Here at Beauty Moments (West Wickham) we create a stress-free environment for our clients to experience and relax in whilst enjoying their treatments. Our treatments are described by our clients as both mentally and physically relaxing.
There is a new approach to skin care – psychodermatology. This is the relationship between the mind and the body.
Stress can have bio-chemical affects on the body resulting in inflammatory conditions e.g. psoriasis, eczema and premature ageing. A large part of this is affecting by fluctuation in hormone levels. Regulating these hormone levels can have a profound affect on our health and the appearance of our skin.
A little stress is good for you
Cortisol is the hormone secreted by the adrenal glands when we feel the need to “fight or flee”. It helps provide urgent energy to handle an apparent threat. Cortisol also controls important body functions and is responsible for ageing effects if its levels are too high or too low. This catabolic hormone is able to break down tissue in all parts of the body, affecting the collagen in the skin more than others.
Testosterone and DHEA are anabolic hormones, meaning they build up tissues.
Deficiencies in reproductive hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone causes formation of wrinkles and fine lines and affect our sleeping pattern making you feel more tired. These hormones thicken and strengthen the epidermis, hydrate and maintain the skin’s elasticity, and strengthen the small muscle fibres in the skin. Tiny vertical lines around the lips are due to a lack of oestrogen.
Sleeplessness, exhaustion, anxiety and fine lines are also due to low levels of growth hormone. A combination of hormone deficiencies results in double chine or wrinkled skin.
Hormone replacement therapy is recommended by Dr. Thierry Hertoghe as a way to correct hormone levels causing premature ageing as a result of stress. Although hormone replacement therapy and psychological counselling therapies are available from medical professionals, we here at Beauty Moments have products and advice on ways you can treat yourself at home.
Beauty Moments strategies
Massage therapy has been found by several studies to be extremely effective in reducing stress both physiologically and psychologically by reducing levels of cortisol and increase molecules of serotonin and dopamine (‘feel-good factor’ molecules). Massage therapies on offer Beauty Moments are:
• Aromatherapy
o Clinical Aromatherapy Massage
o Aromatherapy Massage
• Swedish Massage
o Full Body Massage
o Full Body Massage (including face)
o Back, neck and shoulder massage
o Foot and leg massage
• Hot Stone Massage with Aromatherapy
o Full Body Massage
o Back, neck and shoulder massage
• Indian Head massage
• Reflexology
• Osteopathy
Make-up helps relieve stress
Make-up has also been found to improve mood and reduce stress. Studies have shown reductions in mental stress and anxiety levels occurs in people when they wear make-up. In a study conducted in 2008 showed when a group of participants not wearing make-up were placed in mentally stressful environment, a significant increase in cortisol hormone and reduction is enzyme activity was noted. In another study, a decrease in cortisol and increase in protective enzyme activity was observed when make-up was worn.
Beauty Moments use and recommend Jane Iredale make-up. It is also used by stars such as Nicole Kidman, Victoria Beckham, Madonna and many others. Here is a list of the in-salon treatments available.
• Make-Up
• Make-Up Lesson
• Bridal Make-Up
Environ products here to help
Dr Des Fernande, plastic surgeon and founder of Environ, recommends the use of certain ingredients as being safe and helpful with treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema. Such conditions often flare up with stress and cause a lot of damaging free radical activity. Therefore nourishing the skin with Vitamin A and major free radical scavengers of the skin, e.g. vitamins C, E and beat-carotene.
Studies have shown skin cells live up to 1.8 times longer when Vitamin A was added to the skin cultures.
Beauty Exercise
Keeping fit has also been shown to reduce stress levels when carried out correctly. Exercise helps in the production of testosterone is related to hormones such as DHEA and DHT, according to Dr David Goldberg (clinical professor at Mt Sinai Medical Centre, New York). Our resident Osteopath Mr Trishul Vadi recommends effective stretching after exercise to maintain a balanced musculo-skeletal system.
Eat your skin healthy
Stress uses up twice as many vitamins, collagen production is reduced, there is a lack of energy to make new skin, the skin is drier and more reactive. B-complex vitamins are required to produce energy to make new skin, Vitamin C helps build collagen, magnesium helps you cope with stress better, aids in hydration and reduction of inflammation of the skin. Calcium is important in the reduction of free radicals, but this is lost when stress occurs in person. Increased adrenal activity caused by mental stress can be inhibited by taking essential fatty acids, which also protect cell membranes (which can be damaged by stress).
By adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes improved nutrition, using products and treatments provided by highly trained therapists here at Beauty Moments, you can massively reduce the inflammatory effects of stress which can affect your health and skin’s appearance.
ONE DAY ONLY EVENT! – Thursday 27th May 2010
Environ – Advanced Skin Analysis Day
We are pleased to offer our clients the opportunity to have their skin analysed with one of the most technologically advanced systems available today. It will accurately show you areas of sun damage, hyper-pigmentation, capillary damage, wrinkles and blocked pores.
This equipment is so advanced that plastic surgeons and dermatologists use it worldwide. Our expert skin analysis advisor will then be able to prescribe the appropriate salon and homecare products for your skin condition to improve areas of concern.
Jane Iredale – The Skin Care Makeup
The most beautiful cosmetic you can wear is a healthy skin. That’s why everything Jane Iredale develop is a true extension of skin care. Her makeup is not just a refinement of normal makeup, it is a new technology. So effective it is recommended by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and skin care professionals. At last, a makeup that is good for the skin!
Please book a space for expert personalised advice. Limited spaces so hurry!
