12^th March 2018

Thank you to IIAA Ltd, Yeheudi Gordon, Consultant Gynacologist and Lorraine Perretta Founder and Development Director of The Advanced Nutrition Programme for this invaluable look at Hormones

WHAT ARE HORMONES AND WHY ARE THEY SO IMPORTANT?

Hormones are chemical messengers that send messages to the cells that they interact with. They can affect several processes in the body including growth, reproduction and metabolism. Hormones can also influence the immune system as well as our mood, causing changes in behaviour. Unsurprisingly, during the average life journey, numerous hormonal changes can reflect in various ways on our skin’s appearance and condition. For example, skin conditions commonly associated with puberty includes acne, while dryness, loss of collagen and elasticity, reduced volume are noted during menopause and surprisingly skin that suffers from breakouts is also common. The bad news is that, as we age these skin changes are inevitable. The good news is that by understanding why and what steps to take, each of us can stay in control.

TEENS - HORMONES & PUBERTY

Although acne can start at any age, hormonal changes during puberty may trigger acne flare ups. According to the British Skin Foundation, acne affects around 80% of adolescents aged 13-18 years. Why is this? During puberty, hormones that promote natural development, will raise testosterone levels in boys and girls. A side effect of this can be the overproduction of sebum which in turn can cause acne. Stress is also a contributory factor. Exams, social pressures and dealing with puberty itself can lead to a rise in the adrenal hormones, again causing the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum.

·     Avoid harsh scrubs or cleansers

·     Use mineral based make-up to avoid artificial chemicals that will clog the skin further

·     Use vitamin A orally and topically to help normalise sebum production. 

TWENTIES/THIRTIES - HORMONES & PREGNANCY

Did you know that from 26’ish women will see a different type of hormonal acne—deep, cystic bumps in the chin and jawline area and products won't work as well on these hormonal breakouts? Other female-only hormonal changes include pregnancy, the contraceptive pill and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). Many women experience acne or skin breakouts just before ‘that time of the month’ as when hormonal levels fluctuate this in turn, stimulates the sebaceous glands. The contraceptive pill, that contains artificial hormones oestrogen and progesterone, may cause photo-sensitivity in some women and result in pigmentation. The onset of pregnancy, is another trigger for hormonal changes that may lead to pigmentation and sometimes acne. Managing skin concerns, whilst pregnant can be very difficult as some treatments/remedies may have to be avoided.

Lines - What Lines?

Wrinkles and pigmentation usually start to appear as a result of damage done to skin in teens. The skin will start to appear dull as already skin cell turnover will be slowing down. Now is the time to start investing in active products and treatments to ensure firmer, younger looking skin. Having regular vitamin A based treatments and gradually increasing the dosage can help encourage healthy cell production. Using vitamin A and C orally can also enhance collagen synthesis.

·     Use a mild oil-based cleanser and avoid scrubs 

·     Start to introduce vitamin C orally and topically for strong healthy collagen formation 

·     Get your skin analysed and follow with a tailored skincare programme 

·     Introduce vitamin A orally and topically to help keep skin looking healthy (skin care expert to advise during pregnancy). 

·     Protect the skin from the sun at all times and use an antioxidant-based sunscreen. 

FORTIES - THE PERIMENOPAUSE

The lead up to the menopause can be a tricky time. Perimenopause is the phase before menopause actually takes place and normally lasts between 3 – 4 years. During this phase, hormone production begins to decline and fluctuate.

Declining oestrogen levels mean skin becomes thinner with more pronounced wrinkles such as those on the upper lip. Loss of collagen and elastin combined with reduced volume (subcutaneous fat) and bone shrinkage results in loss of structural integrity and the face literally sliding south. The severity of these symptoms will depend on UV exposure from childhood, genetics, lifestyle as well as medication which will each have an impact on the quality of skin.

The hormones that help regulate the sebaceous glands, such as oestrogen also start to decline, leading to stubborn breakouts or acne in some women. This is further aggravated by the slowing-down of the skins cell renewal process in more mature skin. As excess skin cells build up, blocked pores already clogged with sebum, are further irritated causing inflammation.

Steps to take

Balance from within
Look at your diet. Balance blood sugar levels with a combination of vegetables, wholegrains with lean protein foods including meat, fish, eggs, nuts, lentils and fibre. Cut down on caffeine, sugar and alcohol. Smoking is a no no.

Get physical
The decrease of hormonal levels means increased risk of osteoporosis so keep moving with daily exercise such as walking daily for at least 30 minutes. Building in weight bearing exercise is essential to help strengthen bones. Exercise is also great for beating depression and anxiety and boosting your libido.

