‘Dracula’ Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

August 5, 2019Leave a comment

Even when we have a full understanding of how and why the face ages and have all the treatment options at our disposal to delay the signs; we are constantly searching for ways to further improve skin quality and correct skin damage.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is not a filler, but a biological cell therapy that uses your own blood platelets and enriched plasma to enhance cell proliferation in the short term and induce fibroblast and growth factor activity in the long term. This results in advanced tissue healing and cell regeneration.

PRP can be mixed with vitamins and amino acids or, for example, Succinic acid to reduce pigmentation and/or hyaluronic acid to increase collagen production and skin density, thus increasing hydration and natural volume.

photo: American Academy of Dermatology

Since PRP is from your own blood, there is no risk of allergy, lumps, granuloma’s or asymmetrical results. It is also naturally bactericidal which reduces any risk of infection.

The tiny injections are administered at 3 levels to stimulate bone, tissue and skin regeneration; finishing with a micro needling facial.

Contact Sharon for more information or to book a free consultation! Email sharon.savage@hotmail.co.uk or call 07832 210 976

PRP Facial – £350
PRP Plus – £500
Duration: 1 hour

After Care: Retinol

April 17, 2019April 17, 2019Leave a comment

I am often asked by my clients about Retinol, its benefits and how to use it. One of the few ingredients to actually work, Retinol is effective in improving skin’s brightness, the treatment of acne, reducing brown/sun spots and minimising the appearance of wrinkles. It really is a skincare superhero!

Screenshot 2019-04-17 at 14.48.12 To my customers, I recommend Radical Night Repair by ZO Zein Obagi. Formulated with 1% retinol, it also provides antioxidant protection to help neutralise free radical damage.
Retinol is the chemical name for Vitamin A and retinoids cause skin cells to turn over at a faster rate, decreasing oil production and helping the skin to exfoliate.

It’s important to remember that Retinol is strong stuff and with almost all effective aesthetic treatments, there will be some side effects that vary by individual.

During ‘retinization’ (which can start 1-3 days after first use) and as your skin adjusts to the retinol there may be some peeling, dryness and your face may appear redder than usual. Sensitivity is completely normal and there are many ways to soothe your skin while it builds a tolerance to Retinol. Patience is key and glowing, healthier looking skin is worth waiting for! We thought we’d list some of the best after care tips so that your Retinol treatment is as efficient as possible…

Preparation

The best preparation your can do pre-retinol is to ensure your face is moisturised. Start a moisturisation routine day and night for at least a week before you start using Retinol and you’ll ensure your skin has a better barrier function.

Moisturise Again!

Applying the retinol over a moisturiser at night will help to temper the harshness of the product. Look for one with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, antioxidants or redness relieving peptides. I recommend Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion which contains all of these things as well as a botanical complex of meadowfoam, flax, avocado and lavender to calm inflammation and neutralise free radicals. This can be ordered through Making Faces so contact me if you’d like to know more!

Best-Kept-Secrets-for-Naturally-Healthy-Skin

photo: lifeadvancer.com

Slow & Steady

Retinol is best applied at night so as to avoid sun sensitivity and shouldn’t be used every day at first. Start by applying retinol twice per week, gradually working your way up to regular use. Slow and steady will mean you have a less severe reaction to the retinol as your skin adjusts and over time you can build up to daily use if you wish.
If your skin has an adverse reaction, stop use for a couple of days until it calms down.

Switch Up Your Routine

For the first month of regular use, your skin will be sensitive and this means you may need to switch up your care routine. Use a gentle cleanser instead of an exfoliator and allow some natural oils to remain on the skin. I love SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser or Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser.

Give up masks and facial peels too – Retinol will naturally exfoliate the skin and so there is no reason to do any manual dermabrasion. You should also avoid any other products that contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid as they can be too harsh during retinol use.

Moisturise AGAIN

If you don’t get any dryness, it’s likely that your retinol isn’t strong enough so dry patches are completely normal and should be treated with more moisturiser or soothing aloe vera gel.

