Skin in your 30s can be your Best Ever

Skin Deep – August 2016

Welcome to ‘Skin Deep’ – This month’s feature looks at

‘Skin in your Thirties can be Your Best Ever’.

Any questions, just ask Dr. Angie Winnington-Sharp – www.cheshireskinclinic.com angie@cheshireskinclinic.com or 01925 263660 & 07967 481594. 

It really is true, skin in your thirties can be better than ever with a well-designed skin care routine to combat the natural changes.

Frequently people take their regime more seriously in their 30s and a consistent, simple approach is ideal. The skin is typically still radiant and a few targeted products can really help to repair sun damage, break-outs and other imperfections like dark circles and redness. Harsher, ‘quick fix’ products should be avoided and a well thought out combination of anti-inflammatory and barrier repair products are essential in enhancing the natural protective functions of the skin, whilst clearing pores, smoothing the texture and removing fine lines.

The key is to maximise the appearance of the good areas and prevent future damage to minimise visible ageing. In order to reveal naturally radiant, beautiful skin, remember these key points: To start – keep it simple, clean the skin well using a gentle cleanser that incorporates a natural toner, this will prepare your skin without stripping away the necessary healthy balance of oils.  For your ‘main course’ be consistent, find something that works and stick with it – do this by consulting a specialist, not by dabbling with ‘celebratory endorsed trends’.

And finally – for your dessert, apply a renewal product and then a SPF to bind to the skin before make-up (if you wear it). All of this should take no longer than 5-10 minutes in the morning, perfect to fit in with work and family life.

Find a skin specialist near you and treat yourself to the best skin you’ve ever had.

Choosing a Sunscreen, Top Tips

Skin Deep – July 2016     

South Warrington News    

Welcome to ‘Skin Deep’ – This month’s feature looks at

‘Choosing a Sun Screen – Select the Right One for You’.

Any questions, just ask Dr. Angie Winnington-Sharp – www.cheshireskinclinic.com angie@cheshireskinclinic.com or 01925 263660 & 07967 481594. 

Next month ‘Skin in your Thirties can be Your Best Ever’.

We all know that we should wear sunscreen, but sometimes the choice of products seems utterly bamboozling, and the prices vary hugely. Sunscreen should really be a part of every skin care regime and selecting one with a broad spectrum that protects against UVA and UVB is crucial. The ingredients are controlled by the FDA in order to maintain high standards and act effectively. They do this by protecting against premature ageing, reducing the risk of skin cancer, decreasing inflammation and providing a non-irritating physical, chemical and biological barrier against ambient UV light.

Other important characteristics may be water resistance and the degree of sun protection offered (SPF), normally over 25 is adequate with regular re-application. If the sunscreen binds to the skin effectively, it can also act to repair any existing damage, thus increasing the degree of protection. Natural botanical ingredients can help to produce a smooth, shear coverage without the unpleasant sunscreen odour and white/oily appearance that can be associated with some of the thicker, greasy formulations.

It is best to apply sunscreen around 30 minutes before exposure, and always staggered with other products/make-up to allow it to bind successfully to the skin. If you feel that your sunscreen in addition to your other skin regime products are too ‘heavy’ when all applied during the day, use your non-sun protecting products at night, this has the added benefit of allowing them longer to act in the absence of make-up.

Fabulous Forties

Skin Deep – June 2016

South Warrington News

Welcome to ‘Skin Deep’ – This month’s feature looks at our ‘Fabulous Forties’.

Any questions, just ask Dr. Angie Winnington-Sharp – www.cheshireskinclinic.com angie@cheshireskinclinic.com or 01925 263660 & 07967 481594. 

Next month ‘Choosing a Sun Screen – Select the Right One for You’.

During our late thirties and early forties many of us start to notice subtle changes to our skin. These can include; an increase in fine lines and wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation (age spots), dry patches on the skin, loss of elasticity, crow’s feet around the eyes and general dullness.  Damage accumulates from years of sun exposure, hormone fluctuations, weight changes, poor skincare routines and diet/exercise regimes.

Key target strategies to improve the skin include; reducing inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, encouraging cell turnover for improved clarity and texture. Some excellent preventative methods can also be employed to hinder future ageing and clear pores of dead skin cells and other impurities.

