Category: Blog

What is Microneedling?

 Microneedling  (or Collagen Induction Therapy) is administered either manually via a roller filled with microneedles or an electrical pen. 

It is widely renowned as a results driven treatment for reducing wrinkles, scarring and uneven skintone.

Both ways puncture the skin with micro holes alerting the immune system that the body is under attack and the skin is being harmed.  The body then triggers it’s natural powers of healing.  Blood cells (platelets) join together at the site of the ‘trauma’ and clot to stop bleeding. The platelets then release chemicals called cytokines into the bloodstream.  These attract the attention of other special cells that start the healing – this is the inflammation and redness. Inflammation here is good – the healing is happening.  Collagen and elastin are then stimulated to reproduce. These healing agents naturally begin to restore the micro-injuries that have been made a well as the damaged skin cells responsible for wrinkles and poor skin texture, leaving a smoother skin with an even-toned complexion.

The channels made by the needles also allow for a topical anti-aging product to penetrate into the deeper layers of the dermis. For example, we use an anti-aging serum immediately after our procedure with Skinpen to flood the skin with youthful peptides and antioxidents.

Homecare rollers– We do advocate rollering at home, especially if you are unsure of needling at the salon – it is a good thing to try at home first. The homecare rollers are smaller in size so are not as efficacious as a salon treatment, however the channels, as mentioned before, created by the needles will allow a much quicker a deeper absorption of your homecare products.  Microrollers are commonly available via the internet.  We only advocate the Environ cosmetic roller (£68.00) others are available but please buy from a reputable supplier.

But which way – rollers or the skinpen?  Our preferred method would be using the Skinpen here at the salon.  The needles in the pen are adjustable to suit each client’s own individual requirement.  For example acne scaring would require a deeper depth of needle.  Globally, it’s the only FDA approved microneedling pen, complete with new patented microneedle disposable cartridges and an in-built reciprocating device.Using a disposable cartridge at each treatment negates any cross contamination, whereas a client’s roller gets reused. Also with the pen, the needles hit this skin vertically but with the roller, they are slanted which could cause slight tears in the skin.

Benefits – treatment is especially effective for addressing the visible signs of ageing, as well as acne scarring, slackened skin, stretch marks, uneven skin tone and dilated blood vessels.

3 treatments are recommended for skin tone and anti-ageing and 6 for scarring.  Little downtime compared to injectables and laser treatments, for example.

We prescribe bespoke skin plans combining treatments to include peels, radio frequency and skin pen in order to achieve the optimum results.

To see how we can achieve skin changes for you please call the salon to book a FREE skin consultation

You may have recently seen Victoria Beckham recently sporting a rather alien-like illuminated mask that looked like it belongs to Halloween.  Beauty is everything in Hollywood and that’s why it’s usually our favourite A-listers leading the charge on anything the promises youthful, clear skin.. These masks are used for LED Light Therapy

It all started last year with a post by Jessica Alba, but recently Kourtney Kardashian, Kate Hudson, and Kelly Rowland have all posted photos too. According to In Style, the blue light targets acne-causing bacteria; red stimulates the creation of collagen and elastin to decrease fine lines and wrinkles; pink boosts the skin’s repair function. Combinations of the different lights are used to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The mask is used for skin rejuvenation and pain relief as it increases blood flow, promotes wound healing, stimulates collagen and elastin production. It can also be used to treat mild to moderate acne and for post treatment pain relief.

According to the experts, the leading option is the Déesse Premium LED Mask. The idea is that you use the mask on clean, dry skin for 20 minutes a few times a week.  At Eve & Adam Beauty Salon you can add this onto any treatment – After a facial to speed up the benefits, while you are having your nails done or during a pedicure. Or, you can simply come in for a standalone treatment to include a full cleanse and tone plus – and how amazing is this…a zone out room to relax and possibly sleep in!

For more information please contact Eve & Adam on 01727 854483

So what exactly is RETINOL and  VITAMIN A?

It is currently everywhere in the beauty world – from Instagram to Facebook and more recently featured as one of the most effective products to combat anti-ageing on the BBC’s ‘THE TRUTH ABOUT …looking good”

Along with, sunscreen and peptides, retinol and its derivatives are now considered our MUST HAVE anti ageing products – and we agree.

But it does seem quite confusing – there seem to be so many?   Retin-A, Retin-A micro, retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, adapalene, isotretinoin, tretinoin and tazarotene, among others, are all various forms of retinoids, which in turn are various forms of vitamin A.

The difference is really just their strength.  And strength is key here.  You need to build up the skin’s tolerance to vitamin A so starting on a low dose is important – trust us, you want to avoid a ‘retinoid reaction’ – red, blotchy and potentially very itchy skin.  While this calms down and does not have damaging effects it is just not a good look!

Don’t be fooled….ageing rays are always around us even on grey days

If you are serious about protecting your skin, daily sunscreen is an absolute must.  In fact, in our salon we recommend that if there is only one product you wish to take, it would be SUNSCREEN applied daily, all year.  UVA/UVB rays are consistently around us, sun or cloud.

But did you know that Blue Light is a ‘silent ager’? 

So, what is blue light? A lot of the white light we are exposed to is actually made up of blue rays, which have short wavelengths and more energy than warmer colours found in light, such as red and orange.  Blue light gives that beautiful blue colour on a cloudless day.  But, it is also emitted by that hypnotic blue glow of devices and computer screens.  So what is this blue light exposure doing to our skin?

The research into the effects of blue light is still in its infancy, but a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that when participants were exposed to equivalent levels of UVA and blue rays, they experienced more pigment, redness and swelling after the blue light exposure.

Dermatologists are increasingly finding pigmentation at the sides of the face, where a mobile phone is held giving credence in the that hand held devices can cause skin damage. 

Although reducing screen time will help to decrease our exposure to blue light, its important to remember that the sun is still the biggest source of damaging rays. 

So… What kind of Sunscreen? 

Chemical ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreens – those high street ones you will have heard of – do protect against UVA & UVB but not blue light, but they get also get absorbed into the skin.  Dozens of studies in the last decade have found that some of the small chemical particles absorbed are causing skin irritation, allergy, hormonal disruption and skin damage.  Many of these chemicals are suspected allergens,  hormone distruptors and carcinogens.  

Physical filters– Such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (minerals)  – sit on the top of the skin and do NOT get absorbed into the system. They are photostable and have an excellent safety record for skin protection.  Using a physical filter sunscreen daily, along with antioxidents and peptides, will result in more firm, less wrinkled and pigmented skin.   They come in powder or cream consistencies and should be applied daily, after applying your usual moisturiser.

Both Alumier MD and Environ offer a full range of tinted and untinted screens for the face – For more information on what is suitable for you personally do ask your skincare consultation on your next visit to us at Eve & Adam Boutique Spa

 Sources – the IIAA (Environ uk) and Alumier MD

https://skinscience.alumiermd.co.uk/chemical-peels-explained/