Ask Your Aesthetician

If you think you are having an extreme reaction to retinol, contact your aesthetician for advice. In rare occasions when rashes develop it may mean you are having an allergic reaction to the product and so should stop use immediately.

Retinol can have incredible results when used correctly and my clients that use Radical Night Repair have found it has now become a part of their ongoing skin care routine. If you’d like any advice or have any questions at all about the product – please do not hesitate to contact me.

Beauty Food | Eating For Healthy Skin

February 21, 2019March 6, 2019Leave a comment

When it comes to healthy skin the phrase “you are what you eat” could not be more true! To achieve glowing, vibrant and healthy skin, diet is the best place to start so we thought we’d talk you through the best things to eat to get your skin looking its best…

Fruit + Vegetables

fruitandveg

Eat a rainbow of fruit and vegetables and you’ll be filling your body with powerful antioxidants that help to protect skin from the cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Everyday things like smoking, pollution and sunlight can cause wrinkling and age spots but by aiming for at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, we can fight the negative effects these things have on our skin.

Tip: Betacarotene found in carrots, sweet potato and pumpkin and lutein found in kale, papaya and spinach are rich in potent antioxidants that are vital for normal skin development and healthy skin tone.

Vitamin C

oranges

A super antioxidant that’s needed to support the immune system, Vitamin C also promotes radiant skin and helps blemishes to heal properly.
The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C is 60mg and the best sources are blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, kiwi fruits, oranges, strawberries and sweet potatoes.

Fact: Vitamin C is vital in the production of collagen which strengthens the capillaries that supply the skin, promoting elasticity and a more youthful appearance.

Selenium

brazils

A powerful antioxidant that works alongside other antioxidants such as Vitamins E + C, Selenium is essential in supporting the immune system.
Reports suggest that a selenium rich diet can help protect against skin cancer, sun damage and age spots! This super nutrient can be found in Brazil nuts, shellfish, eggs, wheatgerm, tomatoes and broccoli.

Tip: Just 4 Brazil nuts will provide the recommended daily amount of Selenium!

Water

water

The one we hear most often yet is so commonly forgotten about throughout the day – water is essential to healthy skin. Even mild hydration will cause skin to look tired, dry and grey so keep a bottle of water nearby at all times!

Aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day and remember to include moisture rich fruits and vegetables in there too such as watermelon, courgette and cucumbers.

Tip: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption if you want to keep your skin looking bright and healthy.

No Yo-Yo Diets

yoyodiet

Constantly losing and regaining weight can take its toll on our skin, leading to sagging, wrinkles and stretch marks. Crash or extreme diets are usually short in essential vitamins and minerals and over long periods of time this type of diet will reflect on your skin.

Choose a balanced, healthy diet filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat and wholegrains to ensure your skin is looking the very best it can.

Healthy Fats

avocado

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like those found in avocados, oily fish, nuts and seeds help to provide essential fatty acids. These act as a natural moisturiser for our skin, keeping it supple and improving elasticity.
These fats also come with a healthy dose of Vitamin E which further help to protect against free radical damage.

Zinc

Screenshot 2019-02-21 at 13.56.29

Involved in the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands which produce oil in the skin, Zinc helps to repair skin damage and keep skin soft and supple.
With anti-inflammatory properties, Zinc helps to heal and rejuvenate the skin and may help to prevent acne.

Tip: Zinc rich foods include fish, lean red meat, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and shellfish.

New Treatment | Dracula PRP Therapy™

February 20, 2019February 20, 2019Leave a comment

In November I joined Dr Daniel Sister and Wigmore Medical for Platelet-Rich Plasma Training and am now pleased to offer the innovative Dracula PRP Therapy™ to my clients!

A powerful anti-aging treatment that involves using your own blood as an injectable treatment; Dr Sister was the first to introduce the treatment into the UK and has now perfected his own system called Dracula Therapy™.

The treatment involves taking a small sample of the patient’s blood (about the same amount as an average blood test) and placing it into a centrifuge. This process separates the red blood cells, clear serum and platelets and it is at this point that vitamins and amino acids can be added to create a super-charged serum!

