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Breaking Down the Science of Skincare: Understanding Key Ingredients

28/04/2023 28/04/2023 0

In the world of skincare, where countless products line the shelves promising to transform our skin, it can be challenging to decipher the truth from mere marketing hype. However, hidden amidst the array of beauty potions lie a handful of truly remarkable ingredients, each with its unique superpowers that can genuinely revolutionise our skincare routines. From age-defying antioxidants to deeply nourishing moisturisers and rejuvenating acids, these powerhouse ingredients hold the key to unlocking radiant, healthy, and youthful-looking skin. Today, we’re looking at some of the most popular skincare ingredients, shedding light on the science and efficacy behind these skin-transforming elements that have captivated the attention of beauty enthusiasts worldwide.

Hyaluronic Acid

This naturally occurring substance, found abundantly in our bodies, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. In skincare, hyaluronic acid has gained recognition for its unparalleled ability to attract and retain moisture, making it an essential ingredient for plump, radiant skin. It possesses a unique capacity to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, resulting in a replenished and rejuvenated complexion. With its lightweight, non-greasy texture, hyaluronic acid effortlessly penetrates the skin, imparting a deeply hydrating and soothing sensation.

Retinol (Vitamin A)

When it comes to achieving a radiant and youthful complexion, one ingredient has consistently stood out among the rest: retinol. This remarkable compound, derived from vitamin A, has garnered a well-deserved reputation as the gold standard in skincare. Retinol boasts a multitude of benefits, making it a must-have in any skincare enthusiast’s arsenal. Its ability to stimulate collagen production helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also improving skin elasticity. Furthermore, retinol tackles acne and blemishes by regulating oil production and unclogging pores, resulting in a clearer and smoother complexion.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and protect against environmental damage. Revered for its remarkable antioxidant properties, this vitamin has soared in popularity as a skincare ingredient, revolutionising the way we approach our daily routines. From fading hyperpigmentation to boosting collagen production, Vitamin C has proven to be a game-changer, unveiling a brighter and more even complexion. It also aids in the healing process, making it an ideal ingredient for diminishing the appearance of scars and blemishes.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

One of the most impressive aspects of niacinamide is its versatility. Whether you’re battling acne, concerned about hyperpigmentation, or simply striving for a more radiant complexion, this remarkable ingredient is here to address a wide range of skincare woes. Niacinamide acts as a potent antioxidant, effectively neutralising free radicals and protecting the skin from environmental stressors. By doing so, it helps combat premature ageing, fine lines, and wrinkles, promoting a youthful and supple appearance. Another compelling feature of niacinamide is its ability to regulate sebum production. This makes it a go-to solution for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Salicylic Acid

Known for its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, salicylic acid works wonders for various skin concerns, particularly acne-prone and oily skin. This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) effectively penetrates the pores, dissolving excess oil and dead skin cells, which helps to prevent clogged pores and reduce the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. By gently exfoliating the skin’s surface, salicylic acid promotes cell turnover, revealing a smoother, clearer complexion. Moreover, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and irritation, making it an ideal choice for those dealing with acne or sensitive skin.

Facial Treatments

How to Exfoliate Without Irritating Your Skin

20/04/2023 20/04/2023 0

Image by senivpetro on Freepik

Exfoliating can be beneficial for the skin as it helps to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, resulting in a smoother, brighter complexion. However, over-exfoliation or using products that are too harsh can irritate the skin and cause redness, sensitivity, and even breakouts. With this in mind, we;’ve put together some tips to make sure your skin is buffed to perfection without causing you any issues:

Choose The Right Exfoliant

One of the most important things to remember is that you need to use a gentle exfoliant that is appropriate for your skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin, choose a chemical exfoliant with mild ingredients like glycolic acid or lactic acid, instead of a physical exfoliant like a scrub. Enzyme exfoliants use natural fruit enzymes like papaya or pineapple to dissolve dead skin cells and are usually gentle enough to be used on all skin types, but may not be as effective as other types of exfoliants.

