Antioxidant Product of the Day

Following on from my blog yesterday I would like to mention one of our new anti-oxidant skincare ranges we have just added to our collection, Mene & Moy.

The Mene and Moy range of active cosmetics contains naturally occurring compounds that have been skillfully combined and presented in order to pass through the skin barrier to reach the dermis below. High concentrations of vitamin C and fruit acids - AHA's (phytic acid and glycolic acid) are combined with soothing vitamins E and A, camomile, bisabolol and other active ingredients to achieve well tolerated highly effective anti-ageing skin creams.
This active skin care system has been especially designed to maximise skin Rejuvenation and improve sun-damaged skin with excellent anti-oxidant benefits to protect against free radicals.

Mene & moy treatments are also recommended to complement and maintain cosmetic treatments such as peels, preparing, protecting and maintaining your skin, and enhancing the results.

In particular I would like to mention, Mene & Moy Stand By Cream C5. Stand By Cream C5 is an intense moisturising cream suitable for all skin types, in particular mature and dry skin. This 30ml cream has a unique formulation containing a special antioxidant complex which synergically performs a scavenger affect of the skin's free radicals. The continued use helps smooth the skin & can texturise & tone skin to a healthy & radiant glow, and reduce the signs of aged skin. Vitamin C 5%, phytic acid 4%, vitamins A and E, grapeseed extract soothes the skin and encourages maximal collagen production following therapeutic peeling and when the skin is irritated by retinoic acid or hydroquinone. The addition of shea butter, bisabolol and chamomile extract makes this cream soothing and intensely moisturising. pH 7.

We are still adding new Mene & Moy products so if there is anything that you like but can't see, contact us as we may have it available.

The Antioxidant Advantage

Recently you may have heard a lot in the news about the health benefits of Antioxidants. But did you know that antioxidants have great benefits to the skin also? But what are they? What do they do? How do they work? and How can we get more of them?

Antioxidant molecules slows down, or even prevents, the oxidation of other molecules. When molecules in the body oxidize, they can create free-radicals, or cellular bi-products. It is very normal to have these free-radicals in the body, but in excess, they can wreak havoc on our cellular structures.

Free radicals can cause molecules in the skin cells to become unstable, because of the inherent instability of free-radicals, they try to attack other healthy cells to get stable themselves. This then causes the once-healthy cells to react in the same way, attacking others in an never-ending attempt for cellular stability. This can be damaging to the skin as well as inside the body.

FREE RADICALS = BAD GUYS ANTIOXIDANTS = GOOD GUYS

Oxidative damage plays a huge role in many of our modern-day diseases, such as muscle and tissue degeneration, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, as well as many other health problems. You are exposed to free radicals as a normal bi-product of regular bodily processes, like breaking down the food we eat, taking toxic medicines, as well as through exposure to pollutants. In addition, over-exposure to the sun (sunburn) and smoking can also increase your body’s need to oxidize and create free-radicals. Antioxidants stop this cellular chain reaction of oxidation by neutralizing the free radicals.

Eating antioxidant rich foods (the top 5 are berries, broccoli, garlic, green tea and tomatoes) is not enough for your skin. Your skincare regime should include at least one good antioxidant product. The most common antioxidant ingredients found in skincare are Vitamin C, Copper Peptides, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Zinc, Selenium and Green Tea.

AND YOU MUST REMEMBER TO USE A SUNSCREEN!

Antioxidant skincare products can prevent and correct wrinkles, have excellent anti-aging properties, help diminish age spots and improve skin elasticity.

Here at The Cosmetic Practice we have a wide range of products with great antioxidant benefits, we particluarly love the gloTherapeutics range which contains an exclusive antioxidant and vitamin formula across its whole range.

If you would like more information about antioxidant skincare or any skincare concerns, Contact us!

Must Have Makeup Brushes

Any makeup artist will tell you, the way to achieve perfect, long-lasting makeup is to use good quality brushes.



Here at The Cosmetic Practice, we have a great selection of Jane Iredale makeup brushes which are top quality, made from only the finest materials. Jane Iredale brushes are designed to be effective yet gentle. Inspired by Scandanavian design, the brushes are hand tied so that only the kindest part of the hair touches your delicate skin.

