Sorry I haven't been on here in a while, I haven't forgot about you all I have just been very busy with work!
Last week I was having a facial, an oxygen facial to be exact which is supposed to help clear out pores. The facial is not why I am posting, while having the facial I was told about a product that the salon owen swears by.... Clear Complexion tablets.
She apparently suffered from acne and was left with spotless skin after taking them, she then recommended them to her boyfriend who was so impressed he "bought out the stock in Asda", so she says anyway.
She has no reason to lie and said that she is such a fan she was thinking of asking the company if she could sell them in her salon!
I think I can spare a fiver to try them...
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=530&searchterm=clear%20complexion&rdcnt=1
- Natalie
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Monday, 26 March 2012
Bad Day
During the day my skin gets really oily, all my make up goes cakey, and I feel extremely self conscious.
Today some one said to me; "you've got pen on your face, your face looked so nice before and you've ruined it! Get it off!" It wasn't pen, it was a spot.
What are you supposed to say to comments like that? It is so embarassing! Also, the greasier my skin gets the more powder I put on to cover it.... unfortunately the oil just ruins the make up making my skin look awful!
We all have bad skin days, I just can't wait for the good ones to come!
- Natalie
Today some one said to me; "you've got pen on your face, your face looked so nice before and you've ruined it! Get it off!" It wasn't pen, it was a spot.
What are you supposed to say to comments like that? It is so embarassing! Also, the greasier my skin gets the more powder I put on to cover it.... unfortunately the oil just ruins the make up making my skin look awful!
We all have bad skin days, I just can't wait for the good ones to come!
- Natalie
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Clarisonic
To buy or not to buy? That is the question I have been in dispute with for a while.... until last week when in a moment of weakness (or madness) I parted with my hard earned cash to buy one!
What is a Clarisonic?
It is a facial brush that uses a sonic frequency (totalling up to about 300 movements per second!!!) to gently and thoroughly remove 6 times more makeup and 2 times more oil/dirt than any other type of manual cleansing.
Benefits?
Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother
Removes impurities that keep creams and serums from working their best
Gentle enough to use twice a day
Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and spots
Minimizes the appearance of visible pores
Safe for all skin types
As I said, I was uncertain whether to buy one; I'd heard great things about it but they are undeniably expensive!
Clarisonic Classic: The original cleansing system has 2 Speeds and is priced at £155.
Clarisonic Mia: A newer, smaller cleansing brush with 1 speed is priced at £120. I get the impression this is more of a "travel" version. Also comes in a variety of colours.
Clarisonic Plus: Has 4 speeds, is suitable for use on the face and body, and is priced at £179.
Each Clarisonic comes with sample size cleansers to use with the brush and all of the cleansers can be purchased at any Clarisonic stockist.
http://clarisonic.co.uk/
I splashed out and went for the Clarisonic Plus and with it I got: a sensitive brush head, body brush head, 60 ml Refining Skin Polish, 30 ml Gentle Hydro Cleanser, 30 ml Nourishing Care Cleanser, 30 ml Refreshing Gel Cleanser, and a charger.
You get an instruction manual explaining how the different settings and speeds work and why gentle cleansing is good for acne prone skin.
I purchased mine at Harvey Nichols in Manchester and the saled lady told me that they use the Clarisonic Plus in some of the facials they do there at the Spa!
My skin is so so so so so much softer than it has ever been! I can really feel the benefits of it, it hasn't cleared my acne up but because it is such a deep cleansing tool I feel like I am doing something to help unblock my pores. It's also made it easier for me to apply make up as I have less dry patches.
If the price is something you are unsure about there are cheaper versions out there that are getting really good reviews such as :
http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.432648.cm_scid.KeywordSearch
I'm really happy that I decided to get one, let me know if you have one too!
- Natalie
What is a Clarisonic?
It is a facial brush that uses a sonic frequency (totalling up to about 300 movements per second!!!) to gently and thoroughly remove 6 times more makeup and 2 times more oil/dirt than any other type of manual cleansing.
Benefits?
As I said, I was uncertain whether to buy one; I'd heard great things about it but they are undeniably expensive!
Clarisonic Classic: The original cleansing system has 2 Speeds and is priced at £155.
Clarisonic Mia: A newer, smaller cleansing brush with 1 speed is priced at £120. I get the impression this is more of a "travel" version. Also comes in a variety of colours.
