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Stephanie Fotherby
Skin Specialist
Tip, Tricks & Info
Hydrate
Water helps to keep the skin hydrated. Hydrated skin looks plumper, smoother, and more youthful. Dehydration can make skin appear dry, tight, and flaky, which can accentuate wrinkles and fine lines.
Drinking water aids in flushing out toxins from the body. When toxins build up, they can contribute to skin problems such as acne, dullness, and inflammation.
Drinking water aids in flushing out toxins from the body. When toxins build up, they can contribute to skin problems such as acne, dullness, and inflammation.
Skincare Routine - AM to PM
It's no surprise that as a skin therapist I am going to bang on about the importance of a good skincare routine at home.
The truth is that a good homecare routine should be at the top of the list of things to get right in order to have the best skin health.
In salon treatments are undoubtably important, but your home routine consists of around 90% or more of your whole skincare regimen so this part is crucial.
There is so much information out there now and its hard to know what is the best fit. It's important to remember that there is no one size fits all when it comes to skincare and it's important that you use the correct products for your skin type or concern. But there are some fundamentals that can help you.
My first piece of advise would be to keep it simple, lay off the 20 odd step routines you see on tiktok as they are most likely to strong and stripping your skins barrier. The second would be to invest in the best quality products you can, it doesn’t have to be crazy expensive.
Your morning skincare routine prepares your skin for the day ahead. During the day your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays, pollution and dirt. All of these can damage your skin and cause free radicals which accelerate skin ageing. My AM routine consists of:
Cleanse
Toner
Vitamin C Serum
Eye Cream
Moisturiser
SPF SPF SPF 30+
At night its really important to clean your skin thoroughly. During the night your skin beavers away repairing the damage caused during the day. This allows our skin to absorb product more effectively so using a good quality serum in your nighttime skin care routine is critical to help optimise skin’s natural repair mechanisms. My evening routine consists of:
Double Cleanse
Toner
Serum or Retinol
Eye Cream
Night Cream
Once a week exfoliate using a facial scrub or an acid and then apply a face mask. Once you’ve done this continue with your usual nighttime routine
The truth is that a good homecare routine should be at the top of the list of things to get right in order to have the best skin health.
In salon treatments are undoubtably important, but your home routine consists of around 90% or more of your whole skincare regimen so this part is crucial.
There is so much information out there now and its hard to know what is the best fit. It's important to remember that there is no one size fits all when it comes to skincare and it's important that you use the correct products for your skin type or concern. But there are some fundamentals that can help you.
My first piece of advise would be to keep it simple, lay off the 20 odd step routines you see on tiktok as they are most likely to strong and stripping your skins barrier. The second would be to invest in the best quality products you can, it doesn’t have to be crazy expensive.
Your morning skincare routine prepares your skin for the day ahead. During the day your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays, pollution and dirt. All of these can damage your skin and cause free radicals which accelerate skin ageing. My AM routine consists of:
Cleanse
Toner
Vitamin C Serum
Eye Cream
Moisturiser
SPF SPF SPF 30+
At night its really important to clean your skin thoroughly. During the night your skin beavers away repairing the damage caused during the day. This allows our skin to absorb product more effectively so using a good quality serum in your nighttime skin care routine is critical to help optimise skin’s natural repair mechanisms. My evening routine consists of:
Double Cleanse
Toner
Serum or Retinol
Eye Cream
Night Cream
Once a week exfoliate using a facial scrub or an acid and then apply a face mask. Once you’ve done this continue with your usual nighttime routine
Why is it so important?
Why is wearing SPF as part of your daily skincare routine so important?
I don't want to teach you to suck eggs, but the obvious reasons for wearing SPF as part of your daily skincare routine are the most important and sometimes we need reminding of why:
1. Protection Against UV Radiation: SPF protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation includes UVA and UVB rays, both of which can cause skin damage. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are primarily responsible for premature ageing and wrinkles, while UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn.
2. Prevention of Skin Cancer: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is a major risk factor for skin cancer. It blows my mind that people still don't use it! Daily use of SPF significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.
3. Slowing Down Skin Ageing: UV exposure accelerates the ageing process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. By wearing SPF daily, you can help maintain a more youthful appearance by protecting your skin from photo-ageing, yet another reason to wear SPF daily.
4. Even Skin Tone and Texture: Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, such as age spots, freckles, and melasma. Treating these can take time and be costly.And as they say, prevention is better that the cure, and therefore using SPF to help prevent these issues can promote a more even skin tone and texture.
SO, PLEASE PLEASE WEAR SPF DAILY COME RAIN OR SHINE (sorry not sorry for shouting)
I don't want to teach you to suck eggs, but the obvious reasons for wearing SPF as part of your daily skincare routine are the most important and sometimes we need reminding of why:
1. Protection Against UV Radiation: SPF protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation includes UVA and UVB rays, both of which can cause skin damage. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are primarily responsible for premature ageing and wrinkles, while UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn.
2. Prevention of Skin Cancer: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is a major risk factor for skin cancer. It blows my mind that people still don't use it! Daily use of SPF significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.
3. Slowing Down Skin Ageing: UV exposure accelerates the ageing process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. By wearing SPF daily, you can help maintain a more youthful appearance by protecting your skin from photo-ageing, yet another reason to wear SPF daily.