Don’t Overdo It

Limit your exfoliation to once or twice a week, especially if you have sensitive skin. Your skin barrier acts as a protective shield against external aggressors like pollution, UV rays, and bacteria and over-exfoliation can strip away this barrier, leaving your skin vulnerable to irritation and inflammation. It’s important to follow a gentle and consistent exfoliation routine that suits your skin type and concerns.

Be Gentle

Whether you’re using a physical or chemical exfoliant, be gentle and avoid scrubbing too hard or applying too much pressure. Let the exfoliant do the work, and don’t scrub for too long. Over-exfoliation can also disrupt the natural balance of your skin, leading to increased oil production and clogged pores. This can cause acne and breakouts, especially in people with acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Moisturise

Moisturising after exfoliating is important because exfoliation can remove the top layer of dead skin cells, leaving your skin more exposed to the environment. This can cause your skin to become dry, dehydrated, and even irritated. Moisturising helps to replenish and lock in moisture, keeping your skin soft and supple. Look for a moisturiser that is non-comedogenic and specifically formulated for your skin type.

Patch Test

Patch testing a new exfoliator is important because exfoliators can contain active ingredients that may irritate or sensitise your skin. Patch testing can help you determine if your skin will have a negative reaction to the product before you apply it to your entire face or body. To perform a patch test, apply a small amount of the exfoliator to a small area of skin, such as the inside of your wrist or behind your ear. Wait 24 to 48 hours and check for any signs of irritation, such as redness, itching, or swelling. If there is no reaction, you can safely use the exfoliator on your face or body.

Dermalogica, Elemis

A Skincare Routine Which is Just Your Cup of Tea

14/04/2023 14/04/2023 0

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Next Friday is this year’s National Tea Day, which makes us think about all of the different products we offer which contain types of tea. There are over 3000 varieties of tea, each with its own specific characteristics, so it stands to reason that each of these different plants can offer something to your skin. In fact, tea in its many forms is a hugely popular ingredient in skincare, combining powerful antioxidants, minerals and other key skin-loving compounds that can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels. Here are five products which are precisely our cup of tea!:

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Green tea has many qualities which make it an excellent skincare ingredient, and Murad has harnessed its soothing properties for this clarifying cleanser. The gel cleanser helps to dissolve excess oil, purify pores, clear existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts while green tea extract helps soothe and calm irritation for healthier-looking skin. It also contains a therapeutic dose of salicylic acid which reduces the severity of blemishes, helps keep skin clear by preventing formation of new blemishes and allows skin to heal.

Evolve Organic Beauty 360 Eye and Lip Contour

The eyes and lips may not seem to have much in common, but the skin in these areas shares a delicate quality which means that they need added care. This nourishing eye and lip cream from Evolve Organic Beauty contains an invigorating complex of probiotics, green tea, pomegranate and caffeine, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eye and lip area, combating the appearance of fine lines, puffiness and dark circles, while toning the skin for a more youthful and rejuvenated look

Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex

Another product for the eyes, this anti-ageing treatment from Dermalogica contains white tea, a delicate variety which possesses a high level of phytonutrients and antioxidants. The serum targets concerns of the eye area, primarily wrinkles and crow’s feet plus puffiness, dark circles due to hyperpigmentation and skin sensitivity due to dehydration. It’s a powerful product which offers visible results after just one use.

Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Complete

While you may drink a lot of tea, it’s unlikely that you’ll drink enough to get the highest level of benefit from it, which is why taking a supplement containing concentrated extracts is wise. Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Complete is an excellent starter pack to discover the benefits of skin supplements for overall skin health. As well as extracts of green tea, it contains grapeseed, turmeric root, bilberry fruit, beta carotene, lutein and lycopene, all of which offer antioxidant properties.

Elemis Superfood Kefir-Tea Mist

You may not have heard of rooibos before, but that could be because it also goes by the name “redbush tea”, which is probably more commonly known. Rooibos is naturally caffeine free and is a rich source of antioxidants, as well as offering a unique polyphenolic profile, which is why Elemis has packed it into this kefir-tea mist. The rooibos offers skin soothing properties, while fermented kefir helps to soothe and balance the skin for a healthy looking complexion.

