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Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Colouring for adults, really?

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freedigitalimages.netIt’s official, the colouring books we used to spend hours doodling in during our youth are making a comeback.

2015 has seen a fast, and unexpected, rise in the sales of coloring books for adults, so much so they are currently considered to be the ‘in thing’. Turning off screens, sitting down and colouring in the lines has captured the imaginations of thousands of people across the country and the trend keeps on growing.

Psychologists believe the reason colouring is popular is because it calms the mind and takes our focus away from stress and problems, whilst stimulating motor skills, senses and creativity and they could be right:

‘I feel wonderfully calm after a colouring session. ‘

Julie

‘It gets me away from work and takes me to somewhere I feel much calmer.”

Jo

“I love that this classic activity has come back into fashion so we can enjoy it all over again.”

Di

We have had a look at the ideas behind the phenomenon that is the adult colouring book and why they are actually really quite good for you:

They relieve stress and anxiety
Working with your hands is a fantastic way to soothe anxiety and get ride of unwanted stress. As our lives get busier and more hectic, with extra demands being piled upon us all of the time, it is little wonder we get bogged down. It is vital to find a little ‘me time’ and just ten minutes of sitting down and colouring can make a massive different to your headspace. Just like a little meditation, it will give you the chance to escape from the 9 to 5 chaos and come back to centre, focus and even breath.

Put the Gadgets Down
Whether it is desktops, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, Sat Navs or TVs we simply can’t get away from gadgets these days. A coloring book is an easy, simple, cost effective way to escape from screens. Turn any screens off (you aren’t allowed to have a quick look), go into another room and start to draw. No, colouring apps on smartphones and tablets aren’t the same, you need paper.

When You Were Young
There is something enchanting and memory provoking about sitting down with a shiny, new coloring book with sharpened pencils whatever your age. It might be simple but that blank canvas and the opportunity to create something amazing is pretty powerful.

Go your own way
We know we are stating the obvious, but it is your coloring book so you can do it your own way without worrying what anyone else thinks. They don’t even have to know what you are doing. Whether you want to go dark and gothic or strike out with vibrant reds and oranges, do it your way and you will feel so much better for it.

Train Your Brain
Did you know that coloring in requires the two hemispheres of your brain to communicate? Well, it does and this helps improves your fine motor skills as well as your vision. Some professionals also think that colouring in, just like crosswords and puzzles, can help delay or prevent the onset of dementia, which has to be another reason for taking the drawing plunge?

If you haven’t caught up with this trend, go out now and buy a book and pack of pencils and let your worries disappear. At the end of the day, coloring is all about having fun and we all need a bit of that in our lives.

Decleor, Dermalogica, Health and Happiness

Bathe Your Way to Beautiful Skin

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relaxing bathAt this time of year, when the weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter, there’s nothing nicer at the end of a hard day than slipping into a hot bath and letting your troubles drift away. Pure Beauty offer a number of products which take your bath from mediocre to mini-spa in just a few simple steps – here are a few of our favourites:

Dermalogica Hydro-Active Mineral Salts

This product is a multi-purpose salt which can either be used as a scrub to slough away dead skin, or as a mineral salt when dissolved into the water, for deep relaxation. It contains a unique blend of essential oils which not only revitalise the skin but also help your muscles to unwind. Whether you choose to scrub or soak, your skin will feel soft and smooth when you eventually get out of the bath!

Decleor Toning Shower and Bath Gel

Another versatile product, this bath and shower gel can either be added to running water to be used as a soak, or lathered up and used for washing in the shower and is especially good if you live in a hard water area. It contains lemon, lavender and seaweed extract which will revitalise your skin and awaken your senses, making it ideal if you’re trying to clear your head after a long day.

Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil

This therapeutic oil is designed to soothe both body and mind, and blends sandalwood, lavender, orange and clary sage, as well as tea tree, lemon and ylang-ylang. It can be used as a massage oil or added to a bath to aid relaxation and condition the skin. It can also be used to massage directly into the scalp which will target areas of extreme tension.

Decleor De Bain Bath Oil

This bath oil may appear to be a tiny amount but it’s super concentrated and a little goes a really long way. In fact, this 100ml bottle is enough for 30 baths! The oils are designed to revitalise and replenish the skin whilst relaxing the mind and muscles.

