Monday, 18 December 2017

MINI SERIES: STRESS #3 - TOP TIPS TO COMBAT THE EFFECTS OF STRESS

MINI SERIES: STRESS - TOP TIPS TO COMBAT THE EFFECTS OF STRESS

EAT TO FUEL YOUR BODY

Poor nutrition can result in immunosuppression. A healthy diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, good quality protein and healthy fats will provide you with the fuel to cope with stressful situations. Keeping your blood sugar levels steady by eating smaller meals throughout the day has been shown to help reduce cortisol levels. Incorporating a well formulated multi-vitamin/mineral supplement into your diet is an ideal way to ensure that you're getting the right nutrients on a daily basis

EXERCISE - GOOD FOR BODY AND SKIN

Exercise is a great way not only to reduce stress, but to also achieve healthier skin. However, the type of exercise you do should involve relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness, for example yoga and Tai Chi. People often assume that a lot of exercise is the cure for stress but too much rigorous exercise can have the opposite effect, so it's important to build in rest. Getting more oxygen to flow to the brain will result in a reduced physical and mental response to stress. Studies have shown that exercise not only reduces stress, but it also encourages blood flow to your skin. Exercise produces endorphins which can help improve sleep, which will in turn help reduce stress. You should be moving but not over-doing it. If your body has at least eight hours rest, it will renew and rejuvenate itself which will also show in the quality of your skin.

GET TALKING

A good remedy to help with stress is often just talking. It's important to take a step back and talk to someone about whatever is causing stress. Talking things through can help relieve stress and put a different perspective on a challenging situation. Sharing problems with a close friend or family member rather than 'bottling up' issues can be an effective way to start tackling stress. Sharing your burden can often help to lighten the load, and knowing that you have someone to talk things through with and discuss your issues can make the world of difference

Original article: IIAA Bulletin November 2017

Thursday, 14 December 2017

MINI SERIES: STRESS #2 - THE FOUR SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR

STRESS - THE FOUR SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR

1. SKIN

Stress can also have a major impact on the skin's appearance. with certain skin conditions actually directly caused by stress. These include:

Dryness/Dullness. Raised levels of cortisol promotes transepidermal water loss resulting in dry and dull skin appearance.

Fine Lines. Raised cortisol can trigger elevated blood sugar levels via a process known as glycation. Ultimately, glycation damages collagen and elastin, two fibers that help to keep skin smooth, plump and firm. Counteract the effects with vitamin A along with antioxidants to stimulate collagen production and help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Acne. Stress triggers the release of androgens (male hormones) like testosterone which are responsible for the production of sebum. Women suffer more than men as they produce a much higher amount of androgens in the adrenal gland than men. Incorporate treatments with salicylic acid and vitamin A to control bacteria, clogged pores and to normalise sebum production.

2. NO SLEEP

Your skin is the window to what's going on in your body internally, so if you're not sleeping and your system isn't functioning properly, you're going to notice a dull complexion, dry, flaky skin and breakouts. Stress causes magnesium deficiency. The benefits of magnesium for anxiety and stress are substantial. When people are low in magnesium, they feel anxious, suffer with muscle cramps and may experience insomnia. Lack of sleep will also have a negative impact on skin health. A recent study found that poor quality sleepers showed increased signs of intrinsic skin ageing including fine lines, uneven pigmentation and reduced elasticity.

3. LOW ENERGY

Stress can put more demand on the B vitamins in the body.

B vitamins are depleted by stress hormones such as cortisol. which get used up during stress responses such as the tensing of muscles and the rise of blood pressure.

B vitamins are important vitamins as they contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and are key for supporting mental health and combating stress. As B vitamins are water soluble they need to be replenished on a regular basis. Good sources of foods rich in B vitamins include cereals and grains, meats, fish, poultry, milk, eggs and vegetables. Supplementing your diet with B vitamins is an effective way to ensure you get enough on a daily basis.