Supplement your diet
Introduce a good multivitamin to ensure appropriate levels of magnesium, vitamin D to channel calcium to the core of the bones and ensure daily essential Omega 3 to help with dry skin, low mood and depression

FIFTIES - SKIN & THE MENOPAUSE

The menopause usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. It follows the perimenopause stage and is when menstrual periods stop and fertility ends. Menopause symptoms include hot flushes, insomnia, and weight gain, loss of sex drive, mood swings, depression and changes to the appearance of the skin. A rather irritating symptom is also unwanted facial hair. Some women often find hairs appearing on their chin or jaw line, which is caused by a drop in oestrogen and rise in testosterone levels. It is also during this time that women may opt for treatment to relieve some of the many symptoms of the menopause such as BHRT (Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

“Bio-identical hormones are exactly similar in molecular structure (i.e. identical) to the hormones that your ovaries and adrenal glands secrete into your bloodstream. They are produced in the laboratory from plants, usually yam or soya"
Dr Yehudi Gordon (Consultant Gynaecologist)

What are typical Menopause Skin Changes?

1. Change in fat deposits
Oestrogen deficiency during menopause causes a change in body composition with an increase in abdominal fat. This contributes to metabolic syndrome which increases the risk of cardiac disease and diabetes. Facial fat becomes thinner resulting in loss of volume.

2. Wrinkles
Wrinkles will become more prominent as your skin begins to sag and lose its elasticity.

3. Hyperpigmentation/Age Spots
Melanocytes, which are the cells that manufacture the pigment melanin, are also controlled by oestrogens. As menopause kicks in, melanocytes levels decline. As melanin decreases, areas of the skin become lighter and therefore more susceptible to sun damage.

4. Sun Damage
Years of sun exposure can result in solar lentigines. These brown 'age spots' may start to appear on the face, neck, hands, arms and chest. Age spots can look flat with a black, brown or even grey colour. However, often at times these age spots may have a similar appearance to some skin cancers. Therefore, as a precaution, if your client is concerned with very dark spots or spots that one that looks blotchy or are increasing in size, it is best to advise them to visit their GP.

5. Dry Skin
Dry skin happens as your skin ages because it fails to produce natural oils partly due to a decrease in hormone production. Seasonal changes also affect menopause skin changes. However, on the contrary, some women may experience oily skin with the decline in oestrogen.

Useful Tips for coping with the menopause

1. Use SPF cream with antioxidants – a winning combination for menopausal skin changes.

2. Eliminate scrubs, harsh cleansers and facial brushes which strip the skin of natural oils and disrupt the stratum corneum promoting transepidermal water loss.

3. Use a hydrating oil based cleanser that removes environmental pollutants from the skin whilst maintaining the natural acid balance of the skin.

4. Introduce key active ingredients such as vitamin A and C orally and topically, along with antioxidants to protect the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals. Vitamin A thickens the skin, whilst stimulating natural moisturising factors. Vitamin C will support collagen production and help generate healthy skin cells.

5. Introduce a good quality omega 3 and 6 supplement to compensate for the decline in oils and nutrients.

6. Supplement with bio-identical hormones which will reduce or eliminate the symptoms of the menopause. Combined with lifestyle and dietary changes this can mean staying vital, strong and healthy (physically and mentally) as we go through the menopause and beyond.

FIVE STEPS TO HORMONAL HAPPINESS BY DR YEHUDI GORDON, CONSULTANT GYNAECOLOGIST

1.                 Understand. Every cell in the body needs hormones to work optimally.

2.                 Nourish. Hormones cannot work in a stressed body – nutritious food, vitamins,   minerals, omega fish oils, vitamin D, sleep and exercise are like fertilised soil for the   hormones to do their job.

3.                 BHRT. Bio-identical hormones mimic the structure of your own hormones. They are   natural purified from plants and have not been manipulated for the purposes of   patent applications

4.                 Personalised. Your doctor will recommend a formula that is personally designed to   re-balance your hormone profile, depending on the results of a blood test.

5.                 Ageless. BHRT is beneficial during the peri -to post -menopause stages; it’s a myth   that once past menopause, women do not need hormones. Even 90 year old women   are using them.

For more information about how Ginger Tree can help you through the menopause and other hormonal skin conditions, contact Kathy on 01748 889350 or email salon@gingertreebeauty.co.uk

Scrap The Yearly Detox

The new year is finally here; I hope you have all had a great Christmas and New Years and enjoyed the fantastic food and drink that comes along with it.

However, the seasonal celebrations can often leave us feeling jaded and overindulged. So it is no surprise that the word Detox can sound appealing, especially with big companies pushing a plethora of Detox practices such as fasts and crash diets.

