Pure Beauty - The Lichfield Beauty Salon

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Five Products To Stimulate Elastin Production

Five Products To Stimulate Elastin ProductionImage by Freepik

When it comes to skincare, sometimes it feels like you need a medical degree and a dictionary to decipher all of the different benefits and uses for each product. Fortunately, we’ve got decades of experience and want to help you to find the right skincare for you. Today we’re looking at elastin, it’s purpose within the skin and some of the products which will boost production.

What is Elastin?

Elastin is a protein that gives skin, and other tissues and organs throughout your body, elasticity.

Why is elastin important?

Just as collagen is responsible for skin’s firmness, elastin plays a role in your skin’s appearance. Elastin helps keep skin tight and a lack of elastin leads to sagging skin. It also plays a role in wound healing and scar formation.

Why do I need to use skincare to boost elastin production if it’s already in my skin?

As we age, our body slows down its production of certain key elements, like collagen  and also elastin. This is what leads to our skin looking less firm and more wrinkled. Using products which contain ingredients that encourage elastin production can help to keep our skin looking firmer and tighter for longer.

Which products should I use to stimulate elastin production?

Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment – Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment is an advanced eye treatment that targets fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area. It contains padina pavonica which supports elastin and improves moisturisation and firmness of the skin, resulting in a plumper appearance.

Skin Abode Derma Pro Microneedling Roller – Skin Abode Derma Pro Microneedling Roller uses super fine medical-grade stainless steel needles to instantly activate the production of collagen and elastin, helping improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

DecoLITE LED Decolletage and Neck Mask – DecoLITE LED Decolletage and Neck Mask is a clinically proven treatment to improve skin hydration, firming and signs of ageing. It uses two wavelengths of light, 633nm (red) and 830nm (near infra-red), which are proven to stimulate collagen and elastin production and improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation.

Maskology Squalane Professional Sheet Mask – Maskology Squalane Professional Sheet Mask intensely hydrates, enriches and replenishes the skin, resulting in a youthful and energised complexion. The abundance of vitamin A and C will also offer anti-ageing benefits such as the protection from free radicals and the increased levels of collagen and elastin.

Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides – Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides is a plant-based, anti-ageing alternative for vitamin A. A clinically proven alternative to retinol, bakuchiol helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production, smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Incredibly gentle, it is suitable for those that cannot usually tolerate vitamin A.

Where to buy Advent Calendar products

The trend for grown up advent calendars is growing each year and the Christmas 2022 editions were no exception. If like me you were lucky enough to receieve an advent calendar, from the Mail on Sunday You Magazine, you will know it was filled with fantastic products to try. The problem is once you have tried them where can you buy them?

Five of this years gifts were from brands stocked by Pure Beauty

Bloom and Blossom are produced on the UK to Vegan & Cruelty free standards

Try

Hands Up Age Defying Hand Cream for a non greasy, hydrating treatment for your hands.

Prices range from £10 to £30

 

This Works produce products with a minimum of 98% natural ingredients, paraben, sulphates and synthetic free, they are cruelty free and 83% of the range is Vegan.

Try 

My Wrinkles CBD Booster Serum under moisturiser to brighten and firm tired ageing skin. Also try the Stress Check CBD Lip Mask, perfect for dry cracked winter lips.

Prices from £8

 

Aromatherapy Associates, founded by UK Beauty Therapists in the 1970’s are Vegan and Leaping Bunny approved. Blends are created to appeal to the user by scent, with the oils having a physical effect on the body and mind.

Try

DeStress Mind Roller Ball with Chamomile, Frankincense and Petitgrain to calm stressed thoughts.

Prices from £12

 

Murad, a clinical skincare brand using a four point treatment structure – Nourish your skin, Eat your water, Awaken your body & Be kind to your mind. The range provides science led products with theraputic benefits.

