Skin Conditions Archives

Acne Awareness Month – A message about Skin Confidence

As Acne Awareness Month comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect—not just on the visible signs of acne, but on the journey so many individuals go through behind the scenes. Acne isn’t just “a skin issue” or a matter of a few breakouts. For many, it’s a deeply emotional experience that can chip away at confidence, impact mental health, and create frustration when the journey to clear skin feels like a never-ending loop.

At my clinic, we see the real faces behind the statistics—people who’ve tried countless products, followed all the trends, and still find themselves struggling. That’s why I believe it’s so important to go beyond surface-level solutions and look at acne for what it truly is: a systemic condition influenced by a wide array of internal and external factors.

Acne Is Not Just Skin Deep

Acne is a complex inflammatory condition that arises from a combination of factors, including:

• Hormonal fluctuations (especially during puberty, menstruation, or stress)

• Excess oil (sebum) production

• Overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria (like C. acnes)

• Poor cell turnover leading to clogged pores

• Lifestyle choices, including diet, sleep, and stress levels

• Skin barrier health and microbiome imbalance

• Incorrect product use or overuse of harsh actives

Because of this multifactorial nature, acne must be approached holistically. It’s not about “quick fixes”—it’s about understanding your skin as an organ that reflects your internal balance, environment, and habits. And most importantly, it’s about identifying your unique acne triggers and tailoring a plan that addresses the root causes.

Skin Confidence Begins with Understanding

One of the hardest parts of living with acne is the emotional toll. It’s more than just marks on the skin—it’s the way you might avoid social situations, feel like hiding behind makeup, or become hyper-aware in front of a mirror.

But here’s the truth I wish more people knew: You can have active acne and still have healthy skin. Skin health is about more than perfection—it’s about barrier integrity, hydration, inflammation control, and feeling empowered in your skin, even during flare-ups.

This Acne Awareness Month, I want to highlight the importance of skin confidence—the belief that you are more than your breakouts. It’s about learning to care for your skin with patience and consistency, not punishment. It’s about being informed, supported, and guided through the process of healing, not just clearing.

Acne Management, Not Acne Erasure

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, successful acne treatment isn’t always about complete eradication—it’s about long-term management. Like any chronic or recurring condition, acne may ebb and flow. Your skin’s needs will evolve with age, lifestyle, and hormonal shifts. That’s why education and a tailored plan are crucial.

In my clinic, we focus on:

✅ Individualised skin assessments

✅ Barrier-supportive routines that strengthen, not strip

✅ Lifestyle and nutrition insights that promote internal balance

✅ Safe, effective treatments backed by science and clinical results

✅ Empowering our clients with knowledge and realistic expectations

Moving Forward With Compassion

As this awareness month comes to a close, I encourage you to carry forward what you’ve learned. Whether you’re just starting your skin journey or have been navigating acne for years, know this: You’re not alone, and you deserve support rooted in science and compassion.

Let’s shift the conversation around acne. Let’s normalise real skin. Let’s make space for healing—both physically and emotionally. And most of all, let’s continue to prioritise skin confidence, education, and holistic care.

If you’re ready to take that next step in your skin journey, I’m here to guide you. Book your consultation here.

Because clear skin isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey we take together.

The Acne Reset Programme – Your 6-Month Journey to Clearer, Healthier Skin

June is Acne Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to talk about a skin condition that affects millions—but is so often misunderstood, mistreated, or simply masked. At Re/Skin Clinic in Sheffield, we don’t believe in quick fixes or one-size-fits-all skincare. We specialise in problematic skin, and acne is something we see and successfully treat every single day.

That’s why we’re so excited to announce the launch of our brand-new Acne Reset Programme – a 6-month, all-inclusive program designed to transform not just your skin, but your relationship with it.

✨ Why We Created the Acne Reset Package

Acne is complex. It’s not just about blocked pores—it’s a condition influenced by hormones, gut health, diet, stress, and inflammation. Many of our clients come to us after trying multiple products or medications without lasting results.

They’re frustrated, overwhelmed, and often on the verge of giving up.

That’s where the Acne Reset Programme comes in. We’ve created this programme to offer a completely guided, holistic solution—one that combines expert-led treatments, professional skincare, targeted supplements, and most importantly, ongoing support.