Dermalogica Ultra Rich Body Cream

Once you’re out of the bath, you’ll want the feelings of wellbeing to continue and you can do that by cocooning your skin in a layer of Dermalogica Ultra Rich Body Cream. This deeply moisturising cream will replenish and repair extra-dry or sensitised skin without leaving an unpleasant greasy residue and contains panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), which aids in cellular repair. A little goes a long way, so only pump a small amount into the hand as you don’t want to waste this gorgeous product!

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Rosacea – The Low Down

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www.freedigitalimages.netRosacea is a common, but poorly understood long-term skin condition that mainly affects the face and whilst it doesn’t cause scaring it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

What causes rosacea?
The medical profession doesn’t fully understand Rosacea, but many believe it is to do with in the blood vessels in the skin of the face, which dilate too easily, and a reaction to microscopic mites commonly found on the face. Rosacea tends to be reoccurring so there will be times when the symptoms are really bad, but at other times it is less of an issue.

Who gets Rosacea?
It tends to be more common in women than in men, and in those with a fair skin who flush easily and whilst there does seem to be a link of Rosacea in families, there’s no concrete evidence that it is heredity.

What are the symptoms of Rosacea?
Symptoms often start with the flushing of the skin where it turns red for a short amount of time. Other sings comes out as time passes and include:

  • burning
  • stinging
  • long lasting, deep redness of the skin
  • small red bumps (papules) and spots
  • blood vessels on the skin becoming visible – this is called telangiectasia
  • eyes can be effected and if this happens contact your GP

How is Rosacea diagnosed?
GPs are very good at recognising Rosacea simply by looking at the skin, but there are no specific tests.

Can Rosacea be avoided?
Sufferers find it very hard to stop outbreaks but they find avoiding any known triggers reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms. Some of the most common triggers include:

  • high levels of stress
  • strenuous exercise
  • sunlight
  • very hot drinks
  • extreme weather conditions (hot and cold)
  • hot drinks
  • alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods

Are there any long-term effects of Rosacea?
Rosacea doesn’t cause scaring but it can:

  • Lead to embarrassment, anxiety, or depression, and a disrupted social life.
  • Cause swelling of the face (lymphoedema), especially around the eyes.
  • Make the nose red and bulbous (rhinophyma) because of the overgrowth of the sebaceous glands.
  • Cause red, itchy, sore eyes and eyelids and experience a gritty feeling and sensitivity to light. A small number of sufferers have more serious eye problems, such as rosacea keratitis that can affect vision so this needs to be seen by a GP or specialist.

Can Rosacea be cured?
There is no magic cure for this condition but long-term treatments, used as early as possible, can help control symptoms and
clear the symptoms.

Skincare
The skincare techniques below may help control your rosacea symptoms.

  • Clean skin morning and evening with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. The Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser is a soothing, pH-balanced gel/cream helps calm and cool the redness, heat and discomfort of rosacea.
  • Rinse the skin with lukewarm water and allow it to dry before applying medication or make-up.
  • Try to find products for sensitive skin that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
  • Using a gentle moisturiser can soothe sore skin.
  • Use water-based make-up and skin products.
  • Avoid products that contain ingredients such as fragrances, alcohol, menthol, witch hazel, eucalyptus oil, camphor, clove oil, peppermint, sodium lauryl sulphate and lanolin.
  • Once you have found products that work with your skin, try to stick to them and only introduce something new slowly.
  • Men may find an electric razor, rather than a blade, helps reduce skin irritation.
  • Sometimes you can use specially designed “camouflage” make-up and the charity Changing Faces offers a free skin camouflage service, to help with the use of these creams.

What if it just doesn’t get better?
If you are worried talk to your GP who can offer more help or send you to see a dermatologist for further advice.

Decleor, Dermalogica, Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

The Top 5 Causes of Sensitive Skin

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Sensitive SkinHaving sensitive skin on your face can be difficult to deal with, in more ways than one. From a practical point of view, finding products which don’t irritate your skin is easier said than done and from a confidence point of view, areas of redness and feelings of tightness can make you feel self-conscious. There are several factors which can make sensitive skin worse, so we thought we’d take a look at those triggers in the hope that avoiding them will help minimise your symptoms.

Daily pollutants

Believe it or not, just being out and about in areas with environmental pollution can increase the effects of skin sensitivity, which means that you’ll need a good, gentle cleanser to rid your skin of any nasties which may be clinging on after a busy day in the city. Dermalogica’s UltraCalming System offers several products which will help.