Jane Iredale brushes are also Cruelty-Free: All of the natural hair used in the manufacture of the brushes comes from after-market suppliers. No animals are harmed in any way.

I absolutely love makeup brushes so I'm going to give you my list of top five brushes. You might disagree, If you do let me know!

1. Blusher brush - I'm not ashamed to say that I am completely addicted to blusher. I feel naked without it and am never, ever seen in public without rosy cheeks. It is my staple makeup item and the one that is always found in my handbag on a night out (Aunt Sally eat you heart out lol). A good blusher brush is essential to ensure that your blusher is applied evenly and does not streak. I like the Jane Iredale Dome brush but you could also try the White Fan brush which is designed to show you how mush blusher you are applying.
2. Kabuki Brush - Essential for a perfectly finished complexion, the Kabuki brush can be used to apply loose powder or mineral powder foundation.
3. Lip Brush - I love the Jane Iredale retractable lip brush which is easy to clean, has a defined point so that you can control the amount of lipstick/gloss you are putting on and exactly where it is going. As it is retractable you can throw it in your handbag without worrying about mess.
4. Eyeshadow Brush - There are many different shaped eyeshadow brushes for different uses, but if you want to use just one then I would suggest the Jane Iredale Small fluff brush, made of hand-tied pony hair the small brush head allows for precise application with minimal waste.
5. Camouflage Brush - This is the perfect tool to use with cream based products such as eyeshadows or concealers. Made of toray nylon, it can be used wet or dry. The Camouflage brush is multi-functional and can even be used to apply eye shadows wet. The camouflage brush allows a smooth application even in hard-to-reach areas like the corner of eyes and under lower lashes.

And finally, to look after your brushes you must remember to clean them regularly. This will enhance the performance and prolong the life of your makeup brushes. A good brush cleaner will also prevent build up of bacteria which cause your skin to break out. Try Jane Iredale Botanical Brush Cleaner, which contains ingredients that add to the anti-microbial potency of the formula as well as condition the brush hairs themselves.

What are Thread Veins?

Thread veins (also known as spider veins) are very small veins under the skin which appear like thin bluish red lines and can sometimes appear bumpy. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and the blood vessels under the skin become more noticeable. Thread veins usually appear on the legs, although they can also appear on other parts of the body.

Thread veins are extremely common and although they do not cause any health problems, they can appear unsightly and people can be very conscious of them.

So what causes Thread Veins?

They can be inherited, so if your parents have thread veins you can blame them!  Hormonal changes may contribute. Thread veins often appear during pregnancy and women who have given birth several times are more likely to present thread veins that those who have never been pregnant.   They can also be associated with varicose veins although do not always go hand in hand.  Lots of other factors can contribute such as exposure to sunlight (usually on the face), injuries and cuts, exposure to radiation (such as radiotherapy treatment for cancer), being overweight and smoking also seem to increase the likelihood of developing thread veins.

What can be done about them?

As they are not dangerous you need to consider how they are affecting you. If they appear only in a small area, a camoflauge cream such as Lycogel Breathable Camouflage Foundation or Lycogel Concealer can work wonders to cover them. Lycogel is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types and promotes healing as it covers so is ideal for covering thread veins.

Here are The Cosmetic Practice we also have a range of products to help reduce redness and improve the skin thickness, therefore diminishing the appearance of blood vessels below the skin.  Medik8 Red Alert Calming Serum and Red Alert Body Lotion are extremely popular.  Red Alert Body helps to fade and clear thread veins, skin redness and bruises, by  promoting anti-oxidation, vein-wall strengthening and enhanced  coagulation (blood clotting at site of capillary damage).

Medik8 Red Alert visibly reduces the appearance of thread veins and  has a brightening effect on the skin. It also slows down the process of  skin ageing, by protecting the skin from free-radical damage and  effectively alleviates the negative environmental impact on the skin.  This strong anti-thread vein product contains specially selected  pharmaceutically graded ingredients, such as vitamin K, Liquorice and  Bearberry, which have a strengthening and sealing effect on open vessels  and thread veins. It enhances the blood circulation, reduces swelling  and redness, reduces fragility of blood vessels and dramatically limits the creation of further damages.

