SKINCARE & BEAUTY BLOG
Keeping you up to date with the latest news, advice and beauty tips. I will be sharing my thoughts with all you beauty fans and hopefully you will share yours too by leaving a comment on the guest book. Feel free to comment, ask questions or suggest topics.
25th February 2010 Oxygen Facials??
I am constantly amazed by some of the dubious treatments and products being touted as the next big thing in skincare, never more so than by the current trend for 'oxygenating facials'. Please don't be fooled into parting with your money to these unscrupulous companies.
We all know that ANTIoxidants protect your skin from free radical damage caused by normal daily living, smoking, uv damage etc.
Now, why would these companies have us believe that doing the exact opposite -OXIDISING- your skin is good for it???
Skin cells use a small amount of oxygen in development and this is supplied internally from the air we breathe.
During an oxygen facial, pure oxygen is jetted into the skin along with vitamins and water. The immediate result is a plumping effect in the upper layers of the skin which fools you into thinking that you are seeing a positive effect, but in fact the presence of the oxygen is cancelling out all the good that your antioxidants are doing for your skin health.
Below is the findings of an independent Biochemistry study:
Avoid Skin Oxygenating Products
Certain cosmetic products are sold to increase skin oxygenation. This is done either by (1) covering the face with a mask and running a flow of pure oxygen over the face for about an hour, or (2) covering the skin with certain chemicals that carry extra oxygen into the skin. If skin is damaged, this method may cause an improvement in skin in a few days.
The problem with this method is that it will cause long-term skin problems. By artificially increasing the oxygen level in your skin, your body will decrease the blood vessels (capillaries) that feed oxygen and nutrients to the cells of your skin. Capillaries grow towards areas of the body that are low in oxygen. By adding more oxygen to the outer layers of your skin, your cells will have less oxygen and nutrients from your body. Your skin will age faster because of inadequate nutrients from the blood and your skin will be more pale and grayish because of fewer red blood cells in your skin.
Companies that sell these products say that oxygen applied to the skin has been used to heal wounds faster in hospital studies. This is true, but these types of wounds and skin ulcers are temporary and emergency therapies to heal over the wound and reduce the chance of infection. Long-term application of high oxygen to your skin's surface will not heal the health of normal skin.
Gerontologists consider the cellular degeneration caused by chronic exposure to elevated concentrations of oxygen (hyperoxia) as a model for accelerated aging at the cellular level. In cultured mammalian cells, elevated oxygen causes progressive growth inhibition, loss of reproductive capacity, and chromosomal breakage. The earliest effect of high oxygen is an inhibition of mitochondrial respiration which is in similar to aging theories that attribute much cellular aging to loss of mitochondrial functions (Pruijn et al 1992)
18th February 2010
Here is the (glowing) review of the Eve Taylor Facial by beauty journalist Laura Bermingham. (Taken from the Eve taylor Facebook page).
Being a beauty journalist you get to experience many different products, treatments and therapies, some great and some not so great! For me what makes a great beauty experience is when all the elements of the proposed treatment blend seamlessly to make a wonderful, enjoyable and result-driven treat for my skin, and that is quite a rare thing. When a facial is overtaken by the ambience rather than the super-soft skin you expect to get then you have been taken for a ride sadly. When I went for the Eve Taylor treatment I wasn't quite sure what to expect but I knew it would be on another level because of the brand's ethos. What I didn't expect was a multi-layered treat that has not only left my skin soothed and smoothed, but with the inclusion of foot analysis, hand/arm massage and an amazing head massage made this facial is totally different from any other I've experienced before.
After the treatment was finished I felt relaxed, my body felt as though the stress had just been drained away and the usual aches and pains I have in my neck and shoulders totally disappeared.
If you fancy treating yourself to an entire face, body and mind experience, head straight for the Eve Taylor salon nearest you, you won't regret this special indulgence!
Laura Bermingham, editor of Glow magazine, beauty columnist for the Irish Mail on Sunday and Ireland AM, TV3, Ireland.
11th February 2010 TIMELINE Creating a BUZZ!
I just started working with the new Timeline Facial from Eve Taylor last week and already the feedback is great. This facial is doing a great job on softening and smoothing skin and now the homecare serum is creating a bit of a media buzz!
Click on the link below to see the review in this week's SWM.
Have you tried it yet? Let me know what you think by leaving your comment in the box below:
4th February 2010 CLEANSE, TONE & MOISTURISE?
It is important to cleanse your skin at night even if you don't wear make-up (see resolutions blog) but any of you still using 'toner' can give yourselves and your skin a break and skip it. Toners don't do anything for the skin and in some cases (where they contain alcohol) can actually damage skin health.
Toners were introduced years ago when cleansing creams were thick and greasy and help was needed to dissolve them. This is no longer the case, all good cleansers are water soluble. If your cleanser is leaving a greasy residue on your skin, you're probably using the wrong one!
