Latest News – April 04, 2022
Today is Vitamin C Day.
Today is Vitamin C Day. In 2019, a skincare line, SkinCeuticals, created National Vitamin C Day. The aim was to generate awareness around vitamin C. The day also celebrated a research breakthrough. SkinCeuticals established parameters to allow the effective delivery of antioxidants in vitamin C to the skin. The findings proved beyond a doubt the benefits of topical application of vitamin C to the skin.
Latest News – October 17, 2021
Dehydrated Skin and how to treat it.
Dehydrated skin is a common skin concern. Dehydrated skin occurs when the skin lacks moisture in the surface layer which is the epidermis. For our skin to function optimally, it needs adequate water content and without it, dead skin cells won’t exfoliate smoothly, leaving skin feeling dry and rough. It’s important to know the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin as the terms are often incorrectly used interchangeably, which makes it difficult to treat. Dry skin is a permanent state and is often referred to as a “skin type”. It results due to the lack of water and lipids - oils skin feels rough and tight, those with dry skin are often dry on other parts of the body.
Latest News – October 17, 2021
What causes skin to age ?
Skin ageing is caused by a combination of different factors, both internal and external. Understanding the way that internal and external factors affect skin’s structure and function can help to inform skin care choices and prevent premature skin aging. Internal factorsYoung skin has a thick epidermis and a strong network of collagen fibres.Mature skin has a thinner epidermis and a weakened network of collagen fibres.
Latest News – October 17, 2021
How does skin change over the years?
Skin is a living organ and undergoes significant changes during a person’s lifetime: from the delicate skin of a new-born baby, through the teenage years when some are acne-prone, to the wrinkles of later life. Each stage has its own demands and skin care should reflect these changing needs. Choosing appropriate products to cleanse, protect, nourish and repair skin at each of these stages will help to keep it healthy and ensure that your skin looks and feels its natural best, whatever your age. How is skin different at each age and stage?
Latest News – October 17, 2021
LED treatment. Works well on its own, makes most other treatments better.
LED or Light Emitting Diode therapy is known for its ability to accelerate the skin’s healing process. Skin cells receive a rejuvenating, anti-aging boost increasing blood flow, helping bring nutrients to the treated areas, as well as stimulating fibroblast and collagen production to strengthen your skin and battle the ageing process. Antyage is the most advanced and powerful LED phototherapy medical device available to treat a broad range of concerns.
Latest News – August 15, 2021
STRESS, AND ITS EFFECT ON THE SKIN
Stress causes a chemical response in your body that makes skin more sensitive and reactive. It can also make it harder for skin problems to heal.If you, have you ever noticed that you break out more when you’re stressed, this is because stress causes your body to make hormones like cortisol, which tells glands in your skin to make more oil.
Latest News – August 20, 2021
Moisturisers, What are they?
Moisturiser is simply a generic term that encompasses an extensive array of topical creams, gels, lotions, emulsions, and ointments. These formulas may contain humectants, occlusives or emollients in their combination of ingredients.To choose the best moisturiser for your skin, it’s important to understand the difference between the different ingredients etc. Why It’s Important to Moisturise Your Skin.The difference between emollients, humectants and occlusives really depends on the benefits required. Moisturisers make dry, tight skin feel better and plump up the surface skin cells to enhance the texture and glow of the skin. They hydrate the outer surface of the skin and help resolve dryness, flakiness, redness, and itchiness.
Latest News – August 01, 2021
Skin Barrier Issues.
Your skin barrier is the lipid matrix found in the outermost layer of your skin, the stratum-corneum, and essentially sits on top of this layer. When healthy, the skin barrier helps keep moisture in and external irritants out (e.g., UV, free radicals, bacteria) - acting as your skin’s bodyguard.What is the skin barrier?The skin barrier, or moisture barrier, is mainly composed of three lipids: ceramides, cholesterol, and free (AKA essential) fatty acids. These lipids work together to prevent water loss and to protect your skin from the environment. Damage to the skin barrier occurs in the form of miniscule cracks through which moisture can easily escape and irritants can enter more easily.Signs your skin barrier is damaged:When your skin barrier is healthy, your skin generally looks plump and smooth and feels soft to the touch. If you have oily skin that’s also dehydrated, that’s a common sign that you may have a damaged skin barrier. (Yes ... Your skin can be both oily and dehydrated.
Latest News – July 25, 2021
Why You Need Vitamin C and Retinol in Your Skin Care Routine
To reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of ageing, vitamin C and retinol are two key ingredients to keep in your arsenal. Vitamin C is known for its brightening benefits, while retinol boosts cell turnover. Using both ingredients in your skin-care routine will help you achieve a radiant and youthful complexion. The Benefits of Vitamin C.L-ascorbic acid, or pure vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant that is one of the best ingredients for targeting signs of ageing, according to industry experts. Much of that has to do with its role in neutralising free radicals. Triggered by various environmental factors such as pollution, smoke and UV rays, free radicals can break down your skin’s collagen and cause visible signs of ageing to form. This can include wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, dry patches and more. Vitamin C is the only antioxidant proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen and minimise fine lines and wrinkles.