Try

Murad Vita C Glycolic Brightening Serum to exfoliate and brighten dull tired skin. Prices from £16

Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Work for Your Skin

Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Work for Your Skin

Photo by Polina Kovaleva

With the end of 2022 rapidly approaching (HOW can it be the end of the year already?!) many of us are starting to think about New Year’s resolutions and changes that we want to make to herald the start of a new trip around the sun. Here at Pure Beauty, we think that your skincare is a great place to start, especially with two and a bit years of mask wearing and spending too much time indoors still leaving its mark on our complexion. With this in mind, we thought we’d share with you five of the best skincare resolutions that you can make this 31st December:

I Will Drink More Water

We know this is a subject we’ve brought up MANY times before, but it’s a fact that a lot of people simply don’t drink enough water and this can have a profound effect on your skin. Dehydrated skin will often present as having a lack of radiance and intense, persistent tightness. As well as upping your water intake to between two and three litres per day, we recommend adding Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence to your skincare routine. It is a hydrating essence that is clinically proven to double skin’s moisture content whilst smoothing the look of fine lines for a youthful glow.

I Won’t Sleep in my Make-Up

One of the biggest favours you can do for your skin, aside from drinking water, is making sure you don’t sleep in your makeup. Sleeping with makeup on traps dirt and pollutants inside the skin which can result in breaking down collagen and elastin in your skin. This can speed up the ageing process and leave you with fine lines and wrinkles. Prolonged wearing of makeup during sleep can also clog pores, potentially resulting in acne. Decleor Neroli Bigarade Cleansing Milk is a light-textured lotion that removes make-up and impurities to leave skin exceptionally clean.

I Will Take a Targeted Supplement

Looking after your skin is about much more than what you put ON your body – what you put IN it is just as important. While we’d recommend eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals and a balance of protein, carbs and healthy fats, we know this isn’t always possible. That’s why we’d recommend adding Elemis Pro-Collagen Skin Future Supplements to your daily routine. This supplement is designed to support improved hydration, luminosity, firmness, elasticity, and minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by ensuring your skin gets all of the right nutrients.

I Won’t Give Up After a Month

Be honest; how many times have you made a New Year’s resolution and given up on it after a month? In fact, a study revealed that TWO THIRDS of us give up on our resolutions within the first month, and this is often nowhere near long enough to see results from a new skincare routine. Persevere as long as you can and you’ll have a much better chance of seeing good results.

I Will Wear Sunscreen

We’ve said it, Baz Luhrmann has said it, your Mum has probably said it a million times – YOU NEED TO WEAR SUNSCREEN! Wearing sunscreen is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health at any age. Used regularly, sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer and premature ageing. There’s a sunscreen out there for every skin type and it takes less than 30 seconds of your day to protect yourself against huge amounts of damage. If you don’t already, make 2023 the year you wear sunscreen every day.

Five Signs That You’re Deficient in Vitamin D

Photo by Rodolfo Clix

During the winter months, many of us don’t get enough vitamin D because one of the best sources of this important vitamin is sunshine.  Approximately 20% of the population in the UK have a vitamin D deficiency, 60% of the population are considered as having insufficient levels of vitamin D. So, what are the signs of vitamin D deficiency and what can you do to combat them? Read on to find out more:

Fatigue and Poor Sleep

One of the most common symptoms when you have a severe vitamin D deficiency is an overwhelming feeling of fatigue. To add to that, poor sleep is another symptom. Practising good sleep hygiene is important for making sure you get the best quality sleep, so we’d recommend having a warm bath, reading instead of watching TV and using some REN Clean Skincare And Now To Sleep Pillow Spray before you get in bed.

Getting More Colds and Bugs

Another important function of vitamin D is keeping the immune system running properly and some studies have associated lower levels of vitamin D with increased risk of infection. Given the fact that we’re still coming through a global pandemic, we know that staying as healthy as we can is important to most people so we recommend adding Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Ultimate to your supplement regimen, as these vitamins offer benefits to not only skin health but also the wellbeing of our immune system, muscles, teeth and mucous membranes.