If you are really unhappy with their appearance and want treatment the first step is to ascertain if there are any varicose veins present then it may help to treat these first. Once these have been treated then the thread veins can be treated with microscleratherapy or lasers.

Microsclerotherapy requires injections using a very fine needle into the thread veins themselves. This causes the lining of the veins to swell so that no blood can flow through them. It is actually the blood in the veins that is visible in the skin rather than the veins themselves so that if blood is prevented from flowing through the veins they disappear.

Laser therapy is not thought to be as effectice as microscleratherapy and has the disadvantage that you must avoid sun exposure before and after treatment and it occasionally produces permanent areas of          whiteness in the skin.

Whatever method is used, treatment takes some time to achieve the maximum effect and for everything to settle down. It is not realistic to decide to get your thread veins treated a week before your summer holiday.  It takes time for the treatment to build up and will not get rid of ecevry single thread vein or cure you.

My advice would be to try the creams first before treatment. If you would like any further advice or information on thread veins or any other skin condition, contact us here at The Cosmetic Practice.

Nuture your Nails

Our nails get much more exposure in the summer months, with the fashion for sandals toenails are on display and the trend for brighter nail varnish means you are drawing more attention to your fingernails.

With our busy lifestyles, we do not have a lot of time to spend on our nails but at the same time, neat nails add to a clean and professional appearance.

The good news is there are lots of things you can do to help the health of your nails without spending a lot of money:

Diet

Eat plenty of protein rich foods such as lean red meat, poultry, eggs, fish (especially salmon), low-fat dairy products, liver, pulses, nuts, seeds and soya.

Cream

Use a rich hand and nail cream to stregthen nails and sooth dry, chapped hands.

I absolutely love Taer Icelandic Nourishing Hand and Nail Cream.  This luscious 50ml hand cream boasts the powers of potent Icelandic  herbs including organic yarrow, known for its powerful anti-ageing  effects and the specially formulated Taer Calming Complex, an ultra  soothing blend of fennel, mistletoe, lemon balm, allantoin, hops and  Roman chamomile.  If you are looking for a hand and nail cream that is  soothing and streghtens weak nails then Taer Icelandic nourishing hand  and nail cream is ideal and at only £16 is a steal.

Trim

Trim your nails regularly as this strengthens your nails.

Nail Polish Remover

Use as little nail varnish remover as possible and avoid nail varnish removers with acetone. These can dry out nails and weaken them.

Use Rubber Gloves

When doing the dishes, make sure you use rubber gloves.  Apply a rich hand cream first before putting on your rubber gloves, the heat from the warm water will help the cream soak in to give your hands and nails a nourishing treat.



If your nails are weak and brittle, Neostrata Neoceuticals nail conditioning treatment is just the product for you and is available to buy online from The Cosmetic Practice.  At only £15 it instantly begins to transform weak and brittle nails. A breakthrough product that uses a  patented alpha hydroxyacid derivative that works overtime to give nails a  healthy, smooth, chip-resistant surface. Perfect for anyone seeking  beautiful fingernails!

Sheer Tint - The Perfect Base for Summer

With the warmer weather I have changed from my usual foundation to a sheer tint moisturiser.

Lighter on the skin, they allow the skin to breathe in the warmer, summer months and do not slip or slide off your face.

I absolutely love:

Mineralogie Liquid Hydration Mineral Foundation
30ml

£28.00

Mineralogie Liquid Hydration Sheer Tint allows the natural health and glow of skin to shine through! This fabulous sheer tint cosmetic foundation is formulated with natural ingredients, including sodium hyaluronate, which adds hydration to the skin without adding oil. If you have normal to dry skin and are looking for a sheer colour for the summer, then Mineralogie Liquid Hydration Mineral Foundation is ideal. For translucent coverage you can apply the foundation by itself, or take it a step further by layering with Mineralogie SPF 26 Loose Mineral Foundation for a more finished look. If it is complete coverage you are looking for, you can pair with Mineralogie Pressed Mineral Foundation.

Check out the full Mineralogie range at The Cosmetic Practice where you can buy Mineralogie Liquid Hydration Sheer Tint online.

