Your Mobile Facial Specialist

Your face is exposed and the very first thing people notice, so it generally receives a lot more attention than the rest of your body. And when the focus is shifted to the body, it’s usually about losing weight and trying to cover up flaws, rather than celebrating it. But to feel good in your skin, you need to shower as ii ujiwiauny ^ mi w ieergc>oaifi~youi m yuu ich reacts and changes just as facial skin does. It’s also a good idea cation that your pody is run down and needs attention. A healthy diet and a fitness regime are essential to keep in shape, but caring for your body is just as much about keeping the skin smooth and glowing with energy. Taking a brisk walk, treating yourself to a long bath or a massage, regular exfoliation, nourishing lotions, keeping an eye on posture, proper breathing and taking time to relax all have a direct impact on your body and its appearance. Your Mobile Facial Specialist

EXFOLIATION

Dry skin is simply the accumulation of dead skin cells. By remov- rec ing them through exfoiation, skin sa smoother and more youthful; it also helps prevent ingrown hairs. You can either use an exfoHating scrub or a body brush, rubbing gently in a circular motion, towards the heart. Your Mobile Facial Specialist

MOISTURI ZING

The skin on your body is generally drier than the skin on Vour face, so daily moisturizing is essential. When choosing a prodthe consistency, the more moisturizing it is. If you suffer from spots on your chest or back, look for a body lotion that contains salicylic acid. Many lotions also contain AHAs, retinol, antioxidants and sunscreens, really can give your body the same attention as you do your face. Apply it immediately after 1 bathing to seal in the moisture. Your Mobile Facial Specialist

HAIR R E M O VAL

Unwanted hair can be removed in a variety of ways depending on your time and pain threshold! And, various lotions can be applied after your method of hair removal to inhibit regrowth.

• Depilatories are creams and lotions that contain chemicals to dissolve hair. They can irritate the skin whose outer layer is made of a keratin protein similar to that of hair. They are also very alkaline and so can disturb the skin’s natural pH balance. Always do a patch test first, and never leave on longer than instructed.

• Shaving is quick and convenient in . Ws the bath or shower, first wash the r< with warm water to avoid razor burn and soften the hairs. For minimal irritation, change the blades regularly and use the fewest posShaving is, gels and lotions provide a extol layer of protection W increasing lubrication so the blade glides noothly. Most ot them also contain soothing and moisturizing ingredients. If you do suffer skin sensitivity, do a patch test before using one of these products. Pespite popular belief, shaving does not make the hair grow back thicker • it’s merely the blunt edge as it grows out that makes it appear I a little thicker.

1 • Waxing pulls the hair out from the hov root. Hairs grow back slower than with shaving and ^come finer with repeated use. For optimal results, leeds to be quite long and the process can be painful. Like shaving, waxing can cause ingrown hairs, so exfoliate the area well. Your Mobile Facial Specialist

, Electrolysis, when it is performed properly, can permanently remove unwanted hair Electrical impulses are directed into hair follicles they shock the hair’s root arid inhibit growth. The procedure is timeconsuming and expensive because multiple treatments are required. Can also be quite painful, but an anaesthetic cream can be used ease any discomfort. I to have it done by a professional as it can leave brown marks or scars if done incorrectly.

• Laser hair removal temporarily f’nactivates the hair follicle. Once the follicle is destroyed, it usually stops producing hair. As with electrolysis, more than one treatment is required and it’s the most expensive procedure. A session leaves the area free of hair for four to six weeks. Eventually hair becomes finer or disappears altogether. Your Mobile Facial Specialist

Cellulite

Cellulite is the dimpling of the fatty tissue under the skin and anyone can have it, no matter how over or underweight you are. Some experts believe tre its a result of genetk”’ circulatory and netabolic factors, and say there are ways to at least improve its appearance. Others say it’s purely an accumulation of fat and no amount cr|ui body brushing or expensive potions will disperse it. Another line of thinking is that toxins like ‘Vrnphatic fluids, waste and water, due to bad habits such as a sedentary lifestyle, diet, alcohol and smoking. School of thought advocates massage or some other form of stimulation to flush out the nasty stuff.