These can be detrimental to your fitness as the majority are extremely low calorie and primarily liquids, in turn, these type of diets can cause severe health risks such as vitamin deficiencies, muscle breakdown, irritability and headaches. Depriving your body of these essential vitamins and minerals can be bad news for your body, and can often cause more harm than good. 

Ok, I know what you are thinking, ‘So what should I do instead?’ Well if you keep an eye on my social media this month I will be posting some top tips on how to stay healthy this year, such as keeping active and introducing a digital detox. You may also want to have a look at some of the holistic treatments I have on offer at the salon.

What I hope you take away from my no-tox tips, is that there is no need to go to extremes and deprive your body in the pursuit of weight loss, instead simple lifestyle adjustments and taking time to show your mind and body some love can make all the difference! Have a happy, healthy January and let me know if you try any of my ditch the detox tips.

Uh oh! I’ve had a bit too much to drink and now my skin is suffering!!

Whilst many of us just enjoy the occasional social drink throughout the year, Christmas with all the parties and extra celebrations that take place, often mean that alcohol consumption increases and quite dramatically.

So why does alcohol have such a bad effect on our skin?

Alcohol is a major cause of free radical formation, vascular damage (i.e. broken capillaries and redness), dehydration and premature ageing. But why?

• Alcohol is toxic to the body and puts a strain on liver function (one function is to detoxify the body overnight) which can cause the skin to look sallow or even yellow
• Toxins in the body affect the immunology of the skin and its general metabolism is impaired
• This toxicity also causes inflammation which then increases free radical formation
• Alcohol is highly dehydrating which compromises the protective barrier on the surface of our skin, one result is the skin doesn’t naturally exfoliate, or desquamate to use the technical term, giving matt, dull, flaky, rough, grey colour and accentuating fine lines all over the skin’s surface.
• The loss of the protective barrier also leads to increased sensitivity and reactivity in the skin
• Which also contributes to the creation of vaso-dilation damage on the skin, as the surface blood vessels expand with alcohol leading to broken capillaries, particularly on the cheeks and nose area
• There is a known link between alcohol consumption and the development of acne rosacea, a persistent and difficult condition to treat and distressing to the individual
• A general blemished appearance and the skin will look puffy due to the tissue fluid leakage from dilated blood vessels
• Skin will be more photo sensitive, leaving the skin even more susceptible to UV Light damage, creating irregular pigmentation
• In general, the skin will be more easily irritated with permanent or fluctuating diffused redness
• Alcohol is a diuretic, so not only does it force more water out of the body, it also makes it difficult to rehydrate because alcohol hinders the production of the hormone Vasopressin and that’s the hormone that helps to reabsorb water
• It decreases the single most important Vitamin to the skin and super antioxidant – Vitamin A. Vitamin A is key for cell renewal and cell turnover. This is where we get our glowing skin from. A lack of Vitamin A means it’s harder to protect yourself from free radicals.
• The presence of sugar and salt in drink triggers the hormone IGF-1 which causes an over production of oil, again affecting the balance of the skin’s protective barrier
• Sugar leads to inflammation
• Salt leads to bloating and undereye bags

OK, doesn’t sound good does it? But, occasional excess is quickly repaired by rehydrating yourself.
So let’s think about how to minimise these and other effects during the party season……..

• Increase hydration levels by drinking water in between glasses of alcohol, so reducing the alcohol consumption and helping to offset the dehydrating quality of alcohol
• Eat while you drink as food will slow down the release of sugar
• Low intensity exercise can help clear the head after a party
• Walnuts are high in antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids. Antioxidants neutralise free radical damage caused by alcohol
• Eating Avocados which are high in dietary fibre and good cholesterol, help to keep liver damage at bay
• A supercharged apple and banana smoothie is classed a heart helper in a glass according to Men’s Health magazine and eating Tuna due to Vitamin D will help boost testosterone – alcohol does not improve your sex life!
• Drink wine, spritzers rather than hard spirits and avoid sugar laden mixers, use soda water or tonic instead. Red wine does contain antioxidants in called Polyphenols
• Dr Perricone suggests the following post indulgence routine;
• 10-12 ounces glass of water
• 1000 mg of Vitamin C
• 1200 mg of n-acetyl cysteine, an amino acid
• 100 mg of alpha lipoic acid, an antioxidant
• 1000 mg glutamine, an amino acid
• 500 mg of pantothenic acid, a B-complex capsule
• At Ginger Tree we stock the Advanced Nutrition Programme and would recommend Skin Vit C Plus, Skin Complete (Vit A & Antioxidants) and Glutamine
• Lastly, there is a homeopathic remedy called Nux-V and as a post party first aid rescue, a low dose can help clear the head and nausea. Available from Helios Homeopathic Pharmacy.

