Cedars IBHA

Dry Winter Skin?

Is your skin feeling dry, flakey or itchy now that the cold weather has set in?

There are steps you can take to protect your skin:

Dry Air
Heating can play havoc with your skin, if the air at home or work is very dry from heating, try a humidifier or treat yourself to some house plants to improve humidity and improve air quality! When the air is dry moisture evaporates from your skin leaving it feeling tight and dry. Dry air can also result in dry nostrils making us more prone to colds and sore throats.

Exfoliate
Removing the dead layers of skin allows fresher brighter skin to be revealed and also stops the dead skin cells acting as a barrier stopping any of the wonderful products you apply being absorbed into the skin where they are needed.
Exfoliators may be physical (brush, scrubs - ensure the grains are small and don't scrub at your skin too harshly); chemical (AHA, alpha hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid from sugar cane or BHA beta hydroxy acid such as salicylic from aspirin); or mechanical (microdermabrasion).

Moisturise
Moisturise your skin to hydrate it and don't forget your body - legs can get Winter itch this time of year so just because they are covered up doesn't mean it is time to neglect them.

Choose the correct moisturiser for you; some act as humectants - attracting water to the skin to keep it hydrated, some are emollients and contain fatty acids to soften the skin and form a protective layer on top and some are occlusives - also known as barrier creams. The occlusives leave a film on the skin to seal in moisture and slow down evaporation of water from the surface of the skin. Most moisturisers contain a mixture so if you have super dry skin head for the balms and rich creams, if your skin is a little dry an emulsion might be rich enough. Remember though, body creams are for the body and facial creams are for the face and don't forget to use an eye cream as these are specifically formulated to use around the delicate eye area.
It may be time to reassess your moisturiser and switch to something richer for a few months, if your skin is also feeling irritated use products for a sensitised skin to calm your skin, you can revert back to your lighter cream when the weather warms up.

Using serums and oils underneath your moisturiser can maximise results and keep your skin moisturised and hydrated for longer.
Take your moisturiser out with you in case you need to reapply during the day.
Remember your lips, the skin is very thin here and the cold weather can quickly cause them to become chapped so use a lip balm regularly, especially when you are venturing outside.
Hands also need looking after with hand cream and gloves in the cold.

Hot Baths
Avoid long hot baths or showers as this may dry your skin along with anti bacterial soaps or heavily perfumed soaps and shower gels.

Diet
With Christmas around the corner be wary of quick fix diets that are low in fat. A diet low in fat can leave the skin dry, irritated and sometimes more prone to acne. Increase your intake of essential fatty acids with omega rich foods such as salmon, sardines or mackerel and flax, walnuts, soybeans and spinach to keep your skin looking younger, plumper and hydrated.

Colds
Blowing your nose constantly when you have a cold can lead to a sore, itchy and red nose that even Rudolf would be jealous of! Treat yourself to some super soft tissues that contain soothing balm to protect the skin and be careful to moisturise around the nose.

Eczema
If you have eczema you may find it is worse during the Winter months so follow the tips above and also consult your doctor for a prescription to improve the eczema and relieve your itching.

Acne
Acne can get worse for some during the colder weather, this could be due to various factors; lack of sun and UV which is known to help improve the acne for some; feeling low in the colder weather or because of dark nights and mornings can increase stress levels effecting hormones and therefore increasing oil and skin cell production leading to outbreaks; lots of partying and lack of sleep can also effect hormones leading to breakouts.

Rosacea
A red, flushed skin that can be made worse in cold, dry conditions and exasperated by hot drinks and alcohol. Recognise your triggers and care for your skin to minimise flare ups.

Water
We often drink more water when the weather is hot and sunny, remember to keep up your water intake all year round to help keep you hydrated.

Coming soon to Cedars - HD BROWS

High Definition Brows, is a unique and revolutionary brow-shaping treatment which gives you the ultimate in well groomed, high definition eyebrows.

HD Brows is a high precision procedure that will transform your brows into perfectly shaped eyebrows to enhance your facial features. This isn’t just shaping and tidying - The HD Brows procedure is eyebrow artistry.

Your therapist will begin with an in depth consultation to discuss the size, shape and look you desire. A custom blended tint is applied then using an exclusive brow mapping formula we design your unique shape, using a combination of waxing plucking and threading, your brows will be shaped to perfection. Finally your brows will be sculpted using the HD Brows make up with techniques you can copy at home.

Don’t worry if there isn’t enough hair to create your perfect arch immediately, HD Brows re growth programme can help you achieve your perfect brow over time.