This serum is then injected into the patient, using small painless injections in whichever area requires treatment. Not only is Dracula Therapy™ an amazing anti-aging treatment, it has wider uses within the medical profession including treating hair loss and sports injuries. Dracula Therapy™ is also incredibly effective at treating acne scarring and stretch marks and can be mixed with dermal fillers used to treat lines to help tackle skin related problems.

Results are noticeable within 3-4 weeks and is perfect for patients looking for a more natural approach to facial rejuvenation – Dracula Therapy™ avoids the use of synthetic fillers or animal products.

Treatment may need to be repeated every 2-6 months due to the on-going ageing process.

If you are interested in Dracula Therapy™ or would like a free consultation to discuss your needs, contact me on 07832 210 976 or email sharon.savage@hotmail.co.uk.

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Winter Skin

January 4, 2019Leave a comment

Christmas is over and Winter has hit us hard…’tis officially the season of chapped lips, dry cheeks and watering eyes. I want to make these upcoming months a little more comfortable and so here are my top tips for keeping your skin happy and healthy throughout this chilly time of year.

Stay Hydrated

When outside in the blistering cold (or indoors in central heating) our skin becomes drier and more sensitive. Help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out by swapping coffee and alcohol for water and green tea; which has great antioxidant properties.

Wear SPF

The sun may not be shining but there are still high levels of UVA around that can age our skin. Wear a sunscreen everyday with a high UVA rating so that your skin is protected from these damaging rays. Epionce’s Ultra Shield Lotion protects against UVA and UVB rays and is lightweight so won’t interfere with the rest of your skin regime or your make up!

Tip: There is less UVB round in Winter and as this is vitamin D stimulating it can be beneficial to supplement with vitamin D3.

Professional Treatments

Get ready for the party season with a professional skin treatment. Due to the increased risk of sun exposure in the summer months, it can be best to leave peels and laser treatments to the Winter.

The Epionce Chemical Peel (available at Making Faces) is anything but ‘chemical’. In fact, it utilises the power of nature and contains naturally occurring fruit acids and enzymes to prompt your skin to increase its cellular turnover. With minimal downtime, you can be looking your best at the office Christmas party with no stress at all!

Choose Your Moisturiser

Some over the counter moisturisers contain petroleum based ingredients that only further dry your skin. Choose a rich and nourishing moisturiser like Epionce’s Intensive Nourishing Cream which contains ultra hydrating ingredients that will strengthen the collagen and elastin in your skin.

Exfoliate

After a day out in harsh conditions exfoliating might feel like the last thing you want to do but your skin will need a hand removing dead cells. Use a gentle exfoliant like St Ives Apricot Scrub which contains natural walnut shell (better for the environment than microbeads!) and salicylic acid or Obagi360’s Exfoliating Cleanser which not only removes dead skin cells but also contains Panthenol to soothe any inflamed areas.

Overnight Remedy

By adding an overnight treatment to your skin regime, you can ensure you wake up with nourished, bright looking skin everyday! We love facial oils and serums for use overnight. The lightweight nature of these products mean they can penetrate more ncxod3t8mky2nhbrqbte deeply into the skin, delivering active ingredients to both the dermis and epidermis.

There’s a reason Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Serum is the number 1 best selling in the UK and Ireland – if you haven’t tried it yet we strongly recommend you do!
Packed full of ingredients that are 99.8% natural, a few drops before bed will soothe, nourish and hydrate your skin. It smells amazing too!

Perfect Pout

Don’t forget to treat your lips to some TLC too! We love the Baume de Rose Lip Scrub from By Terry which is enriched with rose butter and rose hip oil to exfoliate and moisture dry or chapped lips.

Making Faces’ Lip Conditioning Treatments improve the appearance of your lips by improving colour and maintaining suppleness and moisture levels. Contact me for more information.

