Author: Helen Constantine

It’s chilly outside so you’ve wrapped up warm from head to toe. Your indoor heating is also cranked up to combat the cold weather outside. Does this sound like you? These contrasting temperatures can really play havoc with our skin and hair during the winter months.

With a bit of love and attention, your skin and hair can stay at their best even during the challenging winter months. Read on to discover the top ways in which you can stay radiant during the cold season.

Exfoliate regularly

As obvious as this one sounds, it’s always worth paying attention the fundamentals of skincare. Dead skin cells prevent moisture from hydrating and soothing your skin. A good exfoliator will help to remove any dead skin cells that could be acting as a barrier between your skin and moisture. Moisturiser works better after exfoliating, so it’s always a good idea to exfoliate, whatever the weather.

Invest in a good moisturiser

If your moisturiser alone still isn’t providing enough hydration during winter, it might be time to invest in a new one. Some over-the-counter moisturisers contain petroleum-based ingredients that could be drying out your skin. Instead, invest in an oil-based moisturiser for a radiant winter glow.

Exercise at least three times a week

Regular exercise has endless benefits for your skin, so it’s worth keeping up with a good regime, even when the temperatures drop and it’s harder to get motivated. Working out helps to expel dirt and oil from your skin. As exercise also increases your blood flow, it benefits your skin in the sense that it releases toxins and nourishes your skin cells.

Studies have even shown that those of us who work out regularly see positive effects on or skins thickness and elasticity – helping us look younger for longer. So why not dust off your trainers, put on your running leggings, and head outside for a jog this winter? But don’t forget to exfoliate and moisturise afterwards!

If you’re feeling extra tired during the winter months, it can be beneficial to take an iron supplement to help regulate your energy levels. Vitabiotics Feroglobin range is specifically formulated with Folate and Vitamin B12, which contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Taking an iron supplement will contribute towards normal energy levels, which will help you to workout when it’s cold and dark outside.

Stay hydrated

Drinking lots of water and staying hydrated really works wonders for your skin. We often don’t drink as much water during the winter months compared to summer. It can be tempting to opt for dehydrating beverages, such as a hot cup of coffee, to keep you warm, but staying hydrated in winter is essential for good skin health.

It’s recommended that adults drink up to 2 litres of water a day. If you’re struggling to increase your water intake, try eating more fruits and veggies high in water content, such as apples, tomatoes, carrots and cucumber.

Opt for a skin hydration treatment

A good skin detox could help to provide your dehydrated skin with much needed moisture. Skin hydration treatments reduce the sensation of tightness, and improve the appearance of dehydration lines, caused by the cold, winter weather. After your professional treatment, take home a hydrating mask to maintain your new-found radiant skin throughout winter.

Take good care of your hair

Does your hair seem to dry out in winter, too? It might seem like an obvious one, but wearing a hat will keep your hair protected from the cold, dry air during the winter months.

Your hair will also benefit from cutting down on heat-styling as much as possible. Instead of your usual heat-infused blow dry, let your hair dry naturally as often as you can. And when you are using heat to style your hair, invest in a good heat-protectant spray for a little added protection – and a more radiant glow!

And there you have it, six simple ways in which you can stay radiant during the dark winter months. Don’t worry, summer is just around the corner!

Caring for your leg health during every stage of your life can be a simple part of your daily routine, and it will make a big difference to whether your legs are in good condition both inside and outside. The inner health of your legs is something to particularly focus on, while the external appearance of your legs may be more immediately obvious and concerning. Varicose veins, for example, may look unsightly, but the deeper effects may be more worrying, such as potential blood clots or deep vein thrombosis.

Ageing and Pregnancy

During some life stages such as ageing and pregnancy, the appearance of your legs will change naturally, and particular risks will become greater. For instance, the baby and the placenta grow larger during pregnancy, which puts increasing pressure on the pelvis. As a result, this puts extra pressure on the veins that run through the legs and hips, causing varicose veins to potentially develop and the legs to swell. Leg swelling is a common pregnancy complaint, as many women do not like how looks, as well as the discomfort that it causes.

With ageing, the skin on the legs can become thinner, and the veins are also more likely to become varicose. This is because the vein walls become weaker and less flexible with age, and are more likely to have problems with the small valves inside them.

Even though these changes come with normal life stages, maintaining good skincare and taking good care of your legs can help to prevent any issues from developing. While exercise and skincare might seem focused on aesthetics, they can help to prevent more serious vein issues from forming.

Exercise

Getting regular exercise is the first step towards taking care of your vascular system generally and ensuring that your legs look good. Exercise helps to improve circulation, which allows the veins to function more efficiently and stop blood clots or varicose veins from developing. Increased circulation also improves the appearance of skin, as blood brings more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells.

