Jurgita's Bathroom Shelf

Summer holidays is but a distant memory,  but even so,  getting back into the swing of things back in London takes some time!  Back to work, back to school, back to routine!!!  We understand how our skincare routines can slip while we are on holidays, so we are here to give you some inspiration and motivation to get back on track.  Following on from where we left off, the Fern Team are here to share with you what is on our bathroom shelves and what our daily skin care routines are.

What is on Jurgita's bathroom Shelf?

"My moto is quick, easy and practical. I like to spend max 5 min for my morning routine. 

My skin is combination, where the T zone gets oily and congested, however the skin over my cheek bones is dry and the very top of my cheeks can get red on a hot summers day or chilly winter morning. 

My morning routine is always the same:  

Glo Theraputics Hydrating gel cleanser, Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic, Glo Theraputics Moisturising Tint SPF 30 on top.  

My favourite product is Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic. I could not live without it. It brightens up my skin and gives a natural glow, protects the skin from premature ageing. 

My evening routine: 

Same cleanser followed by Glo Theraputics Brightening polish (twice a week) and Skin Ceuticals Phyto Corrective Serum. I do not like putting too much on my skin at night, so I use serums only.  Phyto corrective really helps to reduce the redness as well as hydrates my skin. 

Once or twice a week I will spoil myself with a Restorative mask – and leave it a bit longer than 15 min".

Nicki's bathroom shelf!

We have a lot of our clients who come in for facials asking what we use on our skin. So over the next several blogs I will be sharing with you that very information and a few secret skin care tips .....

So this month:  What Nicki uses!

My Skin Type is Dry and my Skin Condition can often be sensitive and prone to irritation. I also get the odd hormonal breakout and because of my Dry Skin Type, premature ageing is my main concern.

In the morning, I cleanse my skin with Glo-Therapeutics Gentle Cream Cleanser for sensitive skin.
I follow this up with NeoStrata Skin Active Anti-Oxidant Defence Serum all over my face and neck. I find that Vitamin C Products are too active for my skin, and this contains Chardonnay Grape Seed Extract as well as Green Tea Extract which really reduces the look of inflammation. My new hero product is the NeoStrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream - the triple being plumping, volume building and firmness!  And lastly I am currently using Glo-Therapeutics Moisturising Tint SPF30 in Medium.

In the evening, I cleanse my skin with the Gentle Cream Cleanser again, and I follow this up with Skin Ceuticals Resveratrol B E Serum. This is an anti-oxidant serum to reduce the free-radical damage that may have happened during the day and prevent collagen breakdown. I only use an eye cream at night, purely as I have more time, and my favourite at the moment is  Skin Ceuticals Eye Balm, a rich hydrating cream and I just love the texture of this product. I follow this with the Restorative Cream from Glo-Therapeutics which deeply nourishes and moisturises my dry skin, as well as being anti-inflammatory.

Once a week I will very lightly exfoliate with Glo-Therapeutics Refresh Facial Polish. This one does not stress my skin, I love the peppermint smell and its very refreshing. I am also using the Skin Ceuticals Phyto-Corrective Mask. This mask is highly moisturising and hydrating and so soothing and calming. I actually leave this mask in the fridge, then  massage it into my skin and leave it on overnight!

Nicki's Top Tip!

Lots of my clients often tell me they forget or struggle to find the time to exfoliate. I am a stickler for the correct exfoliation, and I suggest to keep it in the shower and exfoliate when you have your conditioner in your hair!

Skin S.O.S.

Now that we seem to be slowly emerging from what was a very long and grey English winter and spring seems to be making an appearance, its time to look at the after effects of the cold conditions. Is your skin lacking its glow? Dull? Red? Dehydrated? It's time for some Skin S.O.S.!

Alma Skin Rejuvenation is what you need right now to give your skin the spring clean and uplift it needs. Maximise your results, minimise downtime.

Using a low-energy, short-pulse broadband light, imperfections such as erythema of rosacea, broken capillaries, fine lines & wrinkles and the sun-damage left over from last summers holiday -  can be gently heated and eliminated, replaced by newer, younger and plumper looking skin.  Each treatment is gentle with no downtime, just a gradual improvement in the skin's appearance. 