New Product: Belotero® Lips

May 14, 2018May 10, 2018Leave a comment

Last month Merz (a global leader in medical aesthetics) announced the launch of Belotero^® Lips; a new product specifically designed for lip enhancement and the treatment of lines around the mouth. It includes two hyaluronic acid dermal filler products – ‘Shape’ and ‘Contour’ that compliment each other to deliver safe, effective and natural looking results.

Lip fillers are now among the most frequently requested procedures in aesthetic practices, in part due to the popularisation of the treatment by celebrities and social media influencers. However, the new Belotero^® Lips campaign focuses on the importance of your own unique and individual beauty using the tag line “Showing off not just you – but an enhanced version of you.”

Single products are often not versatile enough to deliver the personalised result desired by many clients of aesthetic practitioners. The development of two products that work in harmony with each other to target different aspects of the lips and their shape, is revolutionary! It also means that practitioners can be more creative, adapting the procedure to meet the needs and desires of each patient on an individual basis.

Client expectations are high – and so they should be! We believe in results that are long lasting and comfortable, but that also enable you to look your natural best.
Versatile and complimentary, Belotero^® Lips ‘Shape’ is used to enhance and augment the upper and lower lip, while Belotero^® Lips ‘Contour’ is designed to define the outline of the lip.

In a recent clinical assessment involving 146 patients, the vast majority (87%) rated Belotero Lips^®as very good for naturalness and evenness and this assessment was maintained at 66.7% after 4 months.
As with all lip augmentation treatments, common side effects include swelling, bruising, tenderness, pain and redness.

We are really excited about this new product and it will soon be available at MAKING FACES! Contact me on 07832 210 976 or email sharon.savage@hotmail.co.uk to arrange a consultation.

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7 Favourites: everyday skin care

May 10, 2018May 10, 2018Leave a comment

There are more skin care products on the market now than ever before. It’s a minefield of scrubs, peels, serums, acids, day creams, balancing toners, brightening lotions and much more that can leave you confused and quite frankly, baffled.

Finding your perfect skincare routine can take years. To help make the process easier we’ve picked 7 of our favourite products for use in a different step in your skin care regime.

Cleanser | the first step towards clear, radiant skin is clean skin. There’s no point in investing money in the best products if you’re slathering them onto skin that isn’t properly cleansed…
It’s no secret that MAKING FACES loves Jan Marini; founded in California, this innovative company is continually developing and expanding the professional skincare market.

The Bioglycolic® Face Cleanser offers deep, non irritating cleansing that leaves the skin soft and hydrated. What’s better is you do not need to follow with a toner or astringent…any product that simplifies our morning routine is fine by us!
I am yet to find a client of mine who doesn’t love this cleanser.

“Apart from retinoids, the only other ingredient that’s been shown to stimulate collagen and tighten pores is glycolic acid. As an additional immediate benefit, it removes rough dead skin cells to give skin a smoother appearance. “
TeenVogue.com – March 2012

Scrub | using a facial scrub (no microbeads please!) a few times a week is a brilliant way to administer a slightly more intense exfoliation than a Biolglycolic cleanser can offer. Use a scrub that contains salicylic acid and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pore lining (as opposed to most acids which only treat the surface layer of the skin) and breaks down the bond that keeps dead cells clinging together. It helps to promote new cell turnover which leaves skin firm and plump. Salicylic acid’s anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe red and angry skin and is a great addition in the treatment of acne.

We love the St Ives Blemish Fighting Apricot Face Scrub which is made with 100% walnut shell powder (much better for the environment) is non-comodegenic (doesn’t block pores) and contains 2% salicylic acid. Plus is smells like apricots – perfection.

Serum | the lightweight nature of serums mean that they can penetrate deeper into the skin; delivering active ingredients to both the dermis and epidermis. Regularly using a serum can not only give your skin a firmer, smoother texture; it also improves moisture levels and makes pores appear smaller.

What ‘The Ordinary’ lacks in snazzy packaging they make up for in brilliant products with high performing ingredients. “Buffet” is a multi-peptide serum packed full of anti ageing ingredients that includes hyaluronic acid and Matrixyl 3000 – which stimulates collagen synthesis. A pleasingly affordable price tag makes this our pick of the serums currently available.