Particular exercises are good for improving the look of your legs, as well as your leg health, including jogging and walking, bicycling, yoga, and step-climbing or calf-flexors. Improving muscle tone in your legs can help them to look better, and performing exercise that focuses on the legs will ensure that blood flow is good throughout your extremities. However, take care to take regular breaks, and elevate your legs from time to time. Exercise is good for your veins, but staying on your feet for too long can cause blood to pool towards the feet, exacerbating varicose vein formation.

If you are pregnant or elderly, walking and yoga may be the best choices for leg exercises, as well as aqua-jogging. These exercises are all low-impact and can be performed even if you struggle to do other, more strenuous exercises.

Professional Vein Care

Finally, consider whether you need professional skincare or vein care to help keep your legs in top condition. You may need to visit a varicose vein clinic, and the best approach is of course to visit only those who have high-quality surgeons. There are numerous different varicose vein treatments available, and most are becoming minimally-invasive. Varicose vein or cosmetic skincare appointments are typically outpatient procedures, taking only a few hours for the surgery to be performed.

Taking good care of your legs, including getting regular exercise and looking into professional skincare, is vitally important, not just for how your legs look, but to prevent anything sinister from happening beneath the skin.

When we think about a getting massage, our thoughts most likely focus on what type we’d like and how relaxed we’ll be at the end of it. It’s quite possible that we forget to think about the main protagonist in this equation; the massage therapists. For most of us, paying for a service easily distracts us from the people who actually provide it.

Although it’s their job to take you on the journey of relaxation, have you ever wondered how the experience is for them? For instance, what runs through their minds while your eyes are closed and your joints are giving way to pleasure? Well, here are just some confessions from massage therapists to give you a basic idea.

Don’t call a massage therapist a ‘masseuse’

Technically, massage therapists and masseuses perform the same function – which is give massages. To start with, massage therapists have to attend college and get qualified, as well as attain the relevant licences and other requirements before they can start work. However, originally a French word, it has for some time now been used as a euphemism for ‘happy time’ or ‘sex work’.

Contrary to what many people think, it’s not an easy job

Unlike popular assumption, the job of a massage therapist isn’t easy. Many people seem to think the job is rather simple though, which isn’t at all true. For one, every person’s body is different from the next; therefore, adapting to working with each body type can be very challenging, physically.

Massage therapists do not have the easiest of jobs. Those that work in places with high client traffic (such as spas) spend most of their working hours on their feet, whilst expending so much energy in meeting the needs of their clients. Often, they end up needing therapy themselves and visits to sports injury clinics are not at that unusual. Aching wrists, backs and feet are regular issues – even dislocated shoulders in some cases. Arthritis is also not uncommon amongst massage therapists.

Don’t worry about your hairy body

Most massage therapists agree that they get to see all different types of bodies; therefore, apologising over and over again about your unshaved pits and legs is totally unnecessary. They’ve seen it all; cellulite, stretch marks, hair, tattoos, scars, moles and bumps. However, this doesn’t mean that clients shouldn’t consider being unkempt or unhygienic.

Your weight doesn’t matter to them

It might matter to you, but to massage therapists, a body is merely a collection of muscles they need to help relax. You don’t need to worry about being judged for being fat or slim; their ultimate goal is to have you feeling better after your massage. Fat or slim, you can lie down, close your eyes and be sure to enjoy every moment you’d otherwise have spent fidgeting and getting worked up over something fairly inconsequential.

Acne shouldn’t stop you

People often cancel their massage appointments because they have what’s known as ‘bacne’ or something similar. Unless this is wide spread (which could make the experience a painful one), it really does not matter to most massage therapists. In fact, if it’s a regular breakout, they could make an oil for you that would soothe the pain and allow you to enjoy your massage session.

Consider the emotional strain

Many massage therapists have to listen to some of their clients talk throughout their massage session. While this can be great for conversation in some scenarios, clients who talk about their woes and struggles are not always so easy to bear – especially when the massage therapists can do nothing to help their plight in reality.

They sometimes have to deal with bad personal hygiene

While a good number of clients take great care about how they look and smell (thus avoiding the therapist feeling uncomfortable), there are still some seemingly aloof people who show up for appointments covered in sweat or some other evidence of poor hygiene. Therapists can forgive hairy legs and acne, but it’s hard to deal with unpleasant particularly unpleasant odours – especially the avoidable ones.

Some clients refuse to pay after receiving service

There’s still a percentage of clients who try to scheme their way out of paying – especially those whose expectations are unrealistic.