Eye Care

Puffy Eyes? No Problem!

07/04/2023 07/04/2023 0

Photo by Marina Vitale on Unsplash

A survey conducted in America showed that eye bags are one of the most common skin problems we face, affecting 27% of people – but what are eye-bags, why do they occur and how do we deal with them? Read on to find out more:

What are the Bags Under My Eyes?!

To put it ultra-simply, eye-bags are mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes. Bags under the eyes can also occur when the tissue structures and muscles supporting your eyelids begin to weaken.

Causes of Eye Bags

The most common cause of under-eye bags is ageing. Older skin becomes too loose and tends to fall or wrinkle, due to the slow-down in collagen production as we age. The muscles and tissues around the eye can also weaken and contribute to the baggy look. Eye bags can also be caused, or exacerbated by, dehydration, lack of sleep, allergies and a number of other triggers which make us look puffy.

How to Reduce Eye Bags

There are a number of things you can do to help to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags, from reducing your alcohol intake, drinking more water, getting more sleep and even cosmetic surgery! However, using one or some of the following products on a regular basis will probably help more than all of the above ideas combined!

Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift

Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift is an active, cooling cream-gel that works with the skin’s natural microbiome, or microflora, to brighten and energise the eye area, while Sea Water Extract and Arctic Algae minimise the look of puffiness and dark circles.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Vitality Eye Cream

Elemis Pro-Collagen Vitality Eye Cream is a restorative cream that cocoons the delicate skin around the eye contour area for a replenished and smoothed appearance. Additionally, it can be used on the eyelids to visibly lift and firm for a more wide awake look.

SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel

SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel contains a synergistic antioxidant formulation that helps reduce the appearance of signs of ageing due to environmental damage to skin around the delicate eye area. When applied with a massaging action, targeted actives revive under-eye skin and help reduce the appearance of puffiness.

Skin Abode Cryo Queen Ice Roller

Skin Abode Cryo Queen Ice Roller has two ends to use on the face and around your eyes. Made of professional-grade stainless steel for a long-lasting cooling effect. This refreshing tool instantly lifts saggy and puffy skin, rejuvenates dull complexions and sculpts the face, by creating a microcirculation effect on the skin.

Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Eye Complex

Evolve Organic Beauty Hyaluronic Eye Complex has been specially designed to refresh your eyes and act as a cooling pick me up whenever you need it. Exotic Tuberose flower plant stem cells help to reduce the appearance of eye bags, fine lines and puffiness while firming and brightening the delicate eye area.

Body Treatments, Health and Happiness

Five of the Best Reasons to Use Self Tan

30/03/2023 30/03/2023 0

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Most people agree that they look and feel healthy and radiant with a suntan, but the truth is that, unless it’s a sunless one, there is no such thing as a safe tan. Any natural skin darkening is an indication of sun damage and that the UV rays have made the skin’s normal defensive components kick in, creating more melanin to protect the skin from additional harm. So, what should you do if you love a golden glow but don’t want the risks? Hit the bottle, of course! The easiest and safest way to get a fake glow all over without harming your skin or putting your health at risk is to use a sunless self-tanner, and they have plenty of other benefits, too. Here are just five of them:

It’s Safer

According to the FDA, “Evidence suggests that tanning greatly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. And, contrary to popular belief, getting a tan will not protect your skin from sunburn or other skin damage. The extra melanin in tanned skin provides a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of about 2 to 4; far below the minimum recommended SPF of 15” And furthermore, most of the more than one million skin cancers diagnosed each year in the U.S. are considered sun-related. This alone makes us want to avoid the sun’s harmful rays and use Sienna X Gradual Rose Water Self Tan Mist instead.

It Offers Skincare Benefits

If you’re using a self-tan, you might find it tricky to use other skincare products at the same time without affecting application. However, there are tanning products out there which not only give you a golden glow but also offer skincare benefits, too. St.Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Body Mist is a lightweight and easy-to-use clear self tanner which is infused with 95% natural skincare ingredients, hydrating hyaluronic acid, refreshing green mandarin water and Vitamin C and D boosters to mimic the effects of the sun, without the damage.