🌱 What’s Included in the 6-Month Acne Reset Package?

This is not your typical “treatment package.” This is a skin transformation journey.

Here’s what you’ll receive:

1. In-Clinic Acne-Focused Treatments

Regular bespoke treatments tailored to your acne type, sensitivity, scarring, and skin condition. These may include a combination of our advanced modalities within the clinic —all designed to calm inflammation, restore skin balance, and support long-term healing.

2. Professional Skincare Regime

We provide the full skincare protocol you’ll need for the entire 6 months. Carefully curated to suit your skin’s specific needs, this eliminates the guesswork and ensures consistency in your routine.

3. Targeted Supplementation

Because internal imbalances often drive acne, we supply the nutritional support your skin needs. These may include supplements for gut health, liver support, hormonal balance, or anti-inflammatory purposes—all assessed and tailored to you.

4. FaceLite LED Home Device – Yours to Keep

This clinically proven LED device helps reduce acne-causing bacteria, calm redness, and accelerate healing—all from the comfort of your own home. It’s an essential part of your in-between treatment support, and a powerful tool for long-term maintenance.

5. Ongoing Support & Coaching

This is where the real magic happens. Throughout the 6 months, you’ll receive:

• Weekly check-ins for accountability and motivation

• Skin scans and progress reviews to track real changes in skin health

• Food and wellness tracking to identify triggers, reduce inflammation, and support healing from the inside out

💡 Who is This For?

If you’re struggling with:

• Hormonal breakouts

• Cystic or inflammatory acne

• Congested skin or persistent blackheads

• Post-acne scarring and pigmentation

• Overwhelmed by skincare advice that doesn’t work

… then the Acne Reset Programme is for you.

This programme is designed for people ready to commit to real, lasting skin change—not quick fixes, but sustainable results. We work with you every step of the way to rebuild your skin barrier, reduce breakouts, and give you the confidence to love your skin again.

💷 Investment in Your Skin Confidence

Everything is included—treatments, skincare, supplements, LED device, tracking tools, and expert care. There are no hidden costs, and no upsells—just real support from a team that understands your skin inside and out.

💬 Why Now?

Because you deserve to feel confident in your skin. Acne Awareness Month is the perfect time to take action, and we’re ready to help you get started.

There are limited places available for this programme to ensure every client gets the one-on-one support they need. If you’ve been waiting for the right time and real support, this is it.

⸻

📅 Book your consultation now to see if the Acne Reset Package is right for you.

📞 Call us on 0114 2362393

Expert care. Real skin transformations. Confidence from the inside out.

Skin Conditions 101 – Rosacea

Understanding what’s really going on beneath the redness.

Let’s talk about a condition that often goes undiagnosed, mislabelled as “sensitive skin,” and leaves people feeling embarrassed, confused, or frustrated: rosacea.

If you’ve noticed ongoing redness across your cheeks or nose, small visible veins, frequent flushing, or bumps that look a bit like acne—this one’s for you.

What Exactly is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that mostly affects the face, particularly the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It’s often confused with acne, sensitivity or even allergies—but it’s actually its own unique condition.

The key symptoms include:

• Persistent redness or flushing

• Visible capillaries (called telangiectasia)

• Bumps or pustules (rosacea can look like acne, but it isn’t)

• Burning, stinging or tightness

• Flare-ups triggered by heat, stress, skincare, food or alcohol

What Causes Rosacea?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but we do know it’s linked to:

• Vascular hyper-reactivity (your blood vessels are overly responsive)

• Inflammation in the skin and gut

• Compromised skin barrier function

• Genetics – it often runs in families

• Demodex mites – a type of skin mite that lives on your skin but may overpopulate in rosacea-prone skin causing inflammation.

Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene, and it’s not just surface redness—it’s a sign that your skin is reacting to internal and external triggers.

Common Rosacea Triggers

Understanding your triggers is key to reducing flare-ups. These vary from person to person, but common ones include:

• Hot drinks and spicy food

• Alcohol (especially red wine)

• Heat or sun exposure

• Intense exercise

• Stress or anxiety

• Overly active or fragranced skincare

If any of these seem familiar, your skin could be trying to tell you something.

