Relief for sore muscles
I have been trying to exercise a bit more recently and have recently signed up to do a half marathon. Getting the fresh air and being out doors appeals to me much more than the gym…it also really helps for stress and allows me to enjoy lovely dinner without feeling guilty! However, my muscles do get pretty sore after wards.
I have been using the Elemis Musclease herbal bath sachets which have been great. I have a bath after a long running using the sachets of powder than rub in the Musclease concentrate when I get out the bath. It has been really amazing and has definitely helped my muscles recover much quicker than when I was running a few years ago. I find these products are also great for the aching back and tension in my neck after a long day in the salon. These products can purchased at our online shop or at either of our salons.
Tanning at home
One of the most popular treatments at this time of year has to be the good old fake tan…and quite rightly so who wants to be showing of the old peely wally Scottish blue skin colour! Fake tan can also help to hide a multitude of sins including the dreaded cellulite and any thread veins. It has to be said we do immediately feel slimmer with a bit of colour as well.
As we are all now well educated on the damage the sun and (dare I mention it, sun beds) can cause, we are keen to get good advice on fake tanning.
Be sure to do good exfoliations before you begin tanning as if you have a build up of old skin cells and dry skin it will not only look uneven and patchy but it will fade much quicker and unevenly as well…so the key to good tan application as every painter knows its all in the preparation. I generally do a couple in the week on the lead up to a tan for best results, especially for a big night out. Apply the tan to clean dry skin free of product. Only put moisturiser on the really dry areas such as elbows and knees to stop the tan “clinging” to these areas more. Be really careful of the hands and feet. it is much better they are too light than too dark. Everyone notices these areas, the tan can grab quickly to them as well and is impossible to remove. It is much easier to apply more if necessary. If you do end up getting some on your nail plate or under the nail, whitening tooth paste is actually pretty good at removing it. Also be really aware the hairline especially important if you are blond. A must is to wear disposable gloves when applying tan.
To make sure your tan lasts well, apply moisturiser every day. If you don’t like wearing moisturiser during the day or are in too much of a hurry in the morning just put some on in the evening paying particular attention to the front of your lower leg which can dry out quite quickly.
As your tan is beginning to fade do not be tempted to reapply more over an uneven fading tan. Just exfoliate well to try and help remove the old one, then start afresh – remember, you always need a good base to get the right finished look. Some of the tan prolongers however are really effective as they are quite subtle and have a lot of moisturiser in them as well.
Go exceptionally light on the face. I actually miss mine out altogether and just use make up, as it can often darken the pores and accentuate any pigmentation or uneveness on the face area… but this is personal choice.
There are a number of good products on the market. We have tried most of them and are happy to recommend the market leading brands Fake Bake and St Tropez.
Never be tempted to go for a sun bed. The terrible ageing effects for your skin are nothing compared to the dangers of skin cancer which have been comprehensively proven. If applying fake tan at home is too much of a faff for you, an in-salon application including exfoliation is another option. For very best results I always recommend a spray tan in Edinburgh – it’s quick, inexpensive and gives a lovely, natural result.
Fraxel Laser Treatments
We are really delighted to now be offering Fraxel in our skin clinic, starting on the 9th of December. You can read all about it in more detail on our website. I’ve had this procedure myself for tightening and pigmentation but it can also be used really effectively for acne scarring or just for overall skin rejuvenation to refine pores and even out skin tone and texture.
Its definitely more of a medical treatment- your face is completely numbed to begin with and you are looking at anything between 2-5 treatments. Depending on the intensity of treatment required you might need a day or more off work…so it’s not for the faint hearted.
However, other than a hot red face for a few days its actually not that much hassle, especially when you see the results. I have had 4 sessions and am going to get one more.
Its not for everyone but if you are serious anti ageing or have skin which is damaged by the sun or scarring and really want to get results than I would highly recommend this.
Go to our Fraxel Page
Learn more about my own experiences with Fraxel, see December 09 entry in the Treatment of the Month section.
Be healthy and happy!
It’s getting lighter in the mornings and soon we’ll be counting down the days till the clocks change. Personally, I tend to want to hibernate during the winter and its only about now I am beginning to feel motivated about getting myself back to a more healthy state! Recently, I have been going to the gym again and out for the occasional run and I must admit you do forget how much better it makes you feel.
And like many of you I’ve come to the conclusion there is only way to get fit and healthy. Eating less and making healthier food choices, combined with some form of regular exercise are the most reliable ways to keep your mind – and body – in good shape.
However, there certain treatments in the salon that can really help enhance and speed up results such as Mesotherapy for fat reduction and cellulite treatments using Mesotherapy and Endermologie Lipomassage (I am a big fan of this!). The best results are for those clients that are being healthy with diet and exercise but need that extra help in toning or certain stubborn areas. We also have a great range of internal supplements which are great to take when trying to tone and firm up and get back on track. For more information on the supplements or treatments you can get a free consultation at either of the salons.
Healthy eating and exercise have benefits way beyond the aesthetics. It really does help your frame of mind. Personally, I feel more energized, focused and motivated as well. Did you know that exercise has been proven to help with depression?About 1 in 6 adults in the UK suffers from depression and improving our health and increasing exercise is one way of preventing/alleviating depression. Drinking more water helps a lot too. Drinking good amounts of water each day not only helps to hydrate your skin but you are also helping your mind stay healthy. We all know the mind and body work as one so if we want to look good on the outside we need to start with the basics and put in good quality fuel and exercise our bodies. Actually focusing more on the health benefits and less on our image make it easier to put these into practice and we then get the added bonus of looking great as well.
Perhaps like me you find it hard to keep up the momentum. You start well, and then it all falls by the wayside. I think the most important thing to remember is that doing a few small changes a can make a difference and just because you’re not good or miss the gym one day does not mean you need to give up altogether. The spring is a great time to get your exercise and healthy eating regime off to a gentle start. So good luck and here’s to looking and feeling healthy and happy!