Glowing Youthful Skin – Hydrafacial or Chemical Peel?

Glowing youthful skin in this blog Indulgence skin laser and beauty clinic daventry northamptonshire discusses chemical peels and compare them with hydra facials so you can choose the best one for you
Glowing youthful skin in this blog Indulgence skin laser and beauty clinic daventry northamptonshire discusses chemical peels and compare them with hydra facials so you can choose the best one for you

You want glowing, youthful looking skin but don’t know how to achieve it.  You may have heard that a hydrafacial treatment can help you ‘Get The Glow’ or perhaps you have researched into the benefits of having a Chemical Peel instead.

With a vast amount of information available the choice can be confusing.  If you have skin care concerns, or want to simply improve the look and feel of your skin, then book yourself in for a no obligation skin consultation and we can talk you through the best option for you.

In the meantime, here’s a bit of information that will help you quickly determine the difference between the two treatments.

 Click here to read our blog on the ‘History & Benefits of Chemical Peels’ which shares a wealth of information, and science, about this treatment

Cause of stretch marks and how to reduce them

Happy Mother's Day 19 March 2023 - What causes stretch marks and how can you reduce them?
Happy Mother's Day 19 March 2023 - What causes stretch marks and how can you reduce them?

Mother’s Day UK 19 March 2023

Mother's Day : a day of the year on which mothers are particularly honoured by their children. In North America and South Africa it is the second Sunday in May; in Britain it has become another term for Mothering Sunday.  


The team at Indulgence recognise that some of our Patients will be struggling with this day and we want to let you know that we are thinking of you xxx

On 19th March 2023 mothers will be honoured by their children.  Perhaps they will bring you a home made present, an older child may bring you a cuppa in bed or a lovingly prepared slice of toast.  You may have the opportunity for a lay in and even be pampered for the whole day.    As you sit there quietly pondering about the magnificent thing your body was able to perform, your mind may wander to the gift that pregnancy left behind … yes, we’re talking Stetch Marks.

Some of you may feel the same way as Costas in the film ‘Shirley Valentine’ 

 

Shirley valentine - you kissed my stretch marks

You may be wondering what causes Stretch Marks, and some of you may even be pondering if they could ever be reduced.

As you sit there in silence (we are saying this for comedy effect of course .. we know how infrequent a stolen moment of silence presents itself) .. enjoy your cuppa and have a read of this:

Stretch Marks & Pregnancy

There are different types of striae distensae (stretch marks), and they are all most likely caused by a combination of factors – including mechanical stress on the skin, hormones, and genetics. Striae gravidarum, which are stretch marks in pregnancy, are triggered by a combination of increases in hormone production and the rapid rate at which the skin is being stretched.

Stretch marks are narrow, streak-like lines that can develop on the surface of the skin. They can be pink, red, purple or brown, depending on your skin colour.  Early stretch marks may feel slightly raised and can be itchy. They are common in pregnancy, affecting around 8 out of 10 pregnant women.  They occur when the middle layer of skin (dermis) becomes stretched and broken in places.

For pregnant women they usually develop over an expanding tummy and the breasts due to rapid size increase caused by pregnancy hormones and lactation.  They can also appear on the on the upper thighs, buttocks and arms. When they appear will be different from woman to woman but they are more common in the third trimester.

Interested in the science behind stretch marks – click here to learn more

Are Stretch Marks permanent?

Yes they are permanent but they may change in shape, size and colour over time.  

In time, the colour fades and the narrow bands sink beneath your skin. If you run your finger over a mature stretch mark, you often feel a slight depression. Most Stretch Marks gradually fade to a silvery-white colour as the blood vessels eventually reduce in size allowing the pale-coloured fat beneath the skin to attain through.

Can I prevent stretch marks?

There are many creams on the market that claim to prevent stretch marks. However, during pregnancy, if you are prone to them, it is difficult to prevent them as your body is rapidly changing. There is anecdotal evidence that suggests coconut oil and shea butter can help, if applied daily during pregnancy.

Our treatments to reduce the appearance of Stretch Marks

Dermapen

Dermapen causes thousands of tiny punctures as the device is moved over the skin. This causes micro wounding which stimulates the body’s natural healing processes without causing great damage for the skin. Due to this healthier skin is composed during the healing process. This reduced the appearance of stretch marks and generates new, smooth, streak free skin.