The Problem With “Sensitive Skin” Labels

Many people with rosacea end up treating it as if it’s just sensitivity—using rich creams or barrier balms and skipping professional guidance. But here’s the thing: rosacea is not just sensitive skin—it’s inflamed, reactive skin that needs a tailored, calm but strategic approach.

Over-moisturising, scrubbing, or piling on thick products can actually make it worse.

How We Treat Rosacea in Clinic

There is no “one cream cures all” when it comes to rosacea—but we do have highly effective ways to manage and reduce it.

In clinic, we work to:

• Calm inflammation and strengthen your skin barrier

• Soothe blood vessel reactivity

• Minimise flare-ups and reduce redness over time

• Support internal triggers, such as gut and stress imbalance

Every plan is customised—because every rosacea case is different.

The Bottom Line? You’re Not Alone

Rosacea can be incredibly emotional to deal with, especially when flare-ups happen out of the blue or makeup just won’t sit right. But you are absolutely not alone—and more importantly, you don’t have to keep struggling on your own.

With the right knowledge, treatment, and support, rosacea can be calmed, controlled, and in many cases—almost invisible.

Let’s Create Your Calm Skin Plan

If you’re struggling with redness, sensitivity, flushing or unexplained skin flare-ups, book in for a consultation and let’s uncover what’s really going on.

We’ll create a personalised rosacea treatment plan that fits your skin, lifestyle and goals—because healthy skin is calm skin.

The Wellness Edit – The skin-gut connection

How Your Gut Health Shapes Your Skin
Did you know that your gut plays a powerful role in the health and appearance of your skin? Often referred to as your “second brain,” your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that impact digestion, immunity, and even your complexion. This is especially true for those with problematic skin, but the benefits of a healthy gut extend to everyone.

The Skin-Gut Connection:
• Clearer Skin: A balanced gut reduces inflammation that can trigger breakouts or redness.
• Radiance Boost: Improved gut health enhances nutrient absorption, giving your skin the building blocks it needs to glow.
• Stronger Barrier: A healthy microbiome supports your skin’s natural defenses, helping it stay hydrated and resilient.
• Calmer Complexion: Probiotics soothe the gut-skin axis, reducing flare-ups in sensitive or reactive skin.
>Advanced Nutrition Programme: Probiotics for Your Skin and Gut
Our go-to solution for enhancing skin and gut health is the Advanced Nutrition Programme’s probiotic supplements, scientifically formulated to nurture the gut-skin connection from within.

Here’s what we recommend:
1. Skin Clear Biome: Ideal for problematic skin, this probiotic blend is specially designed to target congestion, oiliness, and breakouts. Its unique mix of bacteria, zinc, and antioxidants calms inflammation, regulates oil production, and promotes clearer, smoother skin.
2. Skin Youth Biome: Perfect for aging or stressed skin, this advanced formula supports collagen production, hydration, and elasticity. With beneficial bacteria and vitamin C, it reduces fine lines, boosts radiance, and helps you glow from the inside out.

NEW Skin Gut Biome Duo: The ultimate all-in-one solution for your skin and gut. This innovative duo pairs Skin Clear Biome and Skin Youth Biome. Offering targeted benefits for both problematic and aging skin, while delivering powerful gut health support. It’s a comprehensive, convenient approach to vibrant skin and overall wellness.

Take the First Step Toward Skin Confidence
Gut health directly impacts the skin, but by improving your gut health, you can achieve lasting results for your skin and body. These supplements are an effortless addition to your daily routine, and with consistent use, you’ll notice a calmer, clearer, and more radiant complexion.

Ready to Transform Your Skin From Within?
Discover the Advanced Nutrition Programme’s probiotics today and experience the benefits of true inside-out skincare.

Coming Soon: Our Next Wellness Edit
Stay tuned as we continue our wellness journey. In the next instalment, we’ll explore stress and its impact on skin health, plus share ways to manage stress for a calmer mind and glowing skin.

Here’s to healthy skin, happy guts, and radiant confidence! If you feel like your gut health is having an impact on your skin, book your skin consultation here and we can help.

The Wellness Edit – The Gut

How Your Gut Health Shapes Your Skin
Did you know that your gut plays a powerful role in the health and appearance of your skin? Often referred to as your “second brain,” your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that impact digestion, immunity, and even your complexion. This is especially true for those with problematic skin, but the benefits of a healthy gut extend to everyone.