Summertime Spritz

Perfect for a summer day, a facial spritz can work wonders.  Ideal to give your skin a quick pick me up, they can be used over make up at any time of the day and give skin instant hydration. Mist toners are also great to take on holiday to boost your skin on the beach.

Here at The Cosmetic Practice we have a selection of facial spritzes and sprays to suit any skin types.



Jane Iredale Pommisst spray £14 is an amazing facial spritz that will quench thirsty skin and protect at  the same time! Pommisst contains pomegranate extract, white tea  extract, and seaweed extracts which are rich in antioxidants to help  fight off aggressive free radicals. And even more exciting, researchers  from the University of Wisconsin have found that pomegranate is a  promising agent against skin cancer!

glominerals gloMoist Hydration Mist £13.50 is a blend of antioxidants and anti-aging benefits in a mist that hydrates instantly.

Taer Icelandic mist toner £24 is an uplifting spray toner ideal for travelling. This refreshing cosmetic mist toner contains yarrow,  creeping thyme and lemon peel essential oil. Taer Icelandic mist toner  is revitalizing and highly anti-bacterial and is ideal to spritz on your  skin at any time of day to give skin an instant glow.  If you have  problem skin, this  mist spray is ideal and can even be used over  make-up.

And for a real treat, you could use Dr Bragi face and Body Salvation £80, One simple spritz envelopes the skin in continuous moisture, keeping it hydrated and supple throughout the day. This innovative mist-on  moisturiser can be used on both face and body or as an effective massage  oil or emergency facial spritz to be used when travelling or after  shaving.

So this summer give your skin a treat with a refreshing, soothing, hydrating Facial Spritz.  I will be packing one in my suitcase.

Cosmeceuticals vs Cosmetics

We all know what cosmetics are and use them regularly. The normal skincare products you can buy in your local shop; cleansers, toners and moisturisers. But have you heard of Cosmeceuticals and do you know the difference?

The new wave in skincare
Cosmeceuticals are the combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals containing biologically active ingredients purporting to have medical or drug like benefits. Dermatological research suggests that the active ingredients used in cosmeceuticals have benefits above and beyond traditional skincare products.

Where cosmetic skincare products only cleanse and beautify, Cosmeceuticals alter the structure and function of the skin penetrating deeply to work at cell level rather than just the surface layer of the skin.

There are a variety of Cosmeceutical products available aimed at different conditions and concerns such as acneic and problematic skin, rosacea (reddening of the skin), fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation (dark/brown spots), dry and mature skin.

Here are some of the common ingedients and how they work:



Salicylic Acid - a monohydroxybenzoic acid, a type of phenolic acid and a beta hydroxy acid. Historically, it was know for its ability to ease aches, pains and reduce fevers. It is a key ingredient in skincare products for the treartment of acne, psoriasis, calluses, corns and keratosis. It works by causing skin cells to shed more easily, opening clogged pores and neutralising the bacteria within.

We Love Jan Marini Bioglycolic acne gel which contains salicylic acid = >

Glycolic Acid - a naturally occuring fruit acid which speeds up the cellular turnover. It improves circulation and encourages smoother more vibrant, youthful looking skin.

DMAE - a natural substance that stabilizes and strengthens the cell's plasma membrane. DMAE dramatically tightens, firms, and tones the neck, eyelids, and facial muscles, giving skin a firmer, more youthful appearance.

Retinol (Vitamin A) - Accelerates the skin cells natural exfoliation process and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.



Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic acid) - a protein that functions as a lubricant between the connective tissues of the skin, allowing skin to retain moisture, leaving the skin soft, supple and silky smooth.

< = Medik8 Hydr8 Hyaluronic Acid B5 Serum is a great hydrator for smoother skin

Hydroquinine - A strong inhibitor of melanin production, preventing the skin from making the substance responsible for skin colour. It does not bleach the skin but lightens it and is used for the treatment of hyper-pigmentation. It also has strong antioxidant properties.

There are also a number of botanical ingredients such as kojic acid, licorice extract, Centella Asiatica, bearberry leaf extract, mulberry extract, grape seed extract and many more which are too numerous to name.

