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When we think of protecting our skin from damage, we often consider sun exposure outdoors as the primary culprit. However, there are hidden threats that can harm our skin even in unexpected situations, such as on cloudy days or when we’re indoors near windows. In this blog, we will delve into why skin can be damaged through clouds or windows and explore essential steps we need to take to safeguard our skin from harm.

The Deceptive Cloud Cover – It’s a common misconception that clouds offer substantial protection against harmful UV rays. While it is true that clouds can reduce the intensity of direct sunlight, they don’t act as a barrier to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Clouds only block a small portion of UVB rays, but UVA rays, which are equally damaging, can penetrate cloud cover with ease. UVA rays are responsible for premature ageing, fine lines, and wrinkles, making it essential to protect our skin, even on overcast days.

The Window Effect – We tend to spend a significant amount of time indoors, either at home or in workplaces, often near windows. However, most traditional windows do not provide adequate protection against UVA rays, and this exposure can contribute to skin damage over time. Even car windows can be problematic, so if you spend a lot of time in the car, it’s worth thinking about protecting your skin there too!

So how can we protect our skin if we are under glass or outside in cloudy whether?

– Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Regardless of the weather, incorporating a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher into your daily skincare routine is crucial. Broad-spectrum sunscreens offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays, shielding your skin from potential damage.

– Seek Shade: When the sun is at its peak, usually between 10 am and 4 pm, try to stay in the shade as much as possible, especially during sunny days. This minimises direct exposure to harmful rays.

– Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses provide an extra layer of protection against UV rays, reducing skin exposure significantly.

– Window Films: Consider applying UV-protective films on windows at home, in offices, and in cars. These films can block a significant amount of UVA radiation while still allowing natural light to filter through.
Protecting our skin from damage goes beyond just sunscreen and sunny days. Clouds and windows pose hidden threats in the form of UVA radiation, which can lead to premature aging and other skin concerns. By incorporating broad-spectrum sunscreen, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using window films, we can safeguard our skin from these often overlooked dangers. A proactive approach to skin protection will not only maintain a healthy and youthful complexion but also reduce the risk of potential skin-related issues in the long run. Stay Sun Safe Everyone!

In recent years, injectable skincare treatments such as wrinkle-relaxing injections and dermal fillers have gained popularity for their ability to enhance facial aesthetics. However, it is crucial to recognise that these procedures involve delicate and complex structures of the face. To ensure safe and effective outcomes, it is incredibly important to seek the expertise of qualified and experienced medical professionals. In this blog, we will discuss the significance of choosing a skilled practitioner and highlight the intricate nature of facial anatomy to demonstrate why it’s so important to opt for a skilled, experienced, trusted and insured professional for non-surgical aesthetic treatments:

The Complexity of Facial Anatomy – The face is an intricate network of muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and other vital structures. It is crucial to understand that every person’s facial anatomy is unique, with variations in muscle placement, blood supply, and tissue density. This complexity requires a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy to ensure precise and safe administration of injectable treatments.

Risk of Complications – Administering injectable treatments without proper knowledge and experience can lead to adverse outcomes and complications. Misplacement of injections can result in asymmetry, unevenness, or unintended effects, such as drooping eyelids, lumps, or overfilled areas. These complications can negatively impact facial aesthetics and potentially require corrective procedures.

Medical Expertise and Training – Qualified medical professionals possess extensive medical training and knowledge of facial anatomy. They have a deep understanding of the underlying structures and can tailor treatments to suit individual needs. Their expertise allows them to assess the patient’s facial features, discuss realistic expectations, and recommend appropriate treatments.

Safe Product Selection – Experienced medical professionals have a thorough understanding of different injectable products and their specific indications. They can select the most suitable product based on the patient’s desired outcomes, skin type, and medical history. Using inappropriate products or incorrect dosages can lead to adverse reactions or unsatisfactory results.

Hygiene and Safety Standards – Medical professionals adhere to strict hygiene and safety protocols to minimise the risk of infections and ensure patient safety. They maintain sterile environments, use sterile equipment, and follow proper injection techniques. This commitment to safety significantly reduces the chances of complications and promotes optimal healing.

Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-up – Qualified professionals provide comprehensive care, including post-treatment monitoring and follow-up. They monitor the patient’s progress, address any concerns, and make necessary adjustments if required. This personalised approach ensures that the desired results are achieved, and any complications are promptly addressed.