So you know what happens to your skin and you’ve got some tips to help you through the season…..everything in moderation.

Happy Christmas and a Wonderful New Year

Rose Clay and Rosehip Mask

Hello fans of real organic skincare, I’d just like to remind you that during a Pinks Facial we often use the Rose Clay and Rosehip Mask. Many of you already have a home routine using Pink Boutique, but I’m sure this is going to be another great addition to your home skincare.

For those of you who are unsure as to what makes this mask that little bit different, the Rose Clay and Rosehip Mask is a delicate moisturising mask for normal to dry and sensitive skin. It is a gentle, non-setting mask, handmade with sun dried rose clay from France. Having tried the mask myself, I am pleased to say it leaves the skin with a real glow, and I loved how healthy my skin looked afterwards.

The mask is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is easily applied with your fingers. It also has some lovely ingredients, such as Shea Butter and Sunflower seed oil, that helps to leave your skin soft, smoothed and plumped. It is also multipurpose as you can use it as a balm to treat your lips when it gets nippy this winter.

If you’re interested in the Rose Clay mask, or any of the other Pink Boutique products, they are all available from my online shop. Or, you could give me a call if you have any questions about the products. I’m always happy to help!

Why do we need antioxidants?

We hear the word Antioxidants a lot these day, but what exactly are Antioxidants and why do we need them?

An Antioxidant stops Oxidation. Some examples from every day of oxidation are when a freshly cut apple or avocado turns brown, a nail becomes rusty or a copper statue turns green.

Oxidation has created damage, by the formation of free radicals.  Free radicals are public enemy number 1 to the skin!  The technical name for free radicals is Reactive Oxygen Species – sounds even worse doesn’t it!!

The vast majority of skin damage, dysfunction, disease and premature ageing is caused by the activity of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms and need to be stopped in their tracks to limit their damage to healthy functioning cells.

How does a free radical develop?  A healthy oxygen atom becomes a free radical atom, when the healthy atom is agitated by an adverse energy source e.g. UV light, inflammation caused by pollution or stress. The agitated atom throws off one of its electrons to try and release the unwanted energy. So, the previously healthy atom is now missing an electron and gets even more agitated, the lost electron goes in search of another atom to join up to, that other atom in turn now has too many electrons and becomes agitated and throws off an electron and so on creating a chain reaction leading to Oxidative Stress and the oxygen molecules are now disfigured and cannot function properly.

Free radicals invade body cells, breaking through the membrane, negatively affecting the structures and function of the cell and deprive it of oxygen. If these free radicals damage the nucleus (“heart of the cell”), irregular cell reproduction will occur leading to irregular dysfunction in the skin, premature ageing and disorders and diseases of the skin, and if the DNA is changed, then cancerous change will occur.

Free radical damage to the skin occurs from exposure to UV light, pollution, stress, excessive exercise, poor diet, smoking, infra-red, x ray, alcohol, medication, inflammation, for example.

So, we need to neutralise the free radicals. All sounds very Star Trek! But it is of vital importance to our health. Because Oxidative Stress doesn’t just apply to our skin – but to all cells within the body.

Antioxidants neutralise free radicals. How do they do that?

An antioxidant will donate an electron without becoming a free radical itself.  Humans can’t manufacture antioxidants, we depend on their consumption through fruit and vegetables.  Many would say that it is difficult to obtain sufficient antioxidants these days as intensive farming and increased urbanisation has depleted our soil, while a more stressed society and processed foods depletes our digestive system’s capability.  Therefore, we are can’t provide our body with the essential nutrition required to counteract free radical activity. So this means we also need to think about supplementation.  And that’s a whole topic in itself.

We can also increase our Antioxidant usage by topical application to the skin. This is why you will see many products stating the word Antioxidant on the label. The quality of the antioxidant ingredients, their molecular size and therefore ability to be used by the skin’s cells all affect the efficacy of a topical product. And there are many sources of antioxidants so a product with a broad range of Antioxidants is best.

To quote Dr Des Fernandes, the founder of Environ skin care, plastic surgeon and skin cancer specialist, we need the Antioxidant Brigade!!

“This is the antioxidant network of the skin which comprises Glutathione, Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E and Alpha Lipoic Acid which recycle each component’s antioxidant activity. This is fortified by carotenoids and altogether, the network and carotenoids protect vitamin A in the skin.”