Clarisonic Plus: Has 4 speeds, is suitable for use on the face and body, and is priced at £179.
Each Clarisonic comes with sample size cleansers to use with the brush and all of the cleansers can be purchased at any Clarisonic stockist.
http://clarisonic.co.uk/
I splashed out and went for the Clarisonic Plus and with it I got: a sensitive brush head, body brush head, 60 ml Refining Skin Polish, 30 ml Gentle Hydro Cleanser, 30 ml Nourishing Care Cleanser, 30 ml Refreshing Gel Cleanser, and a charger.
You get an instruction manual explaining how the different settings and speeds work and why gentle cleansing is good for acne prone skin.
I purchased mine at Harvey Nichols in Manchester and the saled lady told me that they use the Clarisonic Plus in some of the facials they do there at the Spa!
My skin is so so so so so much softer than it has ever been! I can really feel the benefits of it, it hasn't cleared my acne up but because it is such a deep cleansing tool I feel like I am doing something to help unblock my pores. It's also made it easier for me to apply make up as I have less dry patches.
If the price is something you are unsure about there are cheaper versions out there that are getting really good reviews such as :
http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.432648.cm_scid.KeywordSearch
I'm really happy that I decided to get one, let me know if you have one too!
- Natalie
Thursday, 15 March 2012
2nd N Lite attempt at the Private Clinic
For those of you who have read stories on the internet about N Lite miraculously curing acne after just one treatment; that is not always the case. Believe me.
As I've always said, treatments work quicker the milder the acne and once again I was left disappointed that I did not have clear skin immediately after.
Laser helps reduce spots by killing bacteria at the root of the problem, I wish it could do it a little bit faster...
So after my last appointment was cancelled I eventually returned for part 2 of my 3 course laser treatment.
I have come to realise there are two things I dislike about the laser:
I am a bit worried though that this is the best my skin will ever be, I'm hoping that a third and final laser session will help kill any remaining bacteria!
- Natalie
As I've always said, treatments work quicker the milder the acne and once again I was left disappointed that I did not have clear skin immediately after.
Laser helps reduce spots by killing bacteria at the root of the problem, I wish it could do it a little bit faster...
So after my last appointment was cancelled I eventually returned for part 2 of my 3 course laser treatment.
I have come to realise there are two things I dislike about the laser:
- how uncomfortable it is on thin skin (especially around the nose and lips)
- how it singes the hairs on you face and make you smell slightly burnt.
I am a bit worried though that this is the best my skin will ever be, I'm hoping that a third and final laser session will help kill any remaining bacteria!
- Natalie
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Cancelled appointments
I'm still going ahead with the laser treatment but unfortunately it hasn't really gone as planned! Since I last wrote I have had 1, yes 1, laser session.
I went back 2 weeks ago to have my second of three sessions but when I got there the Laser had broken! It was very embarassing, apparently they had been trying to contact me but they didn't have my number bla bla bla. Anyway, because at my inconvenience of coming in when I couldn't have my treatment they gave me a free peel! It was very kind of them and I honestly did not expect them to offer me anything so I was delighted.
They said they would call me when the machine was fixed and they did, now I have another appointment... next week.
That is nearly 7 weeks since I had my first session and I'm feeling quite sad because there was nothing I could do but wait for this appointment; it could have been a day later, a week later, I didn't know so I put my usual facial routine on hold (because you can't use strong face washes/creams/take medications 48 hours before the treatment) so I feel like I have done nothing to benefit my skin!
And since my last appointment my cheeks have broken out with large, superficial whiteheads! I'm counting down the days until I can get my treatments back on track!
- Natalie
I went back 2 weeks ago to have my second of three sessions but when I got there the Laser had broken! It was very embarassing, apparently they had been trying to contact me but they didn't have my number bla bla bla. Anyway, because at my inconvenience of coming in when I couldn't have my treatment they gave me a free peel! It was very kind of them and I honestly did not expect them to offer me anything so I was delighted.
They said they would call me when the machine was fixed and they did, now I have another appointment... next week.
That is nearly 7 weeks since I had my first session and I'm feeling quite sad because there was nothing I could do but wait for this appointment; it could have been a day later, a week later, I didn't know so I put my usual facial routine on hold (because you can't use strong face washes/creams/take medications 48 hours before the treatment) so I feel like I have done nothing to benefit my skin!