Feel confident to emerge into the brighter spring days with glowing and radiant skin.  No big woolly hats and maybe sunglasses to hide under now..... but for sure don't forget that sunscreen!

Get in touch now and we can get your skin ready for spring and summer.

Give us a call 0207 722 2002

Or pop in for a chat

We look forward to assisting you with tailor-made skin treatments.

We also have our new web-site up and running
www.fernskinclinic.com

Protect yourself...

The sun is one of the biggest factors in ageing and damage of our skin.  Lines and wrinkles, unsightly hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity and accelerated collagen breakdown.  Billions of pounds are spent on the latest beauty products - promising us plumping, brightening, hydrating, amongst many other things. 

And that is all fantastic stuff!  But what is the point in applying all of these potions and lotions and then walking out into the Sun only to be exposed to damaging UVA and UVA light?

Protection, protection, protection  - this is where anti-ageing skin care must begin.  And this should come from a Vitamin C Serum in the form of L Asorbic Acid  and at least a SPF 30 or above.  Both applied each and every morning - like putting your armour on before leaving the house.

Fernskinclinic stocks both of the above products in various forms and strengths to suit your protection needs.

( images via pinterest)

How often should I get a facial?

This is something clients ask all the time. We recommend seeing your skin care specialist every 4 to 6 weeks.

By getting in every 4-6 weeks, this allows your therapist to throughly assess your skin and to address any concerns that may be occurring.

What can a facial do for my skin?  Facials will throughly cleanse, exfoliate and plump (aid circulation) to your skin. We use a great range of active ingredients, peels, etc. and remember our treatments are always fully customised.

(image from pinterest)

Acupuncture Awareness Week

The beauty of Acupuncture

Did you know that 2.3 million acupuncture treatments are carried out each year! It's perfect timing to meet fernskinclinic's resident acupuncturist Jurgita who is a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council. 

On top of traditional acupuncture services that address fertility to anxiety to digestive disorders, Fernskinclinic offers specialized Beauty Acupuncture, in particular for the face, to revitalize skin for a knifeless face-lift effect. 

By targeting key acupuncture points on the face, blood flow is increased to detox the skin, promote lymphatic drainage and increase cell turnover. Fine lines appear reduced, skin looks plumper and in the weeks following treatment the skin’s natural production of collagen is increased.

Stay tuned for an intro to more of our love-laced skin treats…

How to keep those lips smooth!

Try Skin Ceuticals AOX lip complex:

This is a great antioxidant treatment for your lips. This lip product will help to restore moisture in your lip area, containing both humectants and emollients. We suggest you to apply this treatment every night before bed and in times when your lips are especially dry, use frequently.

This should keep these dry winter lips at bay!!

Beauty with a higher purpose

Glo Therapeutics is a cosmeceutical skincare line that can be fully customised to our clients needs. We chose this line for the science and ability to make each home care prescription bespoke. Glo Therapeutics is formulated with nourishing vitamins and highly concentrated botanicals. We see this line as a nice blend of non toxic ingredients and highly active ingredients.  Glo Therapeutics is constantly adding and improving on their line. And no one skin concern goes amiss.

Book a free consultation with us today to discuss Glo Therapeutics and how this line could benefit your skin.

Get Set for Valentine’s Day

If you’re seeking an utterly unique glow for the most romantic day of the year, the famous Fern Facials are customised for your individual skincare needs, and include a deep cleanse, exfoliation, extractions, massage and masks. 

Using the very best cosmoceuticals form SkinCeuticals and skin balancing products from Glo-Therapeutics and Suti, you can be sure of a radiant complexion post treatment. 

Fitness on our Doorstep

Last months we told you all about our favourite foodie spots in the area, but, seeing as it's January, we've dusted off our running shoes and made a New Year's resolution to get more active!

One of our favourite studios is Barrecore Hampstead. Such a great workout for lengthening muscles and creating a lean physique! Plus, it's so much fun!

Though we also love a brisk wak in the park. Primrose Hill is our go-to for getting some fresh air and the view across London is always beautiful!

Then there is a nearby and old favourite of some of our clients, Spring Health in Belsize Park.