Another interesting fact is that whilst the use of SPF on a daily basis is vital, research is showing that the addition of antioxidants is even more effective than sunscreen alone, when protecting the skin from cancer.

Well by now, I hope you can see that Antioxidants are our natural protectors and vital to our overall health and healthy skin. So, here’s a few tips: 

• Base your diet on whole foods in forms of fresh fruit and vegetables and good quality proteins. 
• Minimise and ideally eliminate processed foods.
• Keep hydrated. The body and skin cells need water to do their work.

Key nutrients in your diet that help support high antioxidant activity are:

• Turmeric - containing the active ingredient curcumin. This spice is known, improving cognition and reducing the signs of ageing.
• Vitamin C - improves immune cell function (neutrophils & lymphocytes), reduces tiredness and fatigue, acting as a co factor for iron absorption and supports collagen formation.
• Vitamin D - appears to enhance immunity and inhibits the development of autoimmunity where the body turns on itself and destroys healthy tissue.

Take a look at your skincare. Is it giving your enough of the essential vitamins (A, C, D, E) needed for healthy skin?

Want to see Antioxidants at work on your skin? Book an Environ Active Vitamin Facial now and learn more.

Make sure to give me a call on 01748 889350 or send me an email at salon@gingertreebeauty.co.uk. 

Thank You,

Kathy x

Environs New Mobile Skincare Device

As a Bronze IIAA Salon, I’ve had an exclusive preview of the brand new Environ Electro-Sonic DF Mobile Skincare Device.

I know many of you have seen real change in your skin since using Environ homecare and having in-salon treatments, so I think you are going to love being able to maintain the effects at home with this new device!

The new device is a handheld version of the sonophoresis and iontophoresis treatment I have on offer in the salon. You will love the convenience of supporting your facials at home with Environ’s latest innovation in beauty technology.

The device itself works in the same way the larger model does by using electro-sonic technology to assist in delivering essential nutrients to where skin needs it most. This is a straight forward scientific device that has been tested in the Environ laboratories.

The product’s main launch is on February 1st, so it could make a great late Christmas treat or Valentines gift for yourself or a loved one. We are taking Pre-orders with a £30.00 deposit as we know on release this device will sell out fast.

Make sure to also look out for my video demonstration of the device coming soon.

Introducing the Electro-Sonic DF Mobile Device

Getting familiar with your DF Mobile Device

Our Favourite Stocking Fillers for Under £25!

One of our favourite things about Christmas is opening up a stocking filled with lovely treats. Whether it’s a gorgeous new shade of nail varnish or a pot of something lovely for our skin, we can’t help but feel a flutter of childlike excitement at what will be hidden at the bottom of our stocking each year.

Here are some of the treats we hope we will get this year, and we feel sure your loved one would like these too, best of all, they are all £25 and under!

First on our list is the new PureMoist Lipstick from Jane Iredale in shade ‘Gwen’. This is a stunning candy apple red and perfect for Christmas day kisses! The casing is gorgeous and glitzy too, everything a Christmas treat should be. 

£22

After slaving away in the kitchen over Christmas, our hands can always use a little TLC and we are willing to bet your loved ones could do with this too! Thank goodness for the Pinks Boutique Try Me Manicure Set. It has 5 mini products all designed to rejuvenate tired hands and leave them feeling silky smooth. It comes gorgeously packaged too, so there is no need to spend time wrapping! 

£20

Now as much as we love Christmas. There is no denying it can be ever so slightly stressful! We love the Remedies to Roll from Neal’s Yard and think they might just be the ultimate stocking filler. They are handy travel sized roll ons and are perfect to pop in your handbag for an on the go remedy! There are 5 roll ons to choose from, each with a unique blend of essential oils. Our top pic for Christmas would be the Relaxation Remedy, but there are roll ons for a quick energy boost, one to help you drift off to sleep and one to give you energy in the morning if you are suffering from ‘mulled-wine-flu’… 

£6.50

They say good things come in small packages and when it comes to the Neal’s Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm Mini Gift Set, we would have to agree! This comes in a gorgeous presentation box with glitzy details that scream Christmas.  This set is a mini version of the cult favourite beauty balm that leaves you with a glowing and radiant complexion.

£12.50

When we think of Christmas we think glitter! Glitter, glitter everywhere, including our makeup! That’s why we are crossing our fingers that this year Santa will be slipping the Limited-edition glitter lip trio from Jane Ireadle into our stocking. This trio has three easy to wear colours, there is a pale pink for during the day, a shimmery mocha for a bronzed-up glow and then a vibrant vampy red for Christmas parties. Best of all they are just £19.95 for all 3.

£19.95