As hopes of a late summer quickly fade, we are providing a free expert skin analysis in response to a prediction of a rise in people using sunbeds to beat the blues.

Only a few weeks ago sunbeds were categorised by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as 'definitively carcinogenic to humans'.

We are urging clients not to risk their health by turning to sunbeds as a quick pick-me-up after a disappointing British summer.

Autumn is on the way and your summer holidays might seem like many months ago, which can leave you feeling blue. If you've got a natural tan that is starting to fade, it can be tempting to head to the tanning booths for that quick fix of UV light.

We want to spread the word about the perils of using sunbeds by offering a free expert skin analysis, especially now it is common knowledge that they can cause skin cancer. After a holiday in the sun, it's wrong to assume that your skin is 'used to' UV rays, and that going on a sunbed won't cause any more damage.

You can take advantage of a free expert skin analysis if you are worried about sun damage to your skin. It works by identifying and revealing the sun's effects via UV photo imaging, whilst also testing the skin's pH and analysing its moisture content to work out a treatment regime that is right for you.

We are excited about trialing at our Chester clinic the SmoothShapes^® system for longer-lasting cellulite improvement.  This is the first SmoothShapes^® system in the country and we need clients to experience the treatment and would love to hear from you (call Deborah on 01244 303464).  In the meantime, read on!....

More than 85 percent of women will develop cellulite at some point in their life and it can't be controlled or improved through diet or exercise, although mesotherapy has proved to be an effective cellulite treatment.  Ultra slender supermodels, women devoted to a healthy lifestyle and diet, and even toned athletes can all have cellulite. SmoothShapes offers our clients a science based treatment to smooth and tighten skin with longer lasting results.

What is SmoothShapes?

SmoothShapes, a new pain-free treatment, uses a combination of dynamic energy and mechanical manipulation to rejuvenate collagen and improve the appearance of cellulite. SmoothShapes is different than other systems because its technology, the 915nm laser and the 650nm light plus vacuum and mechanical manipulation are known for impacting enlarged fat cells and inflexible collagen.

Patients of every age are concerned about this problem, but until recently we’ve seen technology that wasn’t specific for treating the enlarged fat cells and inflexible collagen that contribute to cellulite. For instance, our successful Eporex mesotherapy treatment works on the traditional methods of introducing concentrated amounts of more than a dozen natural vitamins, minerals and amino acids  into the subcutaneous fat layer where cellulite exists.  SmoothShapes, however, is a technological solution that actually liquefies the fat in cellulite areas and moves it out of the body via the lymphatic system resulting in smoother, tighter skin with improved appearance of cellulite.

Perfected after seven years of development, the SmoothShapes device uses a proprietary technology called Photomology^® which ultimately results in longer-lasting cellulite improvement and the appearance of tighter and smoother skin.  Thermal and non-destructive, Photomology’s unique mechanism of action combines dynamic laser and light energy with mechanical massage and vacuum. The treatment uses dynamic laser and light energy to liquefy fat in adipose cells (fat cells) and improve skin texture. Collagen is regenerated, circulation is improved and metabolic processes are restored. The contoured rollers and vacuum massage assist in moving the liquefied fat out through the lymphatic system with a soothing massage that smoothes the appearance of skin.

Your Chance to Try SmoothShapes.

We feel this could be a real breakthrough treatment and welcome your interest.  If you would like to take part in the trial please call Deborah at our Chester Clinic on 01244 303464.

As we quickly push winter out of the door and welcome the sun with open arms, the home might not be the only thing that needs a good spring clean.

Winter-battered skin may also be craving a good revamp after months of bitter cold winds, soaring central heating temperatures and overindulgence in comfort foods.

Peter, our skin expert at SkinGenesis, said: “It’s finally safe to say that the winter months are officially behind us, however the after-effects on the skin have left people feeling a bit deflated with their tired appearance and at the prospect of summer.

“Now that the warmer months are upon us, people should be thinking about starting up the skin regime they might have let slide over the winter months. Just as you think about getting your house and your body into shape for summer, the skin is just as important because it is the body’s main organ and acts as the body’s barrier to the outside world.”

To help combat winter skin and reinforce weakened defences, Peter has given his top five tips to spring clean your skin and get back a glow that will last all summer long.

1. Cleanse, dust and replenish

Going back to basics, the three golden rules of cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise still stand.

– Avoid harsh, alcohol-containing cleansers because the skin will be at its most sensitive after the bitter weather, so you need to maintain as many of its natural oils as possible.
– Exfoliating twice a week with a gentle scrub or mitt will safely dust away dead cells to reveal fresh, plumper cells that will give you brighter skin.
– Finally replenish the goodness in dry, cracked skin by using a rich moisturiser that quenches your skin’s thirst.

2. Boost your vitamin intake and exercise

Brighten up your skin by following the ACE guide. Vitamins A, C and E all have fantastic effects on the skin and can be found naturally in the foods you eat daily. Retinol is a form of vitamin A, which is good for stimulating cell growth and cell turnover, producing a younger looking skin and has long been associated with helping to repair sun damage to the skin.

Vitamins C and E are powerful anti-oxidants that absorb and protect against free radical damage, which can cause premature aging. Free radicals are caused by exposure to the sun and the processing of carbon to form carbon dioxide. This destroys skin cells including collagen and elastin, consequently affecting the skin’s ability to regenerate.  A rich supply of vitamins C and E will ensure that cells can remain healthy enough to renew themselves.

Regular exercise will also improve blood circulation, which in turn will give you a healthy appearance and benefit the rest of the body.

3. Give your skin a professional treat

Professional skin treatments, such as microdermabrasion or an anti-bacterial chemical peel can speed up the process of revealing fresher, more vibrant skin when coupled with your daily skincare routine. Depending on your skin condition and the number of treatments you receive, these can sort out anything from dry skin and fine lines right through to acne, leaving you able to walk in the sun with your head held high.

If you’re on a budget, a face mask on a Sunday evening will replenish the goodness that is zapped out of the skin after the weekly stresses of work and home life.

4. Drink, drink, drink

Another oldie, but its cheap, accessible and it works. Aiming for eight glasses of water per day can plump out the skin, re-hydrate you and leave you feeling active.

5. Protect your skin from harmful rays

The importance of protecting your skin from the sun’s powerful rays cannot be stressed enough. Even when it appears cloudy or dull, the sun is still out there beaming down on us. Wearing a moisturiser that contains an SPF will help protect the delicate facial skin from premature aging and melanoma. A normal SPF of a minimum factor 15 should also be used on other exposed parts of the body, such as the arms and legs.

Here's to great Spring Skin and looking forward to a long hot summer!