Category: Skin Health

Skin Diagnostics – A Balanced Perspective

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

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

Is Beauty Sleep Really a Thing?

Is Beauty Sleep Really a Thing?

 

Good sleeping habits are essential to maintain skin health.  Our skin is a renewing organ so it needs the time and rest for this to be done effectively. Lots of cellular functions happen at night and it’s a time when our skin repairs the damage that has occurred  throughout the day. Lack of sleep will cause the skin to become sluggish, increase in inflammation and a decrease in collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production eventually resulting in lines appearing and a loss of tone and volume. 

It's important to maintain a good, consistent sleep pattern of around 8 hours per night, this will benefit overall health and in turn your skin too. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol before bed as these can interrupt sleep patterns. 

Always remove your makeup before bed and change your pillowcase regularly, this reduces the chances of bacteria or blocked pores causing congestion. A silk pillow case can really benefit the skin reducing the friction and pressure reducing the risk of lines appearing. Side sleeping can also lead to lines and wrinkles forming so where possible sleep on your back. 

Avoid having the heating or air conditioning on too high as this can cause a dry atmosphere reducing hydration levels within the skin, sleeping with a humidifier in the bedroom is great for ensuring you wake up with hydrated, plump skin. 

Ready to take the next step towards healthier, radiant skin? Schedule your personalised consultation today and let's embark on your journey to skin confidence together. Don't wait any longer to love the skin you are in - contact us today!

 

 

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

The month of May is Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month, and as you can imagine this is always on our radar here at re/skin. Not only do we harp on about the effects of sun in regard to skin functioning and ageing but there is, as I am sure you are already aware a more serious risk to the skin from sun exposure.

85% of melanoma cases are caused by UV exposure.

If you have had a blistering sunburn or just five regular sunburns your risk more than doubles.

Our skin is a regenerating organ which means our skin cells continually reproduce, grow and divide, then shed to become house dust!

Sometimes our cell’s DNA become damaged, this is called a mutation. Because our cells reproduce by mitosis, where replica cells are formed, these mutations are passed onto the new cells that follow. This causes the mutations to spread and proliferate and can eventually lead to skin cancers.

UV rays are responsible for many of the mutations to skin cell DNA, so a good sun protection regime is vital to prevent this. Its important to protect your skin every single day throughout your life, and to avoid over exposure such as laying in the midday sun whilst on holiday or using sunbeds. In fact using a sunbed is 3 times more dangerous than sitting in the natural sun.

When using sun protection it Is important to look for a broad spectrum protection, meaning it filters both UVA and UVB rays. Some sunscreens will just contain UVB filters.

These days many sunscreens will also protect against blue light, this light is also detrimental to the skin and not just emitted by our devices, it comes from the sun too!

Here at re/skin clinic in Sheffield we know how hard it can be to find a sunscreen that you love, and yes, you need to love it or there will be days you just wont apply. That’s why we have over 20 options on our shelves! Do you need helping finding the perfect one??

Drop us an email and we can help you.

What Is Blue Light and How Can It Affect Your Skin?

What Is Blue Light and How Can It Affect Your Skin?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum, meaning you can see it. It has a short wavelength, which means it has lots of energy and can create oxidative stress.

IN THIS HIGH-TECH WORLD WE NOW LIVE IN, THE SUBJECT OF BLUE LIGHT IS TALKED ABOUT MORE AND MORE. BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT OUR DEVICES ARE NOT THE ONLY SOURCE OF BLUE LIGHT? WE ALSO GET IT FROM THE SUN. IN FACT, UP TO 30% of the rays from the sun are actually blue light.

So team this with sitting at your laptop or scrolling your phone for hours, and we would get a pretty continuous dose of blue light all day long. 

The Effects Of Blue Light

Although it is visible to the human eye, it can have negative effects on our overall health and well-being. 

The effects of accumulative blue light on the skin can cause: 

  • free radicals 
  • inflammation 
  • skin cell damage 
  • damage to the important lipid bilayer that gives our skin its strong barrier
  • increased redness
  • pigmentation 
  • dryness 
  • loss of elasticity and collagen 
  • increase in inflammatory conditions
  • premature ageing

What Can We Do To Prevent This?

So what do we need to do to protect our precious skin cells from this damaging light? 

First and foremost, a sunscreen, but opt for one with a blue light filter too. This is sometimes referred to as an HEV filter, and many of the innovative sun care brands will include this now. 

We need antioxidants and lots of them. So, look at including them in your diet as well as skincare so we are feeding them in from all angles. 

And be conscious of the time spent in front of your screens. If it’s unnecessary, put them down, slap on the sunscreen, and go for a walk. 