Good hygiene is a must

Massage therapists have to keep extremely short nails to avoid scratching clients. They are also required to be extremely neat and wear mild deodorants and perfumes to avoid making clients uncomfortable with more pronounced fragrances. While good hygiene is essential, short nails and only a small range of fragrances can be quite a bore for massage therapists.

Hands are fragile and delicate tools

Massage therapists work with their hands day in, day out. Subsequently, any injuries to the hands can affect a week’s worth of work or even a complete inability to work, depending on the injury. They often have to use stinging lotions to quicken the healing process.

It’s not exactly a well-paid or stable job

The fact that many people consider massages as a ‘treat’ means that the inflow of clients can be somewhat low. Also, with the decline of wages since the 2008 financial crisis – and less expendable income in people’s pockets – it doesn’t make for a job that pays so well.

Feedback is key

Massage therapists are not psychic; if you’re uncomfortable with anything at all during a session, it’s important you tell the person working with you. It really is a let down for them when clients say they did not enjoy the therapy at the end of the session.

Freebie seeking friends

Most massage therapists attest to having friends who – in one way or another – ask for freebies. Most of them don’t say it outright of course, but subtle comments about aching necks or strained joints are easy to see through. Therefore, paying your friend (who is a massage therapist) for a massage every now and then is not a bad idea.

Laundry is a time-consuming chore

For most massage therapists, this is a very annoying part of the job; the constant need to do laundry. While it’s true that spending years training for the job should mean less time spent doing the (work related) laundry, for most massage therapists, the exact opposite is the case.

Sometimes, there’s more than meets the eye

People are not always honest to themselves about their health. Many health issues may require massage therapy, but massage therapists sometimes find that their clients have serious medical issues that have not been addressed. A lot of people claim to have seen their doctors and only been recommended a relaxing massage. In such cases, therapists usually recommend clients make a return visit to their doctor.

Some people just won’t sit still

Trying to ‘assist’ by constantly moving around is more likely to distract than help a massage therapist. While their job is to work the muscles in your body, you have the small task of staying still and enjoying the process as you should.

Massage therapists still love their jobs

Despite the dramas, disappointments and let downs, most massage therapists agree that they still love their jobs. According to The Massage People London, “The fulfilment that accompanies a successful session and clients who leave feeling relaxed and satisfied is an unmatched sensation of satisfaction.”

Conclusion

With this brief glimpse into the mind of a massage therapist, you should certainly appreciate your next massage therapy session even more.

It’s a lot easier to consider glasses a fashion staple when you don’t actually need to wear them. If you’re someone who has been wearing prescription glasses since childhood, you’ll probably remember some of the name calling not too fondly. Sure, people most likely don’t openly make fun of you anymore, but if you’re just tired of the ‘girl with glasses’ look, here are just a few ways you can get rid of them and not have to constantly bump into things.

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are a popular alternative to glasses. They are each a thin lens that’s placed directly on the surface of the eye. They can be used cosmetically of course, because they come in different colours, but are also considered a medical device used to correct vision.

Other than being aesthetically pleasing, contacts allow for much better peripheral vision. They are affordable, comfortable and don’t cause an obstruction during activities such as playing sports. Furthermore, they don’t get smudged or wet in the rain.

Contact lenses need to be properly taken care of to prevent them from being damaged, as well as to prevent eye irritation. A case to store the lens is usually provided with the contacts, but if they aren’t, you can buy them separately. Use a reputable brand name contact lens solution to keep them clean. Note that it is not advisable to swim with contacts. Some are safe to sleep with, though it’s always better to remove your contacts beforehand.

Your Ophthalmologist is required to provide your contact lens prescription after a fitting. If they fail to do so, you can request it. Also, you can use your prescription to get new ones whenever you want at your regular opticians’ office or from a licensed contact lens retailer online.

Lasik Eye Surgery

Lasik eye surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea of the eye. Lasik has become a very popular procedure and over 95% of patients are happy with their results. It is a permanent solution that will completely eradicate your dependence on glasses and even contact lenses. Technology has made it so that most eye defects such as Myopia (Nearsightedness), Hyperopia (Farsightedness) and Astigmatism (amongst others) can be permanently corrected.

You can consider Lasik as a way to get rid of your glasses if you are over 18; have had a stable prescription for glasses or contact lenses for up to two years; are not pregnant and don’t have excessively dry eyes. It’s also a good option if you don’t have a corneal disease or any other eye disease.

To perform the operation, a doctor uses a blade (microkeratome) or laser to cut a thin flap in the corneal tissue. A laser is then used to ablate corneal tissue and reshape the eye. Then, the flap is lowered and allowed to heal. The surgery is fast and can be completed in under ten minutes.