Primer | Hourglass continually rank highly on our list of favourite cosmetics brands. Not only do they combine luxury, science and beauty, they create cruelty free, vegan products in the process. The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is lightweight, oil free and works to hide redness, wrinkles and imperfections while creating the perfect base to ensure your make up stays intact all day.

Moisturiser | clinically proven to repair and strengthen the skin’s external barrier, Epionce have used over 20 years of research to perfect their range. Referred to as a ‘cult’ product, you won’t find it in shops as it’s only retailed by aesthetic clinics, spas, dermatologists and plastic surgeons. The Renewal Facial Cream is by far our favourite moisturiser, not only for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties but its luxurious feel and gorgeous flowery scent – this is a cult you should definitely join!

SPF | providing broad spectrum protection with the bonus of a glowing tint, the Epionce Daily Shield Tinted Lotion (SPF 50) is perfect for all skin types and will leave you glowing without any of the long lasting damage. Fortified with anti-oxidants and water resistant, if you’re planning a Summer holiday this year, don’t leave without it!

Lips | the best £8 you’ll ever spend will be on The Body Shop’s Lipscuff. A lipstick sized stick that nourishes and smoothes, Lipscuff contains a natural exfoliant that will leave your lips kissably soft! Follow with Bobbi Brown’s lip balm with SPF 15 (because lips get sunburnt too) which is specially formulated with wheatgerm, avocado and olive oil for moisturised and happy lip

If you try (or already use!) any of the products we’ve mentioned – let us know what you think in the comments below. Alternatively, if you have a go-to product you couldn’t live without – please share!

5 tips for healthy Summer skin

May 3, 2018May 3, 20181 Comment

It looks like Summer is on its way! Fingers crossed the lovely weather stays and we can start justifying all of the Magnum’s we’re eating…
With the warmer days comes even more reason to protect your skin so we’ve got a round up of 5 easy tips for keeping your skin healthy this Summer.

Sun screen – possibly the most obvious but by far the most important. You should use a sunscreen on your skin every day but even more so during the Summer. Whether you work indoors or out, a layer of sun screen will protect your skin from UV rays and there are some great products on the market that don’t feel heavy or leave your skin looking greasy. We recommend Epionce Active Shield lotion SPF30+ which is light, fast absorbing and fortified with antioxidants.

Lip protection – as if we need an excuse to buy another lipstick? During the Summer months don’t forget our lips are delicate and burn so easily. No one wants to look like a Batfish so be sure to look for a lipstick or lip balm with an SPF of at least 15.

Not a good look.

Water – hydration is key all year round but during the Summer months, enjoying the sun can mean we end up feeling a little shrivelled. Be sure to drink plenty of water and snack on leafy greens, watermelon and berries to help you stay hydrated.

Exfoliating – as much as we’d all love a daily facial, for most it is not feasible. However, you can have a mini pamper every day if you use the right products. A gentle, daily exfoliating routine is the next best thing (bar a personal beautician) for clearing away dead skin cells and cleaning your pores; ensuring bright, radiant and healthy Summer skin. We love the ZO Skin Health Offects Exfoliating Polish which contains ultra-fine magnesium crystals and added vitamins A, C & E.

Go natural – if Summer days make you dread the thought of your normal make up routine, why not go natural? Going completely without make up can be a little daunting but a great breathable camouflage cream can cover up any blemishes, dark spots and troublesome areas effortlessly – leaving you looking natural and glowing. We use the Lycogel Breathable Camouflage SPF30 – available in 10 shades to suit your skin tone it will improve your skin whilst making you look flawless….and it’s water resistant! Pool party anyone?

Epionce – the beauty of healthy skin

April 18, 2018May 3, 2018

Formulated with potent botanical ingredients, paraben and fragrance free and a proven effectiveness in independent clinical trials it’s no wonder Epionce was voted the best anti-ageing skincare line in the USA. Its popularity is now spreading to the UK where it is one of the most used ranges by doctors and medical aesthetic clinics.

