Our Blog – Page 55 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

The Vitamin D Lowdown

21/02/2017 21/02/2017 0

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, has been in the news recently and we are having a look at why. Well, recent research has claimed that if you want to keep colds, flu and even pneumonia away, it’s Vitamin D, rather than an apple a day you need.

Vitamin D is created naturally by the body when we come into contact with the sun. However, with the shocking weather we get in the UK, it isn’t surprising that many us of don’t create enough Vitamin D naturally, but we do need it if we are going to be happy and healthy.

Vitamin D helps us absorb the calcium and phosphate we digest which is turn keeps our bones, teeth and muscles healthy. A Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bones soften and weaken and deformities can then occur. In children a lack of Vitamin D can lead to rickets and in adults, it can be osteomalacia, which causes bone pain and tenderness. It is also believed that the same vitamin keeps immune systems working at full pelt so we don’t pick up every single cough, cold and virus we come into contact with. It doesn’t end there, as others also think there is a link between low levels of Vitamin C and depression as well as obesity.

We all need Vitamin D, but those who are most likely to suffer if they don’t have the right amount, are:

Infants under 5
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding
Anyone who has little exposure to the sun, or none at all, for example people who are housebound or in hospital
The over 65s
People with darker skin as they need to spend longer in the sun to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin

It is one thing saying that more Vitamin D is needed, but if we can’t get it from the sun, where do we find it?

Well, just because it isn’t sunny, doesn’t mean you should get outside at every opportunity and as fresh air and exercise is vital for good health and mood.

Oily fish like mackerel, salmon and sardines are a great starting point as are eggs. These foods are also packed with omega 3 and protein so it is a good idea to add them to your diet anyway. Vitamin D can also be found in meat, mushrooms, fortified cereal, plant milks and soy yogurts.

It might also be a good idea to take a Vitamin D supplement to be sure you are in tip-top condition. Whilst some people take them just in the winter months, there is no harm in taking them all year round to ensure your levels are, well, level.

The recommended daily amount of Vitamin D is around 10 micrograms a day for an adult. Babies under 12 months should have no more than 25mcg a day and children between one to 10 years should not have more than 50mcg a day. If no doubt, talk to your GP about doses in more detail to get it right and don’t take more than recommended.

As a rule of thumb eat a diet that is rich in oily fish, go outside as often as much as you can, take a supplement and if you are worried you are failing short, speak to your GP who can take some tests and put you on the right path to wellness.

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Top Tips for Avoiding Cracked Hands

18/02/2017 21/02/2017 0

It’s been a particularly cold February and for many of us, this means only one thing: cracked and painful hands. There are several things that you can do to help your hands to avoid getting cracked and we thought we’d take a look at a few of them to help you to keep your mitts in tip-top condition.

Avoid Extremes of Temperature

Spending a lot of time outside can be a killer for your hands, as can coming inside and warming them up too quickly. Avoiding extremes of temperature can help, so make sure you’re wearing gloves when the temperature plummets and don’t come inside and immediately place them on a heat source.

Wear Gloves

We covered this above, didn’t we? Well, no, not those gloves, we mean gloves when you do housework. Harsh chemicals and washing liquids are one of the biggest triggers for dry and cracked skin on the hands so ensuring that you shield your hands when cleaning will really help.

MOISTURISE!

We can’t state this strongly enough! Using a good hand cream which isn’t all fragrance and no moisture is so important as the skin of the hands is less able to produce and retain moisture than other areas of your body. Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment is a super-rich formula which will absorb into the skin and rejuvenate dry hands, making them feel less tight and uncomfortable and reduce the risk of cracking exponentially.

Avoid Soap

Obviously, we aren’t suggesting that you quit washing altogether because that would just be wrong! However, avoiding hand washes which contain soap could really help your hands. Soap can be incredibly drying for the skin as it obliterates the natural oils and drys the skin out immediately. Opt for a non-soap based mild handwash which will add moisture to your skin, rather than stripping it away.