After the surgery, a bandage contact is usually placed on the eyes and protective eyewear is given to protect the eye from unwanted external stimuli, such as harsh rays of light or dust. It usually takes two to three months for Lasik flaps to heal completely. You’ll be able to see immediately after surgery and can resume your normal daily activities the very next day.

Special attention needs to be paid to the health of your eye during the healing process. It’s therefore important to follow doctor’s instructions to the letter to ensure you get the maximum desired results. Steroid and antibiotic eye drops are usually given to patients to be used post-surgery. Most Ophthalmologists would require return visits to make sure the healing process is going as it should. You might be required to return one day, one week and then one month after surgery.

Complications are rare, but some risks that can occur with Lasik include dry eyes, over or under correction and infection. You can read this eBook to get more information on Lasik.

SMILE Eye Surgery

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is another permanent solution to nearsightedness. It is a laser vision correction method, similar to Lasik, but much gentler. Nearsightedness is a condition whereby objects close to the eye can be seen, but objects far away appear blurry and unfocused. This condition is caused by a lens and cornea that aren’t shaped properly. If you are nearsighted and don’t want to wear glasses, this is a great option.

After an eye test is conducted, the advanced technology helps determine the exact shape of the eye and gives the best options to correct vision for almost every eye shape. The laser treatment reshapes the lens and cornea, so that light can be focused properly at the back of the eye. The operation itself takes only about 30 seconds to perform.

The SMILE procedure doesn’t need to cut or enter the eye. The laser uses values that were computer generated during the eye test to make a thin layer just beneath the surface of the eye. A tiny opening is then created and the contact lens shaped layer is removed. The layer that the laser removes permanently reshapes the outer layers of the cornea, thus correcting the vision.

According to Sidney Gicheru, M.D, the procedure is performed with much less suction pressure than other laser vision correction options. It is also simple and painless. Patients can usually return to their daily activities and active lifestyle within days, unlike LASIK which is usually 1-2 weeks after the operation.

When choosing a vision correction method, it’s important to conduct thorough research. There are many factors to be considered, such as cost, reputation and success rate. When making your decision, you should go with the option that you’re most comfortable with, as recommended by your Ophthalmologist.

Anyone who has spent even the shortest time in any sort of beauty circles will have heard of microblading. The trend hit it big roughly a year ago. Through the use of hairline abrasions, the pigment is inserted into the dermis of the skin. This creates the appearance of fuller and darker eyebrows, instantly. Microblading is only one of the many forms of natural permanent makeup. The trend exploded almost overnight.

While tattoos have been around for centuries, it wasn’t until the early 1980’s when doctors started experimenting with the idea of using tattoos to help patients suffering from conditions such as alopecia. Since then the idea behind permanent makeup has taken off. “Every day hundreds of women and men undergo the process to enhance their natural features.” explains Dermani Medspa.

There are both pros and cons to having natural permanent makeup applied and it is strongly advised that if you consider the procedure that you consult a trained professional such as both beforehand and after the procedure is completed, during your recovery process.

The Good

Having the natural permanent makeup applied is a great way to save time. Many women, for instance, will have permanent lip liner applied to avoid having to consistently reapply lip liner throughout the day. This will give the wearer a fuller pout without much hassle.

It’s subtle, the pigments used in the application are soft and meant to enhance the body’s natural features. Many women undergo this so as to not have anyone know that they actually underwent the procedure. In essence, the client will look like themselves only an enhanced version.

Those who have allergies to traditional makeup often turn to permanent makeup as a substitute. The same can be said for those clients who are unable to apply their makeup due to restrictions on movement. For these patients, natural permanent makeup offers an alternative which can enhance facial features instantly and it lasts for years. There is also no downtime needed after have the natural permanent makeup applied.

The Bad

If natural permanent makeup is not applied by a professional there could be serious health implications. Many women and men have been left with permanent scars after making use of the services of untrained persons. Some clients have also experienced adverse reactions to either the topical anaesthetic used or the actual pigments.

It is of utmost importance that clients always seek out the services of highly trained professionals before having the procedure completed. Technicians need to be able to work on very delicate areas of the body and will need to be certified to do so.

Despite some moderate pain during the procedure, side effects of having natural permanent makeup are very rare and in most cases, the majority of complaints are of dissatisfaction with the end results. Trained technicians will be able to perfectly match their clients with a range of colours to provide them with the best result possible. In many cases, those who are unhappy with their results are the ones who did not make sure that the person they have chosen is qualified.

Even if you’re pregnant, you can find the perfect clothes, accessories and beauty regimen to make you look in-style, whether indoors and outdoors and regardless of the season or time of the year!

