NAIL SALON NIGHTMARE!

Ok, so I had never been to a ‘nail salon’ until 2 weeks ago.

I have always worked in amazing beauty salons, skin clinics, beauty colleges and day spas, so I have always have access to the best beauty therapists this way, and have always had my nails done in-house.

At my engagement party 4 months ago, I stubbed one of my big toenails and it went black and fell off.    By the time my wedding came around I still only had a 3^rd of a toenail on this toe.  So I decided to go to a local nail salon who could add an acrylic tip to my toenail, so I would be all ready for my wedding day. 

Now listen, I had heard that some nail salons could be a little dirty or un-hygienic, but didn’t really believed it – I thought this may have been a bit of a media “beat-up?”.

When I arrived I was initially pleasantly surprised at how well groomed the staff were – although the decor did leave a little to be desired.  This is where the pleasant surprises end...

This is how my experience went:

·         My ‘therapist’ showed me to her manicure table?– which I thought was odd because I was having a toenail done – but I was new to this, so who was I to question?

·         I noticed a thick covering of nail dust all over the manicure table – ALL OVER!  I am not one to run a finger over things to see how clean things are – not at all.  This dust was completely obvious!  Already I started wondering why there are people actually having their nails done here – and why they haven’t all walked out because of the un-hygienic state of things...  but then I was still there – I didn’t want to offend anyone.

·         Next I couldn’t help noticing the emery boards were still covered in white nail dust from the previous clients – and the buffing machine was also still completely covered in white nail dust! Yuck!  This nail dust would contain funguses and worse!

·          Still I stayed.

·         Then I noticed that all of the cleaning equipment was dirty, and covered in splashes of nail polish.  As was the fan. There were also crumpled dirty tissues on the desk.  Hmmm.  Still I stayed.

·         Ok, now this is the real kicker...  As I said I was confused as to why I was sitting at a manicure station to have my toenail done – especially when I could see there were pedicure chairs available.  I didn’t know where I would be putting my foot for my therapist to have access to it?  Would I be asked to fling it up on to the manicure station?  No...  She dragged a bin across and asked me to rest my foot on top of the lid... an actual rubbish bin!  A stainless steel flip-top bin with a bin liner in it!  And every time she had rubbish, I had to lift my foot up off the bin so she could put her rubbish in it!  FYI she did not lay down any covering over the bin.. so my skin was actually touching the bin.

·         Still I stayed   

After this I tried to tune out and pretend I wasn’t really there.

My treatment was eventually over and I got out of there.

What is the moral of this story?  Thank the heavens we have Beauty By Theresa on board!  Theresa is an absolute clean and hygiene freak!  And we love her for it!  

Now I play the waiting game to see what if any infections come up in my toe nail... I’m already feeling a little sore.

Paula :)

RESVERATROL SUPPLEMENTS FIGHT AGAINST CELLULAR AGEING!

THERE HAS RECENTLY BEEN A LOT OF TALK IN THE MEDIA ABOUT THE POWERFUL ANTI-AGEING BENEFITS OF RESVERATROL.  I HAVE LOOKED INTO THE RESEARCH TO LET YOU KNOW EXACTLY HOW POWERFUL THIS INGREDIENT IS,  WHETHER IT IS SAFE, AND WHAT RESULTS YOU CAN EXPECT TO ACHIEVE BY USEING RESVERATROL....

 

Most People in Australia often hear that consuming a glass of dark wine could be healthy but they are not aware of why exactly this is correct. In 2006, scientists in the Harvard School Of Medicine and also the National Institute on Ageing (NIA) reported that the natural substance present in dark wine, referred to as resveratrol supplements, can offset the side effects of the high-calorie diet and considerably extend lifespan.

So How can Resveratrol help you? Resveratrol:

·         Protects the skin against photo-ageing

·         Supports healthy ageing

·         Supports a healthy cardiovascular system

·         Support healthy blood glucose levels A

THE NITTY GRITTY...

How Does Resveratrol Protect the Skin Against Photo-ageing?

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the key cause of premature ageing of the skin, including the formation of wrinkles and saggy skin. Photo-ageing from UVR appears to be mediated by the excessive breakdown of collagen and elastin within the dermis, along with a reduction in collagen synthesis from fibroblast cells within the dermis. The combination of increased collagen breakdown and reduced collagen synthesis results in a breakdown of dermal matrix, which may manifest as wrinkled and saggy skin.

Several studies provide evidence that resveratrol reduces UVR-induced skin ageing.  Another study found human fibroblasts treated with resveratrol increased fibroblast proliferation and inhibited collagenase activity, an enzyme that can also degrade collagen in the dermis.

Other research on resveratrol’s ability to reduce UVR-induced damage further supports its use in promoting healthy skin. Resveratrol treatment to UV exposed keratinocytes was also found to stimulate an increase in the production of endogenous antioxidant defence enzymes via the activation of the antioxidant response element (ARE) in the DNA, promoting cellular protection against oxidative stress.


How Does Resveratrol Support Healthy Ageing?