When your gut microbiome (the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut) is out of sync, it can lead to inflammation, breakouts, and dullness. But by nourishing your gut with probiotics, you can unlock a healthier, more radiant complexion.
The Skin-Gut Connection:
• Clearer Skin: A balanced gut reduces inflammation that can trigger breakouts or redness.
• Radiance Boost: Improved gut health enhances nutrient absorption, giving your skin the building blocks it needs to glow.
• Stronger Barrier: A healthy microbiome supports your skin’s natural defenses, helping it stay hydrated and resilient.
• Calmer Complexion: Probiotics soothe the gut-skin axis, reducing flare-ups in sensitive or reactive skin.
Advanced Nutrition Programme: Probiotics for Your Skin and Gut
Our go-to solution for enhancing skin and gut health is the Advanced Nutrition Programme’s probiotic supplements, scientifically formulated to nurture the gut-skin connection from within.

Here’s what we recommend:
1. Skin Clear Biome: Ideal for problematic skin, this probiotic blend is specially designed to target congestion, oiliness, and breakouts. Its unique mix of bacteria, zinc, and antioxidants calms inflammation, regulates oil production, and promotes clearer, smoother skin.
2. Skin Youth Biome: Perfect for aging or stressed skin, this advanced formula supports collagen production, hydration, and elasticity. With beneficial bacteria and vitamin C, it reduces fine lines, boosts radiance, and helps you glow from the inside out.

3. NEW Skin Gut Biome Duo: The ultimate all-in-one solution for your skin and gut. This innovative duo pairs Skin Clear Biome and Skin Youth Biome, offering targeted benefits for both problematic and aging skin, while delivering powerful gut health support. It’s a comprehensive, convenient approach to vibrant skin and overall wellness.

Take the First Step Toward Skin Confidence
By improving your gut health, you can achieve lasting results for your skin and body. These supplements are an effortless addition to your daily routine, and with consistent use, you’ll notice a calmer, clearer, and more radiant complexion.

Ready to Transform Your Skin From Within?
Book a skin consultation here and discover how the Advanced Nutrition Programme’s probiotics can help your skin today, experience the benefits of true inside-out skincare.

Coming Soon: Our Next Wellness Edit
Stay tuned as we continue our wellness journey. In the next instalment, we’ll explore stress and its impact on skin health, plus share ways to manage stress for a calmer mind and glowing skin.

Here’s to healthy skin, happy guts, and radiant confidence!

Collagen Banking: How to Invest in Your Skin’s Future

Collagen is the unsung hero of youthful, healthy skin. Often referred to as the “building block” of our skin, collagen is a structural protein that provides firmness, elasticity, and strength. However, starting in our mid-20s, our body’s natural collagen production begins to decline, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of that coveted youthful glow. This is where the concept of collagen banking comes in—a proactive approach to preserving and boosting collagen levels to keep your skin looking its best for years to come.

In this blog, I’ll explore three key strategies to “bank” collagen effectively: skincare, treatments, and lifestyle.

1. Skincare: Building Your Collagen Portfolio

Your daily skincare routine plays a foundational role in collagen preservation and production. Here are some essential steps and products to include:

a. Sunscreen: Your Anti-Collagen Loss Shield

UV radiation is the leading cause of collagen degradation. Wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day—yes, even on cloudy days or indoors near windows—protects your skin from collagen-damaging UVA and UVB rays.

b. Topical Retinols: Collagen Stimulators

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production. Over time, regular use of retinol can improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and boost elasticity.

c. Vitamin C: The Collagen Guardian

Vitamin C serums are powerful antioxidants that not only protect existing collagen from oxidative damage but also play a critical role in collagen synthesis. Apply it in the morning for added protection against environmental stressors.

d. Peptides: Collagen Boosters

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal your skin to produce more collagen. Incorporating peptide-rich creams or serums can be a game-changer for maintaining skin resilience.

e. Hydration: Supportive Care

Proper hydration, through hyaluronic acid serums and moisturisers, supports the collagen matrix, preventing the skin from looking thin or dehydrated.