It Doesn’t Accelerate Ageing

It’s a well-known fact that the sun is the number one cause of skin ageing and that UV exposure seems to be responsible for 80% of visible facial ageing signs. This means that if you want to remain looking youthful but still have a glow, self-tan is the way to go. Better still, using self-tanners such as Sienna X Self Tan Q10 Tinted Mist, which contains the anti-ageing ingredient Q10, actually visibly firms the skin and reduces the signs of ageing!

It Helps Conceal Imperfections

If you sunbathe or use sunbeds, aside from the cell-level damage you’re doing to your skin, you also risk causing uneven skintone. UV rays can make acne and other imperfections appear much darker and can even cause hyperpigmentation or exacerbate melasma. On the flipside, there are self-tanning products, such as Sienna X Ultra Dark Mousse, which will not only prevent you from needing to damage your skin with UV rays, but can actually cover imperfections in your skin and make them look less visible. Win/win!

You Can Have Year-Round Tanning

It’s all well and good having a glow for a few weeks after your summer holiday, but in time this will fade and that’s often when the temptation to use tanning beds arises. According to The American Academy of Dermatology, indoor tanning can increase the risk of developing the two most common types of skin cancer — squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%. Avoid the risk altogether by giving yourself an easy to maintain, all-year tan using St.Tropez Self Tan Watermelon Infusion Bronzing Mousse. It is a lightweight classic tanning mousse that tailors to your individual skin tone, for a natural looking and long-lasting tan in just one application.

Facial Treatments, Skincare Advice

Bring Flowers into your Skincare this Spring

23/03/2023 23/03/2023 0

Photo by Demi Kwant on Unsplash

Spring has, (dare we say it?!) FINALLY sprung – or at least, the daffodils outside of our window say that it has, and that means florals are a big theme right now. This time of year always makes us want to have more flowers in our lives, but if the weather isn’t conducive to sitting in the garden, we can always include more flowers in our skincare routine! Today, we’re sharing with you five of our favourite products which harness the power of flowers so that you can get floral, even if the sun’s not quite shining:

Lavender – Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner

Lavender is known for its soothing properties, from its sleep inducing smell to its anti-inflammatory effects, which is why Elemis used it to create this toner. It effectively tones the skin and helps rebalance the pH level, without the use of alcohol or harsh detergents. As well as containing extracts of Lavender, it also has sweet Betty flower and saponins from quillaja wood help to balance and soften the skin. It provides a deep cleaning effect which refreshes the skin without drying it out.

Sunflower – Murad Age-Balancing Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF30

It seems highly appropriate that a flower which is known for turning to face the sun is included in a product which offers broad-spectrum sun protection! This SPF from Murad, as well as containing sunflower, also boasts a blend of shea butter, grape seed and avocado oil to replenish dull, dry skin with long-lasting hydration. The cream helps to restore moisture balance to distressed skin and provides a barrier to keep skin hydrated and plump, as well as improving elasticity and smoothing your complexion.

Feverfew – Medik8 Calmwise Colour Correct

This calming, colour-corrector from Medik8 actually harnesses the powers of a few different botanicals. As well as feverfew, which helps to diminish redness and act as an antioxidant to protect the skin, there’s also camomile to soothe and reduce inflammation and aloe vera, which acts on suppressing the redness response. These, along with other ingredients, work on the causes of redness and sensitivity to correct your skin from within, while mineral-based green pigments expertly blend into your complexion, merging with your natural skin tone to instantly neutralise redness.

Daisy – Dermalogica Phyto-Nature Oxygen Cream

This cream from Dermalogica actually contains extracts from a variety of daisy called the “electric daisy”, but don’t worry, you won’t get any shocks! Electric daisy is sometimes referred to as “nature’s botox” as it helps to firm and tighten your skin, smoothing out the appearance of wrinkles and giving your skin a youthful boost. Clinically proven to give 4 years back with skin looking firmer and more lifted after 1 week, your skin is left looking luminous and revitalised.