Hormones

Most women will be well aware that breakouts can be worse in the lead up to, or during, ‘that’ time of the month, but overall sensitivity can be worse too, thanks to the body releasing certain hormones which mess with the skin’s natural balance of oils. Try to use gentle products such as Decleor Harmonie Calm Soothing Milky Cream which will soothe and soften sensitive skin.

Diet and Hydration

Eating unhealthy foods and not drinking enough water are two of the most common causes of skin sensitivity. Anything which is too salty will cause the body to draw moisture away from other parts to help flush the salt through the system and failing to replace it will exacerbate dryness and sensitivity. Ensure you eat well and keep fluid levels up if you’re prone to sensitive skin.

Hard Water

It may sound crazy but something as simple as washing in water from a hard water area can increase tightness and dryness of the skin. This is because hard water contains certain diluted elements which make it highly alkaline, which messes with the skin’s natural pH balance. If you live in a hard water area, using a product such as Decleor Harmonie Calm Comforting Milky Gel-Cream Mask will help to soothe your face.

Central Heating

This time of year can play havoc with sensitive skin, as going from cold air to centrally heated homes and offices will dry your skin out faster than you can say ‘Dermalogica’! There’s not a whole lot you can do to prevent this as heated homes are a fact of life, but using a good moisturiser and staying well hydrated is a good start.

Health and Happiness

Get on your bike

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www.freedigitalimages.netUnless you have been hiding, it is impossible not to have noticed the number of cyclists out on the road these days, especially on a sunny day. Over the past few years, in the shadows of the London Olympics, Tour de France in Yorkshire and Sir Bradley Wiggins’ sideburns, people of all ages and from all walks of life have been getting out on two wheels.

As well as being fun, invigorating and liberating, regular cycling can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes. It can also improve your mood and keep your weight under control.

If you haven’t been on bike for a while, or maybe you have never travelled on two wheels, this guide will provide you with tips on how to love cycling whilst keeping safe and staying motivated.

Before you start peddling
This might sound a bit OTT but although cycling is a pretty safe form of exercise, if you do have any medical concerns, make an appointment to see your GP before you start.

The Bike
If you are only going to be cycling short journeys, your current bike may will do. Whether it is a 10-speed racer, practical shopping bike or an old mountain bike, they could do the job whilst you are deciding whether you actually like being on the road. Make sure you dust it down, have it serviced to be sure it is safe and consider adding a gel saddle for comfort.

If you don’t have a bike then why not think about going for second-hand one for now? Make sure it is the right size for you and once you have bought it make sure you have it serviced at your local bike shop to ensure it’s roadworthy.

If you decide to bite the bullet and buy a new bike, be sure to do your research. Think about what you are going to use the bike for and set a budget and this will help you keep on track; if you want to head off into the woods at the weekend, a pretty Victoria Pendleton road bike isn’t going to do the job.

Hybrids, road bikes and mountain bikes are the most popular and whether you go to a High Street chain or independent shop, there should be experts on hand to help you decide which bike is best for you and also make sure you get the size right.

Some businesses offer a cycle to work scheme, which is an affordable way of buying a new bike and safety equipment so do see if this is available for you.

Keep Safe
All too often two and four wheels collide and it is more often the cyclist who comes off worst so you need to be safe:

  • Practice cycling in a safe, quiet place if you haven’t ridden for a while or are a total beginner
  • Make sure you can ride single-handed as you will need to make hand signals
  • Get comfortable looking over both shoulders to improve your visual awareness
  • Wear a helmet that fits well
  • Be seen and wear high vis’ clothing and fit lights
  • Add a bell to your bike so you can be heard
  • Be alert and plan your route
  • Always follow the Highway Code – you are as much of a road user as a car or lorry driver so it is a good idea to know what is right and what is wrong
  • Do not wear earphones, this is very dangerous
  • As well as you being safe, buy a decent lock as bike theft is on the rise and can be an upsetting and expensive experience

Keep it up
After the initial burst of enthusiasm has worn off, making cycling a regular habit is the best way to keep going.

Cycle to work
is cheap, fun, green and a great way to fit exercise into your day. Plan your route, see if there are showers at your place of work and keep spare clothes and a raincoat in your locker just incase.