Keep them Dry
You know how your fingers go wrinkly when you spend too long in the bath or swimming pool? This is because the natural oils in your skin have effectively been diluted and washed away, leaving your skin unprotected. Keeping your skin dry is really important to maintaining its natural defenses so make sure you dry them properly after washing, don’t spend too long with your hands in water and use a little hand-cream after every time you get them wet.

Health and Happiness

Run your way into spring

14/02/2017 14/02/2017 0

Everyday we are told something new when it comes to what we eat and drink.

More of this, less of that and cut that out altogether.

Carbs are bad, sugar is worse and as for fats, well don’t even go there.

It is little wonder many of us feel overwhelmed by information and contradicting ideas.

What we can be sure of, is that everything in moderation is a good starting place.

A diet based on fruit and vegetables, grains, protein and plenty of water are the fundamentals of a balanced diet.

Exercise is also an important of keeping healthy and is beneficial for both your waistline and your mental health.

While is it still cold outside, the mornings are getting lighter, as are the evenings, which means it is the perfect time to ramp up your activity and start to feel the benefits when spring arrives.

For many people running is an option that is easy to fit into their schedule, free (other than trainers and shorts) and you can start today.

So, let’s begin with those trainers. A basic but decent pair can start from around £30 and from that, the sky is the limit. Find a shop with helpful staff with technical knowledge and as well as the shoes, get some good socks too as they can prevent blisters. When you start out, you don’t need flash clothing, but you will want to be comfortable so go for breathable items and layer them, as you will go hot even if it is chilly.

Set a day and time when you are going to run, and stick to it. Running to work, jogging with a buggy or sprinting with the dog are all ideas. Running with a friend can also be a good idea, as it not only means you are committed but also safe.

Before you start to run, it is vital that you warm up in order to ensure your muscles are ready to be used, especially if they have been resting for a while.

Don’t just go out the front door and start running, make sure you go through the preparatory brisk walking stage. As for stretching before a run, opinion is divided on whether this is necessary or even helpful.

A good running technique will reduce the risk of injury and make things more enjoyable. Some basic thoughts are to avoid striking the ground with your heel or forefoot first. It is safest to land on the middle of your foot and your foot should land below your hips rather than in front of you. As you run, look straight ahead with your shoulders back and down. Keep your hands relaxed and your arms bent at a 90-degree angle. Don’t stick your bottom out, your hips should remain stable and forward-facing and don’t lift your knees too high.

Post-run you those happy hormones will be pumping around your body but don’t forget to cool down. Don’t just stop running, instead keep walking, slowing down gently and then add in some stretches before you finish your session altogether.

A simple calf stretch can really help a beginner prevent muscle strain. Simply step your right leg forward, keeping it bent, and lean forwards a little. Keep your left leg straight and lower your left heel to the ground. Repeat with your other leg and feel the release.

Thigh stretches are also a good idea. Let’s start with your right side. Take your left foot and pull your heel towards your left buttock so you stretch the front of the thigh. Keeping knees touch and then repeat on the other side. Take your time and go at your own pace.

You may also want to put some of the layers of clothes you removed to keep warm.

Aim to run three times a week, with breaks, and build up your distance gradually.

If you suffer pain or injury, do check with your GP and rest up.

The main thing is to enjoy it and have fun.

Team Pure-Beauty

Skincare Advice

All About the Eyes

11/02/2017 10/02/2017 0

Imace Credit: StockSnap EPNK1H7KBP – (Creative Commons CC0 license)

Eyes, they say, are the window to the soul, but if you don’t care for the delicate skin around your eyes then they could be more like a window to your old-age, making you look for older than you really are. Caring for your eyes needn’t be difficult though and we’ve curated a selection of eye products from Decleor and Dermalogica which will help you to get a handle on the area.

Decleor Harmonie Calm Relaxing Milky Gel-Cream for Eyes

After a long day, eyes can often look puffy and tired, and feel tight and uncomfortable. This soothing gel from Decleor cools and calms the eye contour area and can help to reduce inflammation, improve the appearance of dark circles and protect the skin from further irritants. Pat onto a freshly washed face for best results.

Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair

If your skin is dry or prematurely ageing then the area around your eyes can often appear drawn and lacking in fullness, leaving you with an unwelcome droop. This fortified treatment from Dermalogica contains antioxidants which will help to repair and protect the delicate eye area, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and restoring their youthfulness. It contains vitamin C and wild yam and will drastically improve the skin’s elasticity and texture.

Decleor Hydrotenser Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum

Most of us know all too well the detrimental effect that tiredness can have on our appearance and there’s nowhere which carries the signs of fatigue more so than the eyes. Decleor have developed a serum which fights the signs of fatigue by smoothing and moisturising the delicate eye area, firming the skin and reducing fine lines. It’s pretty much as good as getting an extra eight hours of sleep!

Dermalogica UltraSmoothing Eye Serum

The skin around the eyes is notoriously delicate but if you’ve got sensitive skin it can make it even trickier to find products which don’t cause irritation. This serum from Dermalogica is specifically designed to be compatible with even the most sensitive skin and effectively targets the signs of aging around the eyes without triggering the additional sensitivity or irritation so commonly associated with highly-active eye treatments. This allows you to use a truly potent product without the worry that it won’t agree with you.

Decleor Lift and Firm Eye Cream

Last but not least on our list of essential eye treatments is this cream from Decleor, which does exactly what it says on the tube – lifts and firms the eye area! It’s a fragrance-free fluid containing L-PROLINE complex to help combat signs of ageing by re-energising the support fibres and reactivating the microcirculation around the eyes, reducing puffiness and smoothing wrinkles.

Health and Happiness

What headache do you suffer with?

07/02/2017 06/02/2017 0

It is thought that over 10 million people in the UK are regular headache sufferers.

Ouch.

While they are a very common health complaint, the majority are easy to treat and not serious.

Like so many things in life, there isn’t a one size fits all headache or remedy.

Some headaches are due to a virus, hangover or dehydration. However others fall into various categories and today we are looking at the types of headaches you may suffer with, why they happen and how to deal with them.

The most common headaches are tension headaches and which is hardly surprising giving the pressures and strains of modern day life. These everyday headaches tend to feel as if a tight band is stretched around the head and can last from a few hours to days but they can be treated with ibuprofen and paracetamol. A lack of water and fresh air, poor diet and stress can also lead to tension headaches, so avoid these whenever possible and look at making small lifestyle changes that can reap big rewards.

Many women suffer with headaches that are caused by their hormones, and these can be linked with periods. The pill, menopause and pregnancy all mix up your hormones and can trigger headaches. Reducing stress levels (yes, we know), sleeping well and eating a well balanced diet can all help manage your hormones and in turn, your headaches. You might want to keep a diary of these headaches in tune with your cycle and if a pattern is occurring, speak to your GP.

You hear people talk about migraines a lot, but they aren’t as common as tension headaches. The pain of a migraine is severe and tends to be located at the front or side of the head and they can prevent you from carrying on with everyday life. Migraines last for several days and are also known to cause nausea and vomiting as well as light and sound sensitivity. Fun, not. In many cases rest, water and regular painkillers are enough to deal with migraines but if the attacks are frequent and severe, we suggest speaking to your doctor about prescribed medication.

Cluster headaches are rare. They occur, as you would imagine, in clusters for a month or two at the same time of year. They tend to cause extreme pain around one eye, which can go watery and red, and can be accompanied by a blocked or runny nose. Everyday medicines don’t tend to touch these headaches but your GP can prescribe drugs that will help with the pain and potentially reduce attacks in the future.

While we take medication to ease the pain, sometimes the side effects can be the cause of a headache. Taking painkillers for too long, rather than exceeding the recommended dose, can actually cause the pain they are meant to be treating. ‘Painkiller headaches’ tend to clear up a week or two after stopping the medication but as with most things, they might get worse before the get better.

If you are ever concerned that a headache is something more serious, we would always advise you seek immediate medical advice.

Next week we will be looking at other ways to ease the pain of headaches and live a pain free life.