Hair Loss

Vitamin D is essential for healthy hair that grows optimally and a deficiency can cause hair to fall out or slow growth because a deficiency intervenes with a follicle’s life cycle. If you’re experiencing hair loss related to vitamin D deficiency, we’d recommend trying Color Wow Color Security Shampoo. Unlike typical shampoos, this shampoo is uniquely formulated with no ingredients that leave behind residues which can dull colour or even worse impede hair growth and lead to hair thinning and loss.

Dry Skin

Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, both of which can make the skin very dry and cracked. Decleor Cica Botanic Face Mask is Decléor’s 99% natural-origin face mask enriched with centella asiatica extract. This face mask provides instant nourishment to help restore and soothe dry, delicate skin that is prone to redness.

Muscle Aches

Being deficient in Vitamin D can often cause sufferers to feel pain in their muscles, which can make it very hard to function normally and can have a great impact on your life. Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak works as a powerful synergy for overworked, tired and aching muscles. Energising and uplifting extracts of birch, juniper, clove, alpine lavender, wild thyme and blue chamomile, combined with sea salt, warm the muscles and recharge the body.

Pregnant? Here Are 5 Skincare Do’s and Don’ts

Pregnant? Here Are 5 Skincare Do’s and Don’ts.Photo by Juan Encalada on Unsplash

Being pregnant can be one of the most wonderful (or most taxing, depending on your level of morning sickness!) times of your life. However, it can also be one of the most confusing, thanks to the sheer volume of information out there telling you all of the things that you shouldn’t be doing while you’re expecting a baby. This can make you feel a little like a human incubator, but never fear, you don’t have to let your pregnancy get in the way of a decent beauty routine, if you follow these five simple do’s and don’t’s!

Do Be Cautious With Essential Oils

Essential oils can be hugely potent and some are even strong enough to have truly catastrophic effects on your pregnancy. With this in mind, try to make sure you keep an eye on the ingredients of all of the beauty products you use and try to avoid any essential oils which might be harmful. For the most part, beauty products will have only a small amount of oil in them, but there’s always a chance that the concentration could be quite high.

Don’t Use Retinol

While the skin benefits of retinol are vast, during pregnancy, you ought to stay away. The risks to your unborn baby can be potentially serious and life-long and while there has not been evidence to suggest that topical vitamin A derivatives like retinol cause birth defects, it’s wise to err on the side of caution. The good news is, bakuchiol is a natural retinol alternative and is perfectly safe to use during pregnancy!

Do Use Sunscreen

Melasma is a super-common condition which can be caused by the hormones released during pregnancy and it’s estimated that 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. One of the best ways to avoid melasma is by wearing a high SPF sunscreen, such as SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen. Since UV rays are a well-known trigger for melasma and can make hyperpigmentation darker, wearing sunscreen can help prevent melasma from flaring up and hyperpigmentation from getting worse

Don’t Forget Your Tummy!

The skin on your tummy isn’t just going to be protecting your unborn child from the outside world, it’s also going to be doing a LOT of stretching to accommodate the growth of your little one. That means that you’re going to want to ensure that the skin is as soft, supple and hydrated as possible, so as to avoid stretch marks. Evolve Organic Beauty Super Berry Body Oil is a moisturising body oil formulated to revive dry/mature skin and improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

Do Remember to Take Care of Yourself

Being pregnant may be wonderful but it puts a HUGE amount of strain on your body when growing a whole new person inside yourself. Taking time for self-care is so important when you’re carrying a baby, especially if you’re still working, juggling a family and a social life and dealing with all of the other things that life throws at us. Bloom and Blossom You’ve Got This Mama The Pregnancy Gift Set is a trio of performance body care products to keep your skin toned, hydrated and conditioned through this beautiful rollercoaster. The products can be used to take care of your pregnant body and leave you feeling comforted and cared for.