Your skin is amazing and deserves the care and attention of a skilled professional if you are considering a non-surgical aesthetic treatment. We’re here to help, and if a treatment isn’t safe or appropriate for you, given your unique medical history and skin concerns, we will explain this to you and discuss alternatives, if they are available.  Here at Younger U Aesthetics, we always use top-quality products in a clean and safe environment after a detailed pre-treatment consultation, and work to the latest guidelines and best practice recommendations from industry and medical organisations.

If you would like more information about any of the treatments we offer, or to discuss your unique skincare needs, please get in touch! Telephone: 07702 581 588, email: rachel@youngeruaesthetics.com or visit youngeruaesthetics.com.

The skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin – the building blocks that give our skin its shape, volume and definition – begins to decline as we get older. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear, but these aren’t the only signs of the skin’s natural ageing process.

As we get older, our skin’s ability to effectively shed dead skin cells also reduces. This can leave skin looking dull and lacklustre, but this build-up can be cleared effectively via manual or chemical exfoliation, which can help to reveal the fresh, youthful skin beneath.

The overall texture of our skin can also change as we get older.  Skin can become dry as our sebaceous glands (which produce sebum, the skin’s natural, protective oil) tend to produce less sebum as we get older, resulting in drier skin. This can be exacerbated by conditions such as central heating and air conditioning, so it’s important to keep skin hydrated from both the inside and out. Drinking plenty of water and using a good quality moisturiser can help to combat dry skin.

There are other things that can also have an impact on our skin’s natural ageing process – these include overexposure to the sun, drinking alcohol and smoking, lack of exercise (as exercise helps to deliver oxygen to the cells in your body), and also diet (as too much sugar can have an impact on skin’s collagen and elastin).

Our skin does change as we get older, but thanks to advances in skincare and non-surgical aesthetics, these changes can be addressed – if you’d like to tackle any skincare concerns, please get in touch, as I’d be happy to talk through your skin’s unique requirements and find the perfect skincare options for you.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that is found in virtually every tissue of the body. It helps keep your skin hydrated and supple by binding large amounts of water molecules, while also maintaining the elasticity and firmness of your skin cells. By replenishing HA levels in the skin, we can help the skin to retain moisture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. HA is also used in many cosmetic products such as serums, moisturizers and creams to help keep the skin hydrated. It is also an essential ingredient in many injectable Dermal Filler treatments.

There are a range of different hyaluronic acid injectable treatments available, including:

Profhilo – Profhilo is the first BDDE-free stabilised injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) based product for treating skin laxity. With one of the highest concentrations of HA on the market (64mg / 2ml) it is not only boosting and hydrating the skin, but it also remodels the ageing and sagging tissue.

Traditional Dermal Fillers – these injectable fillers are natural or synthetic, fully biodegradable gels which are easily injected using very small needles to replenish the lost volume and literally fill out those lines and hollows, resulting in an instantly smoother and much more youthful appearance.

HArmonyCa – This dual-effect Hybrid Injectable contains two active ingredients, hyaluronic acid (HA) – a well-known ingredient found in facial fillers – and calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) which is known to help stimulate collagen production. This helps to provide an immediate lift as well as sustained collagen stimulation to help rejuvenate the appearance and condition of the skin.

If you’d like to find out more about the Hyaluronic Acid injectable treatments I offer in the clinic, please get in touch for more information. Please note that all treatments require a pre-treatment consultation, where I will review your medical history and unique skincare requirements in order to provide information about the treatments that are most appropriate for you. For more information, please call me on: 07702 581588. Thank you!

Our skin is an organ, and just like other organs in our body, it changes with age. It loses its elasticity and the production of collagen slows down. This leads to fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and dullness. While skincare products can help keep skin hydrated and moisturized, they can’t reverse the signs of ageing. The best way to combat the early signs of ageing is through a good diet, hydration, and skincare routine. There are many skincare ingredients that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also lightening dark spots over time. We’ve listed some of the most effective skincare ingredients that you should include in your skincare routine to help you achieve healthy and radiant skin.

Why does our skin change as we age?