Latest News – July 24, 2021
Pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is defined as darkening patches of skin. This occurs when the skin produces more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. Sun damage is the main cause of pigmentation. The initial melanin production from sun exposure acts as a natural sun screen to protect from harmful rays. However excess UVA/UVB exposure disrupts the melanin production, which leads to increased pigmentation.
Latest News – June 08, 2021
Human Skin -Microbiome and Acne.
Research in to microbiomes of the human body , to include skin and gut tell us that a diverse and physiologically important array of bacteria, viruses, fungi and archaea make their home on the skin. Typically, a person has around 1,000 species of bacteria on their skin. And, as might be expected from such a large area — roughly two square metres for an average adult — the skin offers a variety of distinct ecosystems, which create conditions that favour different subsets of organisms. We harbour roughly the same number of microbes as we have cells. This complex ecosystem is crucial to our health, affecting many processes including immunity, child development and bone density regulation. Research in this area has been extensive, with exciting work on how the microbiome develops, its influence on brain and behaviour and implications in both contributing to and treating various disorders.A person’s gut microbiome is seeded in early life according to the bacteria they are exposed to and how successfully these microbes colonise the intestines. Populations of bacteria in the gut are highly sensitive to the food we eat, so sensitive, in fact, that changes in species variation and gene expression appear within three or four days following a major sift in diet.
Latest News – May 31, 2021
Retinol for Anti-Ageing
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A; retinol is widely considered as the holy grail of anti- ageing ingredients. The umbrella of retinoids all fall within the same category of vitamin A derivatives and can be classified (for the most part) under the four core categories: retinyl esters, retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinoic acid. Retinol, tazarotene, retinoic acid, adapalene, pure retinol. All of these forms of retinoids seek to activate the three retinoic acid receptors (alpha, beta, gamma), each of which plays a different role in vital skin processes and behaviours, ranging from exfoliation, oil production, cell turnover, pigmentation, and collagen production. By increasing the rate of cell turnover in the skin, studies have shown it to be responsible for aiding just about any skin concern, from fine lines to pigmentation and even acne.
Latest News – May 30, 2021
Sun Protection is essential.
Most skin cancer is caused by UV exposure. At least 50% of sun damage occurs under the age of ten. Kids under the age of one, should not be exposed to sun light, nor should they have SPF applied to their skin. Kids have thinner, more sensitive skin, making it essential for parents to develop good sun-protection habits from the get-go. Their skin barrier while properly formed at birth is different to that of an adult. As infant skin continues to mature through the first years of life, it is important that skin care products are formulated appropriately.
Latest News – May 23, 2021
Sunscreen Can help to protect against Skin Cancer
Before understanding the consequences of skipping sunscreen, it is important to note how UV radiation works and affects the skin. UV radiation ranges from a wavelength of 100 to 400 nanometres. UVA and UVB rays are somewhere in the 300 to 400 range. UV radiation is divided into 3 main groups:
Latest News – May 16, 2021
AT-HOME SPA EVENING .
Nuala Woulfe offers tips on how to replicate a salon-worthy facial in the comfort of your own home.As there is a lot of interest in ‘how to do a skin treatment at home, here we go, these little treats make us not only look great but feel great too. Thankfully, self-isolation can still mean self-indulgence, so here are my tips for a beautiful night in.Firstly, tell the family that you need some guilt-free “me time”, an hour or so away from the bustle of kids, household chores / meal prep etc where you can put yourself first. When possible, start your night-time facial about an hour before you go to bed because it not only prepares you for a good sleep, but it gives you the time to really take care of your skin. Dim the lights and put some soothing music on in the background to create the perfect ambiance to rest and relax.
Latest News – May 16, 2021
Sun facts!
Sun beds should be banned!! Using a sun bed before the age of 30 increases the risk of melanoma by up to 75% .Sun exposure does help the body produce necessary vitamin D, but be aware that the cumulative impact of unprotected UV exposure over the years damages the integrity of your skin . Numerous studies have linked overexposure to UV light with skin cancer . Look to supplements and natural sources of the vitamin in your diet, such as in cheese and eggs, or a supplement of vitamin D3 will ensure you keep your levels high. Even a few minutes of sun exposure on your forearms walking the dog or walking the kids to school provides the average individual with enough UV exposure to make ample vitamin D.There is no such thing as a healthy tan.
Latest News – May 11, 2021
Vitamin C: Everything you need to know about this fab skincare ingredient
SkinCeuticals vitamin C, E and ferulic acid super serum is worth every single penny when it comes to results. The high concentrate formula contains a whopping 15 % of pure vitamin C, with 1 % vitamin E plus the addition of the antioxidant ferulic acid. Unlike many high concentration vitamin C products, this is gentle enough for sensitive skins. Simply pat on clean dry skin every morning. Then apply an hyaluronic serum plus a broad spectrum SPF.
