Q: I have been out walking a lot lately and have started getting big brown patches on my face!  It seems to be worse on my forehead and especially over my upper lip which looks awful.  How can I get rid of these marks?

A: You don’t mention if you are pregnant or on the pill.  It sounds like you have Chloasma or Melasma, also known as ‘mask of pregnancy’.  When you are pregnant you release more melanin which is what gives us a tan.  This is common during pregnancy hence ‘mask of pregnancy’ and also quite common if you are on the pill.  Unfortunately there is no way of preventing Chloasma.  The best thing you can do to help keep it at bay is apply SUN BLOCK to your face.  Chloasma does not appear any where else on your body apart from your face so wear a sun block at all times and don’t expose your face to direct sun light.

Kirstie Allsop had Chloasma when she was pregnant.  If you are a fan of Location, Location, Location you will have noticed her face was heavily pigmented around her mouth and forehead.  This condition effects the forehead, cheeks and upper lip mostly.

There are various methods of treating Chloasma which is a form of hyper-pigmentation.  Firstly go and see your doctor to confirm what it is and your doctor can recommend a good dermatologist if it really is bad and bothering you.

If it’s not that bad you could try various different products on the market one of which I would recommend is Dermalogica‘s Skin Brightening System which some of my clients have used over the years and were happy with the results.  You can buy their various skin brightening products individually if you don’t want to invest in the kit.  The night bright would be the one I would most recommend.  Anything rice based can also have a whitening effect on the skin (great for removing fake tan too!).  Talk to a therapist at your local salon and ask what they would recommend, DO NOT buy everything they suggest – have a whitening facial using the products they recommend and ask for samples to do you a couple of days, that way you can be sure that the product is suited to your skin before investing in expensive ranges that you’ll end up leaving on the bathroom window sill!

Other treatments can include topical bleaching creams, laser (a lot of dermatologists don’t recommend laser for Melasma), chemical peels or oral supplements – all of these can be discussed with your doctor.  If the problem isn’t that bad pick up a whitening skin care routine (one that has been recommended to you) and try some camouflage make-up.  There are great heavy coverage foundations or concealers available now so start by looking for one to suit your skin.  Jane Iredal Enlighten Concealer is specifically for covering Melasma.

One to note – if you are fake tanning you should probably avoid your face as fake tans tend to exaggerate hyper-pigmentation.  Use a bronzing powder to tan your face instead.

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We’ve had another scour for any deals to be had and there are some really good offers.  We picked out what we thought might be of most interest to you.  Should you know of any offers running or due to run do let us know…

Cosmetics

This Thursday purchase a ‘Bag for Life’ in any of The Body Shop stores throughout Ireland and save 20% off whatever you can fit into this bag.  Proceeds from the sale of this bag will go to the Children on the Edge charity.

Book a foundation consultation at the Clarins counter in Boots Dundrum today and recieve a FREE two week supply of your perfect foundation with any other purchase from the Clairns range.

Sam McCauley‘s have up to 50% off the H2O+ range and half price on the Johnsons Soothing Natural Range.

Nosh

Japanese restaurant Koishi in Ballsbridge have a three course early bird menu for €29.90.

Gourmet Burger Kitchen in Newbridge are running a burger and a beer (or glass of wine/milk shake…) deal at €9.99!!

Pampering

Bellaza Salon in Ranelagh are giving 50% off ALL treatments until the end of April!  Ring around as most salons are doing great deals this month, especially those at hotels.

Fashion

Asos.com offering FREE next day delivery on orders made between 12-6 today.

Visit the Gap Store in Dundrum Town Centre where you can sign up to become a Gap VIP and receive 30% off your purchases between 10th – 14th March 2010.

Hair Care

Therapie are offering a Hair Couture special this month of 50% off cut and colour – Dublin and Galway.

Peter Mark are still giving 20% off all cuts, colour and styling.