As we age, our skin tends to become more delicate, dry, and prone to wrinkles and age spots. The natural oils and collagen that keep our skin healthy decrease as we age, leading to wrinkles and reduced elasticity. Sun exposure can cause premature ageing and hyperpigmentation, making skin look older than it is. Age spots and other blemishes can be caused by a number of factors, such as genetics and lifestyle choices. Preventing these issues from developing early on can help keep your skin healthy and vibrant. This includes using sunscreen and skincare products specifically designed for your skin type and avoiding factors that may damage your skin, such as chronic sun exposure or smoking. By taking steps to maintain healthy skin now, you can prevent any signs of ageing from developing in the first place.

How can we tackle the premature signs of ageing with skincare products?

When it comes to tackling the signs of ageing, there are multiple ways to do so. One of them is by using hyaluronic acid serum, which can help moisturise and nourish your skin. You can also use vitamin C serum to brighten and even out skin tone and niacinamide to lighten the skin’s complexion. If you’re looking for a serum that can stimulate cell turnover, retinoids are an excellent option. These substances improve skin health by helping with cell regeneration, making them suitable for treating acne scars and wrinkles. Finally, antioxidant serums such as vitamin C can help prevent hyperpigmentation.

In addition to using these products regularly, you should also take care of your skin by avoiding harmful UV rays and wearing sunscreen daily.

How can we reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation with skincare products?

By using sunscreen and moisturizing your skin, you can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Some people may have concerns about sun exposure and the harmful effects it can have on their skin, but using sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

You can also try using serums with alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or retinol. These ingredients help to smooth the skin’s texture and can help to brighten your skin tone. It’s important to alternate between retinoid and hydroquinone as these ingredients help to treat hyperpigmentation. Both of these ingredients work by reducing melanin production, which can result in uneven skin tone and discolouration.

Are your skincare products working for you?

With ageing, your skin loses its ability to produce collagen and elastin, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. It also loses its ability to maintain moisture and becomes more sensitive to external factors like pollution and UV radiation. However, there are a few skincare ingredients that can help combat these changes. Certain antioxidants like vitamin C and retinol help boost skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation marks caused by sun exposure or acne. It also moisturises the skin and reduces flakiness. Using sunscreen with SPF every day is another way to prevent premature ageing from setting in.

If you’d like to find out more about the range of high-quality, tried, tested and trusted skincare products that I stock here in the clinic, please get in touch!

With the temperature dropping significantly (we hit -11 degrees a couple of weeks ago!), I thought it was a good time to provide some top tips for cold-weather care for your amazing skin. The cold, wet and windy weather can cause flare ups of a range of skin conditions (including eczema) and constantly shuffling between cold temperatures and central heated spaces can leave skin feeling dry and uncomfortable, so here are my top ten tips for looking after your skin in the winter:

1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Cold wind can whip moisture away from your skin, and central heating can dry out your skin too, so it’s important to keep your skin hydrated by using a good moisturiser. This not only helps keep skin feeling comfortable but helps to maintain a protective layer between your skin and dirt and pollutants, helping to keep your skin healthy and preventing it from becoming dry and sore.
2. Avoid Hot Showers: Hot showers can strip away natural oils that protect your skin from drying out, so opt for warm water instead. Your heating bills – and your skin – will thank you for it!
3. Exfoliate – carefully! To keep skin looking smooth and radiant, consider using a very gentle scrub a couple of times a month. This will help remove any dead skin cells that may be clogging pores and will help to restore the natural radiance of your skin!
4. Use a Humidifier: If you’re spending a lot of time indoors, consider investing in a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. This can help keep your skin from drying out during the winter months when the heating is on 24/7!
5. Protect Your Lips: Don’t forget to keep your lips hydrated too! Opt for a lip balm that contains natural oils like coconut or almond to help protect them from the cold weather. When they dry out they can become sore and uncomfortable, increasing the risk of infection, so keep them hydrated with a good quality lip balm!
6. Wear Sunscreen: Don’t forget that you still need sunscreen in the winter to protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can damage your skin even when the sun isn’t out! Look for one with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from harmful rays and prevent the premature signs of ageing caused by UVA and UVB rays.
7. Drink Plenty of Water: Keeping your body hydrated is just as important as keeping your skin hydrated, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day! This will help flush out toxins and keep your skin glowing even in cold weather.
8. Avoid Long Hot Baths: Just like our hot shower recommendations! It may be tempting to take a hot bath on a cold winter day to warm yourself up, but try to avoid it if possible as it can dry out your skin and strip away the natural oils that form a protective barrier between your skin and dirt and pollutants that can irritate your skin and clog your pores. A warm bath is better for your skin in the long run!
9. Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin C: Eating foods rich in vitamin C can help your skin stay healthy and glowing during the winter months. Foods like oranges, strawberries, kiwifruit, bell peppers, broccoli and spinach are all great sources of this essential vitamin. Vitamin C is also beneficial for overall wellbeing – particularly in the winter with so many coughs and colds about – so it’s a great vitamin to supplement your body with regularly.
10. Wear Gloves: Protect your hands from the cold weather by wearing gloves when you go outside. This will help keep your hands hydrated and prevent them from drying out and cracking. Applying moisturiser to your hands regularly, particularly if you are washing your hands frequently, can also help. Our hands are one of the areas of our skin where the visible signs of ageing can appear most noticeable, but adequate hydration to keep them supple and smooth can help the skin on your hands to look and feel more youthful!