And since my last appointment my cheeks have broken out with large, superficial whiteheads! I'm counting down the days until I can get my treatments back on track!
- Natalie
Saturday, 14 January 2012
The truth about N-Lite Laser treatment!!!!!
Many of you will have read my previous posts about N-Lite Laser, about how I found it painful and I felt it had no effect on me. This is because I was not given all the information needed to prepare myself for this treatment and the people operating the laser were, for lack of a better word, incompetent.
On my first treatment I was A) not given a patch test and B) not given any information to prepare me for the laser.
The reason I am so angry about the way I was treated is because I have started visiting a new clinic where the care and support is overwhelming, it makes me realise how the last place I visited only cared about the £££.
Last thursday I went for a consultation at The Private Clinic in Manchester, like others who have visited them I had seen their success stories in magazines and on TV. I was a bit nervous about going in because it looked quite "posh" and as a 21 year old graduate with acne that is the last thing I feel. The lady on reception was lovely and took me in to a homely waiting room and offered me a drink! I filled in a form detailing my acne history, naming all of the medications I had taken (the ones I could remember) and waited for the nurse.
The lady I saw was the kindest and most understanding person you could ever meet. When she asked me to take off a patch of my make-up so she could look at my skin I didn't even feel embarassed! She was horrified at the way my laser treatment was carried out at the place I previously visited as it was not done properly and therefore had no chance of working.
She gave me a list of ways to prepare for laser treatment:
Now the price for 3 treaments at this clinic is quite expensive at £700 but with that you get £40 of skin care vouchers and here's what really made me think WOW; she said that the package would include treatment for my chest and shoulders too. That's something that nobody has ever mentioned to me!
She then went on to tell me about products called CLENZIderm form Obagi, it can only be purchased through prescription and costs an expensive £101 but she said it was guaranteed and if it didn't work I would get a full refund which is quite a promise!
I usually go to these consultations with my mum as I trust her opinion but as I went alone I said I would go home and discuss it with her first and the nurse gave me her moible number incase I ever wanted to talk about my skin! In my mum's opinion I really had nothing to lose, the amount I have spent over the years or products and treatments is easily in the £1000s.... Another thing that surprised me was that the nurse said that after 3 laser treatments there was no difference to the skin they would refer me to their dermatologist and would think up new treatments to help- they never give up on someone!
It just shows how profesisonal they are and all this should definately be taken into consideration when choosing a place to have laser treatment. Just because somewhere is more affordable doesn't make them an ideal choice; it is worth saving up money and spending it on a place run by dermatolgists rather than somewhere that is run by beauticians with little training.
If you go somewhere that doesn't offer you all the information then they probably aren't the best people to trust.
- Natalie
On my first treatment I was A) not given a patch test and B) not given any information to prepare me for the laser.
The reason I am so angry about the way I was treated is because I have started visiting a new clinic where the care and support is overwhelming, it makes me realise how the last place I visited only cared about the £££.
Last thursday I went for a consultation at The Private Clinic in Manchester, like others who have visited them I had seen their success stories in magazines and on TV. I was a bit nervous about going in because it looked quite "posh" and as a 21 year old graduate with acne that is the last thing I feel. The lady on reception was lovely and took me in to a homely waiting room and offered me a drink! I filled in a form detailing my acne history, naming all of the medications I had taken (the ones I could remember) and waited for the nurse.
The lady I saw was the kindest and most understanding person you could ever meet. When she asked me to take off a patch of my make-up so she could look at my skin I didn't even feel embarassed! She was horrified at the way my laser treatment was carried out at the place I previously visited as it was not done properly and therefore had no chance of working.
She gave me a list of ways to prepare for laser treatment:
- Avoid using any type of Retin-A on your skin a week before the treatment and only resume them approximately a week after
- Glycolic Acid or AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) should be discontinued 24 hours before treatment and only resumed 24 hours after
- Anti-inflammatories such as; aspirin, cold/flu treatments, any products containing Aloe Vera, and Antihistamines will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment as they stop inflammation in the skin and should be discontinued 48 hours before treatment
- No smoking on the day of the treatment (which does not apply to myself)
Now the price for 3 treaments at this clinic is quite expensive at £700 but with that you get £40 of skin care vouchers and here's what really made me think WOW; she said that the package would include treatment for my chest and shoulders too. That's something that nobody has ever mentioned to me!