And lastly, of course, Triyoga in Camden! Loads of fabulous yoga courses to choose from.

Where do you like to work out in the area?
Are you more of an indoor or outdoor exerciser?
We'd love to know your thoughts so we can spur each other on to make 2016 our healthiest year yet!

How to Winterise your skin

How is your skin feeling? Does it feel dry to you? It might be time to adjust your home skincare routine and focus on protecting your skin for winter. There is decreased humidity in the air and central heating doesn't help with keeping the skin hydrated.

First I want to mention, your skin type doesn't change even though the temperature or humidity has changed. Many clients will comment that their skin is dry in winter and oily in the summer. In reality, this doesn't happen, your skin type doesn't change to dry in winter but instead can become dehydrated. Environmental factors such as decreased humidity, windy conditions, central heating can cause an increase in TEWL - trans epidermal water loss. TEWL is the evaporation of water from the deeper layers of the epidermis. Dry skin is a lack of oil (sebum) in the skin and dehydrated skin is the loss of water in the skin.

Here are some steps to protect your skin during this time:

Avoid hot water when cleansing your skin, be sure to always cleanse your skin in tepid water only. Cleansing balms can be a nice addition to your night cleanse as it will provide a good gentle deep cleanse. Using hot water will affect your skin barrier function and will cause more dehydration and inflammation.

Be sure you are protecting your skin with antioxidants and peptides to protect against free radical damage.

Don't forget your SPF! Yes, you must use sunscreen all 365 days of the year, SPF can really help to protect your skin barrier function. I know the temptation is to forego this step, especially when it's grey and rainy outside but this is such an important step to protecting your skin.

Consider incorporating face oils into your skin routine. Our skin receives oil much easier than creams due to it's molecular structure. Perhaps switching your current night cream to a face oil.

Exfoliate - a good exfoliator can help facilitate a normal cell turnover. It's important to not overdo this as it will then create added inflammation and TEWL.

Hydrate internally as well. Get your essential fats. Try incorporating omega 3 (anti-inflammatory), adding flax or chia seeds and sesame or coconut oil to your meals.

Book a free skin consultation with us if you're unsure what's best for your skin. Facials are amazing to help with this time of year too! Our facials are fully customised to your skins needs!


(photos via pinterest)

New Year, New You

Here at Fernskinclinic, we take a year-round approach to wellbeing.
However, the new year usually provides the perfect motivation to kick start a fitness regime or balance to the Christmas excess. And most importantly, it's crucial to set attainable goals. You're never going to stick to them otherwise! Here are some of our favourite New year, New You suggestions:

I resolve to get more active by recruiting a workout buddy.

I resolve to drink more water by always carrying  a bottle of water around with me.

I resolve to reduce processed foods by trying to cook my evening meals.

I resolve to reduce alcohol by not drinking during the week.

I resolve to reduce my stress levels by taking 10 minutes for myself every day to breathe or meditate.

(photo via pinterest)

Is your skin ready for this festive season?

We often get asked by clients what can we do to keep that glow in the skin like after a facial. We often suggest lots of water intake, a healthy diet, rest and limited alcohol. But during the holiday season some of those things can be hard to do enough of. So we have put together a list of our favourite serums you can easily incorporate into your skin routine.

1) Vitamin C - this is a must, a good antioxidant is the key to giving our skin that much needed protection. It will help protect the skin from wintery conditions, indoor heating and it's a natural UV protector. We have a selection of Vitamin C to choose from, it's best you chat with someone to advice on the correct one for you.

2) Glo Therapeutics Peptide & Defense - this is a powerful peptide rich protective treatment. This product provides free radical protection. It's a lightweight serum cream, perfect for under your makeup or as a light cream at night.

3) Glo Therapeutics Super Serum - this night time treatment contains retinol, one of the best anti-aging ingredients, peptides and growth factors.  This is a high performance anti-aging serum that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This serum can be used every night.

4) Glo Therapeutics Renew Serum - a brilliant night time treatment. This serum contains 1% salicylic acid, 1% retinol and 7% glycolic acid. Smooths fine lines, treats pigmentation and improve your skin texture. Use this serum every third night and wake to glowing skin.

