolutely no change what so ever to my wrinkle or the un-eveness of my complexion.
9 out of 10 for the hydrating repair cream as a moisturiser only.
can’t even rate the rest of the products as I didn’t like them at all.
Denise
I would like to thank Denise for her honesty and for persisting with the skincare routine even though it was tough of her!!
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Palmers launch – Daily Skincare Range!

August 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I was on facebook one day and it was just at the right moment to see a competition to win the new Palmers Skincare range. I never win anything but I thought I’d give it a go and see. Imagine my surprise when I was selected out of 25000 people. The winners would be the first 25 to email. I couldn’t believe it when I got the email to say I’d won!!

Well my package arrived about 10 days later and I have been trying them out over the last few days. They smell gorgeous and I love the feel of the products too. Palmers are and age old company and started out in the USA. They are still going strong after starting out in the mid 19th century. They were taken over in 1971 by ET Browne and have grown from strength to strength since then. In the range is:

Daily calming facial Lotion RRP £5.95

Line Smoothing Eye Cream RRP £6.95

Night Renewal Cream RRP £6.95

Daily Cleansing Gel RRP £3.95

Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub RRP £ 5.95

I absolutely love the range. Its great value for the budget conscious and the range has everything you need to complete your daily routine. They all smell lush too! For more information on the range visit the Palmer’s website.

*All images are from ET Browne’s website*

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Are you wearing the right colour foundation?

August 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Are you gulity of the stripe of colour under the jawline? Does your make up look like a mask? Maybe you are wearing it to hide behind a mask!

Foundation is there to give you an even complexion. There are so many different types of foundation available that choosing one can be disheartening at times.

To choose the right colour foundation you need to test it on your face and not your hand.

In the picture above I have 4 stripes of colour. The 2nd one from the right you can’t see. This is my perfect match foundation. If you can’t see it then thats the one to choose. The other 3 colours are very obvious on my skin so they wouldn’t be the right for me.

Foundation can be mixed with moisturiser to give a sheerer coverage. A 50/50 mix of both products will blend well into the skin.

If you would like a consultation contact me here

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I NEED your help! Testers wanted..

August 15, 2011 by 35 Comments

 

I am looking for 2 people to test and review a new range of skincare that i’m thinking of using in my skincare centre. The skincare comes in the form of a 7 day kit.

1. The first person must be over 40 and have a good skincare regime. Some fine lines and skin dehydration would be good too. The kit contains products that must be used according to the instructions and a daily diary kept. Then an overall review written with before and after photos.

2. The second person must be aged 20-30 and be suffering from Grade 2-3 acne. That is where you have more than blackheads but less than aggravated papules. You must not be on any medication from a Dr or Dermatologist. This will affect the results. The kit contains 5 products that must be used according to the instructions and a daily diary kept. Then an overall review written with before and after photos.

Please leave your name below and I will contact you for more details.

Thanks

Joyce x

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Sensitive Skin – Skin Condition or Skin Type

June 12, 2011 by 2 Comments


A skin condition isn’t the same as a skin type. I hear so many people say “I have sensitive skin” and think they can only use products for that. If you know what makes your skin sensitised then the answer is to stop using the product. If you treat the sensitivity you should be able to then treat the skin type when the sensitivity calms down.

Skin Conditions

Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis, Sensitivity, Rosacea, Acne, Milia (aka whiteheads), Commedones (aka blackheads), Dehydration.

There is a treatment for all of theses skin conditions. Some of these conditions are hormonal or hereditary. Long term used of prescribed medication can have side effects and cause irritation too. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t used them. If you follow the instructions carefully you should be ok. If any product causes redness, itching or burning stop using it immediately.

Skin Types

Dry, Oily, Normal – Skin can also be a combination of any of these skin types. Check your products and see if they are the right one for your skin type. Excessive use of some products can cause sensitivity and products that are too harsh will strip the skin of its acid mantle – protective layer. Skin needs oil to prevent dryness, a little bit is good.

For advice contact me!

www.bridesandbeauty.co.uk

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Today’s Post is all About Margarita Bloom

June 9, 2011 by 4 Comments

 

Tell me a bit about yourself and your business?