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness

Get Ready for Bed with Dermalogica and Decleor

04/02/2017 06/02/2017 0

Photo Source: https://pixabay.com/p-1159279/

Getting a good bedtime routine in place isn’t just for kids; it can benefit us grown-ups in many ways too. Sleep is the time when our body recuperates and restores itself, helping to bolster our immune system and heal areas which need it. Much of getting a good night’s sleep is in the prep, so we thought we’d take a look at five things that you should be doing before bed to help you to ensure that you always get the highest quality sleep.

Don’t Overheat

If you take a bath or shower before you get in bed, don’t make it too hot. Although it’s tempting to use hot water to relax your muscles, having it too hot can raise your blood pressure, leaving you feeling dizzy and sick. Opt for warm-but-not-too-hot-water to avoid overstimulating your senses and use Dermalogica Hydro-Active Mineral Salts to relax and unwind tense muscles.

Remove Your Make Up

We KNOW it sounds like a massive cliche and that every beauty magazine or blog rolls it out, but taking your make up off before bed is so important for maintaining good skin health. Removing the layer of make up and dirt which builds up throughout the day will allow your skin to breathe, will stop you from getting clogged pores and will help you to feel more relaxed and ready for sleep. Use Dermalogica Soothing Eye Make Up Remover for best results.

Limit Screen Time

It’s been proven time and again that looking at a screen before bed, be it a phone, tablet, laptop or TV, can actually damage your body’s ability to wind-down. This is because our natural circadian rhythm is set to respond to natural light dimming over the course of the day (a throwback to when we lived in caves) and the artificial light from screens messes this up. It can halt melatonin production and cause insomnia, so if you need something to help you sleep, we suggest reading a book.

Soothe Your Senses

On days when you’ve had a lot to deal with, it can be hard to wind-down, even if you’re shattered. Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil is an excellent product to use if you need a little help in this department as it uses sandalwood, patchouli, lavender, orange and other oils associated with relaxation to help to clear your mind and relax you. Massage a little onto your scalp, use it in your pre-bed bath or add it to your usual body moisturiser for best effects.

Treat Your Skin

Nighttime is a brilliant time to use richer products that you wouldn’t be able to use during the day. The best moisturisers are rich and unctuous, but will generally make your face look greasy and interfere with your foundation. Decleor Recovery Brightening Night Cream is a rich, shea butter-based night cream with will help to add deep moisturisation to your skin, brighten areas of over-pigmentation and regenerate your skin while you sleep.

Health and Happiness

Make 2017 the year you quit smoking

31/01/2017 30/01/2017 0

If you do one thing this year to improve your health, wealth and well-being, giving up smoking has to be top of the list.

With a packet of 20 cigarettes costing nearly £10 and the number of places to puff decreasing all the time, combined with the shocking effects this bad habit has on your health and skin, now is the time to put the smoke behind you.

You might not know this but within 2 to 12 weeks of stopping smoking your blood circulation will improve making physical activity dramatically easier.

Quitting can boost your immune system, reduce tiredness and headaches as it is easier for your body to get the oxygen it needs. Your skin will glow again, your libido may pick up and if you are trying for a baby, giving up cigarettes can improve fertility. You will be able to taste your food, your hands will be clean and your risk of lung cancer, heart disease and strokes will decrease.

Whether you are a social smoker, coffee time smoker or hardened smoker, giving up can be really tough but it can be done and is so worth it.

Cold turkey is an option of course, but this takes massive will power, determination and focus.

Talking to your GP is a positive step towards breaking the habit. Your doctor has many resources to hand that can help you stop smoking and as well as highlighting the dangers of smoking, they will also outline the benefits of stopping, how to do it and how you adjust your lifestyle.

There is an NHS Stop Smoking Service available that is pretty good. From one-to-one sessions with an adviser to group and drop-in services this is a hands on, supportive way to stop. The NHS Smokefree website is packed with resources and if you call the national helpline on 0300 123 1044 you can talk things over with a helpful, trained adviser.