Following these tips can help you maintain healthy, glowing skin even in cold weather! So don’t forget to take care of yourself this winter and keep your skin looking its best.

We all know that eating a balanced diet is beneficial for our health and wellbeing, but do you know how the vitamins and minerals in the food we eat can benefit our skin? That’s what this blog is all about!

So which vitamins and minerals are important for our skin’s health?

Vitamin A is important for cell growth and repair, and can help to keep our skin looking smooth and blemish-free. Vitamin A is found in foods like carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach.

Vitamin B is important for keeping our skin hydrated and preventing dryness. Vitamin B is found in foods like salmon, nuts and seeds.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it can help to protect our skin from damage caused by free radicals. It can also help to boost collagen production, keeping our skin looking plump and youthful. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, as well as in green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin E is another antioxidant, and can help to protect our skin from damage caused by UV rays. It can also help to reduce the appearance of scars and other blemishes. Vitamin E is found in nuts and seeds, as well as in green leafy vegetables.

Omega 3 fatty acids are important for skin health as they help regulate the skin’s oil production, help to hydrate the skin, reduce the risk of breakouts and overall can help to reduce some of the visible signs of premature skin ageing. Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for our skin, and can be found in oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines.

Selenium is important for skin health because it helps to protect our skin from damage caused by UV, and can help reduce the risk of inflammation and pigmentation. Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, mushrooms and tuna.

Finally, zinc is important for wound healing and can help to keep our skin looking healthy. Zinc is found in meat, seafood, and whole grains.

So there you have it -just a few of the vitamins and minerals that are important for our skin’s health. Be sure  to include plenty of these nutrient-rich foods in your diet to help keep your skin looking its best – the rest of your body will thank you too!

Did you get some beautifully packaged soaps for Christmas? It’s a lovely gift and always smells amazing – perfect for displaying in the bathroom or storing in drawers with your clothes to keep them smelling fresh.  However, these highly fragranced soaps aren’t always the best from a skincare perspective.

Soap can dry out your delicate skin.  Some of the highly fragranced soaps that we often gravitate towards, have a higher pH than your skin’s natural protective barrier, meaning they can strip away the skin’s natural oils and leave it vulnerable to irritation and infection. This is of particular importance in the winter, when the cold wind and air already make skin feel uncomfortable!

If you love using soaps, try opting for more mild versions made from vegetable or plant-based oils, such as shea butter or coconut oil.  These are gentler on the skin and will help protect its natural balance.

It’s also important to moisturise after using soap – use a light moisturiser specifically designed for sensitive skin to keep your complexion looking healthy and hydrated throughout winter.

As we know, washing hands with soap and warm water frequently can help to reduce the spread of viruses (like COVID, flu, etc.). For this reason, keeping those fragrant soaps by the sink in the bathroom is a great idea – just be sure to keep some moisturising hand cream next to them! Just a reminder, it’s recommended that you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and be sure to dry them thoroughly, without being too vigorous with the towel!

Hopefully, this has been a helpful reminder about the importance of using gentle soaps and moisturising regularly – especially during the winter months when our skin may need that extra bit of protection and tender loving care!  Happy New Year everyone!