Cycle to school
is the perfect way of getting your children to be more involved in your hobby. Cycling can help children’s health, fitness, confidence and concentration and it is fun to do something together.

Go out and about on your bike and explore the area where you live, or jump on a train and see somewhere new.

There are many wonderful places to cycle in cities and the countryside. Sustrans offer free information about cycling across the country and they are worth a look.

Make it sociable and go out riding with friends. This is the perfect way to get some exercise, tone up and catch up with a coffee afterwards. You can also join a bike club and this is a brilliant way to stay motivated, make new friends and experience the great outdoors.

Whatever you do, have fun, get fit and keep safe.

 

Health and Happiness

The Benefits of Chocolate

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chocolateEating a large amount of poor quality chocolate is never going to be a good thing for your skin, blood sugar and digestion, however the old adage of “all things in moderation” still applies and as long as you choose a quality chocolate with a high cocoa content, there can be health benefits as well as pleasure. We thought we’d take a look at the benefits of chocolate so that you can still indulge without feeling too guilty!

Antioxidants

Flavenoids are powerful antioxidants which are important for the body and can help to fight viruses, allergies, inflammation and even cancer and recent research has shown that chocolate contains the highest levels of flavonoids of almost any food. Inflammation is a key factor in the appearance of ageing, so eating chocolate can legitimately help you to stay looking younger!

Theobromines

You may be familiar with the word ‘theobromine’ as it’s the part of chocolate which can have dire consequenses for dogs. However, in humans, theobromine can have powerful effects on reversing the effects of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy as it is a strong vasodilator. It’s also been linked with the prevention of birth defects as well as other pregnancy complications.

Depression

Eating chocolate to excess can obviously lead to weight gain, which can be linked with a spike in depressive symptoms. However, eating a small amount of 70% cocoa chocolate can be linked with the reduction of the symptoms of depression. This is because chocoloate stimulates the body to release endorphins, the natural hormones which make humans feel happy, so when you’re having a bad day and reach for a bar of chocolate, it’s your body’s way of trying to make you happy again…in more than one way!

Heart Disease

Dark chocolate, containing 70% cocoa or more, can be a great ally in the fight to stay heart-healthy. The same compounds which help with pre-eclampsia also help to protect the heart by improving blood flow around your most important muscle. The compound responsible is called nitric oxide, however it’s also important to remember that milk can stop it from being absorbed by the gut, so try to avoid a glass of the white stuff with your chocolate treat!

UV protection

Surprisingly, chocolate has also been found to protect the skin. Researchers at a German university found a link between a compound in chocolate and UV rays, and after weeks of research concluded that chocolate eaters had less redness and skin damage after six weeks of ultraviolet light exposure. This doesn’t mean that you can eat a bar of Green and Blacks instead of slathering on sun lotion whilst you’re on holiday though!

Health and Happiness

Is Yoga for You?

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www.freedigitalimages.netLook around and yoga classes and kit seem to be popping up everywhere. Whilst many boast of the amazing health and fitness benefits, getting to grips with exactly what this trendy sport actually is, can be tricky.

We are here to help and have a guide to all you need to know to get started with yoga so you can decide it if it is for you.

What is yoga?
This is the best place to start. In a nutshell, yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing with the end result of enhancing physical and mental wellbeing. Yoga is made up of a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility as well as breathing and originated in India over 5,000 years ago.

What are the various styles of yoga?
There are many yoga styles such as Ashtanga, Hatha, Iyengar and Sivananda, with new variations such as hot yoga, popping up all the time. Some styles are more vigorous than others and each has a slightly different area of emphasis, such as posture and breathing. No style is better than another, but there will be one that is right for you so check out what is on offer.

What are the benefits?
Yoga is a safe, effective way to increase physical activity and to particularly strength, increase flexibility and improve balance. It has also been suggested that regular yoga practice is beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains (including lower back pain) depression and stress.

Do you have to be fit to do yoga?
No, one of the great things about yoga is that you don’t have to be super fit to take part. Find a class that works for your fitness level and try a class out to see if you get on with the teacher, like the environment and actually enjoy what you are being taught.

What should I wear?
Yoga clothing is a big business but try not to get carried away at the start. Loose clothes like leggings and a vest are a great staple and it is good idea to invest in your own mat from the start. Take a warm top or blanket for the cool down and meditation sessions, as your body will start too cool down.

