Belated New Year’s Resolutions? No, this is a New You Resolution!

I do not really believe in New Year’s resolutions. I tried it so many times when I was younger and it never lasted longer than about mid-February. It was only when I revisited the whole concept during last December that I realized what I did wrong all those years. I was too ambitious and wanted to either change the world, or myself, in one huge blow!

Slowly can also get you there…

I have written down some of my personal thoughts about this here, but this is a more beauty and health-specific list that I hope you will strive to get right too:

Always, always wear sun block:
I am talking huge numbers: SPF 50, at least. Yes, I know that most beauticians will gasp and clutch their hearts in shock! The norm is that the higher the number, the higher quantities of chemicals it contains. Rest easy, those jumping hearts! Read more here about taking care in the sun. I have the Perfect Sun Block SPF 50+ for you:

Essel DNA Epinew SPF 50+ Spray-on Face and Body Sun Screen

Essel DNA-Epinew Sunscreen Protection Spray SPF50+ : R 380/150ml SPF 50+ Spray-on face and body sunscreen with added Vitamin A,C and E. UVA and UVB protection with Anti-Oxidants, Water resistant.

Clean your skin every night.
Please do not skip this, no matter how tired and sleepy you are. It only takes about 5 minutes, but you will see the benefits of this quickly.  Store everything you need in a pretty container in your bathroom, so that it is easy to get hold of when you clean your skin at night. Follow the steps here to get a beautiful clean and well-cared-for skin before you go to bed.

Vitaderm Pre-Cleanse R255/150ml

Vitaderm Pre-Cleanse

Vitaderm Pre-Cleanse is a completely water-soluble oil-gel suitable for all skin types.  It can be used as a make-up remover prior to normal cleansing or it can take the place of one’s cleanser. For oily and acne skin, it is best to use a gel cleanser afterwards to cleanse the skin. Vitaderm Pre-Cleanse is popular with men as a shaving product.

Every woman needs an eye cream
Every women 25 years of age and older must use an eye cream every morning and night.  The younger ladies can look at a cream that hydrates and moisturize to keep the skin around your eyes supple and comfortable. You can start looking at an anti-ageing cream in your thirties or younger, if you have very dry skin.

The popular Vitaderm Eye Lift Gel with roll-on ball. R395/20ml

Vitaderm Eye Lift Gel

This eye gel helps boost hydration and brightens the delicate area around the eyes. The Eyeseryl®  protein peptide content assists in reducing dark  circles and puffiness,  whereas the AcquaCell® 

extract softens the appearance of fine lines and  wrinkles.  The Pullulan starch content helps firm  the skin, whist the hyaluronic acid content further boosts hydration. Witch hazel and aloe vera extract helps to soothe and decongests the area

Do not over-exfoliate
Yes, one should exfoliates regularly, but please no more than once a week for oily skins and once every 2-3 weeks for all other skin types ( more gasping and clutching!)

The more you exfoliate and stress your skin, the more oil it will excrete-it is a simple as that!  The more oil you see on your skin, the more you exfoliate, the more oil you will see- a vicious circle…

I have experienced this first hand in my teens, as I always struggled with oily and acne skin.  Stop that scrubbing and I promise you your skin will start to behave and settle. Your exfoliator is NOT the product to use to get you oiliness and acne under control.

Be gentle with your skin.

Drink that water.
Water consumption is so important, please drink at least 1.5.to 2 liters every day.  We need water to: Regulate our body temperature
Cushioning and lubricating our joints
Protect tissues and organs
Moisturise our nose, eyes, mouth
Carry oxygen and nutrients to cells
Aid in digestion
Protect central nervous system, brain and spinal cord
Help to dissolve nutrients, minerals and to make them accessible to the body
Clear out waste via perspiration, urination and bowel movements
Reduce the burden on liver and kidneys by eliminating waste

Drink-up! Your body needs it.

Get enough sleep

In years gone past, our many-times-over-great-grannies got at least 10 hours sleep per night. They got up with the dawn and went to sleep when the first stars showed. That is how we should treat our bodies today as well. Get at least 7-8 hours sleep. Your body needs to heal and to rest. Too little sleep leads to depression, anxiety, hyperactivity and other mood disorders. 