Earlier this month I renewed my Save Face membership, and for those of you who aren’t familiar with the organisation, I just wanted to explain a little about who they are, what they do, and why I am passionate about being a Save Face accredited practitioner (with Excellence Status – which is awarded to practitioners who can demonstrate excellent consumer feedback of 50 or more positively completed consumer satisfaction surveys).

So what is Save Face? Save Face is a professional standards authority accredited register for the non-surgical aesthetics sector, and is recognised by the government, the Department of Health and NHS England. As well as enabling patients to find trusted aesthetic clinics and practitioners near them, it also is a valuable source of impartial advice about non-surgical aesthetic procedures, explaining what is involved and the potential side effects associated with each treatment.

In order to become an accredited practitioner, there is a comprehensive list of standards that a clinic and/or practitioner needs to meet – you can find out more about them here: https://www.saveface.co.uk/save-face-standards/. Essentially, the accreditation highlights the fact that the practitioner has met the strict membership guidelines and:

–        Is a registered healthcare professional

–        Has genuine and relevant qualifications

–        Has received appropriate training (and continues to update this)

–        Is adequately insured

Accreditation also means that the treatment space complies with health and safety legislation, is clean and safe, and has all of the equipment and facilities available to provide treatments in a safe and appropriate setting.  In addition, Save Face accreditation also looks at the products and equipment used in treatments to ensure that they are all appropriately licensed for the treatments they are used in, are stored and maintained appropriately and are from legitimate suppliers.

With the ever increasing popularity of non-surgical aesthetic treatments, there are dozens of ‘practitioners’ in every village and town across the UK offering these treatments. However, when you are injecting patients or are using products and equipment that could cause damage to the skin if used incorrectly or inappropriately, it’s so important to have the underlying medical knowledge and experience to really understand what you are doing and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.  Consider, for example, the fact that a handful of people may have an allergic reaction to an injectable or topical skincare treatment – how can the safety and wellbeing of that patient be maintained if you don’t have an understanding of the appropriate actions to take in that situation? This is why Save Face accreditation, and the fact that they work solely with registered healthcare professionals with appropriate qualifications and training, is so important, and is a resource that I recommend to anyone looking for an aesthetic clinic or treatment advice.

If you’d like to find out more about Save Face, you can find their website here: https://www.saveface.co.uk/

Be #SkinSafe this year! Search for trusted and accredited non-surgical aesthetic clinics to protect yourself, and your amazing skin, in 2022 and beyond.

This month’s blog about the skincare treatments available here at Younger U Aesthetics is all about Skin Rejuvenation Treatments – in particular, 3D Dermaforce Advanced Radiofrequency Microneedling.

As we get older, the production of collagen and elastin – the main structural proteins in tissue that give it shape and allow it to ‘bounce back’ after it has been stretched or contracted –  in our skin starts to reduce.  The rate of new skin cells being produced also begins to slow, and skin can appear drier and duller than it has done previously.  It is at this point that fine lines and wrinkles and uneven skin tone may become more noticeable.

Microneedling can help to tackle this. The treatment involves introducing a series of fine microneedles into the skin. The “damage” the needles cause to the dermis encourages the body to produce more new collagen and elastin.  Not only does this treatment help to reduce the appearance of acne scars, but it is also proven to help reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks and skin laxity.

In addition to micro-needling, Dermaforce RF Microneedling also harnesses the power of radiofrequency to make the treatment even more effective.  During treatment, the radiofrequency energy is delivered through the needles. By using the non-insulated needles on Dermaforce, we can target both the deep dermis and epidermis layers of the skin as the energy is emitted throughout the entire surface area. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process, and as cell turnover increases as the body heals, this results in the production of collagen and elastin in these areas.

Dermaforce 3D Radiofrequency Microneedling can be used to tackle stretch marks, scarring and pigmentation, to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and also to tighten sagging skin, making it an effective treatment for a wide variety of skincare concerns.

Dermaforce 3D Radiofrequency Microneedling is a great treatment option if you want to enhance the texture and condition of your skin (though, as with all treatments we offer, will only be recommended after an initial consultation to ensure that the treatment is safe and appropriate for you). If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch! Call us on 07702581588, or email rachel@youngeruaesthetics.com.