Your skin specialist will be able to suggest specific products for your own particular needs i.e. retinol to reduce expression lines, formulated serum for a natural eye-lift, a barrier shield with sun protection to improve pigmentation.

A combination of a range of specific botanical (natural vegetable and/or plant derived) products are also very popular as they tend to be suitable for a wide range of skin types and give prolonged results with less risk of recurrence.

‘Body Essential Knowledge, including Stretch Marks, Sun Damage & Dry Skin’

Skin Deep – May 2016

South Warrington News

Welcome to ‘Skin Deep’ – This month’s feature looks at our ‘Body Essential Knowledge, including Stretch Marks, Sun Damage & Dry Skin’.

Any questions, just ask Dr. Angie Winnington-Sharp – www.cheshireskinclinic.com angie@cheshireskinclinic.com or 01925 263660 & 07967 481594. 

Next month ‘Fabulous Forties’.

A little knowledge can give us phenomenal power when it comes to our bodies and looking our absolute best. Stretch marks can really affect some people’s confidence, but they can be improved, and in some cases become invisible, by reversing the atrophy (weakened, ‘shrivelled’ skin), repairing damaged/depleted collagen and calm the associated inflammation.

During the summer months we can also suffer from flare-ups of body acne, open pores, keratosis pilaris (red ‘bumps’ normally at the tops of the arms and/or legs and buttocks).

Products that contain ceramides, plant and fruit extracts, can all assist skin repair, whilst simultaneously giving anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing benefits. These give the appearance and feel of increased firmness by stimulating collagen and elastin, plus reduce excess pigment that can age the face, hands and decollate.

Remember that skin is the body’s largest organ and the concentration of oil glands and follicles vary dramatically from the face, to the torso and the limbs.

Ask your skin specialist to recommend a product containing the correct essential oils with the appropriate antimicrobial, antifungal and hydrating properties for the area(s) that concern you. Some of them can even assist with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis. Many of these are ideally applied at night, and by the morning you will notice an improvement, what an ideal way to start the day!

*Top Treatments for a Beautiful Pout*

Skin Deep – April 2016

South Warrington News

Welcome to ‘Skin Deep’ – This month’s feature looks at our ‘Top Treatments for Lips’.

Any questions, just ask Dr. Angie Winnington-Sharp – www.cheshireskinclinic.com angie@cheshireskinclinic.com or 01925 263660 & 07967 481594. 

Next month ‘Body Essential Knowledge, including Stretch Marks, Sun Damage & Dry Skin’.

The delicate skin on the lips can actually reveal someone’s natural age earlier than other areas. Even unwanted skin anomalies such as pigmentation and fine lines can become accentuated around the mouth area, as it is somewhere that we naturally focus on during conversation. A range of anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and barrier repair technology developed products can fortify the lip area. They do this by providing natural (botanical) assistive lipids derived from apples, dates, avocado and peppermint. These hydrate the area, assist with collagen, elastin, firmness and skin repair. This, in turn, decreases the natural ‘thinning’ of the skin on the lips, which can be particularly noticeable in women due to the higher percentage decrease in collagen production with age.

The lips also have less of the natural oils and lipids than the rest of the body, meaning that they are more susceptible to the evaporation of moisture. This leads directly to dryness, cracking and wrinkling. By applying lip balm continuously (to try and counter this) throughout the day can also pose problems as it can attract a build-up of bacteria and limits the natural turnover of dead skin cells. The additional benefit of soft-focus technology helps to diffuse the light, so that visible lines become less noticeable immediately. As ever, the best course of action is to speak to your skin specialist, who will be able to recommend a product that best fits your areas of concern, lifestyle and budget.

Top Tips for Beautiful Skin for over 50s x

Skin Deep – March 2016

South Warrington News

Welcome to ‘Skin Deep’ – This month’s feature looks at our ‘Top Tips for Beautiful Skin for 50+’. Any questions, just ask Dr. Angie Winnington-Sharp – www.cheshireskinclinic.com angie@cheshireskinclinic.com or 01925 263660 & 07967 481594. 

Next month ‘Perfect your Pout – Top Treatments for Lips’.