Sleep, what a wonderful thing!

Have a wonderful time taking care of yourselves!

Stretch Marks- one of the most frustrating skin care issues-Essel HumanKind CelluStretch Serum

What is stretch marks?

Enjoy the beach

Stretch marks (striae) are a form of scarring (indented streaks) that often appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs.

Stretch marks occur when skin is abnormally stretched and expanded for a period of time. Commonly it happens during pregnancy, weight loss or weight gain, or during periods or rapid growth in teenagers.

How is it formed?

Stretch marks are formed from the inside out rather than scarring that forms on the outside after an external skin injury.

Recent findings have shown that the initial stage in stretch mark formation is primarily an inflammatory process and at that stage it is still invisible on the surface of the skin. The inflammation then triggers the mast cells to degranulate, which damages the elastin and collagen fibres in the skin. This results in the thinning of the outer skin, which then leads to atrophy of the skin. It then appears as indented streaks or lines in the skin than can be pink, red, black, blue or purple streaks.

The following factors can accelerate the problem:
·         The excessive use of topical or systemic glucocorticoid drugs (steroids),
·         Cushing's disease (overproduction of glucocorticoids by the adrenal gland), 
·          Marfan's syndrome
·         Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
·         
It is estimated that 90% of women who are or have been pregnant, 70% of adolescent females and 40% of adolescent males, have stretch marks!

Stretch marks rarely are a sign of a significant medical problem and are generally painless.

How does one treat it?

Since damaged collagen fibres are at the root of this problem, it stands to reason that any treatment option should include a way of stimulating new collagen fibre growth. One of the easiest and cost effective treatments is Collagen Induction Therapy.

Collagen Induction Therapy has the incredible power to naturally stimulate elastin and collagen production in the top layers of the skin and is an almost side-effect free concept for skin (facial and non-facial) rejuvenation. It can be used by men or women of all ages and is used to improve stretch marks, the signs of aging, acne scars, surgical scars, pigmentation,  lines and wrinkles. Used in conjunction with an excellent Anti-Stretch Mark Cream it will lessen the visibility and size of the scars.

Essel HumanKind Cellu-Stretch Serum R560 for 200ml

This anti-stretch mark serum has been formulated to suit all skin types, and is SAFE during pregnancy! It not only helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but may also prevents them from appearing on the skin.

HumanKind CelluStretch serum helps reduce stretch marks and prevents them from appearing on the skin.
200ml

Description
CelluStretch combines an exclusive ingredient Dermastril™ which consist from:
• A green bean extract (Phaseolus lunatus) inhibits cutaneous degradation and repairs a damaged extracellular matrix, antagonizes the enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin.
• Rutin –bioflavonoid, that is found in certain fruits and vegetables, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, antagonize elastase and stabilize mast cells.
• Bio-peptides in the serum stimulate the neosynthesis of the extracellular matrix.
• An enzymatic exfoliant based on a protease obtained by fermentation helps to promote skin renewal.
• Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate) speeds skin renewal and repair the tissue.
• Allantoin has soothing, anti-inflammatory effect.
• Ethoxydiglycol is a trans-epidermal penetration enhancer of actives to ensure their high efficacy.

Essel Anti-Stretch Mark CIT Treatment

The treatment consists of 1 CIT Treatment plus application of Essel Cellu-Stretch Serum

1 Treatment  R550

3-Month  Essel Anti-Stretch Mark CIT Treatment   R 2 210

You pay for 3 x CIT treatments plus a 1x 200ml Essel Human Kind CelluStretch Serum for home use. You get 1 x AHA Intensive Exfoliations on the affected areas to the value of R300 FREE.

6-Month  Essel Anti-Stretch Mark CIT Treatment   R 3 860

You pay for 6 x CIT treatments plus a 1x 200ml Essel Human Kind CelluStretch Serum for home use. You get 2 x AHA Intensive Exfoliations on the affected areas to the value of R600 FREE.

Award Winning Skin Doctor Products available in the Salon!