We have also had a recent new product launch at re skin in Sheffield. This is a brand new supplement from the Advanced nutrition program and has been designed to not only protect from the effects of blue light but also repair the damage caused. 

Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, helps to inhibit pigmentation and also reduces the breakdown of collagen. 

The research results showed that this new supplement gave a 60% increase in protection from this light. As well as a; 19% decrease in redness, a 17% improvement in hydration and a 15% increase in skin smoothness. This was just by taking 1 of these tablets per day for 8 weeks. 

Conclusion

If you are concerned with any of the skin conditions mentioned or spend a lot of time outside or in front of a device, this is definitely a must to introduce to your skin regime.

Get in touch with us today if you have any more questions on skin care, or take a look at our products and start your journey to perfect skin. 

New Year, New Skin: 5 Skin Habits to Adopt in 2023

New Year, New Skin: 5 Skin Habits to Adopt in 2023

Skin Habits For 2023

Here are my 5 skin habits I would recommend implementing in 2023.

Know your skin is individual

Every person’s skin is unique, and it is important to understand this when it comes to skincare. Don’t always go on the advice of what has worked for a friend, even if their skin may be presenting with the same condition as yours. What works for them may not work for you, as their skin may have different needs and react differently to different products.

It’s essential to take into account factors such as skin type, skin concerns, age, and lifestyle when choosing skincare products. A skin specialist in Sheffield that can provide you with a personalised skincare plan that considers all of these factors. By understanding that your skin is individual and taking the time to find the right products and treatments for you, you will be able to achieve your best skin yet.

Feed your skin from within

Skin health starts from within, and it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to support your skin. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial to provide your skin with the necessary nutrients to maintain its health. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can help protect your skin from harmful free radicals and keep it looking youthful. Drinking plenty of water is also important, as it helps to hydrate the skin from within and maintain its elasticity.

See a professional

It’s time to take control of your skin and get to know it from a professional viewpoint. By visiting a skin clinic or dermatologist, you will be able to get a comprehensive assessment of your skin, including an analysis of your skin type, skin concerns, and any underlying issues. This will give you a better understanding of what your skin needs and what products and treatments will be most effective for you.

Be consistent

It’s important to remember that your skin is a renewing organ, constantly shedding dead skin cells and regenerating new ones. While topical products and treatments can be effective, using them for a short period of time will not give you long-term results. It’s essential to be consistent and persistent with your skincare routine to see the best results.

Consistency means using your products every day, following the recommended application frequency, and giving them the time to work. The skin takes time to renew and regenerate, so it may take several weeks to see the full effects of a product. It’s also essential to be consistent with your skincare routine and not skip days or miss applications, as this can undermine the effectiveness of the products.

Simplify your skincare regime.

Having a simple and streamlined skincare routine is key to achieving healthy and radiant skin. There’s a common misconception that more products equal better results, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, overloading your skin with too many products can cause irritation, dryness, and breakouts.

Instead, focus on a select few products that are recommended for your skin type and concerns. If you have dry skin, opt for a nourishing moisturiser and serum that contains hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. If you have acne-prone skin, look for products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which are known to unclog pores and reduce breakouts.

Conclusion: Skin Habits

In conclusion, you now know the best strategies to implement to ensure your skin looks its best. Get in touch with us today if you have questions about getting your skin to top standards. 

Solving Skin Theories: Is Veganuary good for The Skin?

Solving Skin Theories: Is Veganuary good for The Skin?

Is Veganuary good for the skin?

Our question today: Is veganuary good for the skin? It’s that time of year again when we have all overindulged over the festive period and are craving some goodness. Many of us turn to a plant-based diet for January, otherwise known as ‘Veganuary’! So how can this diet change impact the skin? It`s time to discuss another skin theory to ensure you are aware of the best options for you and your skin.

The negative effects of being vegan

A vegan diet is rich in anti-inflammatory foods. And when we cut down on

processed meat, it means we are getting less saturated fats and sugars. This can improve the overall appearance of the complexion and boost radiance. 

A vegan diet can also slow down premature ageing. As we age, our telomeres shorten, and diet can be one of the factors that contribute to this. Introducing a plant-based diet will help to support and strengthen our skin cells at the core, helping them to age much slower.

The negative effects of being vegan

There are some side effects; however, these can be easily managed. A vegan diet would naturally receive less Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin b12. But this can be overcome by ensuring we have a high level of omega-rich foods such as avocados and walnuts and for your vitamin b12 foods designed to be fortified with b12, such as cereals and some soy products. 

It can also be common when converting to a vegan diet that the skin breakouts. Initially, removing animal and dairy products from your diet can temporarily shift hormone levels until things worsen. Going from meat and dairy eating to removing all animal products can lead to a B12, Zinc and vitamin A deficiency which regulates our cell behaviour.