Remember, if you want me to review your skincare regime just call and make an appointment for a free consultation.
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30th January 2010
This is a link to a review of one of my current favourite proucts - The Eve Taylor Ultra Soothing Cleanser. Although this is targeted at sensitive skin types, I find it works well for all skins and is great for removing even the heaviest of make-up. It is available from Beauty.com, of course! (€25).
26th January 2010
Brow Matters:
One of the things I'm asked most about is how to take care of brows at home between salon visits, so here are some tips to help. First of all, yes you CAN pluck hairs from above the brow line, why not if they're out of line? Random hairs on your forehead is NOT a good look! Just be careful wherever you are plucking, just do one hair at a time and keep stepping back to check the results. It's easy to over pluck and seems to take forever to grow them back if you do. Keep the skin taut while you are plucking to keep the ouch factor to a minimum.
I really don't recommend trying a re-shape at home, it's so easy to get it wrong and is quick and easy to have it done professionally, then you can keep strays under control as they appear.
If your brows are sparse you can fill them in using a brow powder or pencil - I prefer the powder option as it looks more natural when applied correctly.
Choose a shade matching your brow color. Brush your brows down, this way you will see the line to fill in. Fill in white spaces using your powder or pencil. Blend! Now just brush your brows upwards again and the correction line won’t be noticeable.
Even if you don't have gaps to fill in a brow powder is a useful thing to have in your make-up kit. I like to use it for extra brow definition to balance a strong or smoky eye make-up look or just for quick touch-ups if it's been too long between brow tints.
Got any brow questions, tips or stories to share? Post them in the box below!
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SOME NEW YEARS BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS
1. I will cleanse my face every night.
Yes, that's EVERY night! Just one can't-be-bothered night can lead to bacteria building up on your skin (and pillow), clogged pores, pimples, dehydrated skin etc. etc., all because it seemed like too much hassle to pop on some cleanser and run a wet cloth over your face!
2. I will use sunscreen every day.
Taking just 10 seconds in the morning to apply a sunscreen, with at least spf 15, after moisturising is the best thing you can do for your skin, helping prevent sun damage and all the signs of premature ageing.
3. I will clean out my make-up bag.
This is another must-do. Old or out-of-date skincare and make-up is a haven for bacteria than can cause spots, infections and other nasties. All skincare now has 'use-by' dates on the packaging but if this has worn off, as it often does, then use your nose. If it smells a bit wrong that's bacteria at work, so bin it! Same goes for dodgy-smelling or separated foundations, cream based blush or eye-shadow that gets that bubbly look and lipstick that smells odd. Powder formulas will last a long time as will pencils, just be sure to keep them sharpened after every use to keep bacteria away. Lastly, wash make-up brushes every month or so with baby shampoo.
Please post your comments or questions below. I would love to hear from you!
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About Beauty.com
Beauty.com is a full-service beauty salon specialising in facial skincare and dedicated to consistently providing high customer satisfaction by rendering excellent service, quality products, and furnishing an enjoyable atmosphere and value for money.
Beauty.com is run by
Mariga Sheedy. I have been a practicing beauty therapist for 18 years and have achieved the most extensive qualifications in the industry. I have spent the last 9 years running my own salon in Wexford Town.
I pride myself on excellent client relations - treating each as an individual in a friendly, caring and professional environment, offering a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity away from the hectic pace of life.
My extensive qualifications and unique knowledge of the skincare industry places me in the best possible position to provide a first class, in-depth customised treatment for every skin condition. In my facials, technology and nature are blended in a harmonious synergy to bring you the most advanced treatments. All treatments are tailored to your skin each time, making your Beauty.com facial truly unique.
My Paramedical skin programmes provide treatment plans for acne, ageing, scarring, pigmentation, skin congestion and uneven, rough or crepey skin.
All products recommended for your personal skincare regime can be purchased in the salon for use at home.
Beauty.com is based on my belief that my customers' needs are of the utmost importance. I am committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of my business is from repeat customers and referrals. The treatments on offer are constantly being refined and updated to offer you the most advanced options for your skin.
The main purpose of facial treatment is to increase the skins' capacity to function more efficiently thereby keeping your skin in tip top condition for now and into the future.
I aim to make your facial not only the best for your skin, but also a luxurious, relaxing experience for all the senses.
I would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry, in a private and comfortable space.
Although I specialise in facial skincare, here at beauty.com in wexford you can also avail of other beauty salon treatments at reasonable prices including waxing, tinting, electrolysis, reflexology and everyones favourite Hot Stone Massage.
There is free parking available right outside the door!
Hours:
Tue - Fri: 10AM - 7PM
Sat: 9AM - 1PM