Skin Doctors Relaxaderm™ Advance 

Relaxaderm Advance is the only injection-free wrinkle relaxer with the power of Dermatox-63, an exclusive combination of active ingredients synergistically formulated to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines by nearly two thirds in just 28 days.

And with its added wrinkle plumping action, crevices are plumped out from the inside, making skin look firmer and smoother, and you look younger!


 Skin Doctors Antarctilyne Plump3™

Plumps the appearance of wrinkles by up to 35% in 30 days.
Antarctilyne Plump3™ is able to visably increase the level of the skins collagen, assist in keeping the skins collagen looking uniform and assist in protecting the skins collagen from degeneration
Skin Doctors™ Antarctilyne Plump3™ is used to:

• Visibly increase the level of the skins collagen.

• Assist in keeping the skins collagen looking uniform

• Assist in protecting the skins collagen from degeneration

• Plump the appearance of wrinkles by up to 35% in 30 days.

• Improve the visible appearance of the skin by making it firmer and smoother, helping wrinkles to become less noticeable.

• Deeply hydrate the skin to help prevent premature ageing and the formation of new wrinkles.

Puffy eye syndrome & Under eye bags

Puffy eye syndrome is probable the number one irritation to all of us. You all must have experienced it some or other time. You wake up one morning, and there they are! For some it will be a temporarily problem, for others it may last a few days or weeks, but fortunately there is a cure somewhere that should work for you.


What causes puffy eyes?
There are all manner of reasons why people develop puffy eye syndrome. Here are some typical causes for the puffy eyes that you wake up to:

Everyday causes of Puffy Eyes:

The good news is that puffy eyes are cause mostly by fluid retention due of any one of the following reasons:

• Fluctuating hormone levels.
• Oedema or fluid retention throughout the body. Pregnancy also causes increasing oedema.
• Certain medication.
• Allergies, which may also result in itchiness and redness of the eyes and surrounding tissue.
• Inflammation.
• Smoking.
• Diet
• Your genes can also help this along!

Under eye bags:
Please note that there is a huge difference between “puffy eyes” due to day-to-day causes and huge bags that rest on the top of your cheeks. Most bags under the eyes are the result of accumulated fat in the eye area. This happens when the septum surrounding the eyeball weakens, causing the outer layer of fat within the socket to sink forward – making it look like you have literal “bags” under your eyes.

Unfortunately, the only cure for bags under the eyes is a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty, which is designed to remove excess fat, skin and muscle around the eyes. However, there are some treatments that will reduce the appearance of under eye bags.

Sometimes a more serious medical condition can also be the problem:

• Kidney disease: In some cases, bags under the eyes are a sign of kidney problems.
• Hypothyroidism. A slow thyroid affects 2 in 100 women or 2% of the female population. Your slow thyroid may be causing those bags under your eyes too.
• Poor Diet. An excess of sodium in your diet will cause you to retain water
• Accumulation of Toxins. Sometimes a slow digestive system can add to the overall problem. When the intestines get clogged with bile and mucous, they can't function properly. Try detoxing for a couple of days with fresh fruit, vegetables and lots of water.

What to do about puffy eye syndrome and under-eye bags:

• The simplest way to reduce puffy eye syndrome that is caused by water retention, is to drink more water!
• Gently tap with your finger tips around the eye to drain the fluid
• Apply cold compresses to the eye area like a wash cloth soaked in cold water or gel filled eye pack that you can keep in the freezer*
• Reduce your salt intake
• Get enough sleep-at least 8 hours
• Wear sunglasses when outside to reduce sun light glare and protect your eyes against wind, dust etc
• Try sleeping on your back with your head elevated; this will encourage drainage.
• Apply a good eye gel, specifically formulated for puffy eyes, sparingly every morning.
• If you suspect a more serious medical condition, please see you GP.

Products that I can recommend for amazing results that the Beautique stocks:


Skin Doctors Eyecircle



Skin Doctors Eyesmooth



Skin Doctors Eyetuck

General care for the skin around your eyes

The skin around the eyes is ten times thinner than the skin on the face, it is also more sensitive and requires very gentle handling. As we age, skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner due to a breakdown of collagen. The desquamation* process takes longer as we age and therefore the healing process also takes longer.