Epionce is one of the specialist ranges we stock at MAKING FACES and we begin by identifying your skin type first, then customising to suit your skin health goals.

Cleanse & Prepare
Epionce Cleanse & Prepare products remove skin impurities without disrupting the intercellular lipids and cells that form the natural protective barrier. The cleanse and prepare process is important because it removes makeup, dirt and oil in readiness for the application of leave-on Lytic and Renewal products.

Correct & Boost

Epionce Correct & Boost products are proven through rigorous independent testing to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation. The powerful Epionce ingredients have been formulated to avoid unwanted disruption or irritation to the skin. Your skin will look smoother, with a fresher more even looking complexion.

Renew & Fortify
Epionce Renew & Fortify If you are new to the range and wondering which product to start with we recommend one of the Renewals or Intensive Nourishing Cream. They are the cornerstone to good skincare and once you see the improvements in your skin you will start to appreciate why Epionce has become such a popular skincare line. Formulated with a wide synergistic array of proven active botanical ingredients.

Protect & Prevent
Daily use of the Epionce Protect and Prevent products help protect the skin from damaging UVA and UVB exposure which can lead to ageing of the skin. Epionce sunscreens are formulated for high sun-blocking efficacy while maintaining the most elegant aesthetic qualities – smooth application and no white residue. Ideal for sensitive skin alone or under makeup.

Post-treatment Care
Taking care of your skin following a treatment procedure is important to ensure positive long-term results. Epionce has the answer! Formulated for incredibly sensitive post-treatment skin, two Epionce post-treatment Kits are effective tools for post-procedure at-home care by enhancing the healing process.

Professional Use
The Epionce peels are medically supervised chemical peels available for in-clinic treatment procedures. Each peel system helps improve the appearance of problem and photoaged skin by deeply cleansing pores and removing skin scale while smoothing the skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Talk to Sharon at MAKING FACES to understand which peel is suitable for you. Epionce facial peels from £90.

Botox: how young is too young?

January 22, 2018May 3, 2018Leave a comment

Botox

In a world of selfies, Instagram filters and apps that add virtual make up to a photo to ensure the perfect portrait, it’s no surprise young people are looking for Botox treatments to reduce wrinkles and lip fillers to help create an Angelina Jolie pout; but how young is too young for these aesthetic treatments?

My client base is mostly women aged 35+ however, I am on occasion approached by girls as young as 18 asking me to administer Botox. It’s a moral dilemma that faces aesthetic practitioners all over the world but unfortunately many choose to ignore their professional responsibility and give unnecessary treatments to girls as young as 17. I’ve seen the physical and emotional effects of women who have undergone aesthetic treatments too early – it can encourage an unhealthy obsession with non-existent facial lines and in my opinion, ruins the developing, natural beauty of these young women.

A study published in the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing has presented a slightly more worrying issue than just the physical implications of having Botox treatments too early . “As a human being, our ability to demonstrate a wide range of emotions is very dependent on facial expressions,” explained Helena Collier, one of the study’s researchers. “If you wipe those expressions out, this might stunt [young people’s] emotional and social development,” she said.

The human brain responds to what your body does – smiling (even when you don’t feel like it) invokes happiness whereas frowning can lower your mood without you even realising. Collier expressed her fear that “a growing generation of blank-faced” young people could result in a future unable to accurately convey their emotions. “Treatment with drugs like Botox prevents the patient from being able to make a particular expression and can therefore have an effect on our learning to feel emotions naturally.”

At MAKING FACES I aim to help my clients to look their natural best. Through repeat consultations I work to understand each clients individual expectations and will always offer honest advice on what I think will help to achieve a natural result. If I can’t administer the treatment aclient is looking for, I will always do my best to offer an alternative. Incredible results can be achieved through an effective skin care regime and other, less invasive treatments such as Derma Roller and Venus Freeze facials.

If you would like a free, confidential consultation please don’t hesitate to call me on: 07832 210 976.