The most accepted explanation is that cellulite is a woman’s condition that’s related to oestrogen, female hormone, which kicks in at puberty and creates curves W enlarging the fat cells, especially on the hips and thighs. Th^ Appearance of cellulite is caused by the way fat is stored underneath the skin: standing chambers of fat separated by fibrous membranes. As we age, connective tissue between these chambers thickens, causing a mattress-like effect. As the skin thins I and fat deposits increase, so the ‘mattress/ is more exposed Although it’s difficult to get rid of cellulite completely/ there are four types of treatments that have shown varying . Degrees of success. Your Mobile Facial Specialist

Creams and lotions are being produced in the thousands, with all sorts of claims to reduce and remove cellulite. The ingredients in these creams such as caffeine, avocado oj|„ extracts, may work temporarily to some extent, but they would need 😮 be used continually for a permanent effect A number of women report an improvement in cellulite using over-the-counter creams, many do not. Most of them do help to improve the texture and tone of the surface of the skin. * Mechanical massage like Endermologie, a suction massage treatment, has been shown to minimize cellulite. It works W pulling the skin upwards into a set of rollers under This is thought to stretch the vertical connective tissue fibres, resulting in a smoother appearance of the skin. Manual massages such as lymphatic drainage can also help. Your Mobile Facial Specialist

.Diet, it seems, does not have a direct impact on the formation of cellulite, although crash dieting is a sure way to aggravate eel I u lite. Unit LVCIJ wiiijuuiuu” muscle and the less muscle you have, the >rse; worse your cellulite will be. When Vou start eating again, it’s more likely your body will gain the weight back as inactive fat, rather than active muscle. A balanced diet and six small meals a day is recommended for general health benefits. Eat the smallest meal in the evening when your metabolism and ability to burn calories is at its low- vess Minimize intake of fatty and refined foods, sugar, dairy, alcohol, caffeine and red meat. Your Mobile Facial Specialist

‘Exercise can also play a role in reducing the appearance of cellulite as it improves your circulation, which in turn burns fat and helps strengthen the connective tissue structure under the skin. The effects of exercise, however, will vary from person to person.

Ory body brushing is one of the cheapest and most effective methods of stimulating circulation, which is essential for normal -.irculation is impaired, insufficient toxins are not removed efficiently and lymph fluid is not drained correctlyAll this encourages fat and toxin build-up. When body brushing, brush firmly towards the heart, but be careful if you have any problem skin conditions.

Stretch Marks

If skin is seriously overstretched, such as when the body grows faster than the skin can handle (during pregnane/’ sudden weight gain, quick musclebuilding), collagen fibres in the middie can rupture and deep scars can be seen throi’SJh the epidermis. These are commonly known as stretch marks. While they do fade with time, there is little you can do to get rid of them altogether. Microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing and intense pulsed ‘ight treatments may help. Generally’ chance there is of reducing them. Some people swear by vitamin It’s a good idea to apply vitamin E throughout t a pregnancy or if you are trying to lose weight, as it helps keep the skin supple and may therefore help reduce the incidence of stretch marks. Fake Tan can help disguise them. Your Mobile Facial Specialist

Vein Removal

Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that appear red or blue under most spider leg veins were treated with sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution directly into the vein, causing it to close up and disappear within a few weeks. Though a successful side effects include skin ulceration, the formation of very fine blood vessels that appear as pink patches, brown staining of the skin, and, rarely, blood clots or allergies to the solution. Laser technology now allows dermatologists to zap these veins with good results. Several sessions of 10 to 15 minutes each at one to two month intervals are needed in order for the damaged blood vessels to be cleared away W the body’s immune system. Varicose veins are much thicker than spider veins and have a purplish tinge. They usually occur on the legs and are caused by a malfunction of the vein’s v^jVes, which can stretched during pregnancy/ or as a result of obesity, blood clots or even the valve can’t close normally, the blood flows backwards and pools in the vein, there are various ways of treating varicose veins. A saline solution can be injected to restrict expansion of the vein, the vein can be closed at the valve or, in severe cases, the vein can be removed completely. New procedures include a laser fibre that is inserted like a catheter directly into the damaged vein; the laser energy heats and seals the vein from within. Another treatment option uses radiofrequency technology to destroy the vein by heating it from within. Your Mobile Facial Specialist