Five Ways that LED Masks Can Help You

Five Ways that LED Masks Can Help YouThere are new advancements in the beauty market almost every day, and some are more successful than others. One piece of technology about which we’re really excited is the use of LED masks, and the benefits are numerous. Here at Pure Beauty, we stock the faceLITE brand of masks, which are available for the face, hands and decolletage, so we thought we’d give you the lowdown on some of the well- and lesser-known benefits of LEDs for your skin and health.

Stimulate Collagen

Obviously, one of the main benefits of using LED technology is its ability to stimulate collagen. LED therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses different wavelengths of light to visibly improve and rejuvenate skin, and the red wavelength penetrates the skin on a cellular level and encourages the production of collagen, the thing that becomes lacking and causes fine lines and wrinkles to appear. This means that skin will be plumper and firmer with regular LED treatment.

Kill Bacteria

One of the main contributors to the cause of acne is bacteria, which gets into the pores and causes congestion. Certain wavelengths of LED light are effective at killing bacteria and sanitising the skin, which in turn can help to prevent acne before it even forms. It can also help to halt sebum production, which means that your skin is less oily and your pores will be less prone to clogging.

Help to Reduce Migraines

While it’s not advertised as a use for the faceLITE, LED face masks have been shown anecdotally to help to reduce migraines. According to research, the converted chemical energy from the light emitting diodes in the mask promote wound healing, are anti-inflammatory and also work as a pain control. Given how random migraines can seem to sufferers, trying something like an LED mask will allow you to try to achieve relief without immediately reaching for medications.

Improve Hydration

One of the most popular features of the faceLITE and other LED devices in the range is that they work on your skin on a deeper level to improve hydration. Light stimulates blood flow and nutrient exchange; this helps to keep skin healthy and hydrated and it also helps your skincare to work more effectively.

Increase Blood Flow and Circulation

faceLITE has been proven in trials to greatly improve skin parameters such as hydration, texture and pigmentation. faceLITE improves tissue oxygenation and blood flow and therefore absorption of skin care will be greatly improved. In fact, after 3 treatments per week for 4 weeks, 95% of people confirmed that their skin looked brighter and plumper.

Five Ways to Repair Your Skin’s Barrier

Five Ways to Repair Your Skin's Barrier

Photo by Jean Alves

We’ve written before about the skin’s barrier, including what it is and why it’s so important to protect it, but today we’re taking a look at what to do if your skin’s barrier is already damaged. When your skin’s barrier is not functioning properly, you may be more prone to developing dry, scaly skin, itchiness, rough or discoloured patches, acne, sensitive or inflamed areas and bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections – none of which are very desirable! If you think your skin’s barrier may be damaged, there are things that you can do and products you can use which will help to repair the damage and protect your skin against future deterioration. Here are five of our favourites:

Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair

This moisturiser from Dermalogica is designed to not only repair a damaged skin barrier, but also to soothe the effects of the barrier being damaged in the first place. It contains vitamins C and E that help combat free radicals and stimulate collagen formation, while an enriched oat extract with natural antioxidants and fatty acids reduces irritation and reinforces the barrier lipid layer. It also contains evening primrose oil, a skin nutrient high in gamma linoleic acid (GLA) to reinforce the barrier lipid layer.

Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask

Another product which will both repair and soothe, this mask from Elemis contains lavender and other naturally soothing ingredients which help to reduce redness, calm irritation and decongest and heal blemished skin. The mask is non-setting and therefore doesn’t dry out the skin and can be used overnight as an intensive treatment for reactive skin.

SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair

SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair is a therapeutic skin repair cream relieves and soothes fragile compromised or sensitive skin. It can be used as often as needed, giving you ongoing relief for sensitised skin. The formula has been tested to the highest standard and is even suitable for using on post-procedure skin as it offers such high levels of barrier repair and protection.

Aromatherapy Associates Anti-Ageing Intensive Skin Treatment Oil

Oils are a fantastic ally for skin where the barrier has been compromised and this treatment oil contains a combination of some of the best. With a blend of high-altitude grown lavender to support stressed skin and vitality reviving rose oils along with vitamin E and rosehip seed oil to nourish and encourage natural skin renewal. The formula is vegan, nut-free and contains no SLS, allowing you to repair your skin’s barrier in the knowledge that there are no nasty ingredients in this naturally-derived treatment oil.