2. Treatments: Supercharging Your Collagen Reserves

Professional treatments can provide a more targeted and intensive boost to your collagen levels. These procedures work by stimulating the skin’s natural repair processes or delivering active ingredients deep into the dermis. Here are some of the most effective collagen-enhancing treatments:

a. Microneedling

Microneedling involves the use of tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s natural wound-healing process and stimulating collagen production. When combined with serums like growth factors or PRP (platelet-rich plasma), the results can be even more impressive.

b. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

While primarily known for targeting pigmentation and redness, IPL treatments also stimulate collagen production by heating the deeper layers of the skin. The result is smoother, firmer skin with improved texture and tone over time.

c. Radiofrequency

Treatments like Radiofrequency use heat to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production deep within the dermis. These are particularly effective for lifting and firming sagging areas.

d. Exosomes

Exosomes are tiny, cell-derived messengers packed with growth factors and regenerative molecules. When applied with treatments such as microneedling, they supercharge the skins healing process and significantly boost collagen production, leading to faster, more dramatic results.

3. Lifestyle: Daily Habits for Long-Term Gains

What you do outside the treatment room is just as important as the skincare products you use or the treatments you undergo. Your lifestyle choices can significantly influence your body’s ability to produce and maintain collagen.

a. Nutrition: Feeding Your Collagen Factory
• Protein-Rich Foods: Collagen is made of amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which you can find in lean meats, fish, eggs, and bone broth.
• Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries help boost collagen synthesis.
• Zinc and Copper: Found in shellfish, nuts, and seeds, these minerals are crucial for collagen production.
• Antioxidants: Leafy greens, berries, and green tea combat oxidative stress, protecting collagen stores.

b. Supplements: Bridging the Gap

Hydrolyzed collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin elasticity and hydration while supporting the body’s natural collagen synthesis. Look for products with added vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for maximum benefit.

c. Stress Management: Protect Your Collagen Reserves

Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can break down collagen over time. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, and regular exercise help keep stress in check.

d. Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption accelerate collagen breakdown by increasing oxidative stress and reducing blood flow to the skin.

e. Sleep: Repair and Replenish

Collagen production peaks during deep sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, and consider using a silk pillowcase to minimize friction and prevent skin creasing.

Why Start Collagen Banking Early?

Think of collagen banking as an investment in your future skin health. The earlier you start, the more reserves you’ll have to draw on as natural production slows with age. Even if you’re already seeing signs of aging, it’s never too late to adopt these strategies and boost your collagen levels.

Conclusion

Collagen banking is a holistic approach that combines skincare, professional treatments, and healthy lifestyle choices to preserve and enhance your skin’s natural strength and elasticity. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you’re not just fighting the visible signs of aging—you’re proactively ensuring that your skin remains vibrant, youthful, and resilient for years to come.

Ready to start your collagen banking journey? Contact us today for a personalised consultation, and let’s build your skin’s future together! Book your consultation here

Case Study: Treating Acne – A skin Transformation!

Our lovely client came to us with persistent adult acne, a struggle she had faced since her teenage years. Despite trying various products and treatments, she felt like nothing made a noticeable difference. Feeling frustrated and at a loss for solutions, she decided to seek professional help.

Now, three years later, her skin has undergone a remarkable transformation!

Through a tailored combination of reparative treatments, targeted therapies, and a consistent, personalised skincare regimen, we were able to clear her skin and restore her natural glow. Today, her complexion is nearly flawless, with only the occasional hormonal breakout—a far cry from where she started.

The Journey:
– Initial Concerns: Severe adult acne, persistent breakouts, and ongoing skin irritation.
– Our Approach:
– Customised repair treatments to address underlying skin damage.
– Acne-targeted treatments to reduce active breakouts and prevent new ones.
– A personalised, consistent at-home skincare routine to maintain results and promote long-term skin health

Results:
– Clear, glowing skin with minimal breakouts.
– Reduced scarring and evened-out skin tone.
– Restored skin confidence!

Adult acne can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it feels like nothing works. But as this client’s journey shows, with the right treatment plan and expert care, clear, healthy skin is possible!

