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!

Men are from Mars.......

The structure and composition of men's skin is very different to a women's. Men's skin tends to be more oily, making it more susceptible to acne related problems, blemishes and blackheads.  But on a more positive note, men's skin is much thicker than women's, making it less susceptible to UV damage such as pigmentation and ageing from the sun. However, skin suffers daily from air pollution, sweat and grit and dirt getting into pores.

Another big challenge a man's facial skin has to cope with (unless he is a bearded gent of course...) is having to drag a razor over the face on a regular basis.  This in turn can strip away essential moisture and break down the skins natural protective barrier, making the skin very sensitive, red and irritated.

So with all of this in mind, Fernskinclinic have designed and added a facial specifically for men to the treatment menu:  
The Men's Customized Facial Treatment.
A professional treatment with lots of good science built in. Only a trained therapist will be able to perform this and provide you with long lasting results.

This men's facial is a hard-working treatment whereby the complexion gets a welcome boost, whilst treating issues like acne, blackheads, skin redness or to just re-instate a youthful glow and relax. During the treatment the therapist will analyse your skin, decide what nourishment it needs and, using scientifically developed skin products, cleanse, exfoliate and nourish your skin.
You will have an enzyme mask combined with a steam treatment, extractions if necessary, a facial massage and a custom-made Alginate rubberising mask. Expect to leave with your skin feeling calm and clean. 


Mens Facial Treatment 60min/£80
www.fernskinclinic.com

(images via pinterest)

Banish the breakouts after exercising ...

We get many clients coming to us saying they seem to be breaking out in particular after exercising.  This can be frustrating as exercise plays a vital role in overall health and wellbeing, but sometimes your skin does not seem to be cooperating.  Breaking out after exercising is caused mostly by external factors, so here are some tips to keep those breakouts at bay;

1. Always take your makeup off before exercise - wearing your makeup while you workout and sweat will lead to clogged pores, which can then lead to breakouts.  Cleanse your skin before exercise thoroughly and pat dry.  Glo-Theraputics Purifying Gel-Cleanser, containing Salicylic Acid, which deeply cleanses the pores, perfect for pre and post workout.

2. Wash your hands before and after working out.   Avoid touching your face during exercise, especially after handling all of the gym equipment.  Use a clean towel to wipe away any sweat as you go.

3. After your workout, shower as soon as possible.   Not only do you want to avoid getting breakouts on your face, but in other areas like your back also.  The act of sweating unclogs pores, but once the sweat evaporates it leaves behind a salty residue, resulting in pores getting clogged back up again.  Exercise also boosts cell renewal, which is great, unless those dead skin cells are not promptly washed off.

4.  Hydrate your skin using a lightweight, anti-inflammatory moisturiser. Our skins accumulate toxins and grime throughout the day which can lead to inflammation. Exercise can actually help flush out these toxins via increased oxygen to our blood vessels. After exercise and cleansing try using Glo-theraputics Pure Hydration - containing anti-inflammatory fruit extracts.

5. And finally, exfoliate regularly. Ridding your skin of excess dead-skin build up will help enormously to avoid post-workout breakouts.  Try using Glo-Theraputics Refresh Facial Polish  2-3 times weekly to gently polish away those dead skin cells.

We hope these tips help - happy breakout-free exercising!!!!