Cosmeceuticals therefore have an extremely wide range of applications, whether you have sun damaged skin, wrinkles or problematic skin there is a cosmeceutical suitable for you. And with a range of price tags suitable for any budget they are more than worth the money compared to the usual skincare brands. If you have any particular skincare concerns or would like more information about our selection of Cosmeceuticals here at The Cosmetic Practice, contact us either by phone 0845 0020016 or email and we'll be happy to answer your questions.

Help for Hay Fever

In the last couple of weeks I've been sneezing away, my nose has been running, my eye's are dry and itchy and I have been suffering from headaches. All of these are common symptoms of Hay Fever.

Hay Fever is commonly identified as an allergic reaction to pollen and there are several types of pollen allergy which can determine how sever the Hay Fever symptoms are and what time of year they will appear:

   
• grass pollen - half of adults in the UK who have  hay fever are allergic to grass pollen, with the varieties that are most  commonly responsible being rye grass and timothy. May to July/August.
   
• tree pollen - one person in four in the UK with  hay fever is allergic to birch pollen, but different trees produce  pollen at varying times of the year and it depends which one you're  allergic to as to when your symptoms are worst. Birch pollen is generally worst April/May.
   
• weeds, such as ragwort and other plants, as well as spores from fungi and moulds. June/July to November.

I have only suffered from Hay Fever for the last couple of years, and the incidence of Hay Fever has risen dramatically in cities, which led to the discovery that pollutants such as exhaust fumes prime the immune system to react. During the Summer months, the air in polluted areas contains more free radicals due to the action of sunlight on oxygen molecules, so city-dwellers breathe in more pollutants.

How can you ease the symptoms of Hay Fever?

There are a range of medicines available, some over the counter and some with a doctors prescription.

If you prefer to avoid medication you can help symptoms by taking a good all round multivitamin and multimineral (providing B6 and zinc). Also, take an antioxidant complex or even better, eat plenty of anti-oxidant rich fruit and vegetables plus seeds rich in selenium and zinc.  Vitamin B6 and zinc have a role to play in balancing histamine levels and strengthening the immune system.  Vitamin C also helps to control excessive histamine levels.

Other things you can do to reduce the symptoms include:

   
• Stay indoors and avoid to exposure to pollen and traffic fumes on days when the pollen count is high.
   
• Wear wrap around shades to protect eyes from pollen.
   
• Take a shower and wash your hair after being outside when the pollen count is high.
   
• Avoid drying washing outside when the pollen count is high, pollen may become trapped in the fibres of clothes and bedlinen.
   
• Apply vaseline to the inside of your nostrils to avoid pollen from entering your nasal passages.

In general, the three most common sunstances reacted to are pollen, wheat and milk.  And although there is no proven connection it is interesting to note that all of these are originally grass products. It could be that some Hay Fever sufferers become sensitised to proteins that are common to grains, grasses and possibly milk.  In any event, dairy products encourage mucus production. Similarily, modern strains of wheat are high in gluten, which irritates the digestive tract and stimulates mucus production.

Whilst we all hope that our summer will not end, if you suffer from Hay Fever like me we sometimes pray for cooler weather so by following these hints you may be able to enjoy the summer months without sneezing your way through.

Neostrata's New Wonder Products

Today I'd like to share Neostrata's new Skin Active comprehensive anti-aging regimen.

A new complete antiaging system of potent products with active benefit ingredients that work synergistically to address the broadest spectrum of visible signs of aging. Reverse the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles, sagging skin and discoloration.

This comprehensive antiaging system is clinically proven to work synergistically to address all of the visible signs of aging.

• Stimulate cell turnover to enhance skin texture and clarity while preparing the skin for optimal treatment benefits with an anti-aging facial cleanser with Gluconolactone and Maltobionic Acid
• Repair skin’s matrix support structure and reduce the appearance of uneven pigment with a daytime moisturizer that firms, smoothes, and protects the skin with Peptides, NeoGlucosamine™ and Retinol
• Target crow's feet and puffiness with a multi-mechanistic approach that plumps the deep layers of the skin, smoothing lines and wrinkles from the inside out so the eye area appears more lifted
• Restore skin's essential cells, rebuild the deep skin matrix and reduce oxidative damage with a reparative night cream for skin that is firmer, more lifted and vibrant.