4. Even Skin Tone and Texture: Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, such as age spots, freckles, and melasma. Treating these can take time and be costly.And as they say, prevention is better that the cure, and therefore using SPF to help prevent these issues can promote a more even skin tone and texture.
SO, PLEASE PLEASE WEAR SPF DAILY COME RAIN OR SHINE (sorry not sorry for shouting)
AHA vs. BHA
What’s the Difference and How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin
If you’re looking to boost your skincare routine, you’ve likely come across the terms AHA and BHA. Both are powerful exfoliants that can help improve your skin’s texture, brighten your complexion, and tackle various skin concerns. But what's the difference between the two, and how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s dive in!
What Are AHAs and BHAs?
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) are both chemical exfoliants, but they work differently and target different skin concerns.
AHAs are water-soluble acids derived from natural substances like fruits and milk. They work on the surface of the skin to exfoliate dead skin cells, making them perfect for treating dullness and uneven texture.
BHAs are oil-soluble acids that penetrate deeper into the pores. They are excellent for those with oily or acne-prone skin because they help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Popular AHAs and Their Benefits:
Glycolic acid - has the smallest molecular size among AHAs, allowing it to penetrate the skin deeply. It’s excellent for brightening the skin, fading hyperpigmentation, and improving texture.
How to Use: Start with a low concentration (5-10%) if you’re a beginner. Apply it in the evening after cleansing and before moisturising. Always follow up with sunscreen during the day, as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Lactic acid - is a gentler AHA that helps with mild exfoliation. It’s perfect for those with sensitive skin or beginners to chemical exfoliants. It helps improve skin texture, hydrate, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
How to Use: Apply it in the evening, starting with a 5-10% concentration. It’s great for sensitive or dry skin because it also has hydrating properties.
Mandelic acid - has a larger molecular size, which makes it the gentlest AHA. It’s ideal for sensitive skin or those dealing with acne and pigmentation. It helps improve cell turnover without causing irritation.
How to Use: Start with a lower concentration and apply it in your nighttime routine. It’s perfect for people with sensitive or reactive skin.
Popular BHAs and Their Benefits
Salicylic acid - is the most common BHA. It penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells, making it ideal for acne-prone and oily skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and swelling.
How to Use: Apply after cleansing, either as a serum or a spot treatment. It’s effective in concentrations of 0.5-2%. Start with a lower concentration to see how your skin reacts.
Both AHAs and BHAs offer fantastic benefits for different skin types and concerns. If you’re looking to smooth out fine lines, brighten your complexion, or tackle hyperpigmentation, AHAs are a great choice. For those dealing with acne, blackheads, or excess oil, BHAs can work wonders.
Remember, the key to using chemical exfoliants effectively is to start slow, listen to your skin, and always protect it with sunscreen. Happy exfoliating, and here’s to a smoother, brighter complexion!
If you’re looking to boost your skincare routine, you’ve likely come across the terms AHA and BHA. Both are powerful exfoliants that can help improve your skin’s texture, brighten your complexion, and tackle various skin concerns. But what's the difference between the two, and how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s dive in!
What Are AHAs and BHAs?
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) are both chemical exfoliants, but they work differently and target different skin concerns.
AHAs are water-soluble acids derived from natural substances like fruits and milk. They work on the surface of the skin to exfoliate dead skin cells, making them perfect for treating dullness and uneven texture.
BHAs are oil-soluble acids that penetrate deeper into the pores. They are excellent for those with oily or acne-prone skin because they help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Popular AHAs and Their Benefits:
Glycolic acid - has the smallest molecular size among AHAs, allowing it to penetrate the skin deeply. It’s excellent for brightening the skin, fading hyperpigmentation, and improving texture.
How to Use: Start with a low concentration (5-10%) if you’re a beginner. Apply it in the evening after cleansing and before moisturising. Always follow up with sunscreen during the day, as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Lactic acid - is a gentler AHA that helps with mild exfoliation. It’s perfect for those with sensitive skin or beginners to chemical exfoliants. It helps improve skin texture, hydrate, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
How to Use: Apply it in the evening, starting with a 5-10% concentration. It’s great for sensitive or dry skin because it also has hydrating properties.
Mandelic acid - has a larger molecular size, which makes it the gentlest AHA. It’s ideal for sensitive skin or those dealing with acne and pigmentation. It helps improve cell turnover without causing irritation.
How to Use: Start with a lower concentration and apply it in your nighttime routine. It’s perfect for people with sensitive or reactive skin.
Popular BHAs and Their Benefits
Salicylic acid - is the most common BHA. It penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells, making it ideal for acne-prone and oily skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and swelling.
How to Use: Apply after cleansing, either as a serum or a spot treatment. It’s effective in concentrations of 0.5-2%. Start with a lower concentration to see how your skin reacts.
Both AHAs and BHAs offer fantastic benefits for different skin types and concerns. If you’re looking to smooth out fine lines, brighten your complexion, or tackle hyperpigmentation, AHAs are a great choice. For those dealing with acne, blackheads, or excess oil, BHAs can work wonders.
Remember, the key to using chemical exfoliants effectively is to start slow, listen to your skin, and always protect it with sunscreen. Happy exfoliating, and here’s to a smoother, brighter complexion!
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