Getaways

Rathsallagh House are running a couple of offers.  The first is their Mother’s Day Package and it includes; lunch, evening supper, over night B&B, golf or a half hour massage, 10% discount voucher for the Kildare Retail Village and a gift certificate for Newbridge Silverware. €169 per person sharing!

For St. Patrick’s Day they are offering B&B, golf or a half hour massage, Traditional Music night, 10% discount voucher for the Kildare Retail Village and a gift certificate for Newbridge Silverware. – also €169 per person sharing.

Events/Entertainment

If you are at a loose end this evening then why not pop along to Brown Thomas, Dublin to meet Irish designer Joanne Hynes where she will be presenting her new collection on Level 2. Joanne will be speaking, offering style advice with fashion workshops from 6.30-8.30 tonight. Joanne can boast dressing PJ Harvey, Sinead O Connor, Daphne Guinness and Elodie Bouchez. Not forgetting to mention supermodel Jacquetta Wheeler was voted Best Dressed in Harpers & Queen wearing a Joanne Hynes feather and crystal dress. This sounds like a great way to pass the evening and get some style inspiration along with it.

Meanwhile at Brown Thomas Cork you can you can attend a Style Workshop focusing on the Mary Grant Spring Summer collection this Saturday 13th March from 11am-3pm.

The Jolly Sunbeams Barbershop quartet will be on the Mall this Sunday at Dundrum Town Centre – ready and waiting to serenade you and your mum!

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Q: Do you have any lifestyle tips for improving the condition of skin?

A: By looking after our bodies on the inside and protecting our skin on the outside, we can help to slow down the onset of skin ageing.

Diet plays a major role in preserving our skins youthful appearance, by eating the right foods rich in antioxidants they can minimize the damage caused to our skin cells by free radicals.

Regular exercise such as cycling or brisk walking stimulates blood flow in the whole body and re-oxygenates your organs giving you a fresh and healthy complexion. Always protect your skin from UV rays.

See our previous posts on Effects On The Skin From Mineral Deficiency and How Vitamin Deficiency Can Effect Your Skin for more information.

Our ask the expert question has been answered today by La Roche-Posay’s Training Manager, Janette Ryan.

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Q: Why are anti-ageing serums beneficial and how should I use one?

A: Anti-ageing serums are definitely beneficial in helping to prevent or prolong the onset of ageing, because serums are highly concentrated in active ingredients and are more fluid based so that they penetrate the skin much quicker than a traditional moisturiser and deliver quicker results.

When applying serums, always apply prior to your daily moisturiser and for best results, use morning and evening. La Roche-Posay recently launched the first serum in their range – DERM AOX. This Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Serum is €35 and suitable as a serum for any stage of ageing. It is non-comedogenic (blackheads), paraben-free (nasty preservatives!) and tested on every skin type including sensitive skin.  For what we thought of this product please read our review.

Our ask the expert question has been answered today by La Roche-Posay’s Training Manager, Janette Ryan.

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Q: What ingredients should I look for when buying a moisturiser?

A: Vitamin C known as ascorbic acid and Vitamin E are powerful anti-oxidants. Vitamin C may be especially important given widespread environmental pollution because it combats the effects of many such toxins, including ozone, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, pesticides and heavy metals. Vitamin C protects skin cells from the damage caused by free radicals. As an anti-oxidant, Vitamin C’s primary role is to neutralize free radicals. By using a good skincare product which contains these substances, you can help prevent skin problems like wrinkles, lines, age spots, and dry skin.

What else should I watch out for?

Look for products that are non-comedogenic (comedones are blackheads), tested under dermatological control and have clinical proven results, are suitable for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic and contain UV protection. If the product doesn’t contain UV protection, wear UV protection as well as your daily moisturiser to prevent further sun damage. If unsure, ask the Dermo-Skincare advisor in your local pharmacy or your therapist.

Our ask the expert question has been answered today by La Roche-Posay’s Training Manager, Janette Ryan.