PRP or The Vampire Facial Treatment

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) contains white blood cells as well as adult stem cells. These promote growth factors into the skin that help compose the creation of new collagen and elastin reducing the appearance of stretch marks from the inside out in a subtle appearing way.

8 March 2023 International Women’s Day

International women's day 2023 blog cover Indulgence Beauty skin laser clinic daventry northamptonshire
International women's day 2023 blog cover Indulgence Beauty skin laser clinic daventry northamptonshire

8 March 2023 is International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.

We love this year’s campaign theme #EmbraceEquity. The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren’t enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.  

Indulgence Skin, Laser & Beauty Clinic has always strived for equality for our Staff and Patients but now our consciousness is elevated to the next level so we will ensure we ask ourselves “Will the action I’m about to take result in the best outcome for individual members of our Staff / Patients?”  

Here is a link to www.internationalwomensday.com to explain more about their #EmbraceEquity 2023 campaign and below is a video explaining the difference between Equality and Equity … very inspiring!

Have a look at the second video and see if you can work out the riddle – let us know if you got it right .. fascinating!

Menopause Awareness Month October 2022

Indulgence Beauty Daventry helps with effects of menopause on ageing skin
Indulgence Beauty Daventry helps with effects of menopause on ageing skin

Menopause is a big life change for women, and this can lead to increased anxiety due to changes in appearance. Fortunately, we have helped many clients going through the menopause.  

No time to read on .. Scroll straight to the bottom of the page to learn more about our treatments our clients have booked to help them look and feel younger.

History Of World Menopause Month

“World Menopause Month was created as a means to raise awareness of the stage in a woman’s life when she stops menstruating. It helps women understand the possible health issues associated when approaching, during, and after menopause. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Menopause Society designated October as World Menopause Month. October 18 was also dubbed as World Menopause Day.

In England in the 1800’s doctors prescribed a pre-meal mixture of carbonated soda to their menopausal patients. Opium and cannabis were also prescribed by doctors to curb menopause symptoms. Other remedies included a large plaster (belladonna) placed at the pit of the patient’s stomach, and some even gave out vaginal injections of acetate of lead. Doctors were then surprised when hysteria was one of the many symptoms presented.

In the 1890s, Ovariin was prescribed by doctors. Ovariin was made by desiccating and pulverizing cow ovaries. It was one of the first known commercially available treatments for menopause symptoms. By the 1930s menopause was being described as a deficiency disease. Over time Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) became commonly used and is the most sophisticated remedy for menopause symptoms to date.” Source: https://nationaltoday.com/world-menopause-month/

What is the purpose of Menopause Awareness Month?

The first World Menopause Month was in October 2014.   The purpose of World Menopause Awareness Month is “to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing.”

Menopause has been a taboo topic with vast lifestyle changes that need brought to light. Often, women are scared to speak about the changes occurring and there is a lack of educational resources available.

Menopause Awareness Month aims to change this by encouraging conversations and offering an array of support.

The Menopause

Menopause occurs 12 months after a woman’s last period. The years leading up to that point are known as the menopausal transition or perimenopause. This tends to begin between 45 and 55. As the menopause occurs, the body’s production of oestrogen and progesterone vary; less is released into the body.

All women are affected differently by the menopause as the level of hormone production will vary between each woman.

Read more about the menopause and symptoms here 

Menopause and the Skin

A common symptom of menopause is a change in your skin. Your skin can begin to react differently to your normal skincare routine as hormone levels alter. Additionally, the skin loses some ability to hold water, which can lead to the dryness women often experience during menopause.

Production of oestrogen slows down during menopause. This hormone is related to the production of collagen; less oestrogen means less collogen is produced. This can cause the texture, elasticity, and the tone of the skin to change. This is particularly noticeable in the face. Studies show that women’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause. The skin can start to sag, around the cheekbones and pores become larger. Oestrogen is responsible for optimum levels of hyaluronic acid and sebum in our skin. This is what keeps your skin looking bouncy and glowy!

As the texture of the skin changes with menopause, wrinkles, and fine lines form, predominantly on the face, neck, and chest. Fine lines, that were once only visible during smiles and frowns, become more prominent.

Read more about the effects of menopause on the body 

What can we do to help our skin? 

Menopause is a big life change for women, and this can lead to increased anxiety due to changes in appearance. Fortunately, we have helped many clients going through the menopause.  