Damage to our skin can be further aggravated by harsh environmental exposures. The skin of the eye contour is constantly moving, blinking alone produces 10 000 movements per day. We use our facial muscles when we talk, laugh, squint and cry which all add up to those dreaded wrinkles, lines, dark circles and puffiness. Rubbing and tugging of the delicate skin under the eye due to allergies, crying, eye makeup removal and insertion and removal of contact lenses can contribute to sagging of the this area.

One should take extra care when choosing a skincare product for this area. Products that contain gentle, non-irritating compounds that target the specific problem be it wrinkles, puffiness or dark circles, along with a wide range of vitamins, antioxidants, and skin-plumping substances are ideal choices.

There are such a large variety of ingredients that can help with whatever problem you have with the eye area, that I would rather explain them in the product reviews.
However, I would like to tell you how to remove your eye-make-up with minimum stress to the area:

Use a good professional salon make-up remover: This is a product formulated specifically for the eye area and can either be a liquid or a thicker, milky lotion. If you use water proof mascara make sure that the one you choose can cope with this very difficult-to-remove make-up product. Be very, very gentle when cleansing the eye area as it is very easy to stretch the skin. If you cannot be gentle please rather use a water-soluble cleanser that can wash it away!

How to remove your eye make-up: Always use damp cotton wool, as some of the cotton wool feels like abrasive pads on the skin when dry. Soak the cotton wool in the make-up remover and place over the eyelids. Wait 5 to 10 seconds for the make-up to softens, then gently stroke the eye lashes from base to tip to remove the mascara. Then stroke softly (not rub and scrub!) from the inside to the outside corner of the eye. Repeat this process until all make-up is removed. If there is still be some stubborn make-up, especially eyeliner around the lashes, use an ear bud (Q-tip) soaked in the remover and gently wipes it away. Now you can cleanse your whole face with your skin specific cleanser. Use a gentle toner and the correct eye cream for your age and gently tap it on the eye bone.

Some basic general do’s and don’ts to help keeping the skin soft and healthy:

 Drink plenty of water. Water plays a crucial role maintaining the elasticity of skin.

 Stay out of the sun. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays causes melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, to  mature abnormally. This results in age spots and uneven pigmentation. UV rays are responsible for up to 90% of aging and can add several years to your appearance.

 Wear sunglasses to avoid squinting.

 Get plenty of rest/sleep. Fatigue can cause skin to look pale and gaunt.

 Be gentle when removing makeup and avoid unnecessary tugging and pulling on the delicate tissue.

 Use a professional, specific skin care eye cream for your age group.

 Don’t smoke. Nicotine constricts blood vessels in the face and under the eyes. Constricted vessels also make it difficult for nutrients to be absorbed, which leads to a breakdown of collagen.

 Excessive drinking can cause dehydration, so limit yourself to a glass or two of wine every week.

 Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

 Apply all eye skin care products with a massage and tapping around the eye bone.

The skin around the eyes

The anatomy of the skin around the eyes, also referred to as the adnexa is unique to the face and body. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive, in fact ten times thinner than skin in other parts of the body, and as we age, it becomes even thinner due to the breakdown of collagen. It also has no sebaceous glands that produce extra oil onto the skin. This means no oil, and dry skin.

It is important to understand not only the anatomy of this area, but also the muscles involved as well as the process of skin cell renewal to completely know how to care for this delicate area.

The Orbicularis Oculi muscles are circular sphincters which surround the eyes and close the eyelids. They relax when sleeping and can be used independently as when winking. The Levator Palpebrae Superioris muscles sit on the eyelids, open the eyelids and work as an antagonist to the Orbicularis Oculi. The Corrugator Supercilii muscles are located in the orbital arch and draw the eyebrows inwards and downwards causing the vertical lines on the forehead when frowning

Eyelid skin is made up of several layers. The subcutaneous layer, the deepest of all, contains a fine layer of fascia, which lies top of the Orbicularis Oculi muscle. Another layer acts as the support layer of the skin, which is the dermis. The dermis is made up of threadlike proteins including elastin and collagen, fibroblasts, nerves and blood vessels. The top layer, the epidermis, is made up of basal cells, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, keratinocytes and on top, the dead cell layer (also known as the stratum corneum) made up of corneocytes. The epidermal layer gives the skin its appearance, colour, suppleness, texture, and health.