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Q: Does smoking really affect your skin?

A: Yes, smoking is one of the main causes of extrinsic ageing. Smoking causes a destruction of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis of the skin and depletes moisture from our skin causing a dull complexion. Smoking creates free radicals in our bodies and deprives us of Vitamin C, which is a powerful anti-ageing ingredient.

Smokers need an intake of around 66% more vitamin C than non smokers.

If you are going on a night out where there may be smoking, apply a face cream containing antioxidants such as Vitamin C and/or E. When you get home cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove any surface pollutants, and apply a night cream containing antioxidants such as Vitamin C and/or E.

Our ask the expert question has been answered today by La Roche-Posay’s Training Manager, Janette Ryan.

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As skiing trips become increasingly popular in Ireland, La Roche-Posay gives the following advice to skiers before hitting the slopes.  It’s worth remembering the cheapest anti-aging treatment is a good SPF!

Many factors affect UV intensity, which subsequently alters the UV Index. This in turn, alters the amount of time that you can spend in the sun before starting to burn. The environment or terrain can alter the level of UV radiation that you are exposed to.

Did you know that there is:

1. An 85% increase from snow reflection

2. A 100% increase at 3000m altitude

3. A 25% increase from white-water reflection

4. That 80% of UV rays pass through cloud

Here are the top 5 skincare tips recommended by dermatologists favourite, La Roche-Posay.

1. The intensity of the sun’s rays increases at higher altitudes. Protect your skin against UV damage by ensuring that you use a sunscreen with high UVA/UVB protection. La Roche-Posay recommends La Roche-Posay Anthelios Fluide Extreme 50+ €21.50 which offers the strongest protection on the market against UVA and UVB rays with an ultra-fluid and light texture. La Roche-Posay Anthelios stick €10.50 (above), is a handy targeted ultra-protection stick SPF 50+ to effectively protect the most sensitive areas.

2. Lips are particularly prone to drying out in harsh weather so make sure you use a moisturising lip balm with UVA/UVB filters to prevent chapping and cold-sores. For dried out lips try Nutritic Lips €7 for sensitive which not only soothes and nourishes dry lips but transforms the 4 clinical signs of dry and sensitive lips – chapping, tingling sensation, thinness and extra sensitivity. Thanks to the patented Ceramide 5 in Nutritic Lips which reinforces the cutaneous barrier, lips are transformed. Nutritic lips is an non-greasy ultra fine balm that also contains biolipids to nourish and soothe dry lips.

3. Cold weather dries out the skin and can cause cracking and splitting, so when exposing yourself to the elements, do take extra care to moisturise your skin thoroughly morning and evening. La Roche-Posay Nutritic Ultra-fine cream €16.00 with 5% Biolipids concentration was tested by a famous explorer, Nicholas Vanier, in temperatures as low as -50ºC and proven to protect his face from all the drying effects of extremely cold weather.

4. Eyes require special protection so wear wrap-around sunglasses with adequate UV protection to approved EU standards. ‘Snow blindness’ (photokeratitis) is sunburn damage to the cornea of the eye caused by UV radiation. This painful condition can be associated with temporary vision loss for up to 48 hours. Choose eyewear that meets the European Standards EN 174, EN 1836

5. Pamper and restore your skin après-ski with a re-hydrating face mask or use La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water €9.50. This product is unique by virtue of its composition which contains the highest concentration of any water in the world of the potent anti-free radical, selenium, an essential ingredient in the prevention of skin ageing and induced UV cellular damage. Its therapeutic properties have been dermatologically proven by in-vivo and in-vitro studies to be highly healing, soothing and decongesting.

Today’s skincare tips came from La Roche-Posay’s training manager, Janette Ryan.

Wow.ie previously reviewed this product, click here to see what we thought.

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Q: Can you be too young to start an anti-ageing routine?

