Skin needling - Micro method

Skin needling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, derma roller, micro needling, mesotherapy,  has been around for decades. Based on the skin’s natural ability to repair itself whenever it encounters physical damage such as cuts, burns or other abrasions. Immediately after an injury occurs to the skin, the body removes the damaged collagen, elastin and other structures, which are then replaced by freshly made smooth components.  

Collagen is one of the key building blocks to our skin; by the age of 35 we will have lost half the collagen levels in our skin. The Chinese have been using skin needling for ant ageing purposes for thousands of years. Modern Medical research has shown that by using micro needling it may be possible to increase collagen Induction by up to 1000% after a single treatment

Skin needling allows for a controlled stimulation of the skin’s self-repair mechanism by creating thousands of tiny micro-channels not visible to the eye, using a safe, pain-free method that triggers new collagen production. These tiny channels remain open for up to 4 hour post treatment allowing serums, oils and preparations applied to the skin for specific skin concerns to deeply penetrate the skin and heal the skin further. Over a 3 – 6 month period your skin repairs itself naturally, improving acne scars, aged skin, sun damage, fine lines, The overall result is smoother, firmer and younger looking skin..

A course of 4 – 6 treatments is recommended for optimum results but a one off treatment can also be beneficial

The method I like to use with clients is slightly gentler to the skin than traditional derma roller which require an anaesthetic cream to be applied prior to treatment with more down time post treatment. The Micro-method which I currently recommend causes less visible trauma to the skin without the need for an anaesthetic but with amazing collagen stimulating results. 

Micro - method treatment: A small handheld roller with micro needles is gently rolled over the face, focusing on areas of concern.  Pure serums and herb infused oils are applied during the treatment to aid in skin rejuvenation.

Post treatment: The skin may feel warm, red and tight for 4 – 8 hours post treatment. The following day redness should have gone and in some cases a slight sensitive feeling may be experienced. 

To book an appointment 

Mineral makeup - Flawless makeup naturally

I am asked daily not just about skincare products but also makeup, especially which foundation should I be using and can I apply it straight after my facial. Traditionally the answer would be no, leave the skin as naked as possible to get the full benefits of the facial, especially after a treatment such as a skin peel of micro needling which both will increase the absorption of what is applied to the skin for a minimum of 4 hours post treatment. BUT there is a form of makeup which has been available for a while, growing in popularity due to it's pureness which I would recommend for this purpose.
I have used mineral makeup personally for years and love it and often recommend it as a healthier, cleaner alternative to the traditional foundations many of which have synthetic fillers and chemicals that can clog and irritate the skin. It is not uncommon to experience breakouts due to the makeup you are using to cover up blemishes resulting in a blemished skin spiral. Admittedly until a recent meeting with bareMinerals I had underestimated the benefits of mineral makeup immediately post treatment as an extension to the treatment and also a natural spf 15. There is nothing in mineral makeup that would irritate or block the skin, just pure minerals, whats not to love? Well you do need to get to grips with how to use it as the mineral powder application is very different to the cream and liquid foundations we have all been brought up on.

bareMinerals  is probably one of the pioneering mineral makeup ranges, they have a clever starter kit which has everything you need to get going including a short instruction dvd and booklet. I love the way they have thought through a clever lid so the powder stays contained in the pot. Not just a makeup but also a form of treatment for the skin, because of its 100% rare minerals active soil complex which is clinically proven to have skin renewing benefits such as improved cell turnover and ability to refine pore size,  not just a good coverage but a smoother, softer skin prone to less breakouts and blockages. All this with an inherent SPF of 15! A win win situation and totally safe to apply after a facial. I LOVE their "Pure Transformative night treatment" it is such a unique night time product, a mineral powder with pore minimising qualities to apply at night, Amazing 

 www.bareminerals.com


INIKA, is a 100 PERCENT natural beauty brand incorporating mineral makeup, vegan and organic products that are completely free from synthetic chemicals and harmful ingredients.They too have a "Face in a box" starter kit and also my absolute favourite mineral liquid foundation, this really does hold it's own against the high end synthetic foundations that we all love the finish of. This certified organic liquid foundation gives a great coverage without being too heavy or too light, not too dry or oily, the perfect balance of texture and performance.
www. inikacosmetics.co.uk


I am more than happy for my daughter to use mineral makeup on her young skin teen (her own pots not mine!) she has lovely skin anyway, but this morning she did try the bareMinerals blemish remedy before running for the school bus.

Wellicious loung wear

I do love a great yoga class and also really love lounging around at home with the children, I don't always get the time or actually have the inclination to be changing throughout the day so multi-functional comfortable clothing is a must, and to find a range that is stylish, comfortable, and school run able in, not to mention in my line of work be able to wear in treatment at the same time is a low maintenance girls dream..... .... Wellicious ticks all boxes and some, I have been aware of the range since they launched in 2007 and have seen how quickly they have grown and quite rightly so, Eco friendly fabrics and dyes, socially responsible donating 5% of their profits to charity projects in developing countries and so stylish.
The range consists of long and short sleeve T's, fitted and loose, wraps, bottoms from slim fitting leggings to uber sexy flowing palazo style pants.Vests all have built in support shelves, not to mentions beautiful yoga mats to match your outfit.
A personal favourite from their spring summer collection is the Pleat Aladdin pants

www.wellicious.com

British Skin Foundation

As much as  most of my work is in the beauty industry I obviously deal with skin on a daily basis, some flawless, some challenging and some in need of a little TLC. Occasionally I will come across troubled skin and very occasionally skin disease, illness, hereditary skin conditions, the list goes on. Any skin issue is a very visible one for most to see and the effects can go a lot further than just skin deep, not to mention in some cases life changing and even life threatening. There are over 2000 known skin diseases, including acne, psoriasis, birth marks, alopecia, eczema, and cancer to name just a few. A shocking statistic over 200 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK every day!