Rose – Decleor Organic Rose Damascena Night Balm

Last, but definitely not least, is this night balm from Decleor which harnesses the power of roses, one of the world’s most popular flowers. The balm is created from a blend of rose, geranium and chamomile oils which soothe the skin and reduce the signs of irritation. The rich formula accelerates skin cell regeneration over the night, which the soothing and delicate fragrance will help you to relax, just in time for bed.

Facial Treatments, Skincare Advice

Our Top Five Nighttime Products for Oily Skin

16/03/2023 16/03/2023 0

Photo by Remy_Loz on Unsplash

Getting to grips with skincare for oily skin isn’t always straightforward and there are a huge number of misconceptions out there. One such myth is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturising, but this is simply false as oily skin can suffer just as easily from dehydration as other skin types. One of the best ways to keep your moisture levels balanced is by using a night cream, although many people with oily skin find the consistency of common night creams to be too heavy. With this in mind, we’ve curated a list of moisturisers which can be used at night and will help you to wake up looking glowy, not greasy!

Aromatherapy Associates Mattifying Refining Face Oil

We’re well aware that it might sound a little bonkers, suggesting a face oil for oily skin, but this one is formulated for exactly that. Aromatherapy Associates Mattifying Refining Face Oil counters over-oiliness and brings the skin back into balance without stripping it. It’s created using a blend of high-altitude grown lavender and madagascan ylang ylang essential oils which combine with rich jojoba to soothe overstimulated skin, leaving it beautifully conditioned.

SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture

This lightweight moisturiser from SkinCeuticals replenishes and hydrates the skin while minimising the appearance of pores. It’s designed to be used morning and night after cleansing and toning and contains an exclusive combination of vitamin E, three nutrient-rich algae extracts, and a blend of seven botanical extracts. It leaves a non-greasy finish while deeply nourishing the skin and will also reduce the appearance of pore size.

Murad Clarifying Oil Free Water Gel

Water-based products are a delight for oily skin as they feel refreshing, while still giving your skin the nourishment it needs. This water gel from Murad is an oil-free, non-comedogenic, water-light hydrator that purifies and refines. It contains innovative technology that interrupts communication so bacteria can’t form a group and cause an imbalance, which helps to prevent spots from forming and keeping your skin clean and clear.

Dermalogica Aqua Jelly

This moisturiser from Dermalogica is another water-based gel which is designed specifically for oily skin and leaves you with a dewy, non-greasy complexion. It contains hyaluronic acid which locks in moisture to deeply hydrate skin, as well as blue tansy flower oil and brightening blueberry extract, which help calm and soothe skin while providing antioxidant benefits. It can be used both day and night and won’t feel heavy on oil-prone skin.

Elemis Clarifying Serum

This serum from Elemis is a seriously hard-working little product, giving you major skincare benefits in one bottle. It’s intended for oily skin as it helps to balance the production of sebum, leaving your skin looking and feeling less oily. It also visibly reduces the look of blackheads and post-blemish discolouration, while a polysaccharide shield helps limit adhesion of bacteria on the skin’s surface which can cause blemishes. Skin is left looking calmer, clearer, more even with improved texture and smoothness.

Facial Treatments, Skincare Advice

Which Facial SPF is Right for Me?

09/03/2023 09/03/2023 0

Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

While it might be wishful thinking to expect to see any sun any time soon, with the horrible weather currently bombarding the UK, here at Pure Beauty we believe that SPF should be an all-year thing. Obviously, it’s more important than even to wear sun protection once Spring and Summer finally start to emerge, but if you want to keep the skin on your face looking its best for as long as possible then a daily SPF is a must. Here are some of the best formulas for each skin type:

Dull Skin – Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Finding an SPF with skincare benefits is a great way to minimise the amount of things you have to layer onto your skin each day. This broad spectrum, brightening SPF from Murad is a fantastic example of that. As well as offering SPF30 protection, it’s packed with vitamin C, which improves skin clarity, firmness and elasticity. Additionally, potent antioxidant ginkgo biloba leaf extract helps shield skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution for a glowing, healthy-looking complexion.