Introducing our new treatment LASH NV

Lash NV is the ultimate in natural lash lifting. It delivers instant results to enhance your own natural lashes to their fullest potential by lifting and tinting them. Lashes will appear visibly longer, thicker and darker to give you a wide awake look.

The full Lash NV treatment lasts around 4-6 weeks. A Lash NV lash lift is the perfect maintenance free alternative to eyelash extensions.

Specialist Cancer Massage Training Course

We're really excited to announce our latest industry approved massage course in association with Habia! This one day course will allow any massage professional to welcome clients with experience of cancer into their salon or spa. By sharing our knowledge and experience we hope that anybody who has suffered from cancer can benefit from the power of massage. Our next course starts on the 14th December so email enquiries@amethysttrust.co.uk or call 01452 414 770 to book!

Your Guide to a Beautiful Pregnancy

We seem to be going through a bit of a baby boom at Cedars with two of our staff members; Jade and Sam, celebrating the birth of their beautiful baby girls this summer, and Jen's son Jackson has recently celebrated his first birthday!

We are often asked how best to look after your skin both during and after pregnancy...

Skin changes occur in about 90% of pregnant women in one from or another. If you have any major concerns you are advised to consult your midwife or GP prior to using new skincare or having treatments.

Here are the most common questions we are asked;

Can I continue to use salicylic acid?

This Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is an excellent exfoliant and can be used to treat acne, blocked pores and is often used in anti-ageing products to assist in the absorption of active ingredients.

High concentrations of salicylic acid can be a risk during pregnancy and should be avoided. Low concentrations (of less than 2%) in a product that is washed off the skin are considered safe. E.g. Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash (0.5%). All other Dermalogica cleansers are free from salicylic acid, but if you find your skin has become super sensitive during and after pregnancy, the Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser is for you. 

Glycolic acid (AHA), Benzoyl Peroxide and Lactic Acids are all considered safe at 5% or less, and can usually be found in ranges for normal skin types. For those of you concerned by the first signs of ageing, see Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser.

Oligopeptide-34 and 51, Vitamin C and Niacinamide are ingredients typically used to treat pigmentation marks and are all considered safe to use during and after pregnancy. See Dermalogica TRX Brightening Extreme C serum.

Visit our website to purchase. 

What about aromatherapy?

You are advised not to use essential oils during the first trimester, but this is dependent upon the type of oil and its dilution. Usually approved non-toxic blends around 1-2% dilution are considered safe for massage and skin products. Decleor’s Aroma Sculpt Aromessence provides an exceptional blend suitable for during and after pregnancy. This home-care product helps to improve elasticity within the deeper layers of the skin, reducing the likelihood of stretch marks (and it smells amazing!). You can also try our Pregnancy and Stretch Mark Treatment in salon for a bit of pampering! 

Can I benefit from the use of technology in my beauty treatments?

If you normally have microdermabrasion then it is likely that you will be able to have it during pregnancy. Your therapist will be aware that your skin may be more sensitive and will inform you as appropriate.

If you don't normally have electrical based treatments it's advisable to wait until after your pregnancy to experience the benefits of treatments such as skin tightening radio frequency or CACI micro current or IPL for reducing pigmentation marks.

Would I benefit from massage during my pregnancy?

After the first trimester, we recommend targeting your aches and pains with the Pregnancy Hydrotherm Massage, which allows you to relax face up on a gently heated water mattress. You’re able to enjoy the full massage without needing to turn over, while feeling weightless and totally relaxed on top of the water mattress. 

Exfoliation and Skin Renewal for all skin types

Exfoliating your skin is one of the most important steps in ensuring a healthy complexion. This is because exfoliation removes the dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface, to brighten the complexion and allow any further products that are applied to fully absorb and perform to their utmost potential. Every 28 days, our skin cells naturally renew themselves, leaving a fresh layer of cells on the surface. As we grow older however, this renewal process sadly starts to decelerate, which can cause various different issues such as dull and lifeless-looking skin. Exfoliation allows for the uncovering of new, fresher looking cells, making the skin appear instantly brighter. Regular exfoliation can even encourage the skin cells to renew and come to the surface more quickly. 

If you are prone to breakouts or an acne sufferer, exfoliation can help to lift dead skin cells from the pores, preventing blockages which can lead to breakouts. Some chemical exfoliators such as BHA, which contains salicylic acid, can also help to calm the inflammation of red spots. Regular exfoliation can even reduce the appearance of open pores, while build up in the pores can be completely removed. Just be careful if you have whiteheads as you don't want to take the tops off - a chemical exfoliator (rather than a scrub) would be your best choice. 