Latest News – April 05, 2021
Tretinoin and its benefits for skin.
Tretinoin also known as retinoic acid comes from Vitamin A is recognised as the gold standard of anti-ageing treatments as it can have profound beneficial effect on the stratum corneum layer and deeper layers of the skin. By regulating cellular functions, keratin becomes softer and the stratum corneum becomes smooth and compact. These effects can last for up to 4 months, even when the use of the product has ceased. Retinoids and Skin Ageing - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
Latest News – March 23, 2021
Skincare tips for a defined jawline & firmer neck.
Skincare tips for a defined jawline & firmer neck. They say you can tell a person’s age by looking at their neck. When you make time to care for your skin with regular treatments and at-home rituals, a crepey neck and jawline is the last thing you want. There are several factors that cause your jawline and neck to drop or wrinkle. As you age, your skin loses collagen and elastin — two proteins that are responsible for how taught, firm and supple your skin is. Not only is the skin on your neck thinner, it’s also a highly mobile body part that continually bends and twists with the motion of our head. This makes it far more susceptible to wrinkles over time!Genetics have a part to play in how the skin on your neck and jaw develop as you age. This is why it’s important to take action early if you suspect you’re genetically prone to looser skin in this area. Daily activities are also a contributing factor, the most common being looking down at a smartphone or laptop screen (it’s called ‘tech neck’!). Sun damage is another factor, over many years of exposure the skin becomes damaged. This takes time to show visibly on the surface. It’s common for the neck and full jawline area to be neglected during a daily skincare ritual. Many of us are so focused on facial problem areas that we forget to bring product further down onto the neck area! After all — it’s not just your face that needs TLC. Your neck and jawline can also benefit from cleansing, toning, moisturising and protection. Combine with in clinic treatments like Radiofrequency for enhanced benefits. At-home treatments for a firm neck and defined jawline. Whether you’re looking for a dedicated product to bring into your existing at-home skincare ritual or want something to maintain the results of a treatment, you can find a solution in this neck cream recently launched by SkinCeuticals. SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair . SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair is an award-winning 0.2% retinol cream that has been specially formulated for the neck area. It uses Tripeptide Concentrate to fortify and firm the skin, while Glaucine Complex reduces collagen denaturing, so you keep more of your natural firmness for longer. How to use.This neck firming cream has a strong formulation, so should only be used once a week for the first week. You can increase this to twice daily once you’ve built up a retinol tolerance. Massage two pumps of product in upward movements towards the jawline for the best effects. Avoid mixing with other retinol or glycolic products in the same area. You can use retinol/ glycolic on your face and use SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair on your neck and chest area. Shop now https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/collections/skinceuticals/products/skinceuticals-tripeptide-r-neck-repair
Latest News – March 23, 2021
Heliocare Sun Protection SPF Products
Combining nature and science, Heliocare’s SPF products protect your skin from the harmful and ageing effects of the sun, including not just the sun’s rays but environmental stressors and free radicals.To complement their range of sun creams and gels, Heliocare also offer a variety of tinted sun protection for those who don’t want to sacrifice their daily makeup routine. The special Heliocare 360° products have been enhanced to defend against Infrared-A Radiation and block High-Energy Visible Light (HEV). HEV rays are emitted from computer screens and smartphones, which makes the Heliocare 360° range perfect for everyday wear to prevent the skin from ageing and environmental damage.
Latest News – March 23, 2021
An at home Facial Customised to your needs
We appreciate that it is not possible to be able to do a clinic facial, at home. Be assured that if you are using the right products with the correct levels of active ingredients you can achieve really nice results. Important to note that what you do every day can have a big impact on your skin long-term again if you are using the right skincare. Spend time cleaning your skin.
Latest News – March 10, 2021
My skin is dry - what can I do?
Your skin tissues are made up of water, proteins, and fats. When your skin losses water or fats, it becomes rough, itchy, and dry.
Latest News – March 10, 2021
Coping with Stress and anxiety.
The more you ‘know about your stressors’, the easier it is to do something about them. Symptoms of stress are very often experienced – as a mix of anxiety, depression, panicky feelings, poor sleep and poor wellbeing.
Latest News – March 10, 2021
Relaxation advice from Sabina at Serenity Day Spa
The vagus nerve (also known as the 10th cranial nerve or CN X) is a very long nerve that originates in the brain stem and extends down through the neck and into the chest and abdomen. It carries both motor and sensory information, and it supplies innervation to the heart, major blood vessels, airways, lungs, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.While there are actually two vagus nerves (the left and the right), doctors usually refer to them together as “the vagus nerve.”The vagus nerve helps control several muscles of the throat and of the voicebox. It plays a major role in regulating the heart rate and keeping the gastrointestinal tract in working order. The vagus nerves also carry sensory information from the internal organs back to the brain Cold water therapies stimulate the vagus nerve as does singing and gargling .