So there you go, no excuses now. Get your serums while stock lasts!

By: Diana Augustoni

How to combat late nights!

There is no way around it - December usually equals late nights, too much food and a few too many drinks! All great at the time, but we don't always love how we end up feeling (and sometimes looking) the next morning. 

Our top tips for ensuring you remain radiant include making sure you are sufficiently hydrated and to remove your make-up before bed. Luke warm water with half a lemon squeezed into it in the evening and first thing in the morning will balance out your ph-levels and combat too much acidity in the stomach (just remember not to brush your teeth within half an hour after drinking in order to preserve your tooth enamel!).

And if the partying got the better of you, book in for a treatment and we will help to restore the glow to your skin!

The Alma laser!

Introducing the Alma laser skin tightening treatment. This is a perfect treatment to get your skin glowing!

According to Alma their NIR module uses Near Infrared technology to heat the tissue under the skin's surface. The NIR handpiece produces dramatic, yet comfortable deep dermal heating without the damage to the epidermis.

By creating this heating we are able to monitor the temperature on your skin in order to optimally increase both collagen and elastin production in the skin. You will immediately notice increased plumpness in your skin and over the course of the next few days, your skin will feel lifted. We often suggest taking before and after photos so you can see for yourself the improvement in your skin.

Fern Skin Clinic is offering this special treatment at an introductory price. Book your course today for £625 for all four treatments. You will want to space each treatment two weeks apart.

By: Diana Augustoni

Sun Awareness

By: Diana Augustoni

Did you know there are about 9,000 cases of melanoma each year in the UK? Nope, well neither did we. Sun Awareness is The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) annual campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer and includes Sun Awareness Week from 5^th - 11^th May.

We at Fern thought this is the perfect opportunity to one, get back on this blog.... I know it’s been way too long! Sorry about that! And two to remind everyone of the daily actions we can take to prevent damage to our skin.

PROTECT Many of us know that we need to apply sunscreen in the summer but as we’ve mentioned on this blog before, wearing sunscreen everyday all year round is the best protection you can give your skin. We recommend using an SPF of 30 or higher with a Vitamin C/antioxidant serum underneath. Why pair the two together?  Vitamin C helps to treat and prevent changes in the skin associated with photo-aging and can be used to help with the treatment of pigmentation. When this powerful antioxidant is combined with sunscreen it maximises the photo protection of the skin. So, why not? You can never go wrong with a little antioxidant help, right?

Luckily Skin Ceuticals has just launched a Double Defence promo. When you purchase either their CE Ferulic Serum or their Phloretin CF Serum, you will receive a free gift of their SPF 50.

CHECK It’s important that we frequently check our moles on our bodies and monitor them for any changes. If you are ever concerned about a mole go to your GP. We personally think it’s best to have your moles checked every year to be sure you haven’t missed any changes. While most moles may not be harmful at all, early detection is key! Here is a basic photo and explanation to help you to check changes.  

Visit www.bad.org.uk  for further information.

PREVENT Be sure to practise smart choices while out and about in the sunshine. I just had to laugh…this is England, right? No but on a more serious note, sunshine or not it’s important to be smart with protecting ourselves. Be sure to protect your skin with clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Try not to be in direct sunlight from the hours of 11am – 3pm, it’s best to go in the shade. And be sure to wear your SPF!

Now I’m ready for the sunshine….you?

Is That The Sun???

By:  Diana Augustoni

It’s been such a long time but is that the sun I’m seeing?  Could it be that Spring has sprung?  It’s lovely isn’t it?  Are you ready for spring? Longer days, brighter days....

We’re not sure if you’ve noticed but we have added a new treatment to our menu called Fern Instant Eye Lift.  What better way to spring into the season than a nice eye opening treatment.  We are incorporating some of our best individual treatments into this treatment.

We will start by using the CACI Ultra machine.  Your eyes will be gently exfoliated and plumped,  using ultra sound and laser techniques.  We will also incorporate micro-current to lift the eye area. But why stop there?  These eyes need to be truly brightened with all that sun!   So following the use of the CACI Ultra we will then apply the Alpha H Eye Perfector Power Patch.  This patch contains glycolic acid and will brighten those peeps by visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles in just 20 minutes!  Seriously! The eye lift will be completed with the application of a powerful eye gel antioxidant.  And while you’re at it why not add a brow wax or brow tint?  Eyelash tint?  Any of these can be added to the treatment to brighten up even further.