We all know that cigarettes are addictive and for some people will power alone isn’t enough so nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can be used. This provides a low-level dose of nicotine but doesn’t come with the carbon monoxide, tar and numerous other poisonous chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Chewing gum, tablets, sprays and patches are all options and can be bought over the counter or prescribed by your GP.

The verdict is still out on e-cigarettes but while they aren’t entirely risk free, they are a lot safer than cigarettes and many people credit them for getting them off the hard stuff.

Some ex-smokers swear by hypnotherapy. Hypnosis can help access the REM state and when your deeper, unconscious mind is open to ideas and suggestions. Over a number of sessions your therapist will work to reprogramme your unconscious so don’t want to smoke. Don’t believe us, give it a go and we think you will be surprised.

However you decide to quit, beware that for many people it isn’t easy but the benefits are worth it – as the saying goes, no pain no gain.

Team Pure-Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica

Valentine’s Day Treats

28/01/2017 27/01/2017 0

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re part of a loved-up pairing, then what better gift for your loved one than something to help them to feel pampered and renewed? Here at Pure Beauty, we love receiving beauty products as gifts, so this seems like the perfect time to suggest a few of our favourites for you to treat your beau to for the most romantic day of the year.

Dermalogica Hydro-Active Mineral Salts

Technically speaking, giving Dermalogica Hydro-Active Mineral Salts would be like giving two gifts in one, given that it can be used as both a soak and a scrub. As well as mineral-rich sea salts, this contains lavender, orange, clary sage, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, tea tree and many other essential oils which sooth and revitalise your skin and your senses. If your bath is big enough, you could even have a soak together…

Decleor Multi-Protection Expert Mask

This mask treatment feels luxuriant on the skin, making it the perfect gift to someone you love. It bathes the skin in moisture, turning into a soothing oil upon contact with the skin. Leave on the skin for ten minutes while you recline and relax, then rinse off to reveal a restored radiance to your skin.

Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil

The only thing that can make this oil from Dermalogica a better gift is if you use it to treat your loved-one to a slow, sensual massage to help to relieve stress and relax them for an evening of togetherness. It contains a highly fragrant blend of oils, including sandlewood, patchouli and lavender which are not only a treat for your skin but also for your senses. If a massage with this oil doesn’t get you in the Valentines mood, nothing will!

Decleor Triple Action Shave Perfector

It’s not just the ladies who need to be treated on Valentine’s Day, and what better way to ensure you get stubble-free kisses than by treating your man to this shave-perfecting oil? This super serum softens the skin and hair, lifting the hairs to ensure a super close shave and preventing ingrown hairs and irritation. It also prepares the skin, allowing post-shave moisturisers to soak in more effectively.

Dermalogica Favourites Kit

If you really want to show your love, why not treat your loved one to all of the best products from Dermalogica’s range?! This kit contains Dermalogica Multi Active Toner, Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster, Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant, Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer and Dermalogica Precleanse all in one box!

Health and Happiness

Don’t sweat the small stuff in 2017

24/01/2017 23/01/2017 0

We all do it. Sweat the small stuff, let it get into our minds and take over our lives.

In 2017 why not reset your life and focus on what is important and really matters rather than letting the clutter, well clutter things up?

We are talking about both possessions and well as emotions here, as both can have a profound effect on your happiness, well being and success.

We have looked at some easy ways that you can clear out, reassess and move forwards on a clearer path.

Start off with a spring clean of your home. As well as washing down surfaces and floors, clear out your cupboards and drawers and throw out, or give away, anything you no longer need or like. From old pots and pans to tatty tea towels and chipped crockery, sorting the good from the bad is cleansing for the mind and soul.

Go through your wardrobe and sort out the items you wear and those that no longer fit, are out of date and you just don’t like. While they will be taking up space, both in the closet and in your mind if you can’t get into them, you can ill afford to spare, someone else will love the.

Sort out the admin. From updating your address, getting a new passport ordered and checking bank statements and standing orders, making sure your affairs are in working order will free up your mental space.

