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!

Fashion Week Survival Tips!

Fashion Week is about to hit London with it a flurry of activity and events that will be 24/7.


So this week is not the time to be lazy in looking after your skin, especially when you want to look your tip-top best.  Here is some advice from us to keep your skin looking fresh, with those pushed for time in mind (even if your exhausted on the inside....... )


* Remove your make-up before you go to bed at night.  This is absolutely vital!  Your skin will collect dirt on top of the make-up you are wearing, and with touching your faces during the day, these will become one of the dirtiest parts of your bodies by the end of the day.  Yuck!  Oil and dirt provide the ideal conditions for acne causing bacteria.  So if you don't want to wake up with an extra blackhead or even worse a massive spot, cleanse and double cleanse! 


* Moisturise.  Moisturisers on your skin evaporate during the day, leaving your skins parched.  If you want to wake up with fresher and hydrated skin (even if the odds are stacked against you...) moisturise after cleansing at night.  Simple!

*Repeat. When you wake up in the morning, repeat the above steps to prep your skin for the day ahead.  This will ensure makeup goes onto smooth and hydrated skin - you might even save yourself some time as you won't need to hide the fatigue under layers of makeup!


*Drink lots of water. Its a classic, but it really works at  keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out.  And not only that but drinking enough water throughout the day (and night) will keep your energy levels up, making you feel good and looking less fatigued.

And finally ... for that extra bit of a push, Rhian Stephenson - Nutritionist, Naturopath and CEO of Psycle,  recommends taking a Vitamin B Complex to reduce tiredness and Yeebe Mate Tea, which enhances your physical endurance and the ability to focus.

So with all of this ammunition you should be able to push through the week without hitting the brick wall too hard ........

And if your skin needs that extra helping hand, Fernskinclinic are providing daily complimentary treatments during London Fashion Week @ The Grooming Room, Century Club.

Hydrate Yourself ...

Dehydration is when there is lack of water in the skin, indications can be itching, pulling and dull looking skin. Once the skin is dehydrated, it can no longer carry out its role as a barrier.  Skin is most susceptible to dehydration in the winter months and also in hotter climates. 

Hydration, hydration, hydration......if your skin is dehydrated here is a couple of Fern Favourites to pull that water back into your skin...

Skin Ceuticals Hydrating B5

Contains high level of Hyaluronic Acid to bind moisture to the skin and increase hydration, also holding 100x its weight in
drenching your skin with much needed water.  And following on from the Protect Yourself blog, hydrating B5 is recommended to use along side Vitamin C serums as they enhance each other. Use daily to maximise the benefits of your daily moisturiser. 

Hydrating B5 Mask

This highly concentrated mask infuses dehydrated skin with moisture, this weekly hydration products helps to maintain the water balance in your skin. Amazing for dehydrated, and stressed skin to aid the skin in restoring an healthy and radiant appearance.  And the bonus is that you don't have to wash it off!  Apply to skin at night, allow to penetrate for 10 minutes and then gently massage excess into skin.  Also fab for flights!  Its clear so no one will know you  have a mask on, and instead of washing it off, you lightly rub the excess in. Your skin will thank you for it!

As well as hydrating your skin from the outside, it is essential to hydrate your skin from the inside.
Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of WATER and spread them out over the course of the day.  Hydrated skin mean skin will look plumper and the signs of ageing are minimised.

So don't forget to hydrate yourself, inside and out.........

(images via pinterest and skinceuticals, post by Nicki)

Uneven complexion?

One of the most common skin-care issues is that uneven complexion: dark spots left over from the acne-teenage years, pigmentation due to hormones or sun damage. To make matters worse, the are difficult to get rid of and challenging to conceal. 

Lasers can of course help, see our feature on Hyperpigmentation, and another great skinsaviour is Phyto+ by Skinceuticals.

It contains Kojic Acid, which is made form mushrooms, and this gives Phyto+ its brightening capabilities. Great for people with sensitive skin, containing also hyaluronic acid to help keep skin hydrated and calm.

In what order to use products ...

How to layer your skincare:

This is a question we often get asked and one that isn't quite easy to work out.
Simply put, you want to begin with the lightest to the thickest product.

In the morning you'll want to layer your Vitamin C first, then follow with your peptides, followed by a few drops of your face oil (if you use) and then your moisturiser and ALWAYS apply your SPF last. We think it's best to allow your products the time to absorb before applying your next. Maybe apply your Vitamin C, brush your teeth and so forth.

In the evening you still want to follow the same rules that you applied for the morning minus your Vitamin C (Vitamin C stays on the skin for 24 hours, no need to apply twice a day), apply your humectant first i.e. Hydrating B5 gel, then your retinol and then your night-time face oil and/or your moisturiser. Bear in mind, all of our skincare routines are customised so you might not use a gel before your retinol and that's ok, just be sure you follow the rule of using your thinnest product first and that you finish with your thickest. Again this is a great time to allow your products to absorb, often clients find this is an easier time to do so than in the morning.

(images via pinterest)

Supermodel Skin Secrets

So London Fashion Week has started and it’s the perfect time to share some of the knowledge we’ve gained from the “inside” about how models keep their skin in great condition.

Drink ample amounts of water

Always take your make-up off, no matter how late the night!

Cold-pressed, organic juice is a great way to load up on skin boosting nutrients

On a night out, choosing drinks such as vodka & soda water will minimise dehydration 

Massaging your moisturiser in will help boost circulation & make skin glow

Have a make-up free day to allow your skin to breathe

                                 

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)

Our skin treatments

Here at Fern, we pride ourselves on our superior skin treatments. 
Every treatment is completely bespoke as we know every individual is different. And everybody's skin is different ...
Chose from 60, 75 and 90 minute treatments with either Glo-therapeutics, Skinceuticals or Suti. 
Regardless of which one you opt for, all our facials include a deep cleanse, exfoliation, extractions, facial massage, treatment mask and shoulder, arm and hand massage. The perfect way to treat your skin for the new year!

Then of course, we can offer the added extra with the new Alma machine! Read more about this here ...

Five tips for glowing skin

As the party season approaches, we want our skin to be on tip-top form. If there's one thing we've perfected her at Fernskinclinic, it's skincare. Regular facial treatments ensure your skin is glowing at all times but we also find that these daily lifestyle tips help ....

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Good old H2O helps plump out the skin and allows the cells to operate efficiently.
2. Cold-pressed juice! We really notice the difference if we incorporate a few green juices into our diet.
3. Develop a good ski care regime ... we love the organic brand Suti, which we stock at Fernskinclinic.
4. Relax! Take a few deep breaths to help re-oxygenate the cells! And yes, ... we know, difficult in the run up to the end of the year!
5. Sleep! Every person is different, but aiming for as close to 8 hours will bring a noticeable difference to your skin!

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!