Decleor Cica Botanic Face Mask

As we mentioned above, masks are also fantastic for repairing the skin’s barrier and this one from Decleor contains a combination of natural ingredients to provide instant nourishment. The formula has a three-in-one action which repairs the skin’s barrier, hydrates the skin and soothes redness and irritation. It contains eucalyptus essential oil for healing, as well as centella asiatica extract, madecassoside, shea butter and sweet almond oil for their nourishing properties.

Our Top Tips for Making Mature Skin Glow

Our Top Tips for Making Mature Skin GlowPhoto by Anna Shvets

There comes a time in almost everyone’s life where you realise that your skin is now classified as “mature” and things that worked for you in the past are probably not potent enough for your new skincare needs. One of the things that we hear our older clients talking about is the lack of “glow” once they reach a certain age and this is something that can be tricky to tackle. However, there are plenty of tips and tricks that you can use to make your skin look healthy again, and we’ve got a few of them for you here:

Hydrate. A LOT.

Whether you’ve always had dry skin or you’ve started to notice a more dehydrated complexion as you age, adding moisture to mature skin is the number one thing that you can do to make your skin look more glowy. If you use a daily moisturiser, you may find that you need to change it up for something a bit richer, such as Aromatherapy Associates Anti-Ageing Rich Repair Nourishing Cream. You may also benefit from using a night cream as well, and we’d recommend Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix. Also, don’t forget to hydrate from within by drinking plenty of water!

Work on Your Circulation

One of the things which can affect the dullness of your skin as you age is reduced circulation. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to encourage healthy circulation, starting with Hayo’u Beauty Restorer Rose, which is a rejuvenating crystal tool to wake up and soothe skin. It will improve energy flow, support circulation and lymphatic drainage, lift, plump and sculpt, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Decleor Micellar Oil will also encourage and stimulate  microcirculation as well as deeply cleansing the skin.

Exfoliate

Once we get to the mature skin stage, cell turnover tends to need a little extra help, which is why exfoliating is so important. Ridding your complexion of those dead skin cells will brighten your skin hugely, although it’s important to choose a product which is gentle on your ageing epidermis. REN Clean Skincare Rosa Centifolia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser is a gentle exfoliator developed for all skin types, that will purify and detoxify your skin and is perfect for mature skin.

Look for Brightening Ingredients

It stands to reason that if you want brighter skin, you should opt for products with brightening ingredients, such as vitamin C, which you’ll find in spades in Dermalogica Biolumin-C Gel Moisturiser. The weightless, Vitamin C-rich gel formula penetrates the skin’s surface for immediate, glowing results and helps to strengthen skin’s moisture barrier. Omega 9 is another brightening ingredient which can be found in Elemis Superfood Vital Veggie Mask, a treatment mask that nourishes, smoothes and brightens for softer, more radiant skin.

Finish with a Mist

Ageing skin can usually tolerate richer creams as it needs the moisture, and can also benefit from layering different products for added hydration. Once you’ve completed your skincare regime and applied your make-up, we’d recommend finishing with a mist, such as Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist. It helps to saturate skin with hydration and lock in moisture to help skin bounce back and utilises four types of hyaluronic acid, helping skin hold on to water for long-lasting hydration.

Best Value Stocking Fillers at Pure Beauty

Finding the best value stocking fillers is always a challenge but most definitely this year where every possible saving is essential. Giving gifts is such a special thing and we want our loved ones to feel appreciated and treasured.

So we have selected some of the beautiful gifts we have at Pure Beauty to take the stress out of the season for you. With value in mind all of these gifts are under £22 making them perfect stocking fillers, secret santa gifts and table gifts for the big day.