She then went on to tell me about products called CLENZIderm form Obagi, it can only be purchased through prescription and costs an expensive £101 but she said it was guaranteed and if it didn't work I would get a full refund which is quite a promise!
I usually go to these consultations with my mum as I trust her opinion but as I went alone I said I would go home and discuss it with her first and the nurse gave me her moible number incase I ever wanted to talk about my skin! In my mum's opinion I really had nothing to lose, the amount I have spent over the years or products and treatments is easily in the £1000s.... Another thing that surprised me was that the nurse said that after 3 laser treatments there was no difference to the skin they would refer me to their dermatologist and would think up new treatments to help- they never give up on someone!
It just shows how profesisonal they are and all this should definately be taken into consideration when choosing a place to have laser treatment. Just because somewhere is more affordable doesn't make them an ideal choice; it is worth saving up money and spending it on a place run by dermatolgists rather than somewhere that is run by beauticians with little training.
If you go somewhere that doesn't offer you all the information then they probably aren't the best people to trust.
- Natalie
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
After Peel
Sorry it's been so long since the last post, I've been a bit busy with work/christmas etc!
I wanted to write a quick post about what to expect after having a peel of any sort:
Because of the strength of the chemicals in the peel you are expected to stay out of direct sunlight for the next couple of days because you will no longer have a "barrier" which will protect you.
The areas of skin which had spots will become dry and hard, these will eventually fade but not before becoming worse and looking angry; if you pick them it will scar so it's best to leave them alone.
It will be difficult to apply make-up as your skin (especially the areas which are infected by spots) will be dry, the thinner areas of skin will also probably become dry and peel, this is because the skin is resurfacing itself and all impurities are working their way to the surface layer.
After you have had the peel it is best the avoid hot baths/showers/facial washes and you should altogether avoid using any facial washes.
You should use a moisturiser that penetrates the skin (such as Dermaquest B5 Serum), not one which will leave an oily residue on your skin. Thicker moisturisers tend to sit on the surface and feel heavy on the skin and can lead to blocked pores and spots.
My suggestion is to have a peel done when you have time off from work or school because over the next couple of days your skin will get worse and may make you feel self conscious, if you have time off after the peel you will be able to let your skin recover without having to face the public!
And as usual, try not to apply make-up straight after the peel. After my peel I had to walk through the busy streets of Manchester on a Saturday afternoon to get back to my car. As embarassing as that was I was not prepared to pay for a peel to then ruin its effects by re-blocking my pores with make-up. A light layer of mineral powder will not be a problem, just don't apply a pot of foundation!
I think that is everything... I hope you all had a lovely christmas and your skin if reflecting that!
- Natalie
I wanted to write a quick post about what to expect after having a peel of any sort:
Because of the strength of the chemicals in the peel you are expected to stay out of direct sunlight for the next couple of days because you will no longer have a "barrier" which will protect you.
The areas of skin which had spots will become dry and hard, these will eventually fade but not before becoming worse and looking angry; if you pick them it will scar so it's best to leave them alone.
It will be difficult to apply make-up as your skin (especially the areas which are infected by spots) will be dry, the thinner areas of skin will also probably become dry and peel, this is because the skin is resurfacing itself and all impurities are working their way to the surface layer.
After you have had the peel it is best the avoid hot baths/showers/facial washes and you should altogether avoid using any facial washes.
You should use a moisturiser that penetrates the skin (such as Dermaquest B5 Serum), not one which will leave an oily residue on your skin. Thicker moisturisers tend to sit on the surface and feel heavy on the skin and can lead to blocked pores and spots.
My suggestion is to have a peel done when you have time off from work or school because over the next couple of days your skin will get worse and may make you feel self conscious, if you have time off after the peel you will be able to let your skin recover without having to face the public!
And as usual, try not to apply make-up straight after the peel. After my peel I had to walk through the busy streets of Manchester on a Saturday afternoon to get back to my car. As embarassing as that was I was not prepared to pay for a peel to then ruin its effects by re-blocking my pores with make-up. A light layer of mineral powder will not be a problem, just don't apply a pot of foundation!
I think that is everything... I hope you all had a lovely christmas and your skin if reflecting that!
- Natalie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)