Exfoliation can also benefit dry skin by removing built-up, dead cells, and allowing for better penetration of your serums and moisturiser. Pigmentation marks are sometimes faded by chemical exfoliators and even sensitive skin can be exfoliated gently with a mild enzyme chemical exfoliator. For lines and wrinkles, exfoliators containing retinol could be used to really refine the skin and help reduce the lines.

The general texture and appearance of everyone's skin can be improved with regular exfoliation, make up will go on better too! Make exfoliation part of your regular regime.

How often should I exfoliate?

This is dependent upon the product you are using and of course your skin type. While some scrubs are only designed for use once to twice a week, some mild enzyme exfoliators can be used daily (such as Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant). If your skin starts to appear red or irritated, then you are probably overdoing it and should seek advice from a skin care expert. You may experience some mild tingling when you first start using some AHA's and BHA's which is usually completely normal.  

Shedding some light on Summer skin care

Unfortunately, us Brits are usually deprived of real sun exposure for a large part of the year, so it’s understandable that when summer does come around we all want to head out into the garden and get our kit off to work on our tans. For some, it can even be tempting to ditch the sun cream in attempts to maximise the chances of achieving a ‘summer glow’, but experts now stress that not only is sun cream an essential throughout the summer months, it shouldn’t go amiss even on the cloudiest of days.

This is because we are constantly exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can trigger changes at the heart of our cells and cause damage to their DNA. UVB rays might seem scary enough (these are the ones that damage the top layers of your skin and cause you to burn), but the ones you really need to watch are the UVA rays. The Sun’s UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis (the skins deepest layer), and can even penetrate clothing and windows. Exposure to these rays can lead to premature skin aging and suppression of the immune system – and when your skin’s defences are down, you’re at risk of skin cancer. Therefore, even when there are no visual signs of tanning or burning, your skin might be at risk.

The best way to protect your skin (without locking yourself inside!) is to apply an SPF lotion. However, it is a common misconception that highest SPF factors offer significantly better protection, and need reapplying less often. This is just not true. In fact, an SPF30 lotion offers 97% protection against UVB rays, while SPF50 offers 98% protection – just 1% difference! This means that even when sporting SPF50, you must reapply it liberally and thoroughly in order to stay well protected.

What to look for:

• Pick a broad spectrum suncream that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, like Dermalogica’s Protection 50 Sport SPF50
• Choose a sun cream that is waterproof to protect your skin whilst swimming or sweating.
• Always check the expiration date; some ingredients may degrade over time and lessen the products effectiveness.
• If you have oily or acne prone skin, choose a water-based sunscreen. You could also use any BareMinerals foundation as they are all SPF enriched, with the Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster underneath for extra protection

Tips for applying:

• Shake well before applying to properly mix the ingredients
• Apply approximately 30 minutes before exposure to the sun. This will allow it to be properly absorbed and will be less likely to wash off when you perspire off when you perspire
• Make sure you are liberal and thorough with your application, taking care to cover the ears, shoulders and tops of feet
• Try Decleor's Aroma Sun Expert Protective Anti-Wrinkle Cream for a light, non-greasy face application (voted 3rd best by the Independent)
• Always reapply after swimming and exercising

Why not join us on Thursday 23rd July between 6-8pm for an intensive summer skin care lesson with our visiting Dermalogica expert Karina? Call 01452 307767 or email now to book 

How could you benefit from private beauty training?

With so many different training courses now widely available to prospective beauty professionals, choosing the right one for you might seem a daunting task. This will be particularly true for those of you who are completely new to the beauty industry. Not only must you consider a wide variety of establishments and their facilities, but it’s also important to think about what type of “qualification” you are hoping to gain; are you looking to complete an intensive programme or just a day course?

If you are looking to begin a career in beauty/holistic therapies, gaining professional qualifications that are recognised by regulatory authorities and employers (such as ITEC’s Beauty Specialist Diploma) should be your priority. If you’re just experimenting with career options, you could start off by completing a day-workshop in makeup. This would provide you with a certificate of attendance, but wouldn’t necessarily be recognised by a potential employer. No matter what you are hoping to achieve, there are some invaluable advantages to training at a private college like IBHA...

Smaller class sizes

In a small class of up to 10 students, you’re guaranteed plenty of one-on-one guidance and support, allowing for complete focus on your individual training needs. Because the curriculum is taught over and above national standards, each student will be able to learn at their own pace.

Intensive courses

Courses offered typically exceed the minimum national contact time within a period of 22 weeks at the most. By offering intensive courses, we can help you to achieve your qualifications earlier without compromising the quality of skills learnt. This also means you will be able to dive into your career and start earning sooner.