Delilah Chloe is a small Lancashire business run by husband and wife team, who named it after their young daughter, they specialise in Luxury Home fragrance. We currently have two of their beautiful range, available in salon only, Orange and Clove bringing the essence of christmas with warming cinnamon and vanilla, we also have Winter Wonderland a comforting blend of rosemary, spruce and lavender. Available as candles, diffusers, wax melts and room frangrance with prices betweeen £5 and £22. An affordable way to capture the essence of Christmas.

In our stocking filler range we have “green options” including JoJo Glow. Featured in Vogue and The Sunday Times these vegan, cruelty free pads are the perfect replacement for cotton wool pads and face wipes. Used with water they remove all traces of make up including waterprooof mascara (yes we tested them to check!). They can also be used to remove your cleansing product.

Wash pads once a week and rinse out between uses with antibacterial wash and allow to air dry. This fantastic company have sold so many pads they have prevented almost 9 Million face wipes going into landfill. The efficacy of these pads mean your skin is being properly cleansed rather than leaving pore blocking residue on your skin. They are a favourite with our team at Pure Beauty especially Diane who uses hers daily. A pack of 3 pads is £18 and each pad has a coloured lining on the side, they are also available for body and gentle enough for baby to use too.

Voesh are Vegan, Cruelty free Pedicure & Manicure in a box products, priced from £9.99 to £10.99 they are perfect secret santa products designed to top up your salon treatments at home.

Give the gift of pampering with Maskology. With sustainability at the forefront, the Vegan, cruelty free, eco face sheet masks are plastic free and made from biodegradable, compostable bamboo. Mask ingredients include Niacinamide for blemish control, Squaline to nourish and Hyluronic acid to hydrate. Simply chose the masks you need the benefit from, apply then sit back & relax. prices start from £5.95 for face masks up to £9.95 for Foot Peel masks.

So whomever you are buying for this year, family friends or even yourself, we have something to fit the bill. Visit our Website for product details or pop into the salon 

Porchways House, 83 Upper St John St, Lichfield WS14 9DT

Decleor Facials – Which one will you choose?

Decleor was created in 1974 by a French aromatherapy & facial therapist. Decleor uses the finest flowers and plants to capture each essential oil at its peak, to create harmony, nourishment and comfort for all skin types. Decleor are proud of their natural heritage and are working to ensure a minimum of 95% of its ingredients are naturaly sourced. Decleor treatments maximise this natural product range, using pressure points, calming touch and relaxing pressure for sublime results.

Decleor facials contain a number of unique features including the “Oshibori” a hot towel used to remove products during treatments, intensely relaxing and much more preferable to cold cotton wool pads! Facials are available in 30, 60 or 90 minute appointments and include the following:-

30 minute facial – a fantastic express treatment for busy days this facial includes make up removal, skin analysis, Aromassage including neck, shoulders and face, Oshibori to cleanse the skin followed by finishing products and homecare advice.

 

60 minute facial – enhances the 30 minute treatment by adding a double cleanse & exfoliation before the massage. A calming hand & arm massage is performed once your mask is applied. Oshibori to cleanse the skin followed by finishing products and homecare advice will bring your wonderful skin treat to a close.

Decleor Aromaplastie mask

The luxurious 90 minute facial begins with Decleors unique diagnostic back massage, designed as a silent consultation. The massage uses pressure points and soothing movement to read tension in the body highlighting your skincare needs.  The facial continues with a cleanse, exfoliation, deep cleanse & Oshibori. Aroma pressure & Aroma drainage firm and tone puffy, tired skin & Aroma massage using the equisite Night balm relaxes and nourishes. A mask chosen to suit your skin type will be applied and a hand & arm massage carried out. Oshibori to remove the mask and your finishing products are applied. A beautiful treatment from start to finish.

 

Decleor is an equisite treatment experience, especially when combined with the comfort of our heated couches, warmth from the duvet, calming music and the skill of our highly trained & experienced therapists. We are delighted to offer this special treatment package in November for a Decleor facial and massage.

 

We look forward to welcoming you into the salon soon.

November 2022 Decleor Package Offer
November 2022 Decleor Package Offer