More Skin Questions Answered

Just before we tackle some more skin questions and answers, we would like to thank everyone who stopped to talk to us about their wedding photography and styling requirements at yesterday's Wedding Fayre. It was great to meet everyone, and we look forward to helping you achieve your perfect wedding look!


It was interesting to speak to Brides-To-Be about their ideas for their wedding styling, and in particular, their skin and make-up concerns.


When planning a wedding, people think nothing of booking their venue months (or even years!) ahead of their Big Day, but it's also worth thinking some months ahead about getting your skin into peak condition, particularly if you have concerns such as acne, scarring, oily-prone skin or uneven pigmentation.


At Waters Edge Clinic we understand skin, and we know that, whilst we use the most advanced products and treatments available, skin needs to be treated correctly and carefully to achieve excellent results, and this takes months rather than weeks. Your wedding dress, accessories and flowers all make up your total look on the day, and you will have spent a lot of time and effort in choosing exactly the right combination of these things to achieve that perfect look. It makes sense then to take things one step further, and spend some time thinking about your skin and make-up.


Strangely, the styling can be more difficult to decide on than the dress, as you try to find the correct make-up to match your skin tones; and, if you don't normally wear much make-up, your wedding day is not the day to experiment with a radical new look! You want your groom and guests to be bowled over by your overall look; you definately don't want people to be gasping with surprise (or worse) because your make-up has gone into overkill!


You can get a wedding make-up trial at most good beauty salons or stylists, and it's worth planning well ahead and trying several different looks until you find the one that you are most comfortable with, that will also complement your photography.


We offer a service that includes a wedding make-up trial and photography together, so that you can see how your chosen look photographs. Just ask us for more details, or go to our website.


Q: What is the difference between a moisturiser and a serum?


A: Serums have become hugely popular in the fight against visible signs of ageing. 
A serum generally has a higher water content and provides an accelerated treatment that targets specific problem areas, as is the case with Environ Ionzyme Frown Focus Serum.


Serums such as Ionzyme C-Quence 1 deposit intensive nutrients and form a moisture-loss barrier. Moisturisers by contrast are daily treatments - serums can be used as a seasonal boost or to add radiance to the complexion. Ionzyme Focus Hydrating Serum has higher levels of essential ingredients, so it can deliver impressive results faster. That doesn't mean you can ditch your usual moisturiser though - the idea is to use the two products together for the greatest benefits.


Serums should always be applied first, and you should allow it to be fully absorbed before applying the moisturiser over the top of it.

www.watersedgeclinic.co.uk
www.davidparrphotography.co.uk

Most Asked Skin Questions

Q. I apply eye cream at night but I always wake up with puffy eyes. Why?


A. Your eye cream might be too rich. Switch to a gentler formulation such as Ionzyme C Quence Eye Gel from Environ. You could also be allergic to your eye makeup remover; Environ's removers are gentle and don't irritate the delicate skin around the eyes.


Alcohol can contribute to swelling under the eyes, so drink water before, during and after a night out. Cut down on salt and processed foods too, as fluid retention is a big factor. Sleep with an extra pillow - the higher elevation will help prevent fluid build-up. Also try sleeping on your back to prevent 'scrunching' up the eye area.


Q. I have oily, acne-prone skin. Do I need to use a toner?


A. An acidic toner will be beneficial for oily skin - it will pick up any residue left over after cleansing and assist in maintaining the pH balance of the skin, which in turn will will reduce the risk of infection.. Environ's B-Active Sebutone is great for extremely oily or acne-prone skin, helping to degrease with lactic acid, and disinfect with tea-tree oil.


If you're having problems with oily skin, acne, congestion (such as blackheads, or little white spots known as milia) then an Environ skin clearing facial will be beneficial. It uses mild lactic acid peel solutions to effectively 'melt' the congestion and the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, which are not shedding due to the excessive oil. The Skin Clearing treatment helps to bring this situation under control, and leaves the skin looking smoother and more radiant.