Resveratrol has been shown to regulate a number of key areas of physiology and cellular function, including supporting pathways that tend to become dysfunctional during ageing. An important effect of resveratrol in promoting healthy ageing is its ability to activate the regulatory protein, sirtuin 1.  This is an enzyme that modulates a number of intracellular transcription factors via deacylation. These factors help to combat conditions that are associated with ageing, such as obesity, inflammatory diseases, diabetes, muscular dysfunction and cancer. 


On Top of All This Resveratrol also:

·         Supports a healthy cardiovascular system

·         Supports healthy blood glucose levels

Safety:

Resveratrol has been found to be a very safe ingredient.  That being said, Resveratrol is a very strong anti-oxidant.  If you are on any medication or have any health conditions, please check with your doctor before beginning to take this supplement.   There are some medications it is best not to combine with.

Results in Summary:

Resveratrol should be used by those wanting to have a healthier and more comfortable life in the latter years.   Resveratrol has also been shown in studies to increase life expectancy.  Resveratrol should also be used by those wanting to maintain the youthful elements in their skin.  Resveratrol has also been shown to significantly counteract the effects of ageing.


How can you start using Resveratrol?

·         Begin taking a ‘one-a-day’ Supplement.  I recommend Ethical Nutrient’s Resveratrol Age Defence.

·         Include Resveratrol in your daily skin care.  I recommend Aspect Dr Resveratrol Moisturising Crème.

Resveratrol is best used daily and long term.  If this is done, you will definitely reap the reward with your health internally and also externally with healthy and youthful looking skin.


Enjoy Health!

Paula x J

ANOTHER 3 PRODUCT THAT YOU DON'T NEED!

 THAT MARKETING COMPANIES WOULD LOVE YOU TO BUY :)

Neck creams:

Please see these 3 important reasons that you DO NOT need a separate ‘neck cream’:

1.       There are no product ingredients that are developed exclusively for the neck. 

2.       The way a product interacts with the skin is identical for the face and the neck. 

3.       The serums you use on your face for anti-ageing and firming – such as Vitamin C and Vitamin A work exactly the same on the neck.

These 'neck creams' are generally over-priced and over packaged.  They really can be a waste of your hard earned money that could be better spent and products that will actually make a genuine difference.

Our plastic surgeon Andrew Ives highly recommends Vitamin C and Vitamin A serums combined.  These 2 serums have amazing collagen boosting power to create firming, smoothing and clearing. 

If your neck is really a concern for you, please look into the "Cutera Titan" laser.  It is expensive, but has good results with firming and toning.  A consultation with a plastic surgeon may also be something to think about.

If it is a manageable concern, stick with your vitamin A and C serums - and see the difference!  Ask your skin clinic to do before and after photos for you. 

Overpriced cleansers:

A cleanser that is priced at over $100 is way over-priced!

A cleanser is not in contact with the skin long enough for some of these high end ingredients to work.

With a cleanser it is best to keep it simple.  Save your money for something that is going to stay in contact with your skin a little longer than 20 seconds.

That said - it is important to remember that the cleansing step is extremely important to get right.

The primary purpose of a cleanser is to gently clean the skin without stripping the skin of its barrier. 

Different skin types require different strengths of cleansing. 

 If skin is over-cleansed it can lead to irritation, dryness, dehydration and sensitivities that any amount of moisturising or serums will not be able to correct.

Similarly – if a skin is under-cleansed, congestion, blackhead, pimples and acne can result.

 It is best to contact your nearest skin clinic for expert advice on the correct cleanser for your skin.

Astringent Toner:

10 to 20 years ago, it was believed that toning was an important step in our daily skin care routines.  This step was to:  1. ‘Shrink’ the pores, and 2. Remove all traces of cleanser.

1.       ‘Shrink’ the pores.  Since then we have found out that there actually is no way of ‘shrinking’ pores.  They are the size they are – no amount of witch hazel or alcohol applied to the skin can change that. 

We can however reduce that appearance of larger pores with courses of chemical peels, microdermabrasion, CIT and laser treatments.  These treatments smooth over the surface of skin, to create a more level and even appearance.

2.       Remove all traces of cleanser.   10 to 20 years ago, cleansers were highly synthetic, containing strong irritants.  This is why the ‘toning’ step was important.  If traces were left on the skin, irritation was likely to occur. 

Thankfully the way cleansers (especially professional cleansers) are formulated has changed.  Most professional quality cleansers are based on natural ingredients and have a slight hydrating quality.  If traces are left on the skin, it is perfectly fine, and it will have no impact on the skin whatsoever.

My advice, once again – leave out the ‘toning’ step, put that money back into your purse and save it for something that will actually make an impact on your skin.

What is important to include in your skin care routine?

Everyone should do the very basics – cleanse the skin, protect your skin from the sun, and moisturise.  If your interest is to make actual changes to your skin e.g. reverse the signs of ageing and get clearer skin – the very best thing you can do is get advice from your local skin clinic – they will point you in the right direction J

Happy shopping!

Paula J