4. GUT HEALTH

When the body is under stress, cortisol diverts energy away from the gut to muscles and the brain. It works to keep blood sugar elevated by feeding glucose to the brain and retains sodium to keep blood pressure levels up. During this fight-or-flight response, immune system and digestion slows down, this can cause the gut to become vulnerable to infection and inflammation.

Probiotics help supply the gut with beneficial bacteria. These 'good' bacteria play key roles in helping to maintain a healthy gut. They assist in digestion and, in fact, produce substances that nourish the lining of the intestines. By supporting digestive health, and addressing these internal imbalances, this may help reduce bloating and improve general well-being. A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology found that consistent stress negativity affects the amount and diversity of your good gut flora.

Original article: IIAA Bulletin November 2017

Wednesday, 6 December 2017

MINI SERIES: STRESS #1

MINI SERIES: STRESS - SKIN & WELLBEING

One in six people in the workplace are affected by stress, anxiety or depression at any one time in this country, according to the leading UK charity MIND.

MANAGING STRESS

The drive to work longer hours is now a reality for many. Work life balance is harder to achieve and the digital economy adds pressure to personal and professional performance. Stress is a natural part of life today and hard to avoid. However, managing stress and recognising the signs are important [the good and the bad news is that your skin will often be a visible indicator of stress).

CORTISOL - ANGEL OR DEVIL

When stress occurs, the body produces two hormones - adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline helps the body to react to perceived 'danger' and once that threat is over, will return to normal levels. Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, also helps your body cope with stress and is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, however if allowed to continue at high levels, can have a negative impact all over the body. Signs include thinning skin, weaker bones, higher fluid retention and bloating, a higher risk of bruising easily, delayed wound healing, weight gain and overall hormone imbalance between estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

KEY FACT - STRESS AND INFLAMMATION

Stress causes high levels of cortisol leading to increased inflammation. As prolonged stress causes irregular levels of cortisol, this results in the gut becoming inflamed. Specifically in skin, multiple neuroinflammatory conditions can be triggered or aggravated by stress, such as: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne and contact dermatitis.

Original article: IIAA Bulletin November 2017

Thursday, 23 November 2017

Mini Series - Vitamin a Myths #4

MYTH #4
Vitamin A causes skin to become inflamed

If skin receives high levels of vitamin A too quickly, it can experience a transient retinoid reaction. “Ironically, the people most likely to react to vitamin A are the ones who need it most”, says Tracy Tamaris, Director of Education at the International Institute for Anti-Ageing (IIAA). “Clients with sun damage are likely to have far less vitamin A receptors in their skin, which means that they are deficient. The key is to introduce it very gradually so that the skin slowly becomes acclimatised. That’s why the Environ^® Step Up programme is unique, it has been designed so clients are introduced to vitamin A in a controlled way to maximise positive benefits and minimise risks of retinoid reaction which is simply the skin’s way of saying ‘ Wait – I’m not ready yet’. Always start on the first level and only progress to the next level once your skin is fully accustomed to it.”

Adapted from a post in the September 2017 IIAA Bulletin

Skye Blue Beauty

153 Station Street

Burton Upon Trent

Staffs

DE14 1BG

01283 561208

153 Station Street, Burton on Trent

Wednesday, 25 October 2017

Mini Series - Vitamin A Myths #3

MYTH #3 - Vitamin A is toxic

This is one of the most common myths and often arises from confusion about the Recommended Daily Amounts (RDA) for oral consumption. The RDA is the minimum amount needed to prevent diseases such as rickets and scurvy, NOT the maximum. According to the European Food Safety Authority, the upper tolerable level is 10,000 ius daily, and experts argue that it should be much higher.
Dr Fernandes is a strong advocate of supplementing with vitamin A. “When we apply vitamin A to the skin, only a fraction of it penetrates down to the level of the dermis and even the most sophisticated modern tests have barely been able to detect any vitamin A in the bloodstream even when very high doses are applied”, he says.
“I feel nervous if I don’t apply it every day via my Environ^® creams, and feel more assured if I take 40,000 – 50,000 ius of vitamin A daily”, he adds. “It works with our DNA to determine how skin cells behave, how they differentiate into specialist cells and how they mature, not just in our skin but throughout our whole body… It is fundamentally the most important molecule in addressing sun damage and anti-ageing. There is nothing else like it”.