Take a look in your make-up bag and we are pretty sure you will be a bit surprised at what you find lurking in there. Old mascaras, dirty brushes and dried out lipsticks can call be binned and replaced with new, shiny products that will make you look and feel so much better.

Got a friend who always drags you down even when you are in a great mood? Make 2017 the year you get to grips with friendships and work out the toxic ones and move away. It doesn’t have to be a breakdown in communication altogether but maybe text less, meet in group situations or if you are feeling brave, have a chat about how you are feeling.

Take stock of your social media feeds to find a better balance. Maybe limit your likes and review your Tweets and you will find real life is so much more fun that virtual reality.

Take time out to meditate. We know this is a phrase that is used a lot at the moment but it isn’t just a trend for celebrities. Just ten minutes a day set aside to focus on your breathing and being in the moment can help you take stock of any worries or issues. There are some excellent apps out there to help you focus and of course, you can always join a local group and meet like-minded people at the same time.

Get outside. With screens taking over the world, it is all too easy to become stuck in a rut and spend your life on the sofa. There’s so much on your doorstep to see and do, make plans, wrap up warm and eave the clutter of life on the kitchen table whilst you clear your head.

If your bedroom is a place for peace and quiet, this can have a massive impact on you. Take away the TV and iPad, turn off your phone and make sure you have decent curtains and bedding and treat this as your sanctuary.

You don’t have to do all of this at once, but you will find that as you work through the clutter, everything else will become so much clearer in your life.

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness

Which Type of Cleanser is Right for You?

21/01/2017 20/01/2017 0

With the whole world of beauty products right at your fingertips, sometimes just choosing the right ones can be the most daunting thing. For most of us, taking care of our skin from the get-go is of utmost importance, which means that getting the right cleanser can be make-or-break(out) for our complexion. Today, we’re talking you through the many types of cleansers which are on the market and who exactly should be using them.

Foam Cleanser

If you’re struggling with dull, pigmented skin then a foam cleanser would work really well for you. Decleor Brightening Cleansing Foam is a creamy cleanser which, when worked to a lather on your face with water, will brighten even the dullest complexion and restore radiance for a renewed complexion. It works to eliminate impurities and remove excess sebum to refine your skin.

Cleansing Milk

Cleansing milk is usually one of the most delicate ways to cleanse your skin, soothing as it goes, and is therefore perfect for skin which is already suffering from sensitivity. Decleor Youth Cleansing Milk is also designed to compliment ageing skin by adding moisture back where it may have been lost and allowing the skin to regain some of it’s former plumpness.

Clay Cleanser

Clay is well-known for its soothing, absorbant properties, making it the perfect ally in the fight against the over-production of oil. Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser harnesses the power of clay to wick away excess sebum, soothing the skin as it goes, therefore both attacking the cause of the oil and the unpleasant side-effects of over-sensitive skin.

Micellar Water

Micellar water is one of those products which seemed to storm the market a few years ago and immediately become something which everybody loved, and it’s clear to see why. Decleor’s Soothing Micellar Water is suitable for all skin types but is delicate enough to use on even the most sensitive skin and contains microscopic cells of oil, suspended in water, which delicately and thoroughly cleanse and soften the skin without the use of parabens.

Cleansing Oil

You might think that a cleansing oil would solely be for the use of someone with dry skin, but the Decleor Brightening Cleansing Oil is actually perfect for those of us will dull skin. The oil turns into a milky fluid upon contact with water, eliminating even the most stubborn traces of make-up and strengthening the skin barrier revealing a radiant complexion.

	Treatments	Click & Collect
Monday	Open	10am-4pm
Tuesday	Open	10am-4pm
Wednesday	Open	10am-4pm
Thursday	Open	10am-4pm
Friday	Open	10am-4pm
Saturday	Open	Closed
Sunday	Closed	Closed

Pure Beauty Online
–
Our Top Brands
	Dermalogica
	Elemis
	Medik8
	SkinCeuticals
–
	Click & Collect to the Salon
	Get a Discount Offer Code