First, and foremost, we listen to our clients.  We take the time to discuss their concerns.  Together we create a skin care treatment plan that will result in plump, hydrated and generally younger looking skin.

The treatments below will help you as you look and feel younger. Click on each image below to learn about the price saving package or the text below each images to learn more about the treatments

Things That Go Bump In The Night

things that go bump in the night - hydra facial and good skin care to avoid spots
things that go bump in the night - hydra facial and good skin care to avoid spots

Not Ghosts and Ghouls … SPOTS .. eek!

Have you ever gone to bed looking like a flawless princess and woken up to find a spot or two has erupted on your face?  Well you’re not alone.  

In this blog we explain why this happens and how you can avoid it happening to you.

What causes spots?

Skin contains sebaceous glands that release natural oils known as sebum, which are responsible for keeping your skin hydrated.  It also locks in moisture and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.

Sebum travels to your skin surface through skin pores. However, sebum can also attract dirt and dust, which can settle in the skin pores and block them.

It is common to have clogged skin pores in the face, nose, forehead, and cheeks as dead skin cells, excessive oil, dirt, and bacteria accumulate in the pores. 

Clogged skin pores are easily visible on the skin surface, appearing larger and darker and often leading to the development of blackheads and pimples. If your pores continue to be clogged, they may become dilated over time.   We highly recommend you adopt a skin care regime to prevent clogging of pores and  to keep your skin healthy.

Why adopt a skin care regime?

A skincare regime is simply a collection of products you regularly use to care for your skin.  As we are all individual our skin care needs will be different so a one size fits all approach to skin care is unlikely to have consistent results.

Book in for a free consultation and we will provide our expertise to advise you on the best skin care regime for your skin.

As a good starting point though it is important to include the following into your morning and evening ritual.  Hover or click on each number to learn more about each critical skin care step.

1. Cleanse Your Face & Neck

You may be tempted to skip this if you cleansed the night before but overnight your skin purges oil and debris (such as any missed make up, etc.).

We can advise you on the best cleanser for your skin which will either come in a lotion or wash depending on your preference.

2. Apply a Toner

Toners may seem unnecessary but they rebalance your skin's PH levels. If your skin's PH levels are unbalanced this can result in redness and irritation.

Some toners can also benefit the texture and appearance of the skin too.

3. Apply a Serum

Serums contain active ingredients to address your specific skin concerns. For example, Alumier's Everactive C&E serum works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also protects against UV damage whilst and brightens the skin.

4. Apply Eye Cream

Eye creams are really effective for reducing dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, reducing the visibility of blood vessels, and puffiness. The under eye area is extremely thin and sensitive so we'll work with you to choose the correct product for your skin type.

5. Apply Spot Treatment & Retinoid

These products are extremely individual to your needs so please book a consultation so we can determine the right products for your bespoke needs

6. Apply a Moisturiser

For your daytime regime choose a moisturiser that contains an SPF 30+.

In the evening choose a thicker and more hydrating moisturiser that includes hyaluronic acid that will help your skin hold onto water and leave you with plumper looking skin in the morning.

We Highly Recommend a Hydrafacial to Extract Black Heads & Whiteheads, Oil, and Impurities

Hydrafacial to extract pore impurities

DM us via social media or call 07734 565864 to discuss your skin care concerns

What’s With Witches & Warts

WHAT'S WITH WITCHES AND WARTS indulgence blog?

Delve into the real cause of warts, skin tags, etc. and learn how we can easily remove them if they’re bothering you ….  

WHAT'S WITH WITCHES AND WARTS indulgence blog?

From around 1300 to 1650, men and women were accused, tried, and punished for the crime of witchcraft. The accused were put on trial and expected to prove their innocence. Throughout the centuries, the evidence required to prove innocence became more and more difficult to obtain, while the evidence required to prove guilt became as easy as a body search.

Witch trials would take the very physical appearance of the accused into account. Not only was the outward appearance of an accused witch judged, but so was the entirety of their body. Accused witches would be stripped and searched for any sign of abnormality on their skin, which became known as witches’ marks, witches’ teats, devil marks, and suck spots. If one of these marks was found on the accused, the proof of demonic influence was evident, and they were convicted of the crime of witchcraft.