A: Yes, I think you can be too young to start an anti-ageing routine. Although everyone’s skin is different and there are many factors that contribute to how our skin’s age – the initial signs of ageing are expression lines. These can often occur from the late 20’s or early 30’s as a result of laughing, smiling and frowning. Usually between the ages of 20 and 25, cell renewal drops by up to 28% and your cells divide slower so that “glow” associated with youthful skin diminishes and reoccurs more slowly – but that doesn’t mean you need to start using an anti-ageing product. There are many products available on the market to restore a youthful glow!

Using anti-ageing products too early or products which are targeted at a more mature skin will not be of any benefit to you as the active ingredients are effective on the skin which they are targeted at. Depending on the active ingredients and the concentration of them in the product sometimes these ingredients can over stimulate the skin which they are not intended for and cause increased sensitivity.

The best time to start using anti-ageing products is when you as an individual feel that your skin looks ‘aged’ and you want to do something about it. It will depend on your skin type, genetics, your sun exposure, smoking history, and how well you have protected your skin from environmental assaults in the past. Prevention is always better than cure, UVA rays are the No1 cause of preventable skin ageing, so the most important thing anyone can do is wear UV protection daily.

Our ask the expert question has been answered today by La Roche-Posay‘s Training Manager, Janette Ryan.

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Q: I have blackheads on my nose that never seem to go, how can I get rid of them?

A: Hi Emma, there’s a couple of reasons you could be getting blackheads (aka comedones).  You don’t mention in your email if you are a smoker, one of the major causes of blackheads around the nose.  Also, when you apply your moisturiser does it sit on your skin for a while before being absorbed?  If so it could be too heavy for your skin and cause your pores to become blocked.

Blackheads are caused when the sebum that’s naturally excreted on you skin becomes blocked at the top of the pore and turns black. I would suggest you cleanse your skin thoroughly twice a day.  Once or twice a week you should exfoliate your skin as dead skin cells can block the pores creating blackheads and breakouts.  Exfoliating regularly will eventually help clear and prevent further blackheads.  I’d recommend either of Dermlogica’s exfoliants – Daily Microfoliant and Skin Prep Scrub or Clinique’s 7 day scrub.  A warm wet face cloth left resting on your face for no longer than 10 minutes beforehand will help open the pores, or steam your face over a bowl then exfoliate.  After steaming your pores are now open, wrap a tissue over both index fingers and gently press on the skin between them, if nothing comes leave it for another day or you’ll cause more harm.

When you are purchasing moisturisers or any cosmetics try to look for products that have non-comedongenic written on the box.  If a facial is in your budget try a Dermalogica facial and ask them to use the scaling fluid (professional product) on your nose, it is fantastic at blasting right in to the pores to get rid of blackheads especially if used under a steamer. Hope this helps!

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Brown Thomas have just announced the exclusive arrival of Slendertone Face.

Slendertone Face is a new anti-ageing product targeting a key contributor to the ageing process – the atrophy or wasting of the facial muscles. This machine is said to work on the facial nerve, one on each side of the face, that gives each side a full work out. Whilst studying beauty and skin care we covered machines, this type included, and I would definitely look to having facials done in the future that incorporated this machine, to help combat the signs of aging. It’s such a common sense approach to sagging muscle tone in the face, that you’d wonder how more people don’t have these machines at home already.

The machine uses an electro muscle stimulation technology that stimulates a nerve on each side of the face ,which in turn exercises the muscles. I’ve seen this type of machine in action, and you literally see each side of the face almost twitch as the machine sends out its pulse contracting the muscles. If doing this at home seems like hard work (.. very lazy if it does!), then ring around your local salons to see if they use machines like this during facials.

If you are brave enough to go it alone it should be really easy to use. The machine will cost you €300, perhaps a good investment if you chip in with sisters or friends. The concept of this idea is definitely something I’d recommend as a therapist however, I haven’t actually used this machine myself, but maybe they will give you a demonstration in store. Great Christmas pressie for the mum that has everything!

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