Many women can experience new challenges for their skin approaching and post-menopause due to a reduction in oestrogen. This can decrease collagen and elastin production, leading to sagging and thinning skin, age spots, fine lines, break-outs, dryness and changes in hair growth. Any exposure to UV, poor diet and stress earlier in life can also become more apparent. It is important to encourage cell turnover, for increased clarity and smooth texture. Also of high importance is to strengthen the skin barrier, retain moisture, tone and firm (by reinforcing fibres), reduce inflammation, encourage collagen production, nourish and protect the skin from UV.

Specialised retinol products are scientifically proven to greatly improve the appearance of ageing skin, but it is important to discuss the strengths and product options with your skin specialist to ensure you do not use a product that is too strong for your skin type. It is also essential to hydrate the skin, not just via drinking water, but also applying products that impart moisture into the epidermis. Many people try intense Vitamin A products, but a high concentration of Vitamin A, when not balanced with other vitamins and essential ingredients, can cause intense irritation. Professional skin clinicians will be able to help you tailor make a home-use regime to optimise your anti-ageing daily routine and look fantastic.

**Twice the Advice this month** - Body Sculpt, Inch Loss, Stretch Mark Removal AND Top Tips to Reverse Skin Damage and Ageing**

Skin Deep – February 2016

South Warrington News

Welcome to ‘Skin Deep’ – This month’s feature looks at our ‘Skin Barrier Repair-Body Sculpting and Stretch Mark Removal’. Any questions, just ask Dr. Angie Winnington-Sharp – www.cheshireskinclinic.com angie@cheshireskinclinic.com or 01925 263660 & 07967 481594. 

Next month ‘Top Tips for Beautiful Skin for 50+’.

It is quite common for many people to focus on the condition of the skin on the face and neck, but to neglect other, ‘less visible’ areas on the body. This is turn can lead to an patchy appearance, dry, red and uneven pigmented areas. In addition, changes in weight or lack of exercise can contribute towards dimpling and stretch marks. Contrary to popular belief, none of these problems have to be irreversible, and neither do they have to be treated with surgical intervention. It is popular to use non-invasive methods, such as light based treatment, radio-frequency tightening and sculpting as well as a vast array of chemical peels and home-use products for maximum benefits and visibly impressive results. The treatments vary from being completely pain free to individuals experiencing a slight heat and tingling sensation, and most can be done in 20-30 minute sessions, meaning the downtime is minimal (hence they can be done, pre/during work hours if you are based near to a clinic that offers the services).

Skin Deep – January 2016

South Warrington News

Welcome to ‘Skin Deep’ – This month’s feature looks at our ‘Top Tips to Reverse Damage and Ageing’. Any questions, just ask Dr. Angie Winnington-Sharp – www.cheshireskinclinic.com angie@cheshireskinclinic.com or 01925 263660 & 07967 481594. 

Next month ‘Skin Barrier Repair – ‘Body Sculpting and Stretch Mark Removal’.

A healthy skin barrier requires healthy lipid (natural oils etc) ratios to optimise function. By repairing the outermost natural protective layer, the function of the skin is at its best and it protects us from damaging environmental factors whilst retaining a healthy level of moisture. Targeting different cellular levels, enables the possibility of repairing fine lines/wrinkles, heal the skin and reduce visible ageing. Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and keratosis pilaris can all be improved as well as simultaneously firming the skin, reduce inflammation and increase collagen production. Some products for the face and body are formulated differently due to varying amounts of oil glands and absorption rates in a range of physiological areas such as the eyes, neck, hands and torso. Many ‘high street’ brands contain large molecules that just ‘sit on the surface of the skin’ and hence have limited positive effects mid-long term. Some essential oils (naturally derived oils, frequently from plants) can be sensitizing so it is important to discuss your skin type with your skin professional, for example it is possible to have ‘dry skin’ but still suffer from regular ‘break outs’. Any acne-prone skin can benefit from ingredients that specialise in the reduction of inflammation, which in turn reduces excess oil/sebum formation. Some unwanted skin inflammation can be caused and exaggerated by too much exfoliation (with microbeads and other granules), which removes surface scale/unevenness, but also some of the healthy skin barrier. So, before buying your next ‘miracle product’, have an extensive chat with a professional consultant about your specific needs in order to maximise your likelihood of ‘turning back the clock’.

The cooler months of the year are an ideal time to get started as the likelihood is that your treatment course will be well underway, possibly even complete, by the time we reach summer – a perfect time to show off your new body.