Witches’ teats could have been anything from skin tags, moles, warts, an actual third nipple, or even something that would be diagnosed today as a melanoma. Any unexpected or unexplained piece of skin on the body could have been passed off as a witches’ teat. 

Thank goodness for education.  Read on to delve into the real cause of warts, skin tags, etc. and learn how we can easily remove them if they’re bothering you …

What Are Warts?

The NHS defines warts as small lumps that can develop on the skin of the hands and feet. (Though not limited to these areas)

Warts are caused by an infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). The virus causes an excess amount of keratin, a hard protein, to develop in the top skin layer. This extra keratin produces the rough, hard texture of a wart.

Warts can be caught by close skin-to-skin contact but aren’t considered to be contagious. You are more likely to get infected if your skin is wet or damaged.

What Are Moles?

The NHS defines moles as small-coloured spots on the skin. They’re nothing to worry about unless they change size, shape or colour. Moles can come in all different shapes and sizes and can fade, disappear or new ones can form.

Moles can also be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

It is important to check your moles to spot early signs of melanoma. Read our blog post here on how to do this.  We are trained in mole removal but will always ask you to speak to your GP if we have any concerns before undertaking treatment.

What Are Skin Tags?

The NHS defines skin tags as small, soft, skin-coloured growths on your skin. They can vary in colour and size – from a few millimetres up to 5cm wide.

These are found on the neck, armpits, under the groin or under the breasts.

They can look like warts, but skin tags are usually;

  • Smooth and soft
  • Knobbly and hang off the skin
  • Not contagious

They are never normally painful or cause for discomfort.

We can remove skin tags if they are bothering you and to avoid them snagging on jewellery or clothing, etc.

Treatments for your warts, moles and skin tags

Cryopen

Cryopen Is A System Of Treatment Using Extreme Cold With Pen-Point Accuracy. The Cryopen Works By Applying A Very Fine Jet (Accurate To 1mm) Of Nitrous Oxide To The Skin Lesion. This Freezes The Lesion Leaving Surrounding Tissue Unaffected. Cryotherapy Can Be Used To Treat A Variety Of Lesions Including, Skin Tags, Malia, Dermatofibromas, Pigmentation And Various Other Benign Skin Issues.

What can be treated?

  • Pigmentation

  • Skin Tags

  • Warts

  • Moles

  • Xanthelasma

  • Cherry Agioma

  • Verrucas

    AND MORE!

AlumierMD Benefits of Exfoliation

AlumierMD benefits of exfoliation - products sold and used by Indulgence skin laser and beauty clinic daventry
AlumierMD benefits of exfoliation - products sold and used by Indulgence skin laser and beauty clinic daventry

Thought we’d share with you this great read on the benefits of exfoliation published by our product partner, AlumierMD.

AlumierMDs  products are formulated with an approach to clean science and they source ingredients from sustainable and ethical suppliers.

Exfoliation: The Breakthrough Step You Need For Glowing Skin 

“I love it when my skin looks dull, dehydrated and lacking radiance,” said no one, ever.

Often, dull skin is caused by pollutants, make-up and dead skin accumulating on the skin leading to dullness and breakouts, stealing your skin’s natural glow but a good buff comes with the promise of revealing a glowing, brighter complexion underneath!

Why do you need to exfoliate?

The outermost layer of skin is where the dead skin cells gather and eventually shed naturally. As we age, our rate of natural exfoliation slows down, and sometimes, they just need that little helping hand to let go.

Exfoliating can do wonders for your skin – if you do it right. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single skincare potion that will give you the glowiest skin of your life, however understanding the diverse types of exfoliation and which is best for your skin is KEY to getting maximum results and that glowy, dewy skin.

Exfoliants are your friend

There are two types of exfoliation: physical exfoliators, like beads, blades or buffers, which physically remove the dead skin cell whilst chemical exfoliators, often liquids, loosen the bonds that keep dead skin cells attached and can even get inside the pores too.

Chemical exfoliators mimic our natural exfoliation by gently dissolving the velcro-like bonds that keep dead skin cells attached to the face and body by dropping the skin’s pH. Acidic ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), lactic acid and/or fruit enzymes are used to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote skin renewal, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discolouration. Think AlumierMD Enzymatic Peel and AHA Renewal Serum), both clarifying formulas with an Alpha Hydroxy Acid. In the hours and days that follow, the dead cells naturally come away.