When it comes to non-surgical aesthetics treatments, there’s so much more to what we do here at Younger U Aesthetics than lip enhancements treatments – though these are very popular!  We offer a whole host of treatments designed to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin and release your skin’s inner radiance.  Over the next couple of months, we’re going to look at some of these treatments in a little more detail.

This month, we’re looking at Chemical Exfoliation:

Our skin is amazing and in a continuous process of growing new skin cells and shedding old ones.  However, sometimes, dead skin cells can build up on the surface of the skin, leading to skin appearing lacklustre.  This can easily be tackled with a chemical exfoliation – the use of carefully selected ingredients that work together to help to remove the dull, top layer of skin to reveal the beautiful, youthful looking skin beneath.

Here at Younger U Aesthetics, we favour Skinmed’s ‘Enerpeels’ – a range of Chemical Skin Peels that can help to effectively tackle fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, pigmentation and sun-damaged skin.

We offer the following peels:

Glycolic Peel – A refreshing anti-ageing treatment with minimal downtime. This peel penetrates the top layer of your skin and encourages the natural exfoliation process; leaving you with fresher, younger looking skin; minimising fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and sun damaged skin.

Mandelic Peel – Perfect for those prone to redness due to its antibacterial properties; this peel encourages cell-turnover, helping to reveal a clearer complexion. You’ll have smoother skin after just one treatment.

Jessner Peel – This peel works on a variety of imperfections including fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, sun damage, acne and uneven skin tone.

Pyruvic peel – This skin peel is commonly used to treat a variety of skin issues, including reduction of fine lines, hyperpigmentation and oily skin. It is also useful in treating those patients who have acne but are sensitive to salicylic acid containing products, as it will reduce the oil production and exfoliate dead skin cell build up that contributes to blocked pores and the incumbent spot formation.

Chemical skin peels are a great treatment option if you want to enhance the texture and condition of your skin (though, as with all treatments we offer, will only be recommended after an initial consultation to ensure that the treatment is safe and appropriate for you). If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch! Call us on 07702581588, or email rachel@youngeruaesthetics.com.

With the long bank holiday weekend for the Queen’s Jubilee fast approaching, and the promise of picnics, garden parties and street gatherings a-plenty, it’s worth gently reminding everyone to break out the SPF and protect your delicate skin, even if it’s cloudy!

Here are our top tips for taking care of your skin this Summer:

– Make sure to apply sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Also look out for the stars on the packaging, as these refer to the UVA protection that the sunscreen provides – 5 stars are the best!

– Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating as you join in some jubilee themed activities – anyone for a tug of war?

– Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Just remember that UVA rays (both UVA and UVB rays are linked with skin damage and premature skin ageing) can penetrate glass, and both UVA and UVB can penetrate clouds, so even if you’re indoors or it’s overcast, SPF is a must.

– Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, loose and long trousers, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Go for red, white and blue to fit in with the festive theme!

– Check your skin regularly for changes, including new or changing moles, freckles and spots, and seek medical advice if you are concerned at all.

By following these simple tips, you can help to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, and the premature skin ageing associated with sun damage, and be able to enjoy the extra-long bank holiday weekend, come rain or shine! 

Natural changes to the texture and condition of our skin

The skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin – the building blocks that give our skin its shape, volume and definition – begins to decline as we get older. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear, but these aren’t the only signs of the skin’s natural ageing process.

As we get older, our skin’s ability to effectively shed dead skin cells also reduces. This can leave skin looking dull and lacklustre, but this build-up can be cleared effectively via manual or chemical exfoliation, which can help to reveal the fresh, youthful skin beneath.

The overall texture of our skin can also change as we get older.  Skin can become dry as our sebaceous glands (which produce sebum, the skin’s natural, protective oil) tend to produce less sebum as we get older, resulting in drier skin. This can be exacerbated by conditions such as central heating and air conditioning, so it’s important to keep skin hydrated from both the inside and out. Drinking plenty of water and using a good quality moisturiser can help to combat dry skin.

There are other things that can also have an impact on our skin’s natural ageing process – these include overexposure to the sun, drinking alcohol and smoking, lack of exercise (as exercise helps to deliver oxygen to the cells in your body), and also diet (as too much sugar can have an impact on skin’s collagen and elastin).