The effects of aging on skin are multiple: fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and sagging. No single ingredient can address them all. That’s why the NeoStrata Skin Active system combines powerful clinically proven ingredients that work synergistically in all layers of the skin to help reverse the visible signs of photodamage. These potent formulations stimulate cell renewal, even tone, boost collagen and protect against oxidative damage. Lines and wrinkles are smoothed from the inside out. Skin looks healthier, firmer and younger. The NeoStrata Skin Active Comprehensive Antiaging Regimen is a high performance skincare system. If you are new to antiaging products or have sensitive skin, you may want to use a step-up approach, using one or two products initially and adding additional products as your skin adjusts.

The Four Products available are:

NeoStrata Skin Active Exfoliating Wash

NeoStrata Skin Active Matrix Support SPF 20

NeoStrata Skin Active Cellular Restoration

NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy

See the range here at The Cosmetic Practice!

National Transplant Week

Did you know that this years National Transplant Week is 4th to 10th July and NHS Blood and Transplant are calling on the UK public to reduce the waiting times for a transplant by signing up to the NHS Organ Donation register.

Currently there are 10,000 people waiting for an organ transplant accross the UK. Think how frustrated you get waiting for a parcel delivery or waiting in a queue. Then imagine if you were actually waiting for something that your life depended on! So for Transplant Week 2011 the campaign asks 'What Are You Waiting For?' to highlight the plight of those currently on the waiting list.

Facts and Figures:
* More than 10,000 people are currently waiting for a transplant in the UK
* On average, 3 people who need a transplant will die each day in the UK
* Waiting times for transplants are high because we don't have nearly enough donors
* It's easy to sign up to the Organ Donor Register, just visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk / or call 0300 123 23 23
* Once you've signed up, you need to make your wishes known to your friends and family

Here in the North East we are extremely lucky to have such a fantastic facility as the Freeman Hospital. The Freeman has a well-deserved reputation for the quality of its facilities and we take great care to ensure you are treated in a clean, modern, and friendly environment. But what really sets the hospital apart, and has earned them an international reputation, is their pioneering expertise in transplant surgery for both adults and children. In 1987 they performed the UK’s first successful heart transplant for a child at the Freeman hospital. They are one of Europe’s leading lung transplant centres, having performed both the first single lung transplant and the first double lung transplant in Europe. And they continue to innovate, introducing a “mechanical heart” service in 2003, keeping adults and children alive until a suitable donor heart is available.

Recently, the Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts (JCPCT) called for the closure of four, and possibly five, of the existing 11 units carrying out paediatric cardiac surgery to maintain patient safety. This has seen MPs in other regions aiming to secure their services, potentially at the cost of those in Newcastle.

Only one of the four options put forward by this review would see these services ending at the Freeman. But Newcastle East MP Nick Brown has tabled a parliamentary motion urging the Government to only act on medical advice, and not bow to arguments made by coalition MPs.

What Can you do to help?

• Sign up for the National Organ Donor Register
• Tell family and friends
• Donate to the Freeman Hospital or carry out fundraising activities
• Write to your MP
• Share your stories - have you received treatment at the Freeman?
• Facebook have set up a page to help, To view the page, click here

We need to shout loud, that the Freeman Children's Heart Unit keeps operating.

Five Hot Hair Tips

Celebrity hairdresser Nicky Clarke has been in the business for over 30 years and is one of the biggest names in hairdressing.  He has received numerous prestigous awards, has a highly successful hair-product range, appears on various television programmes including this morning and still works at his London salon.

Here are his five top hair tips:

   
1. Get the cut that's right for you.  Take the advice of a professional hairdresser, It's not always feasible to take a picture of a celebrity into the hairdresser and expect to look the same. It depends on your hair type, your lifestyle and personality.
   
2. Rinse.  When shampooing and conditioning, rinse your hair properly in plenty of fresh running water. Lying back in the bath is simply not good enough as you'll end up with products left in the hair which will leave it looking limp and dull.
   
3. Products.  Use styling products that are specifically created for your hair type.
   
4. Technique. Master the correct styling technique to bring out the most of your hair.  Again don't be frightened to ask your stylist for advice.
   