Commercially orientated

The academy is situated above a well established, city-centre salon which provides an ideal atmosphere for academic success. This means you will be able to observe a real-life working environment and gain hints and tips about how the industry works.

Employment potential

Employers within the beauty industry feel that it’s important for newly qualified therapists to be ‘salon-ready’. IBHA’s unique and unprecedented salon integration ensures that all students will be equipped with firsthand experience of how to manage time effectively and the correct etiquette to provide clients with an outstanding service. Students will also gain realistic retail therapy experience, exposure to current trends and reception and management skills. 

 

Call 01452 414770, visit our website or email for more information. 

Dry, Damaged Nails are the among UK's Top Beauty Complaints

If you're not proud of your dry, damaged hands and nails, you're not the only one. According to research conducted by Stylfile (the nail care brand created by Apprentice winner Tom Pellereau), over one third of Brits are embarrassed by their damaged hands. Furthermore, unkempt nail beds and dehydrated hands were among the top complaints by survey respondents. 

The survey also revealed that people are not protecting their hands and nails from the damaging chemicals we encounter on a day-to-day basis; 78% of people revealed they never wear washing up gloves. In addition, 16% admitted to never moisturising their cuticles, while a further 10% believed the cuticle was actually the tip of the nail!

But hey, I guess that's what beauticians are for, so we've pulled together list of tips you can try at home to keep your nails in great shape between manicures:

1. Moisturise the nail bed and the cuticle

Although little research has been done to prove that moisturising the nail bed will help nails to grow, moisturising can help the nails appear healthier and will protect them from breaking due to lack of moisture. "If your nails are prone to breakage, it could mean they need moisture - and putting oil around the cuticle helps moisturise the entire nail, which will reduce the incidence of chipping, cracking, and splitting," Margaret Ravits, dermatologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, New Jersey.

2. Limit contact with cleaning chemicals (yay!)

You don’t have to tell me twice to put down the bleach, but if you must spend your time doing housework or laundry, try to minimise contact with harsh chemicals. For example, try wearing rubber gloves when washing up to avoid contact with the drying ingredients in washing up liquid.

3. Change Shampoos

As strange as this may sound, in the same way that some shampoos might not agree with your hair, others might not agree with your nails. Experts explain that detergent shampoos (and those specifically designed to treat oily hair) contain ingredients that aim to strip the liquids and natural oils from the scalp, and this can dehydrate the nails making them brittle and prone to breakage.

4. Don’t Overdo Hand-Washing

Though we all try to be as hygienic as possible, frequently washing our hands can wreak havoc with our nails. If you’re in a profession where washing your hands is simply unavoidable, try to use a moisturiser as often as possible and rub a little extra around the cuticles several times a day.

5. Try not to cut your cuticles

Cutting your cuticles with dirty equipment can expose your cuticles and fingertips to bacteria, which can lead to infection. This can also make the cuticles fray and encourage even more splitting. So rather than trimming the cuticles with a pair of nippers, moisturise first, and push them back with an orange wood stick instead. Be patient; regular cuticle treatment will pay dividends! 

'Raisin' the Bar' with OPI Infinite Shine

Here at Cedars we love OPI, and so do our clients! The manicure has always been one of our most popular, best selling treatments, and this was revolutionised by the release of OPI GelColor a few years ago. That’s why we’re so excited to announce the arrival of OPI’s newest creation, Infinite Shine, in our salon! OPI Infinite Shine has taken the US by storm, which is why we jumped at the chance to get our hands on this ground-breaking new product (oh, and we were also swayed by the shiny new colours like 'Raisin' the Bar' and 'In Pursuit of Purple'!)

So what exactly is Infinite Shine? Infinite Shine is OPI’s answer to CND’s ‘Vinylux’ and Sally Hansen’s ‘Miracle Gel’. These lacquer systems promise prolonged ‘gel-like’ results, minus the UV/LED light curing, and the somewhat tedious soak off process. Just like a regular nail polish, Infinite Shine is applied in three steps and can be removed using a regular nail varnish remover, but within its unique formula is where the magic lies…

The ‘Shine Primer’ base coat masks the imperfections of the nail, allowing for a perfectly smooth finish, while protecting the nail plate from any staining. The high Gloss topcoat is infused with UV-activated molecules, which polymerise in the sunlight, strengthening your manicure over time and promising an intensely dazzling shine for up to 10 days.

I'll be testing OPI's 'revolution in nail laquer' that 'requires no touch ups all week' over the next 7 days, so stay tuned for pictures! In the meantime, why not glamorise your manicure/pedicure at Cedars with Infinite Shine now for just £5 extra and check it out for yourself!