Our skin does change as we get older, but thanks to advances in skincare and non-surgical aesthetics, these changes can be addressed – if you’d like to tackle any skincare concerns, please get in touch, as I’d be happy to talk through your skin’s unique requirements and find the perfect skincare options for you.

With the country in lockdown again, I wanted to share some practical tips to help you take care of your beautiful skin more effectively this Winter, whilst you can’t access the medical aesthetic skin treatments that you may want to! Here are my top tips for winter skincare:  

Exfoliate with caution! As we age, our skin becomes less efficient at shedding old skin cells, causing them to build up and give the appearance of a dull and lacklustre complexion. Gentle and light exfoliation can help to clear away some of this build-up to reveal the radiant skin beneath, but over-enthusiastic exfoliation can also cause skincare problems – especially if it is done too vigorously or using abrasive ingredients that are too harsh on the skin. Vigorous exfoliation can cause tears in the skin, which can become sore and infected, so exfoliate gently or speak to me about whether chemical exfoliation (using chemical peels) could be an appropriate option for you post-lockdown.

Turn down the temperature in your bath or shower: Hot water strips the skin of sebum, the healthy fats and oils necessary for skin health, and dehydrates the skin. So why not turn the temperature down a few degrees to help protect your skin during the cold winter months? Your skin will thank you for it!

Protect your skin from the elements: an effective moisturiser is essential to help replace lost moisture in the cold winter months, but if your skin is damaged and sore, a barrier cream could also be helpful as a barrier between your irritated skin and dirt, grime and harmful bacteria that could enter via breaks in the skin. Look for products containing barrier repairing ceramides to help rebuild and strengthen delicate skin and encourage faster healing.

Wear sunscreen! As you know, UVA and UVB (or long-wave and short-wave rays from the sun) can damage the skin, speeding up the natural ageing process and having a detrimental effect on overall skin health.  As a result, it’s important to wear a good quality, high factor sunscreen (that protects from both UVA and UVB rays) every day, even when it is cloudy or you are indoors, as UVA rays can penetrate glass!

Younger U Aesthetics will be re-opening as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so, in line with government regulations.  However, I can still provide information about skincare products and post-lockdown skincare treatments if you have any particular skincare questions or concerns – just get in touch! Take care everyone!

Have you noticed that as the weather changes, the needs of your skin change and your tried and trusted skincare products aren’t quite working for you in the same way as they did previously? This is perfectly natural.

During the warm weather of the summer months, there is an increase in oil production from the sebaceous glands in your skin, which deliver sebum to the surface of the skin through the pores.  Sebum helps to lock moisture into the skin, and also acts as a barrier from harmful bacteria and dirt.  However, if the skin produces too much sebum skin can feel oily, and without regular cleansing to lift away the dirt caught in the sebum, pores can become blocked.  As a result, in the summer, a good quality cleanser is one of your best skincare friends, along with all-important SPF to help protect your skin from the ageing effects of UVA and UVB rays.

Unlike the balmy days of summer, it’s harder for your skin to maintain adequate moisture levels in the autumn and winter.  Cold and windy days whip precious moisture away from the skin, leaving it dry (and in some cases, sore). Damage to the skin can cause redness and irritation, leaving skin feeling tight, dry and uncomfortable.  Central heating is another contributing factor to dry skin, so when the weather turns colder a fabulous moisturiser is an absolute necessity!

I stock a range of tried, tested and trusted skincare products in clinic, as I know how important good quality skincare products are, and the difference that they can make to the texture and condition of our skin.

I’ve currently got two fabulous new skincare products in clinic at the moment – SkinVital C E Ferulic and Retimitate A.C.E.   SkinVital is a high-strength Vitamin C serum which has been developed to target all 7 signs of ageing, including pigmentation. It contains 20% Vitamin C, B Vitamins to boost hydration, Ferulic Acid to calm and stabilise the skin, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.  Retimitate® is a brand-new, high-strength retinoid serum, giving you all the benefits of the most potent form of retinoid (Retinoic Acid) but without the well documented side effects, such as irritation, redness, skin flaking and photosensitivity.

If you’d like more information about SkinVital C E Ferulic or Retimitate A.C.E, or any of the other skincare products I stock in clinic, please get in touch – I’d love to help you find your next skin hero product!