As already mentioned, if you look for foods fortified with these nutrients, that should help replace what is lost through the meat diet. And like all foods in the food industry, there will be processed vegan options that won’t be as beneficial to the skin and body.

Conclusion

If you have recently moved over to a plant-based diet and are having issues with your skin, then get in touch with our skin clinic in Sheffield. It may be a case of tweaking your skincare regime to suit your new lifestyle and regain that balance once again. We work on skincare in Sheffield to ensure you get the best results possible for your skin.

How To Improve The Skin Around Your Eyes: My 3 Top Tips

How To Improve The Skin Around Your Eyes: My 3 Top Tips

How To Improve The Skin Around Your Eyes

Today I am talking about the area that is often a topic of conversation in the clinic and very often an area of concern for many people. 

The eye area. 

The skin around the eyes is noticeably thinner than the rest of the face. It’s delicate, refined and actually can be as thin as 0.5mm. It’s where we tend to have a lot of expressions, so when we smile, frown, and squint, we tend to create lines around this area. 

As we age, we obviously get that collagen breakdown, the quality of our collagen isn’t as good, and these lines eventually become lines of rest. 

As well as the rest of the face, the eye area is exposed to UV daily. 

The following are my top tips for treating and protecting this area:

1 Always Wear Sunscreen 

With many old sunscreens, you typically can’t apply them right up to the eye. However, more modern sunscreens make it possible for you to apply them over the eyelids to ensure that area is nicely protected. It’s also a great idea to wear sunglasses when possible, which will give you that extra protection. 

The sun is one of the main factors in ageing on the skin, so it’s essential to use sunscreen to prevent this ageing from occurring.

2 Use Products Specifically Formulated For This Area

Compared to the rest of the face, the region around the eyes has a highly distinctive skin type. As a result, the treatment of this region requires the use of distinct formulations and active ingredients in order to avoid causing any unwanted damage or discomfort. 

This means you need the invest in products which are suitable for the eyes, which will prevent the look of ageing from around the eyes.

3 Massage The Areas Around Your Eyes

This area, especially the under the eye, can be very immobile; therefore, we get a slower circulation here, which can cause a buildup of fluid and darkness under the eyes. 

Giving this area under the eyes a light, gentle massage every day is always advisable. Doing it in the morning can really wake those eyes up and help stimulate that circulation and lymphatic system, helping drain away any fluid that may build up in that area.

Conclusion: How To Improve The Skin Around Your Eyes

Following the three tips above, you can keep the skin around your eyes protected and looking its best. 

One last thing, we have an exciting new treatment launching next week. You will find all about it in next Friday’s email. 

We can specifically target this area as well as the neck, which is also very delicate. Myself and Kayleigh did our training on Wednesday this week, and immediately waking up the next day, my eyes looked better. They felt less hollow on the under-eye area and not as dark. 

I tend to be quite vascular under there, so can look darker or almost take on a blue tone. I always have to wear concealer in this area. 

Thursday morning, waking up, I just didn’t need quite as much. 

If you want more helpful information to improve the look of your skin, subscribe to our mailing list by clicking here.

If anyone is interested in this procedure, or any other type of procedure, contact us here. 

My Top Picks To Go With My Top Tips

My Top Picks To Go With My Top Tips

Want to know 3 top products to improve
your skin?

Let’s admit it! We would all like to have beautiful skin. But there are occasions when we might not be sure which products would be best for our skin or even which adjustments would be most beneficial. This week, Rebecca from ReSkin Clinic will share with you some of her favourite products that might assist you in following the suggestions and leave you achieving fantastic skin.

Dermaviduals Cleansing Milk

(If you know, you know) I am completely in love with this cleanser! Most of my customers will agree that this is the best cleaner I have ever had the opportunity to keep in stock. The DMS cleansing milk is gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive skins. Because it has a dermal membrane structure, it is skin-identical. There is not a single ingredient in this cleanser that the
skin cannot recognise, and there is also nothing that can disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier. Remove impurities and makeup, including mascara, in a manner that is extraordinarily delicate but still highly efficient. Do not pass up the opportunity to cleanse with anything like this. It fulfils all the requirements one would have for an effective cleanser.

Dermaviduals Enzyme Skin Renewal

Another best seller! The very outermost layer of the skin can be gently sloughed off with the help of this enzyme powder. It loosens and eliminates any skin cells lingering around a bit longer than they should be, but it leaves the rest of the skin cells alone, ensuring that the barrier is maintained in a healthy and robust state. It works wonders on under-the-skin bumps that won’t go away for people with sensitive skin and those with other skin types. This is the product for you if you want your skin to have a clear and smooth appearance.