Dry Skin – Decleor Aloe Vera Sun Bi-Phase Oil SPF30

Dry skin can often look cakey when you use a high strength SPF, so finding a formula which is intended for a dehydrated complexion is the key to getting a good finish. Decleor Aloe Vera Sun Bi-Phase Oil SPF30 is a non-sticky bi-phase sun oil enriched with aloe vera, sesame, argan and coconut oils that leave the skin feeling nourished and hydrated. The formula has UVA and UVB filters that work instantly to protect the skin, providing SPF30 protection from the harmful effects of the sun.

Oily/Spot Prone Skin – Dermalogica Clearing Defence SPF30

Perhaps the trickiest skin to find a suitable SPF for, oily and spot prone skin rarely plays nicely with a non-specific facial suncream. This moisturising sun lotion from Dermalogica is designed to protect breakout-prone skin from environmental stress while providing a long-lasting matte finish without clogging pores. It offers a broad spectrum sunscreen that defends against UV rays, which may lead to the appearance of uneven skin tone, as this is something that many people with acne deal with, due to scarring.

Ageing Skin – Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

Ageing skin is one of the best skin types when searching for an SPF as our skin loses natural moisture as we age, and sun creams usually offer this in spades! This factor 50 formula from Dermalogica will help you achieve absolute hydration and help defend against the internal and external causes of skin ageing.It contains a huge number of ingredients which help to hydrate the skin, target the signs of ageing and protect you from further damage.

Busy Skin – This Works In Transit Skin Defence SPF30

Okay, so “busy skin” isn’t really a skin type, but if you’re someone who lives or works in a town or city with a lot of pollution, then using targeted skincare could make a huge difference to your complexion. This moisturising SPF from This Works is a protective SPF30 moisturiser with antioxidants and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB for skin protection against the elements. The lightweight, non-comedogenic formula is a perfect protective base underneath makeup, that won’t leave a white tint on the skin.

Facial Treatments, Skincare Advice

What You Should Know Before Having Laser Hair Removal

02/03/2023 02/03/2023 0

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While many people don’t want to admit it, women having facial hair is 100% normal. For some it’s a layer of peach fuzz that you can only see in bright sunlight, for others it’s a stray hair here and there. Some women suffer from a condition called ‘hirsutism’, wherein the hair on a woman’s face, arms, chest, stomach, back, or chest is usually coarse and dark. Laser hair removal is a great tool for helping to reduce facial hair and regain your confidence (should the hair bother you), and we wanted to give you a guide to some things you should know so that your expectations meet the reality:

You Might Not Have the Right Type of Hair

Laser hair removal isn’t suitable for every hair type and if the technician who is performing your procedure is worth their salt, they’ll give you an honest assessment in any pre-booking consultation. If the hair you want to remove is coarse and dark, you’ll get the best results, but fine, fuzzy hair, as well as light blonde or red hair is usually not affected by lasers. If you are lucky enough to have the right type of skin, Medik8 Ultimate Recovery will help to heal your face after treatment.

You’ll Need to Avoid the Sun for a Few Days

Your skin will be irritated and need time to heal after your laser hair removal treatment. At this time, excessive exposure to UV rays poses a risk of skin damage, so avoiding sunbathing and tanning beds is absolutely essential. It’s also wise to use a high-strength, broad-spectrum SPF in the days after your treatment, such as Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 to ensure that your skin is protected at all times. It’s also wise to make sure you don’t plan any holidays in far-off, tropical climes for a few weeks afterwards!

Hot Environments Aren’t a Good Idea Either

While the main worry with sun exposure is the damage that UV rays can do, hot environments are also best avoided in the days after your treatment, so it’s best to plan it at a time when you can stay indoors in a temperature controlled environment. For an added helping hand in the healing process, SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque is designed specifically to be used post-procedure as it delivers intense cooling and calming comfort to skin sensitivity.