Environ Vitamin A Treatment

Lorraine Perretta, Head of Nutrition at the International Institute for Anti-Ageing (IIAA), agrees that taking vitamin A orally is key. “It’s important to feed the skin internally as well as externally. Unless you eat liver a few times a week, you will find it very hard to get adequate vitamin A levels from your diet, so I’d recommend at least 5000 ius a day.”

Adapted from a post in the September 2017 IIAA Bulletin

Sunday, 15 October 2017

Burton Beauty Therapist Appears at Screamfest 2017

By day Leanne Jones, beauty therapist at Skye Blue Beauty in Burton likes to pamper people and make them feel relaxed. By night she loves to make them scream with fear as she performs her character role at the annual Halloween Screamfest at the National Forest Adventure Farm in Tatenhill, near Burton on Trent.
Here she is getting made up for one of her characters;

We pulled this photo from her linkedIn profile, so you can see what she really looks like;

So, if you like a good fright visit the Screamfest scare attraction, and keep a lookout for Leanne - More details at https://www.screamfest.co.uk/

You can find Skye Blue Beauty at 153 Station Street in Burton Upon Trent

www.skyebluebeauty.net

Tuesday, 10 October 2017

Mini Series - Vitamin A Myths #2

MYTH
Vitamin A causes photo sensitivity
The retinol and retinoic acid forms of vitamin A do make the skin photosensitive, but the retinyl palmitate form has extremely valuable photo-protective properties.
Research by the dermatology department at University Hospital Geneva showed that at high levels, topical retinyl palmitate was as efficient as an SPF20 sunscreen in preventing sunburn. However, UV light breaks it down, so also taking it as a supplement is recommended to support topical application.

Sun Damaged Skin

“Retinol is an alcohol and is more irritating to the skin and photosensitises it”, says Dr Fernandes. “retinyl palmitate, on the other hand, absorbs the energy of UVB and UVA just like a sunscreen does and that is why it disappears in sun-exposed skin and the skin becomes depleted.”
"It is fundamentally the most important molecule in addressing sun damage and anti-ageing. There is nothing else like it.”
Environ^® Founder Dr Des Fernandes

Adapted from a post in the September 2017 IIAA Bulletin

Monday, 2 October 2017

Mini Series - Vitamin A Myths #1

MYTH
Vitamin A thins the skin
Studies show that vitamin A compacts the stratum corneum and thickens the epidermis, which runs completely contrary to the idea that it has a thinning effect. It influences the genes that cause epidermal stem cells to grow into fully functioning keratinocytes and mature into healthy layers of the epidermis. Vitamin A increases the growth of the basal layer which is why the epidermis becomes thicker and therefore more tolerant to damaging environmental effects.

"You can thicken the epidermis by up to 100 per cent compared to not using vitamin A”
Environ^® Founder Dr Des Fernandes

Environ Skin Care in Burton on Trent

Adapted from a post in the September 2017 IIAA Bulletin

Sunday, 24 September 2017

Know your Vitamin A with Environ Skincare

Know your vitamin A.

Although there are several forms of vitamin A, they are all ultimately converted into retinoic acid, which is the one that does all the work.

1. Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Proprionate and Retinyl Acetate
These are known as retinyl esters and are the milder, more stable fat soluble forms of vitamin A which are active but still easily tolerated by skin. This is the form of vitamin A stored in our liver, our skin and cells all over our body.

2. Retinol
This is the alcohol form and is used to transport vitamin A in the bloodstream. It’s highly active so although it does achieve excellent results it can also be quite irritating on skin, sometimes causing it to peel. You should only use this as part of the Environ® skincare programme once the skin has become accustomed to high levels of retinyl palmitate and acetate within the step –up system.