Physical exfoliators for smooth skin

Remember when we said earlier that a good buff comes with the promise of revealing a glowing, brighter complexion underneath? Mechanical products contain rough granules or beads that buff away skin cells, so if you have sensitive skin that needs something gentle and less abrasive, or you want an instant deep-cleansed effect, this kind of scrub can have a place in your routine. Enter MicroDerm Polish, a microdermabrasion formula that actively exfoliates and retexturises the skin and is rich in skin conditioning agents to maintain the skin’s natural barrier. It also has 100% natural/bio-degradable beads – just saying.

Exfoliation is KEY to looking fresh-faced. However, winter and summer exfoliation need to differ a little. During summer, your skin is getting increased exposure to the elements thanks to rising temperatures, stronger sun and summertime heat.

Your skin’s sun sensitivity can increase from exfoliation, so if you work outside, or are planning to spend a few days on a vacay or staycation, we always recommend a consultation with a skin professional beforehand. This way, you get exactly what your skin needs and detailed advice on what, when, and how much to use, it’s a personalised regime that leads to your skin looking and feeling amazing every day.

tiredekyes

AlumierMD MicroDerm Polish 

MicroDerm Polish is an invigorating microdermabrasion formula the actively exfoliate and retextures skin to uncover a smooth, refreshed and glowing complexion.  It’s rich in skin conditioning agents that work continuously to maintain and protect the skin’s natural hydro lipid barrier.

  • Increases skin cell turnover

  • Smoothes skin and improves pore-size appearance

  • Evens skin tone and texture

Need a more intense exfoliation?  Book Your Free Chemical Peel Consultation Today

  • Performed by qualified clinical nurse

  • Minimal downtime

  • Free consultation

Learn more about this treatment here and see our peels special offer package here 

DM us via social media or call 07734 565864 to discuss your skin concerns

History and Overview of Chemical Peels

History and benefits of chemical peels indulgence skin laser and beauty clinic daventry
History and benefits of chemical peels indulgence skin laser and beauty clinic daventry

Chemical peels are an affordable procedure for patients and provide significant results. Chemical peels are a safe procedure if performed by a qualified and trained professional

Chemical peels can be used to treat a number of skin conditions such as:

  • Pigmentation
  • Acne
  • Uneven skin tone & blemishes
  • Surface/fine lines & wrinkles
  • Dark circles

History of chemical peels

It has been recorded that skin peels were used by woman in ancient Egyptian times. They applied sour milk (containing lactic acid) , animal oils, and alabaster (a soft mineral rock) to their skin to improve the skin’s texture [1].

During Roman times, people used fruit (such as grapes which contain tartaric acid) to exfoliate their skin. They would also make poultices containing substances such as sulphur, mustard and limestone, which were used to fade freckles and to even the skin. [2]

In 1874, a dermatologist in Vienna called Ferdinand von Hebra, used peeling techniques to treat pigmentation conditions such as melasma, freckles and Addison’s disease. In 1882 in Germany, Paul G Unna described the use of salicylic acid, resorcinol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol on the skin. [3].

In 1952 George MacKee published his deep peel results after using phenol for the treatment of scarring. The use of chemical peels really started to gain momentum in the 1960s as modified solutions of phenol were developed and histological assessment comparisons were drawn between phenol and TCA. Scientific work continued into the 70s and 80s and at the same time, the use of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) was developed by Van Scott and Yu for more superficial treatment [3].

Process of cellular turnover

The process of cellular turnover is when a new cell is produced at the basale layer of the epidermis.  This cell goes on a journey by dividing itself (also known as mitosis) and graduates towards the upper layers of the epidermis until the cell becomes dead /  keratinised  / flat.  In young skin, this process takes around 28 days and this is why young skin is free from wrinkles and has a nice smooth texture, is plump and radiant.  In an aged skin this process takes around 50-60 days, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles, an uneven texture, and a dull complexion.    

 

Alumier MD Educator Explains How Chemical Peels Work

AlumierMD Peels Used By Indulgence Skin, Laser, and Beauty Clinic 

AlumierMD provides a variety of superficial depth peels that treat skin conditions including rosacea, acne, hyperpigmentation, photo damage, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Lactic Acid (AHA) – Exfoliates dead skin cells, enhances cell turnover and stimulates collage.  Improves skin texture, including fine lines and wrinkles, and gives skin a new glow