Can I injure myself doing yoga?
Yoga-related injuries are petty uncommon. It is the same as any other exercise discipline, in that it is perfectly safe if taught properly. Finding a qualified teacher and a class appropriate for you will help you remain injury-free. If you have any pre-existing injuries do let the teacher know before the start of the lesson and listen to your body, if someone niggles or hurts, stop.

Don’t you need to be flexible to do yoga?
This really isn’t a requirement so don’t worry about it. The brilliant thing is that yoga will improve your flexibility and help you go beyond your normal range of movement, which may help make daily activities easier.

Am I too old for yoga?
It is never too late to start yoga, some people don’t try until they are in their 70s, with many wishing they had started sooner. There are yoga classes for every age group and it is something that can be enjoyed by children and pensioners and everyone in-between.

How long is a class?
Classes last between 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The fantastic thing about a longer class is that you have the opportunity to focus on breathing and relaxation techniques towards the end of the session and even learn to meditate.

Where can I find a yoga class?
Classes can be found a your local gym, leisure centre, specific studios and even in school and village halls. Check the teacher is qualified, try to speak to other students and you can find out more at British Wheel of Yoga (BWY), the Sport England-recognised governing body for yoga

Enjoy.

Decleor, Dermalogica, Health and Happiness

Stress and its Effects

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stressIt’s very rare, in this modern world, for anyone to be able to truly say that they have zero stress in their life. Be it worrying about your kids, stressing over your work or financial issues, stress is probably one of the biggest contributors to physical illness and the signs of ageing. There are several ways that stress can manifest itself in the body, so we thought we’d take a look at the symptoms and try to give you some tips on how to deal with them constructively.

Headaches

Stress headaches can be truly debilitating, often manifesting into a full-blown migraine which can make functioning in day-to-day life a real struggle. The shoulder and neck muscles are often the first place to carry tension; taking a shower with Decleor Relax Intense Relaxing Shower Oil will help to melt away the tension in your neck and shoulders, followed by a firm shoulder rub with Decleor Relax Intense Relaxing Massage Balm, which contains delicate fragrances and will nourish the skin whilst helping you to unwind, and banish the headaches.

Insomnia

One horrible side effect of stress is insomnia, and anyone who suffers will know how frustrating it can be to feel mentally and physically exhausted without being able to sleep. Lavender is excellent at helping the body to unwind and drift off to sleep, and is one of the key ingredients in Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil, along with sandalwood and orange.

Nail Biting

Nail biting is one of those habits that goes back to childhood and can be very difficult to break, especially in times of stress when the urge to nibble your nails is always greater. Using a bitter nail treatment to prevent you from biting can help, and once your nails are re-growing, give them some extra vitality with Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment

Frown Lines

If you’re stressed, the chances are that it’s manifesting itself in your body language and facial expressions and there’s no quicker way of giving yourself deep forehead lines than with a permanently furrowed brow. Try to make a conscious effort to keep your face neutral, rather than tensed into a scowl and use a facial treatment like Decleor Intensive Youth Concentrate to give you immediate plumping to your frown-lined areas.

Lowered Immune System

Being stressed puts an immense amount of pressure on your body, which means that your immune system often suffers because all of your energy is focused on dealing with your anxieties. This can lead to all manner of coughs, colds, infections and skin breakouts which will only add to your overall feelings of stress and sadness. Bolster your immune system with a good multivitamin, eat well, hydrate and ensure that you use a good, gentle cleansing system for your face to prevent stress-related blemishes.

Health and Happiness

Changing Seasons – Autumnal Fruit and Veg

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seasonal veg autumnWith the changing seasons comes a whole new set of produce, which means opportunities for different flavours and nutrients. Autumnal vegetables and fruit are super tasty and have had the benefit of a whole summer to grow and absorb nutrients from the sun and soil, allowing you to reap the benefits when the weather cools down. Here’s an insight into our favourite autumn delights and the ways in which they’re good for you.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is good for you in SO many ways and even the seeds make a tasty, nutritious snack, allowing you to use almost the whole fruit. Just 100g of pumpkin contains 170% of your recommended allowance of vitamin A, which is good for your eyes, skin and hair and it contains absolutely no saturated fat, which means you can eat it without worrying about your hips!