My name is Regina which in Latin means “Queen” *wink wink* I’m the beauty and brains behind Margarita Bloom. I’m just a girl who loves beautiful things, glamour and life’s little luxuries!!! To put it simply, here’s me….I love Paris. I love fashion. I love luxury. I love Pinups. I love glamour. I love poetry. Shakespeare & Poe. I love sunshine and pretty flowers, sparkling water, cute furry puppies and kitties. I love Mother Nature. I love rockin tunes like “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele to Goldfrapp, Marilyn Monroe “I wanna be loved by you” and Etta James’s “At Last”. I love the BEACH!, sun, sand between my toes and refreshing breezes from the ocean. I adore Marilyn Monroe and anything from Old Hollywood. Sigh…I love chocolate and thoroughly enjoy experiencing new foods and drinks. Pictures and words inspire me and I in turn LOVE to inspire people.

I’ve taken all that and entwined it into my Beauty Company, “Margarita Bloom” to create Retro inspired bath & skincare goodies. Our company is light hearted and totally fun while having super fabulous skincare items to pamper yourself with which I think is a necessary luxury in anybody’s life. Sometimes when life gets stressful we need to have some downtime; some time to have fun, laugh, be light-hearted, and just be happy! Our products were made to have darling names like our “Lulu and the Volleyball Instructor” Coconut Lemongrass Scrub to our “Tea and Crumpets” Cream cheese Frosting Body Balm so when you read them….you smile! They have amazing scents so when you sniff them, you go ahhhh…and smile and when you use them…well by that time the bathroom door has closed and BLISS has arrived. lol… One of my favorite parts of my business is getting to know my peeps, getting their feedback on our products, what did they like, didn’t like, their opinions on packaging and types of goodies they’d like to see at Margarita Bloom. I really want to get their input to continue having wonderful products they’ll love for a lifetime.

Website: http://www.margarita-bloom.com

Twitter: twiter.com/margaritabloom

Where are you based? We’re based in the USA. Though we do not have a physical boutique we are an online boutique found at www.margarita-bloom.com and we can ship to many locations outside of the USA.

When did you establish your business? Margarita Bloom came to life around 2006.

Why did you decide to start this business? I always knew I wanted to have my own business even when I was little. It took me some time to figure out what I wanted to do because I needed to be passionate about it. I needed to LOVE it so I could give 200% and more to it. When you’re passionate about something you love doing, success is sure to follow. When I discovered this amazing world of beauty I was hooked and I’ve never lost interest in it. Every day is an adventure with meeting new customers, creating new products, sniffing new scents and more.

What’s your unique selling point? We’re retro, doll! Va va Voom Vintage, Glamorous and Gorgeous and of course everything is made fresh at the time we receive an order, only the best for our peeps!

What’s you best selling product? It’s funny because our customers always say, “I want everything!” lol…so everything! *wink wink* Some of our best selling goodies to give you some ideas would be our Cupcake Love Soaps, Bramble Briar & Rose Luxe Milk Soak, Antoinette’s Rose Garden Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Soaks, I Smell Delicious Roll on Parfume Oils and so much more.

Who’s your target market? Anyone and everyone who wants to be pampered and smell sweet.

Why do you think more people are buying natural products? I think from the beginning of time people have been enraptured with using plants and other materials from Mother Nature to beautify themselves. Look at Cleopatra…she adored baths in milk, honey and rose petals, and used Jojoba Oil on her face for her complexion. She even travelled to the Dead Seas to use the minerals and muds located there. The idea of using plants and oils from nature & refining it into a usable item that you can add to lotions, potions and scrubs and so on I think is timeless and has never changed and will always be there.

Can your products be used on any age customer? Yes, they can. Of course, always use supervision with children. You don’t want them taking a bite for example of our Cute Cupcake Soaps….they may look tasty but they sure don’t taste tasty! lol..

Do you ship your products worldwide? But of course! If our shopping cart isn’t setup for a particular location, feel free to email us and ask if we can ship to your country. We’re always looking to expand and beautify more peeps!

I just wanted to say thank you Joyce for this wonderful interview! I’m so glad I was able to meet you through my company! You’re a true Margarita Bloom gal! xoxo

Here are all the lovely soaps I bought. Delicious all of them… I had the whole Geisha Glamarama range. click here to get yours!

Visit Margarita Bloom for fun retro soaps and pampering products! Treat yourself or someone else.