3. Retinyl Aldehyde
This is the form of vitamin A which is essential for night vision. It is sometimes used in skincare because it is only one metabolic step away from retinoic acid and can make the same changes to the skin, but is less irritating. However, once it’s applied virtually all of it is converted into retinyl esters and only a tiny fraction becomes retinoic acid.

4. Retinoic Acid
This is the metabolically active form of vitamin A which works on the DNA of the cell’s nucleus. It is a drug and only available on prescription

What form of vitamin A is in Environ’s Youth EssentiA^® and Skin EssentiA^® ranges?

These Environ^® ranges use the milder forms of vitamin A to avoid retinoid reactions and to enable skin to become accustomed to increasingly high levels.

• Retinyl palmitate is used in Environ^® Skin EssentiA^® Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser 1-3

• Retinyl acetate can be found in Environ^® Skin EssentiA^® Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser 4

• Environ^® Skin EssentiA^® Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser 5 contains both.

• The Youth EssentiA^® range features retinyl proprionate in levels 1-4, but Vita-Peptide C-Quence Serum 4 also includes retinyl palmitate.

Vitamin A is the key

Adapted from a post in the September 2017 IIAA Bulletin

Thursday, 13 July 2017

Institute For Anti Ageing article on the SPF Debate

Sun Damage or Sun Cream Damage?

See the Institute for Anti Ageing's report on the dangers of using sunscreen

https://www.iiaa.eu/the-dark-side-of-the-sun

Visit our website for details of the amazing range of Environ products and treatments available in Burton on Trent

Sunday, 4 June 2017

The Best Sunscreen is Not The One With The Highest SPF Factor

SPF – Sun Protection Factor

We all know that sunscreens are caterogised by their SPF rating but you probably have no idea what it actually means?? Or What it tells you about the sunscreen? Let’s clarify this…

“It is important to remember that the SPF rating largely refers to UVB protection, as the index is based on reddening or sunburn, and is therefore an incomplete and possibly misleading index in terms of cancer prevention in skin.”
Vitamin A Skin Science, Dr Des Fernandes & Dr Ernst Eiselen.

Just remember UVB is for burning and UVA is for ageing… UVB rays are also responsible for the formation of skin cancers and that the effects of even just one sunburn will last a lifetime.

What SPF is best?

We’re taught the higher the SPF the better the sunscreen and the greater protection it will provide our skin… This often misleads consumers into thinking that they can spend more time being exposed to the sun. But in actual fact, higher SPFs could actually be causing more long term damage to our skin. Think about it, to make a sunscreen with a higher SPF lets say a 50+, it physically has to contain more chemicals.

“Scientists do not recommend anything stronger than SPF 15 -20 because there is minimal advantage from the higher SPFs, but significantly greater doses of sunscreen chemcials.”
Vitamin A Skin Science, Dr Des Fernandes & Dr Ernst Eiselen.

These chemicals or organic sunscreen agents, are then converted into free radicals once exposed to UV rays, which effectively ‘rusts’ our DNA – changing the structure of our cells and leading to skin ageing and skin cancer.

“A frightening statistic is that skin cancer has risen since high SPF products were introduced. We are not sure why. Do people perhaps stay longer in the sun and incur more damage, or are the protective molecules damaging our skin by generating free radicals?”
Vitamin A skin Science, Dr Des Fernandes & Dr Ernst Eiselen.

The general perception would be, that the level of protection offered between a lower and higher SPF is a large percentage. In actual fact the percentage is very low at about a 5% difference between an SPF 15 and SPF 50. This is really surprising and can be very misleading.

What should you look for in a sunscreen?

For your sunscreen to provide real protection from damaging ultraviolet light it should contain three essential elements… Adequate UVA cover, adequate UVB cover and sufficient antioxidant cover.
But why antioxidants?