The Ultimate Guide to Teen Skincare: Expert tips for Healthy, Confident Skin

The obsession with skincare amongst teens definitely signifies a shift where self-care and appearance are being valued higher than ever before. Social media platforms have a lot to play in this with influencers constantly promoting skincare making it seem more and more accessible.
There is both a positive and negative impact of this trend, the increased awareness about skincare is great, as getting into good habits early will really future-proof the skin. However, there seems to be a pressure to have the ‘perfect’ skin, and thus teen are adopting complex skincare regimes with a view to achieve the unachievable, and very often damaging their skin in the process.

What a Teens skincare routine should look like
A teens skincare routine should be simple yet effective, there are many teenagers now being led by social media and introducing multiple unnecessary products into their regime.

The focus should be skin health maintenance, and preventing issues like acne without overloading or striping the skin.

Generally a teens skincare regime should consist of a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. All formulated for their specific skin type and condition. If they are dealing with a skin condition such as acne then a specific treatment product may be introduced, but always get advice. It’s when the teens start guessing or following TikTok trends that things can get messy.

A skincare routine should be followed both morning and night, to both remove any impurities, pollution, and makeup from the day, and to remove sweat and waste products that are secreted from the skin at night.

Managing Oily or Acne-prone skin
Oily and acne skins need to firstly ascertain their skin type, acne can affect dry skins also, so using products that are designed for an acne skin can very often dry the skin out, exacerbating the condition.
If the skin is oily then look for a gentle salicylic cleanser that can be alternated with a normal cleanser so not to over treat the skin. Non-comedogenic products will help reduce the potential of breakouts from a certain product. Clay masks are also great for absorbing excess oil and purifying the skin.

What Products Should Teenagers Avoid
Products teenagers should avoid are the high-concentration retinoids, especially the prescription strength as these can be far too harsh for their skins. Physical exfoliants are also a no-no, these are very often used too aggressively and can really damage the skin causing micro-tears in the epidermis. A mild chemical exfoliant, like lactic acid and salicylic are better.
Alcohol based toners, can give that squeaky clean feel to the skin I know many teens are looking for, however this is just an indication that the skin has been stripped of its natural oils, and this can lead to further breakouts.

Must-Have School Skincare Staples
Some school staples in terms of skincare are, a good compact SPF to reapply throughout those bright sunny days, even in winter. Blotting papers are great for absorbing excess oils and taking the shine away, as well as a spot treatment that can be applied to any blemishes whilst at school. If a teen is dealing with dry skin, then a moisturising or hydrating mist to give a little relief through the day is also beneficial.

What Should Parents do if Their Teen Has Severe Acne
For any parents dealing with a teenager with severe acne it’s imperative to seek professional advice. Severe acne not only a medical condition, but can very often be treated differently on different people. In many cases it’s a case of management rather than clearing it up altogether.
Taking a proactive but supportive approach to help their teen manage the condition, can improve both their skin and emotional well-being.

Here at re/skin we see many Teens, we focus on educating them on why their skin is behaving this way, put them on a simple but effective skincare regime and if necessary see them regularly for treatments to further manage their skin.

If you have or are a Teen looking for help with your skin, our Teen facials are for you. Your first treatment will last around 1.5 hour and you will receive a full size cleanser to take away with you to get you on the road to healthier skin. You can book your appointment here or drop us an email with any questions you may have, we are dedicated to ‘changing lives one skin at a time’ and would love to help you with yours!

Skin Diagnostics – A Balanced Perspective

In the ever evolving world of skincare, staying ahead with innovative solutions is crucial. Boots, a leading pharmacy chain, has recently launched a skin condition diagnostic app that promises to revolutionise how we approach skin health. Although this app offers some advantages in terms of ease and accessibility, it also comes with some drawbacks.

Our founder Rebecca explores both sides to give a balanced perspective on whether this is right for you and your skin concerns.

Benefits

Quick and convenient. This first thing that does stand out about the app is its efficiency. Users can quickly assess their skin condition with convenience, great for those with busy schedules.

User-Friendly. Deigned with simplicity in mind, it is user friendly and easy to navigate.

Affordable. Cost can very often be a barrier to seeking professional advice. This is a cheap alternative to traditional dermatological consultations making it accessible to everyone.

Professional collaboration. A strong point is its partnership with medical professionals. This ensures the advice and guidance is based on medical knowledge and protocols.