Have a free consultation with us to discuss your skin concerns


www.watersedgeclinic.co.uk

Most Asked Skin Questions

More Q and A's on skin concerns


Q. Is exfoliation an important part of my beauty routine?


A. Yes and No! Pre-cleansing helps you to double-clean skin but if it still looks dull and tired, exfoliation with a clay-based mask will help to revitalise it. However, exfoliation should be as gentle as possible - you don't want to damage the skin's surface by removing the the outer protective layer.
If you have rough skin, use a gentle exfoliating mask such as Environ's  Ionzyme C-Quence Energising Masque. It helps to stimulate blood flow, giving skin a radiant glow. Be careful not to over-exfoliate even if you have a problem skin - this can strip away skin's natural oils. Moderation is the key!


Q. I have sensitive skin - do I still need to exfoliate?


A. Exfoliation is not recommended for sensitive skins. Sensitive skin needs to maintain a healthy layer of dead skin cells (known as the horny layer) in order to prevent excessive water loss. Exfoliation strips this layer and can aggravate skin's sensitivity.
It's better to clean your skin with a pre-cleanser, then rinse off with water. If your skin is super-sensitive, use a high-grade mineral oil as a pre-cleanser. Take vitamin A capsules or supplements to try to build up your skin's protective horny layer, and use a vitamin-enriched face cream.

 Find out more at www.watersedgeclinic.co.uk

Some Useful Tips.....

We're adding a few useful 'question and answer' tips for the most asked questions concerning skin problems over the next few days.

Your skin is the the first thing people notice after your eyes so it's important to be aware of the right way to care for it. Here we're covering all the bases with answers and solutions to the most common questions asked about skin and how to tackle problems.

Without doubt, sun, pollution and stress are the three main causes of dull, damaged skin. Once one or all of these baddies start to attack your skin, it can lead to premature ageing - and it's staring you in the face every time you look in the mirror! Who wants that?

You can be armed and ready to take care of your skin thanks to great products combined with technology, targeted to your specific needs.

Environ's proven cutting-edge technology and sound skin -science principles offer you the perfect skincare formulations with extensive benefits. They contain vitamins A, C and E and powerful anti-oxidants to treat and protect your skin, and keep it healthy and youthful.

Here are the expert solutions to your everyday beauty dilemmas, brought to you by Environ.


Q. Why shouldn't I use soap to cleanse my face?


A. Regardless of your age, soap is a no-no.
It's too harsh, as are soapy cleansers. Some people believe that their skin should feel tight and tingly after cleansing, but that would indicate that you are actually harming and drying out your skin. Soaps are alkaline, which means they can strip the skin's essential acid mantle and also impair it's waterproof properties, potentially leaving it dry and flaky. 
That's why Environ skincare has a suitable cleanser in each of it's ranges to cater for every skin type.


Q. Are toners really useful?


A. Toners are often undervalued, but they do perform a very useful task in any beauty routine. They help to complete the cleansing process, especially if you wear makeup, removing any stray residue or excess oil that can clog your pores.
Mild toners such as Ionzyme C Quence Toner also help to restore the pH balance on the surface of the skin and prepare it to accept skincare products. The best formulas are alcohol-free, won't strip your skin of it's vital oils, and will leave it feeling energised and fresh.


Once you have got your cleansing and toning routine together, you have the basis for a better skin. The next step is to apply the right products to achieve your skin goals, whether that be anti-ageing, correcting problems such as acne, or simply improving your skin tone.

We'll answer some more questions about these issues soon.

www.watersedgeclinic.co.uk

In The Frame

Choose the right photographer with these top tips:


* Ask for an informal meeting with the photographer and any assistants. You need to feel at ease with them, and they need to make you feel like an important client.


* Find a photographer that offers a sample photo shoot before you commit to a booking. A photographer who is confident in their abilities won't have any problem in providing this for you.


* Ask about post-production; are they out-sourcing to a cheaper service provider? A photographer who edits the images individually will take the time and trouble to produce a high quality finished set of pictures.


* Research online photo galleries. They will give you a good feel for style and quality of pictures.


* A good photographer will always provide references for you to follow up.


* Ask to see examples of albums that they have produced for other clients.


* Look for a photographer who will style your shots to suit your personalities, rather than shooting every wedding in the same format.


* Ask whether your photographer will have alternative arrangements for weather conditions. Are they geared up to take good quality indoor shots if you can't be outside?


* Be realistic about price. The cheapest option won't always be the best option. Choose a photographer as carefully as you would choose your wedding dress, and you'll have some wonderful memories of your day forever.


David Parr Photography www.davidparrphotography.co.uk