“Antioxidants are free radical scavengers that help minimise the damage of UV rays that penetrate the sunscreen and filters”
Vitamin A Skin Science, Dr Des Fernandes & Dr Ernst Eiselen

Antioxidants help to protect our DNA to ensure its integrity. Using antioxidants in conjunction with sunscreens is a fairly new idea but Dr Des Fernandes has been incorporating them into his sunscreens since 1990. This way the sunscreen offers a wide range of protection to the skin. Not only physically protecting it but also repairing any damage that occurs due to UV exposure or the sunscreen ingredients. His studies are proving that the inclusion of the antioxidants are providing real protection to our DNA against the damage caused by the UV rays.
(If you aren’t able to find a sunscreen that also contains potent antioxidants you can always use a seperate product)
Look for ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that act as reflectors. Reflectors are agents that reflect or block most UV rays, rather than absorbing the UV rays. Titanium is a great, safe and very effective alternative for people who suffer reactions from other UV filters (chemicals). Zinc oxide is another great UV reflector and is beneficial in reducing acne and enhancing collagen formation.

What sunscreen should I buy?

Since the introduction of SPF50+ sunscreens, it can be very difficult to find a sunscreen that is only an SPF 15 or 20. It’s definitely not impossible but you just have to do your research. We are lucky that Environ manufacture RAD SPF15 with its unique formulation that includes antioxidants - it truly is a fantastic product, which we use regularly and can honestly say that it is the best sun cream that we have ever used.

Remember, Dr Des Fernandes recomends using a sunscreen containing both UVA and UVB elements and potent antioxidants. Use a lower SPF and apply it in an adequate dose to ensure you’re protected… The recommended dosage is 2mg per centimeters squared. No sunscreen is going to offer complete protection, so be sensible. Limit your time spent exposed to the sun, cover up your skin, wear a hat and reapply your sunscreen!!!

Daily sunsreen and antioxidant protection can prevent photo ageing (premature ageing) and skin cancers!

Monday, 29 May 2017

Environ #100DayReset

The Environ 100 Day Reset Programme

What is it?
Quite simply, it’s a 100 day journey to healthier skin. A proven way to forget quick fixes and learn a longer term solution

How does it work?

It is carried it out in 3 phases.
Phase 1: Getting started. In this stage you’ll receive an in depth consultation to really allow us to understand you, your skin and your lifestyle. Based on your concerns, we’ll slowly build you a personalised skin health programme. Days 0-30
Phase 2: So at around day 30, you’ll come back in to us and check your progress. You’ll see changes as your skin responds to your tailor-made regime. Here is where we’ll make any adjustments or add something to really keep you going. Days 30-60
Phase 3: You’re over half way here! Its around day 60 you’ll really be seeing the differences to your complexion. You’ll have an extra glow, be maintaining more moisture and your skin will be more plump. We’ll make any final changes and marvel at your results! Days 60-100
If you want to know more details or book a consultation, either send us a message or call us on 01283 561208

Let’s get healthy skin, together.

#100dayreset

Skye Blue Beauty salon

153 Station Street

Burton on Trent

DE14 1BG

01283 561208

Monday, 8 May 2017

Skinbase Microdermabrasion in the Spotlight

You may have seen the TV adverts for the Skinbase Microdermabrasion Facial (if not, we've added a youtube link below)

A little about Microdermabrasion first;

"A non-surgical approach to skin rejuvenation, regular exfoliation with MD does wonders for a dull and lacklustre complexion. To get the most out of your at-home skincare products you need to remove old build up before anti-ageing creams and serums can really penetrate and take effect. Microdermabrasion treatment does this by using tiny crystals to slough away old skin cells, clear blocked pores and polish the face.
An immediate improvement can be seen after treatment. MD is a firm celebrity favourite, New York City dermatologist David Colbert, M.D., who treats Sienna Miller and Rachel Weisz, says: “When HDTV kicked in, it became our most sought-after pre-awards show procedure, we had to open a second office!”. (source: Glamour magazine) Exfoliation with MD provides a great base for an even application of makeup.
Mineral makeup can even be applied straight after treatment. MD has also been proven to enhance the barrier function of the skin resulting in increased hydration. (source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)"

And of course you can get this great treatment in our Burton Salon - Visit http://www.skyebluebeauty.net/Microderm.htm for more details.

Call, or visit our salon;