AlumierMD Moisture Matte Sunscreen

I usually say products can’t multitask, but this one can. On the one hand, it is an excellent broad-spectrum sunscreen with antioxidants, providing essential protection against the sun. On the other hand, the antioxidants give it an additional anti-ageing kick. And the other, it’s a basis for everything! Therefore, using this product will allow you to maintain the colour and coverage of your makeup while keeping it in place. It’s possible that you won’t ever need to buy another foundation again! This product can help prevent premature ageing of the skin by providing the skin with additional moisture, thereby making the skin appear more youthful and revitalised.

Conclusion to prevent premature ageing

There you have it! The three top products that many of my clients and I have in their skincare armour. The health of your skin ought to be your primary concern when it comes to using skin care products. Don’t fall for the marketing hype around new-to-market products. And instead, spend time looking at the details and, where possible, speak to a skin care professional like
myself or anyone in my team at ReSkin Clinic. Some of the products above can only be sold after a consultation with us, so please get in touch and book a short consultation. Don’t let this put you off. See it as a positive. Our skin is literally the biggest organ in our bodies and one of the most complicated. It acts as the barrier keeping everything in via an airtight, watertight shield. You must protect this. Thank you for reading, and as ever, I or anyone at the clinic is here for any advice. Just get in touch with
any questions.

Is botox really the answer?

Is botox really the answer?

Botox before and after.

Wow! We’re now into June and finally getting the summer weather shining down upon us. This week, while writing this, it has been an absolute scorcher so like me I hope you have managed to stay cool and topped up with your sunscreen applications! If you need any advice regards to being out in the sun and why sunscreen is so important, please read my recent blog on skin cancer. I wrote this for Skin Cancer Awareness Month but it’s still very relevant and really important.

Let’s talk about Botox

In this blog we want to talk about Botox. I had a conversation with a client this week and she told me her friend was thinking of getting Botox to “improve her skin.” Obviously, my well-educated client put her friend right and said this was not the correct approach. Which got me thinking about the importance of getting the right message across and prompted this blog. The subject of Botox is always coming up in clinic and it should be carefully discussed. I feel that PR often creates a narrative that Botox can fix anything and although it was created for medical purposes it wasn’t designed to slowdown or stop the natural process of ageing.

Love it or hate it

Botox, whether you love it or hate it due to personal experience, the PR it receives, or just because it’s the word around town, it does have a huge place in the aesthetic industry. In fact, around 18million pounds worth! But when it comes to improving skin health it doesn’t really do a great deal.

So, let’s consider Botox before and after its introduction as a cosmetic procedure. It was first discovered around 1920 and became the centre of many people’s research. The largest discovery coming around 1950, when learning that it could help muscle spasms. But it wasn’t until 1989 that it became licenced in America for medical use and 2002 for cosmetic procedures. The UK followed similar pace. I think most people are aware of the cosmetic reasons for Botox, frown lines and crow’s feet, but not its medical implications and its use to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), muscle spasms of the eyelids (blepharospasm), cross eyes and other medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, Overactive bladder and migraines.

So what does it do

There’s a common myth out there that Botox can heal all wounds and rejuvenate the skin, but that’s not entirely true. Botox is a protein that is injected directly into the muscle temporarily paralysing or weakening it for three to four months, on average. But it can vary depending on the person and how much they use it. This process stops the signal from the nerves to the muscle preventing the muscle from contracting and therefore no more lines. But that’s where its benefits end. Yes, it gives you a nice smooth forehead, or reduces those crow’s feet, but it can not give you glowing skin.

This is why Botox and skin care go hand in hand. In fact, we know some aesthetic doctors that refuse to administer Botox to clients that aren’t taking care of their skin.

Anti-ageing

Now we’re not against Botox, we regularly have specialists working with our clients from our Skincare Clinic in Sheffield. There is a place for Botox, but it has its limitations when it comes to your look, including anti-ageing. That’s why we continuously push for clients to see the relationship between Botox and good skin health and act accordingly. With Botox, your lines may disappear, but if you aren’t feeding your skin with the right actives or protecting it daily from the sun, as well as having your in-clinic treatments, your skin is in fact still ageing and Botox will only temporarily cover the issues.

Conclusion

So, by all means if you want to go for the injectables, then do. But just like buying a car without maintaining the engine. It may always look good but without oil and water it’s breaking underneath.

If you want to know more about Botox, skin care or how the two align, please reach out and contact the clinic as we’ll be happy to explain further and help where we can. We will never judge you on your appearance or personal choices. There are a lot of false information around Botox and it can be hard to know what’s right or wrong.