 

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New Make Up to be launched from Illamasqua

June 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I know I keep ranting on about Illamasqua but I truly haven’t been in love with a make up as much as this before now! I had the honour of being one of the 1st people to try out one of the new foundations being launched very soon.

I wore this foundation for the best part of 6 hours and did not feel it on my skin I had comments about how flawless it looked on me too! The thing was I had to tell people that I was wearing it because they couldn’t see it on my skin. That is what I call a perfect foundation:

  1. You can’t see it
  2. It feels like skin
  3. It has all over flawless coverage
  4. It can be applied in different ways e.g. Brush, fingers, sponge.

It comes in 18 shades to suit all skin tones.

Skin base launches this summer!!

www.illamasqua.com

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MADARA Flower Dust Lotion

June 6, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I’d like to introduce you to a wonderful Organic range of products. In particular the Flower Dust lotion. This product is so lush it goes on really well and feels silky afterwards. The Flower Dust adds a subtle sheen of glow to any skin tone. I have been trialling this product out on my brides and they all love it. It adds a bit of shimmer to the skin without the yellowness that other products I’ve used in the past give.

I recommend this product for all skin tones and anyone that wants a bit of light shimmer for their wedding day or a night out!

Madara Flower Dust Body Lotion RRP £22.00

M√É ÅDARA decocare organic flower dust shimmering moisturising body lotion gives your skin a beautiful shimmery look, the nourishing formula of M√É ÅDARA decocare organic flower dust shimmering moisturising body lotion leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

A very subtle golden glow with sparkles

Click here to find stockists

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Fushi’s New Bride And Beautiful Essential Wedding Kit

May 29, 2011 by 1 Comment

It’s not just a certain bride-to-be who’s going to want to be looking her very best on her big day when all eyes are upon her. Okay, it might not be the eyes of the world, and okay, not every bride is going to have the pick of the very best of experts to make sure everything is perfect.

Every bride does have access to Fushi’s new Bride and Beautiful Essential Wedding Kit, with complete with tried and tested remedies for glowing skin, healthy hair and even something to manage the hissy fits, so that you can positively shine on your big day.

And, since most brides want to lose a few inches before the wedding and certainly before their honeymoon, Fushi also offers something that not only boosts weight loss, but also gives energy levels a welcome boost.

The products in the kit are:

Monochrome Gift Box
Beauty Totale 60 caps
Lemon Balm & Lavender Herbal Drink 230 ml
Organic Argan oil 100 ml
Total Body Slim Complex 90 caps
A4 Age reverse Enzyme Peel 30 sachets

FUSHI’S TOTAL BODY SLIM COMPLEX is designed to complement a sensible weight loss programme. Take At least 1 month before.

 

A4 ENZYME PEELING POWDER is the bride’s essential for an even complexion and fresher looking skin. Recommended to use 1 sachet a week and start using six weeks before the big day.

BEAUTY TOTALE, an advanced skin, hair and nails nutriceutical complex with 24 very essential nutrients. Recommended to start using 1 month before D Day.

MOROCCAN ARGAN OIL, is a renowned beauty oil with outstandingly intensive moisturising effects for smoother, youthful skin and nourished hair that’s glossy and in peak condition for any styling. Start using 1 month before, massaging into skin and hair three times a week.

LEMON BALM and LAVENDER HERBAL DRINK calms the nerves and relaxes the senses.

I have been using the ‘Moroccan Argan Oil’ and taking ‘Fushi’s Total Body Slim Complex’ for the last 2 weeks.

I love the Argan oil and its really made a dramatic difference to my hair. Its softer and more manageable. It says to use it 3 times and week and that is enough. I have used it on my face and its too oily for me because I have very oily skin. I am using it on my decollete though to give that area a boost and keep it supple. Its amazing. You need such a small amount so a little goes long way! I really recommend this product.

I’m not very good at taking pills but I decided to give these a try. I have lost a bit of weight and my clothes are fitting better. You do need to think about what you eat too. Taking these is not substitute for bad eating habits. The pills are capsule shaped and you need to take them with water and food 3 times daily.

The ‘Bride and Beautiful’ kit can be purchased from Fushi or at selected Waitrose, Ocado, Daylesford Organic

 

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