Discreet and private. For many discussing their skin conditions can be an uncomfortable experience. The app offers a discreet way to seek advice, which can be beneficial for those that feel embarrassed about their skin issues.

The Drawbacks

A lack of comprehensive questioning. While the app provides quick assessments, it falls short of gathering detailed information about the users family history, diet, and lifestyle factors. These elements are all crucial in understanding and diagnosing skin conditions accurately, and this omission can lead to incomplete assessments that can be the key to treating a condition successfully.

A focus on medication. Another significant limitation is the app’s apparent focus on prescriptive medication as the primary treatment option. While medication can be effective, it’ not suitable for everyone and for all conditions. Not all individuals want to go down the medical route, by not offering a broader range of treatment suggestions the app may alienate users would would rather seek alternatives.

Conclusion

Here at re/skin our consultations last around 1 hour, this allows a comprehensive approach, taking into account all factors that can impact the skin. By spending this time with our clients at the beginning allows us to not only get to know our clients and how they feel about their skin, but to build a trusting relationship that really is the foundation of getting great results.

In the world of skincare, no single solution works for everyone, it’s not a one size fits all. We need the time to navigate the whole picture when it comes to skin health, this can’t be done with just a photo and a few generalised questions.

It’s about finding the right tools and resources that suit your individual needs, and yes, this app will be right for some people that are seeking a quick, convenient and affordable way to get professional advice. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations and seek other professional services when necessary, especially as the evidence for a holistic approach to skin health becomes more and more apparent in this fast paced industry.

As always, re/skin is here to support you in navigating these options to achieving the healthiest skin possible. If you would like to explore our options or book your skin health consultation then please either give the clinic a call on 0114 236 2393 or book online here.

The Impact of Stress on your Skin – Understanding the Connection

In our fast-paced world, stress has become an unavoidable part of daily life for many of us. From work pressures to personal challenges, stress can take a toll not just on our mental well-being but also on our skin.

Our founder Rebecca Elsdon recently contributed to an article in a leading industry magazine Professional Beauty, on the connection of stress and stress related skin conditions. Read here.

Understanding how stress affects the skin is crucial for maintaining healthy, glowing skin and overall well-being.

Here are several ways in which stress can affect the skin:

1. Increased Sensitivity and Irritation: Stress triggers the release of cortisol and other stress hormones, which can make the skin more reactive and sensitive. This can lead to increased redness, irritation, and discomfort.

2. Acne Breakouts: Stress can exacerbate acne by stimulating the production of sebum (skin oil) and inflammation. This can result in more frequent and severe breakouts, especially for individuals prone to acne.

3. Accelerated Ageing: Chronic stress can accelerate the ageing process of the skin. It can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin elasticity and firmness. This may result in wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin appearing earlier.

4. Impaired Skin Barrier Function: Stress can compromise the skin’s natural barrier function, making it more susceptible to moisture loss and environmental irritants. This can lead to dryness, flakiness, and a weakened ability to protect against pollutants and pathogens.

5. Delayed Wound Healing: Stress can interfere with the body’s ability to heal wounds and skin injuries efficiently. This can manifest as slower recovery from cuts, bruises, or other skin trauma.

6. Skin Conditions Flare-ups: For individuals with existing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, stress can trigger flare-ups or worsen existing symptoms due to immune system deregulation and increased inflammation.

7. Hair and Nail Problems: Stress can also impact hair and nails. It may lead to hair loss, thinning, or dullness, as well as brittle nails.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can help mitigate its impact on the skin. Additionally, establishing a skincare routine that includes gentle products suitable for sensitive or stressed skin can provide relief and support skin health during stressful periods.

The impact that stress can have on health and appearance is significant. By managing stress effectively through lifestyle changes and self care practices, we can safeguard our skins health and radiance.

Remember taking care of your metal wellbeing is just as important as caring for your skin. It’s an holistic approach that benefits both body and mind.

So, next time you feel stressed, prioritise self-care and give your skin the love and attention it deserves!

If you are ready to give your skin some love, then why not book in a consultation to start your skincare-selfcare journey. On Saturday 18th May we are holding a Skin Discovery Day where we are offering complimentary mini consultations. Book here

Read the Professional Beauty article here