It Doesn’t Always Work

It’s important to manage your expectations when you have any type of cosmetic procedure and it’s worth bearing in mind that not everyone who has laser hair removal ends up with a face like a baby’s bottom. In some rare cases, laser hair removal may even encourage thicker, darker hair to grow or regrow in an area next to the one being treated! If this happens to you, don’t fret; Lycon Hair On Strike is a scientifically advanced formula with papaya and chaparral extract, proven to visibly diminish the appearance of unwanted hair growth after waxing, shaving, laser, electrolysis and depilatory creams.

You Need to Let the Hair Grow Before Your Appointment

Just as with other types of hair removal, your laser technician needs to be able to see the unwanted hairs in order to get rid of them. This means that you need to be prepared to allow your facial hair to grow naturally for at least a couple of weeks in the lead up to your appointment. If this is something that’s a deal-breaker for you, it might be worth assessing other hair removal options – of which there are thankfully plenty.

Facial Treatments, Skincare Advice

Azelaic Acid – The Ingredient Your Acne-Prone Skin Needs

23/02/2023 23/02/2023 0

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Acids are more popular than ever in skincare and if asked, we’re sure that most people could name a few, such as salicylic, glycolic or lactic acids. Azelaic acid is probably less well-known, but it’s equally as useful for our skin. Here’s a rundown of the facts you need to know about this naturally-occuring acid:

What is Azelaic Acid?

According to WebMD: “Azelaic acid is a chemical compound found naturally in some grains as well as in a fungus called Malassezia furfur that grows on your skin. It’s also a skin care ingredient. It comes in prescription strength, but you can also find it in some over-the-counter products. It treats common skin conditions like acne and rosacea.”

Azelaic acid is made from grains like rye, wheat, and barley. However, when used in skincare products, it is typically chemically engineered in a laboratory to ensure maximum stability and efficacy.

Who is it Good For?

Azelaic acid is a good option for dry or sensitive skin because it is milder than other alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids. It’s also an ally when acne or rosacea flares up because it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and leaves skin looking smooth. It is one of the few topicals that can be safely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, allowing women to treat their acne or rosacea, which can get worse during this time.

Can it be Used With Other Active Ingredients?

Skincare routines rarely consist of just one or two steps these days and it’s important to know what’s in the products you’re using and whether they work nicely together. Failing to check can cause redness, irritation and even peeling skin.

Azelaic acid works well with many other ingredients, but because it exfoliates, be particularly careful if you use other acids. Limit your use to a single resurfacing ingredient and increase it gradually to avoid over-exfoliating the skin. Additionally, it is beneficial to combine azelaic acid with other ingredients that are soothing and brightening, such as antioxidants or niacinamide, which is especially useful for individuals who have patches of uneven skin tone.

Which Products Contain Azelaic Acid?

Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel

This product from Dermalogica is a powerful peel formulated for breakout-prone skin. With 10% AHAs and 2% BHAs, it exfoliates deep under the skin to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. As well as azelaic acid, it contains lactic and mandelic acids which even and brighten the skin, and salicylic acid which exfoliates surface skin cells, reduces inflammation and even helps to combat blackheads and breakouts.

Medik8 Blemish SOS

This rapid action treatment gel works quickly to diminish blemishes while remaining completely invisible on the skin. With its potent antibacterial properties, azelaic acid targets blemish-causing bacteria such as P. acnes, while niacinamide (otherwise known as vitamin B3) offers soothing anti-inflammatory properties which quickly reduce redness and irritation surrounding the blemish, as well as regulating sebum production to prevent blocked pores.

REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

This tonic is one of REN Clean Skincare’s most popular products and has achieved almost cult-status since it was released. As well as azelaic acid, which helps boost radiance and even out skin tone, the gentle-yet-powerful formula contains lactic acid (AHA) and salicin (BHA). It’s perfect for daily use, brightening skin and bringing energy back to skin which has been affected by pollution, city living or just tired looking skin.

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