So what is this powerful eye gel?  If you’re like me I’m always on the search for the great new eye product.  Well here’s one you will want to get.  It’s new from Skin Ceuticals and it’s called  AOX+ Eye Gel.  To start this is a serum to gel technology.  According to Skin Ceuticals it’s an open matrix formulation that enables actives to freely penetrate skin in a controlled manner for maximum bioavailability. The gel network remains on the surface, reinforcing the skin’s barrier.  Sounds amazing doesn’t it?  But you want to hear the key words you look for in an eye product, right?  So how about this, it contains 1% Phloretin, 5% Vitamin C and 0.5% Ferulic Acid, all in an eye product.  Whewee!   Anyone can use this product and is designed to treat both aging skin and fatigued eyes.  This is an eye treatment that is used daily but only needed to use once a day.  We at Fern like to use this eye gel as our day treatment.  It would be best to follow this with an eye cream or balm over the top to further the benefits.

Spring here we come!  Enjoy the sun!

New Year, New Cleansers

By: Diana Augustoni

It’s a new year and here at Fern we are making some changes.  We have always felt that it is the utmost importance to provide our clients with effective skincare.  We are very proud of the skincare options we offer for home use but have decided to change things around a bit.  We have always used Dermalogica skincare and will continue to carry the Ultra Calming Line but have decided to discontinue stock of their other cleansers.  Not to fret, you won’t be without great options!

We will continue to offer all of the cleanser options in the Alpha H range.  Both the Triple Action Cleanser and Balancing Cleanser will be available.  The Soothing and Calming Cleanser will be out of stock due to them reformulating that product.  As a result of that we have looked into our Skin Ceuticals range. 

Skin Ceuticals, as many of you know, is an amazing anti-aging range and we have chosen their best cleansers to offer to you now.  We will be carrying the Foaming Cleanser, Gentle Cleanser and the Blemish + Age Cleansing Gel. 

The Foaming Cleanser is a lightweight cleanser that deep cleans pores, removes excess oils and clears surface impurities.  A fragrance free cleanser containing gentle, non-allergenic ingredients to prevent irritation.  This cleanser contains extracts of Arnica, Ivy, Cucumber, Mallow, Lime Tree and Sambuccus (also known as Elder Extract). It’s mild and non-drying to the skin and perfect for removing make-up.  As in the name, this cleanser is a foaming cleanser that you will want to massage into skin thoroughly and then simply rinse off.  Those of you who liked the Special Cleansing Gel from Dermalogica will find this one a nice change.

The Gentle Cleanser is specifically designed for sensitive or dry skin.  This is a mild cleanser designed to remove excess impurities and oil without over drying. The Gentle Cleanser contains emollients and skin conditioners which calm and moisturise the skin.  Allantoin, a botanical extract with soothing properties believed to aid in fragile skin and Orange Oil known for its soothing properties.  You can simply massage this cleanser into the skin and rinse off with warm water or use a face cloth/muslin.  Many of you who like the Alpha H Soothing and Calming Cleansing Gel will like this one as an alternative or if you liked the Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution, we recommend trying this one.

The Blemish + Age Cleansing Gel is the newest cleanser to the Skin Ceuticals range.  This daily cleanser targets blemishes and photoaging.  This is an ideal cleanser for skin prone to breakouts and helps to address the concerns of aging skin as well.  This cleansing gel is non drying and has micro-exfoliating properties of  0.2% Capryloyl Salicylic Acid to decongest clogged pores, 0.2% Salicylic Acid to refine pores and reduce breakouts  and 3.5% Glycolic Acid to accelerate exfoliation, hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of aging skin.  With this cleanser, you simply massage into the skin and rinse off with tepid water.  This cleanser is ideal for those of you who would choose Dermalogica’s  Dermal Clay Cleanser or the Skin Resurfacing Cleanser.

So there you have it, New Year, new cleansers!