This is why charities like the British Skin foundation are so vital, The British Skin Foundation (BSF) is the only UK charity dedicated to skin disease research, their aim is to raise money for research projects that will hopefully result in cures or at the very least, a better understanding of the numerous skin conditions.
At present there are about eight million people in the UK with a serious skin condition. About 4000 of these people will die because of their disease. The fact is that skin disease does not discriminate in terms of who it affects - adults and children alike suffer on a daily basis, both physically and psychologically.
http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk


I have chosen The British Skin foundation as one of my charities which I will be supporting and will be taking part in the British 10k run on July 8t. Now I have not done any sort of run like this before so as much support as possible would be amazing. Please follow the link for just giving to read a little more about the event and to show a touch of support, it would be great to raise some money for a much needed cause.
 http://www.justgiving.com/AbigailJames

Nutritional skin food

We would not think twice about changing out eating habits to improve those body organs we can’t see like our heart or liver and kidneys, the skin is the largest organ for all to see so why not make the same connection between diet and skin health? As a skincare specialist I find someones skin is a great indicator of their overall well being and by making a few diet changes the proof can be seen in your skin.

The skin requires exactly the same nourishment as all the other organs to maintain it’s health and vitality and what makes the skin so amazing to work with is it’s ability to absorb nutrients internally through diet and supplements being delivered through the blood stream and externally though applied products, the only human organ you can treat from the inside and out.

Each skin type has key nutrition which will aid in healing it’s specific condition, but for some general nutritional skin savers  good for all skin - Brazil nuts, pomegranates, green vegetables and lots of them,  avocado’s, hemp, flax and coconut oil, water cress, oily fish, lemon in hot water, sunflower seeds, and chocolate as long as it is raw.

And Organic and locally grown are going to be packed with more nutrients.

Working out and acne

Exercise-related acne is not uncommon, it can be the result of a combination of different factors, if you find your skin is aggravated by your regular exercise routine or your profession may require you to be physically active for long periods of time such as dance or sports you may find it helpful to consider the following common acne triggers.

Whats on my skin?
When exercising, your body temperature increases increasing blood circulation which is fantastic for over all health, with this heat and increase in body temperature the pores within the skin are likely to dilate allowing more toxins to be removed from the body through sweat but also allowing more impurities into the dermal layer especially if you have product on your skin at the time of working out, this is going to block pores and and aggravate sebum production resulting in agravated acne.

Makeup
Wear as little make-up as possible, often it’s the makeup on your face that is going to be a big acne aggravator when getting sweaty, the ideal would be to go skincare naked but this is not always possible.  Even oil-free and non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) makeup can black pores if worn while working out. And always cleanse thoroughly after your work out to remove sweat and sebum build up.

Sun protection
We all need sun for well being but lets be sensible, if you are exercising outside like jogging for longer than 20 minutes use sun protection of a minimum spf 15. Waterproof sunscreens are a big pore blocker and contribute to acne flair ups so choose mineral sun care which are less pore clogging and gentler to the skin. Some acne medication and products make the skin more photo sensitive, so please don’t skip the sun care if you are using these types of products just double cleanse the skin when you are done.

Sweat
Sweating is good for the skin, the removal of toxins from the body is great and salt is a great skin purifier, actually washing with salt water is a great natural acne treatment, but make sure you wash soon after working out to remove all those impurities and help prevent the pores from becoming blocked, but don't forget to apply moisturiser, too much cleansing is going to leave your skin feeling dry.

Reduce bacterial contact, cover equipment with a clean towel and wash your hands after working out, we all regularly touch our face with our hands.

Other key acne and exercise triggers
High levels of protein in your diet
Workout drinks, high sugar energy drinks and bars, 
Hormonal levels can be altered through regular intensive exercise which is one of the biggest factors when it comes to acne.
Go natural with your products all those synthetics blocking pores is only going to agravate

Turmeric for skin health

There is a long standing knowledge that the brightly coloured spice Turmeric, part of the ginger family

has many hidden health benefits and has been utilised as a key ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine and has a long list of skin care benefits including the treatment of burns, bruises and cuts. It is known to help restor moisture to the skin and prevent dry skin, slowing the signes of ageing by keeping skin supple and nourished. Fantastic for the treatment of acne and out of balance skin and also the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. With it's inherent antiseptic and antibacterial properties and ability to reduce redness, inflammation, aiding in evening out skin tone, it is good for the healing of skin scaring and helps regulate sebum production, making this a key ingredient for over oily skins.
Recently, curcurmin, which are active components found in turmeric has shown to have the ability to fight and prevent disease and in research has shown promising results in the treatment of cancer, so an ingredient to watch as research continues.

Home made healing turmeric mask
1 tsp Turmeric
1 tsp tomato paste
1 table spoon rice flour, semolina or ground almonds
1 tsp green tea
1 tsp oil (olive, flax, hemp, almond) 

Mix all ingredients together to make a paste, tie your hair back and cover your clothing and make sure you are not using white towels because this will stain, I like to prepare this mask then apply in the bath to avoid any dyed fabric mishaps. Apply to face and leave for up to 20 minutes. Great to apply 2 damp green tea bags to eyes for a complete face treat.