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)

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!

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!