You shouldn’t be worried you may not keep up with fashion or your cute looks just because you’re pregnant. In fact, being pregnant doesn’t mean you should give up your personal style. You just need to find the right option that flatters your shape and beauty.

Now, let’s get you started on the perfect maternity fashion and beauty advice so you can continue to feel and look gorgeous all the way.

First, know the basics

The first thing you need to do is to buy maternity clothing that use fabrics to help achieve a stylish look while also properly supporting your bulge in a convenient way. You should also invest in fashion that will fit you throughout the nine months.

Show off your gorgeous baby bump

While the breezy maternity clothes make your movements light and easy, you shouldn’t shy away from occasionally trying on a body-con dress or top that emphasizes your cute baby bulge. If you’re going out for a social event or just taking a leisurely evening stroll, you can choose a perfect gown that embraces your sweet bump and makes you feel sexy.

In summer, lightweight clothing is cooler

The key to keeping the heat off and staying warm and refreshed with a summer pregnancy is to go with lightweight maternity clothes made of natural fibers. Stay off synthetic clothing materials such as rayon and polyester to avoid excessive sweating and loads of discomfort. You should also be aware that light-colored clothes are usually more convenient than dark-colored clothes.

Put more thought into your footwear

Besides the tummy, one of the easily noticeable alterations in a pregnant woman’s body are the feet that tend to swell, especially during the third trimester. So, to stay pregnant and fashionable, don’t forget to get some really nice and comfortable shoes and sandals. Find a lovely pair of sneakers that match or mix well with your maternity wear. Flat lace-up sandals are a good choice, as you can easily adjust them to what your need at anytime. You can also find some stylish, feminine flats to give you all the comfort and impeccable look you crave.

Invest in accessories

Do you just love to accessorize? You certainly shouldn’t stop now. Accessories can no doubt accentuate one’s look and this might be the best time to play it up a little. If you’re heading to the beach, make sure not to leave your straw hat behind to both protect you from the sun and keep you chic. Got a pair of star sunglasses? Put it on to look cool especially if you’re donning a simple outfit. And get that pretty lipstick on to make you look more beautiful.

Keep your hair off your face

Don’t let your hair down or get all in your face. Make sure to style it and keep it neatly together, either in a top-knot bun or woven into braids. It will help you beat the midday heat and avoid a bad hair day.

Try acupuncture

Why has acupuncture remained a popular beauty therapy since ancient times? Because generally it makes people better. For pregnant women, acupuncture can help deal with symptoms such as the nausea, cramps, headaches, mental stress and even weight gain.

In recent times, pregnant women who go for acupuncture for pregnancy to relieve pain have often observed that their looks have improved too. This has given rise to ‘acupuncture facials’ which targets glowing skin.

What most people do not know is that acupuncture is also helpful in treating small, common beauty issues such as de-puffing a swollen face, clearing up acne and brightening dull skin.

Acupuncture is reasonably safe but, to make doubly sure, ensure that you use an experienced practitioner as pregnancy is a delicate state that requires the utmost care.

Stay Feminine

A woman’s dress is still that one piece that showcases her femininity. And I’m talking about the knit-dress! Smooth, elegant and super convenient, it captures all the charming curves of your pregnant figure. Whether you go for a simple knit dress or opt for a detailed piece with all kinds of drapery, it will no doubt add some style to your beautiful changing shape. You can jazz up the look with a smart blazer or bomber jacket.

Generally, keep in mind your pregnant body type and size

There are typically four body shapes and sizes types of women when pregnant: Big, small, high and low. If your baby weight distributes all over, it makes you look big when pregnant. If you fall in this category, you should consider using fabrics that are soft and have longer lines. You’ll feel comfortable, while also accentuating your beautiful bump.

Your lovely belly will rest above your hip if your baby is sitting low. Clothes that are soft on the waistline are ideal for those carrying low. Below-the- bump cuts are particularly chic, and if you nip it, it’s even cuter as it emphasizes your figure.

If you’re carrying high, use colour-block, ties and high belts to separate your bust from your bulge. Get creative and make some simple changes to the pieces you already have in your wardrobe.

Pregnant women who are petite are normally small all over and their bump just goes out, while the rest of them appear small. That should be a cue to play up with your maternity fashion to create a pretty look. Don’t be afraid to experiment with some fashion risk and have fun at it. Skinny jeans, graphic prints and the like work well.

Whether you’re wearing a flowing gown or skin-tight clothes, the key is to stay true to your fashion style and stick with what you like. Being pregnant shouldn’t mean throwing out your favorite dresses. You can still rock your regular clothing and make it look carefree.