Brussels Sprouts

Okay, so brussels sprouts may have a rather…stinky side effect, but the amount of nutrition they offer can make it well worth it. If you can manage just 100g of sprouts, you’ll be getting 141% of your RDA of vitamin C, an essential vitamin in collagen synthesis, which is vital in the fight against the signs of ageing. If you aren’t a fan of the good, old fashioned ‘boil them to death’ method of cooking Brussels, try stir frying them with bacon lardons and a handful of chopped walnuts, plus a drizzle of maple syrup – delicious!

Blackberries

Foraging season is well underway and if you’re savvy enough you can probably get your mitts on kilos of blackberries for free, providing you know where to look. Blackberries are a good source of dietary fibre, so eating a 144g portion will help to regulate your bowels and reduce the chance of bloating. They are also a very good source of vitamin K which is an essential factor in helping the blood to clot and preventing excessive bleeding. They also taste rather yummy when made into a crumble with apples or pears!

Purple Sprouting Brocolli

Purple sprouting broccoli looks lovely on a plate, but it’s so much more than a pretty face. Broccoli is packed with phytonutrients and flavonoids, both of which are powerful defences in the fight against cancer. Studies have shown that these compounds can protect against prostate, colon, urinary bladder, pancreatic, and breast cancers. Also, don’t discard the leaves when cooking purple sprouting broccoli – these are shown to contain high levels of cancer fighting compound too, and cooking them up will also reduce your food waste.

Pears

Pears are one of the most popular fruits in the world and it’s easy to see why. As well as producing several varieties which are tasty to eat, they’re also versatile and easy to cook with, being just as easy to eat with goats cheese as custard (but never at the same time!). Pears have also been discovered to be a vital ally in the fight against type 2 diabetes, as they can actually improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, allowing suffers to regulate their blood sugar levels more precisely.

 

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Pregnancy Skincare

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Pregnancy SkincareTaking care of your skin during pregnancy can be a tricky business – not everyone is lucky enough to have that coveted “pregnancy glow” and things which your skin could tolerate before can cause sensitivities that you aren’t used to. Choosing the right products is also important for the health of your unborn baby because certain ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid can be harmful if used when pregnant, which means that keeping acne or the ageing process at bay is even harder.

It’s not only chemicals you need to avoid, either. Products which contain all natural ingredients can still be a no-no for varying reasons. Bergamot, for instance, as well as Soy, can make the pregnancy-related problem known as melasma, or ‘Mask of Pregnancy’ worse, a condition in which the skin on your face darkens. Opt for products without estrogen-rich ingredients and always use a high SPF for sensitive skin to avoid making the appearance of melasma worse.

Essential oils often make an appearance in beauty products and can add a richness and depth of fragrance that is unparalleled by synthetic scents, however not all of them are safe for use in pregnancy and can have a potent and potentially dangerous effect. Jasmine, clary sage, rose and sage are all ones to avoid as they can cause uterine contractions and bleeding, which can be especially harmful in the early stages of pregnancy. However, you needn’t miss out on oils altogether; geranium, ylang-ylang, bergamot, citrus, peppermint and black pepper are all safe for use during pregnancy and are all useful additions to your beauty arsenal, although we’d recommend checking with your Doctor or Midwife.

Hair removal is something which can also be a minefield during pregnancy. Hair removal creams are a big no-no and waxing can also be out of the question due to heightened sensitivity and lowered pain threshold, which leaves you with limited options. Shaving would be the obvious answer, but once you’re past a certain stage, that can also be tricky unless you’re very bendy! We’d recommend trying sugaring, providing you’re able to cope with the pain, as it uses natural sugars to remove the hair rather than wax or chemicals, and you can soothe the areas afterwards using Decleor Post-Wax Cream – Sensitive Areas.

If you’re suffering with extreme skin sensitivity when using your usual beauty products, we’d strongly recommend trying the Dermalogica Ultra Calming System, which is designed to be gentle to even the most sensitive skin. The products are all pH balanced so as not to interfere with the skins natural levels, whilst incorporating soothing ingredients which are designed to deal with redness and inflammation, keeping your skin in tip-top condition.

Above all, the most important thing is to eat well, stay hydrated and avoid stress as these things will potentially affect both your skin and your pregnancy – and don’t forget, the ‘glow’ will usually kick in during the second trimester so you might not have too long to wait!