5. Invest. Buy the more superior quality finishing products and tools.  It's not about one miracle product, it's about using the best combination.

Nicky also believes that people with problem hair usually fall into one of two catergories: they do too much or too little with their hair. You can't expect to wake up in the morning and look amazing, but at the same time, spending an hour a day blow drying and styling your hair is impractical.

Here at The Cosmetic Practice we have some some excellent products to help with specific hair concerns.  Our Neostrata Neoceuticals Therapeutic Shampoo is one of our top sellers provides long-lasting relief of scalp itching, irritation, redness,  flaking and scaling. Ideal for treating such conditions as dandruff,  seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, without compromising hair  cleanliness and shine.

If you suffer from thinning hair you could try LA Science Follicle Stimuating Shampoo which maintains the condition of the scalp, creating the best environment for anti hair-loss by strengthening the hair follicle and increasing the blood supply to the treated area.

Fight the Fat!

At least one sixth of women are trying to lose weight at any one time, according to market research.

Obesity rates are soaring in Great Britain with nearly one in four adults classed as clinically obese. Obesity is diagnosed when a person's Body Mass Index exceeds 30. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilogrammes by height in metres squared.

Why are we turning into a nation of couch potatoes and what can be done about it? The government warns that we are risking a massive increase in obesity related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer and in order to stem the tide we must take action now.

Obesity is caused by not taking enough exercise and eating too much. With the increase in fast foods, TV and video games it is not only adults which are affected as the level of obesity in children in rising too (Worrying research has shown that 24 per cent of children aged between two and 15 are now obese).

So what can be done? Since fat is what you want to lose it can help to understand exactly what fat is. Go to your local butcher and ask him to show you a pound of fat. Scary! It is the size of a small brick. Have a sensible target: 2 lb a week for example is a reasonable aim, any further weight loss will likely be water and come back quickly.

Take regular excercise: walk instead of taking the car, join a class: Yoga is fantastic and Zumba is great fun. This can also be a good way to socialise and meet people too.

Drink a glass of water before you eat your meals, many people confuse thirst for hunger and eat when really their body is telling them they need to have a drink.

Dieting is not just about how much you eat but the kind of food. The human body is designed to run on complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, beans, lentils, vegetables and fruit. The reason we are eating more is because we are eating foods which cause our blood sugar to spike and then drop leaving us feeling hungry much sooner. An estimated 8 in 10 overweight people have an underlying blood sugar imbalance. Therefore, following a low-stimulant, high complex carbohydrate diet is essential.

The ideal diet should have no more than 30% calories from fat, 15% from protein and the remaining 55% from complex carbohydrates.

And If you need a helping hand you could always try Fullfast, available here at The Cosmetic Practice, A great tasting, natural mouth spray that helps reduce excessive feelings of hunger.

Healing Hands

We are all becoming more and more conscious of protecting our skin in the sun, But do we remember our hands? When out and about you can see people wearing hats, applying suncream and covering up if need be but hands are left naked.

The Daily Mail featured Pictures of Kate Middleton's hands while enjoying Wimbledon this week, and showed them appearing older than her 29 years.

Our hands are often overlooked when applying sun protection but they age just as much, if not more than other areas. The skin on our hands is much thinner than elsewhere, and there’s hardly any fat, so the area gets damaged by the sun’s rays far more easily and can become prematurely wrinkled, crepey with liver spots.

The majority of hand creams don't contain an SPF so what can you use to give yourself a helping hand?


We absolutely love Jan Marini Age Intervention Hands.  This is a real treat, it isn't greasy and absorbs immediately into your skin leaving it soft, smooth and visibly firmer.  It also contains an intensive combination of acids, lightening agents, and  anti-inflammatory agents that target signs of aging hands, such as  discoloration, textural changes and dryness.  It resurfaces and rejuvenates your hands but even better, it also contains a full spectrum sunscreen so protects as it treats.

To give your hands a renewing treat on a night and help restore the skins natural moisture, we like to lathjer on Neostrata Hand and Nail Cream and then sleep with cotton gloves on. This helps moisturise, condition and soften hands and cuticles while reducing the visible signs of aging on dry, sun-damaged hands.

Just remember, take care if you are out and about and make sure the hand cream you use contains an SPF.