Basal cells reproduce new cells every few days. As these cells migrate upward, they become drier and flatter. Once they reach the surface of the skin, they are no longer alive, and are referred to as corneocytes. This process of migration from basal cell to corneocytes is what gives the epidermis the ability to regenerate itself. This skin renewal process is known as desquamation. Desquamation is an ongoing process that takes about two weeks in a young person and about 37 days for individuals over 50. The build up of corneocytes gives skin a callous or dry, aged and thickened look. The skin feels and looks rough and its ability to retain water becomes impaired.

The skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest, most delicate skin of your entire body. The capillaries are much closer to the surface of the skin there. Many people's skin is not only thinner around the eyes, but also more translucent. That is the basis of most of the problems that we experience around the eyes; dark circles, puffiness and fine lines and wrinkles

Anesi Infini Jeunesse DNA Cronologie Facial Youth Cream

Anesi Infini Jeunesse DNA Cronologie Facial Youth Cream

This exciting new addition to the Anesi Infini Jeunesse range acts on the cell nucleus repairing DNA to prevent the cell from damage in the duplicating stage of cell renewal.

Let me explain a little more: All cells have a DNA nucleus that is similar to a “biological data storing device” that helps with sending signals and instructions to all the components that makes up our cells. When new cells are made by our bodies, their DNA strands “unzip” and duplicate themselves. This is a continuous process that only stops when we die.

However, sometimes the process goes a little wrong and the unzipping is faulty. External factors like the sun, pollution and stress can also alter DNA. As time passes the DNA reproduce more slowly and duplicates with the damage that occurred. There is a visible loss of firmness in the skin, the aging process speeds up with new wrinkles that appear and existing wrinkles become deeper.

The DNA Cronologie cream contains advanced moisturising factors, the precursors to collagen as well as an active plant derived alterative to hyaluronic acid (one of the natural substances of our skin’s protective moisturising layer)

Functions of the cream:

• Stimulates, protects and repairs the skin from the cell nucleus

• Moisturises tissues in-depth and boost the formation of collagen and elastin fibres

• Wrinkles are diminished and the appearance of new ones is delayed

• Offers over-all anti-age protection

Results after 2-3 months of use: DNA is stimulated, protected and repaired and the skin regains its luminosity, elasticity and is firmer with fewer wrinkles.

It is a well-worth addition to any anti-age and anti-wrinkle skin regime and can be used in the morning and at night.

In terms of value for money and quality of product I rate this product at “5”

TheraVine Sculpt-O-Vine Contouring and Firming Body Cream Review

Here is the AGB Quick Product Review:

• Sculpt-O-Vine Contouring and Firming Body Cream contains active ingredients specifically designed for the treatment of cellulite and remodelling the body. 
• It is also firming and moisturising cream.
• It will minimise stubborn cellulite , stimulate the removal of stored fat, reduce stubborn curves and refine the hips and moisturise the skin.
• Apply in the morning and evening using upward, circular movement with intense pressure. Massage in well.
• You will get better results if you use the Sculpt-O-Vine Contouring and Firming Body Cream with the Sculpt-O-Vine Cellulite Oil. If used with Sculpt-O-Vine Cellulite Oil apply in the evening after the oil.
• In terms of value for money and quality of product I rate this product at “4”

TheraVine Sculpt-O-Vine Cellulite Oil

Here is the AGB Quick Product Review:

• If you are struggling with cellulite and have tried everything else on the market, try Sculpt-O-Vine Cellulite Oil.
• It is a light mixture of essential oils and botanicals that will refine the tissues, aid in the reduction of a spongy appearance, stimulate, tone and smooth the epidermis. It will improve circulation and detoxify the tissues.
• Apply at night to a damp skin using upward movements.
• You will get better results if you use the Sculpt-O-Vine Cellulite Oil with the Sculpt-O-Vine Contouring and Firming Body Cream.
• In terms of value for money and quality of product I rate this product at “4”