Latest news with #aesthetician
Irish Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Perimenopausal and menopausal skin: How to tackle the most common problems
The dawn of my 40s has brought plenty of welcome changes, but along with the good, there have been a few unpleasant surprises, many of them showing up on my skin. My once occasional hormonal breakouts are, annoyingly, more frequent. Stubborn spots, often deep, painful ones, congregate around my chin and jawline, immune to my usual quick fixes, and my skin feels more prone to dullness than ever before. What is going on? I asked Eavanna Breen, aesthetician and clinical director of Eavanna Breen Skin and Laser Clinic to break down exactly what's happening to our skin during perimenopause and menopause – from dryness and dullness to breakouts and pigmentation changes – and what we can do about it. Why does it feel like our skin changes overnight during perimenopause and menopause? Because in many ways, it does. Hormonal shifts, particularly the drop in oestrogen, impact multiple systems at once, and skin is often the first place women see those changes. It's not your imagination – what used to work suddenly doesn't, and skin can go from stable to reactive, dull, dry or breakout-prone seemingly overnight. What is happening in the skin? Oestrogen plays a huge role in skin health. It regulates collagen production, moisture retention, wound healing and skin thickness. As oestrogen declines, so does the skin's ability to stay firm, hydrated and resilient. Cell turnover slows down, skin barrier function weakens and inflammation becomes more likely. Everything becomes just a bit more delicate. READ MORE What about collagen loss – does it speed up? Yes. The numbers are stark. Women lose about 30 per cent of their collagen in the first five years after menopause. After that, collagen continues to decline at roughly 2 per cent per year. This loss is one of the main reasons for accelerated signs of ageing, such as sagging, fine lines and thinner, less elastic skin. Eavanna Breen, aesthetician and clinical director of Eavanna Breen Skin and Laser Clinic What does that look like in the mirror? In clinic, the two most common concerns I hear are: 'My face looks like it's dropping' – a result of volume loss and skin laxity, and 'My skin looks dull and dry, no matter what I use' – due to impaired barrier function and reduced oil production. You mention 'impaired barrier function' – does that mean our skin becomes more sensitive? Absolutely. As oestrogen drops, so does the production of lipids and ceramides, otherwise known as the 'glue' that holds your barrier together. This makes skin more reactive, more prone to redness and less able to bounce back from irritation or environmental stress. What about pigmentary changes – is it common to see patchy, uneven skin? Yes. Melanin production becomes irregular, often leading to age spots, melasma and uneven tone. UV damage from childhood years starts to become more visible as the skin's repair mechanisms slow down. [ Róisín Ingle: It's been 590 days since my last period Opens in new window ] Let's talk about hormonal acne. Why does it happen during perimenopause and menopause – and why does it feel so intense? The drop in oestrogen throws off the balance with androgens like testosterone, which can lead to increased oil production and deeper, cystic breakouts, especially around the jawline and chin. At this stage, the breakouts feel more aggressive because the skin is drier, slower to heal and more reactive. What products are best for managing hormonal acne? Use gentle, non-stripping cleansers such as Skinmade Clean and Care Cleanser (€30 from ). I've personally trialled nearly every recommended cleanser out there and this is by far the best one. Spot treat with ingredients like salicylic acid, sulphur or benzoyl peroxide (in moderation), and avoid over-exfoliating or layering too many actives. Skinmade Clean & Care Oil (€30 from It's also important to pre-treat to reduce occurrence. Focus on supporting the skin barrier year-round. Try to keep hormones as stable as possible with lifestyle factors (managing your sleep, stress and blood sugar), and look at (under guidance from your GP) introducing supplements like zinc, DIM, omega-3s, or evening primrose oil. They can help support hormonal balance and inflammation levels. Are branded 'peri/meno' skincare lines helpful or just fear-based marketing? In many cases, it's more marketing than science. Skin doesn't need an entirely different product range because of your age – it needs supportive ingredients tailored to what your skin is going through. Look for products that respect barrier health, support collagen and calm inflammation, not just ones labelled for 'mature skin'. What do women actually need in their routine during this phase? A very simple and strategic approach. In the morning, a gentle cleanser, an antioxidant serum (like Vitamin C), a hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid or peptides), a moisturiser and broad-spectrum, high-factor sunscreen. In the evening, a creamy, milky or oil-based cleanser, a retinoid (if tolerated – or bakuchiol as a gentler alternative), a ceramide-rich moisturiser and a nourishing oil or barrier repair balm as needed. What habits can work against us? During this phase, several habits can unintentionally work against us. One common mistake is over-exfoliating. In an attempt to combat dullness, many turn to acids too frequently, which only increases sensitivity and disrupts the skin barrier. Product hopping is another issue, where the search for quick results leads to constantly switching products instead of giving the skin time to adjust and respond. Neglecting sunscreen is especially problematic, particularly when pigmentation concerns are becoming more noticeable, as unprotected UV exposure can worsen uneven tone. Lastly, and often most damaging, is self-criticism. Being harsh about how your skin is changing instead of responding with understanding and support can undermine both your skin health and your confidence. [ 'There's too much talk about menopause? We're just making up for the last 20 goddamn years when women suffered in silence' Opens in new window ] Do supplements help, and which ones do you recommend? Yes, but think of them as support, not magic. My go-to supplements for skin support during perimenopause and menopause include collagen peptides (high-quality, hydrolysed), Omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory, barrier-supporting), Vitamin D3, zinc (especially for inflammation/acne) and adaptogens (like ashwagandha or rhodiola for stress management). Consult your GP for advice. What in-clinic treatments do you use most for perimenopausal and menopausal skin? Microneedling with skin boosters to stimulate collagen and deeply hydrate, Inmode Lumecca IPL to tackle redness, pigmentation and overall skin clarity. Radiofrequency to lift and firm without downtime, and LED therapy to support healing, inflammation and mood regulation.
Globe and Mail
21-05-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Laserlicious Brings Next-Gen Aerolase Neo Elite - The "Every-Skin-Type" Laser in Etobicoke
Etobicoke, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 21, 2025) - Award-winning medispa Laserlicious today introduced the Aerolase Neo Elite® laser, becoming one of the first clinics in Etobicoke to offer next-generation, 650-microsecond technology that treats more than 30 skin concerns-among them acne, melasma, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, unwanted hair and signs of ageing-without pain, downtime or risk to darker skin tones. "Clients of every complexion will finally have a single, comfortable solution for stubborn skin issues," said Rana Andriya, Founder & Head Aesthetician at Laserlicious. "Aerolase's ultra-short pulse keeps skin cool while delivering high-powered energy, so treatments are fast, virtually painless and safe for everyone. Bringing this device into our practice reflects our promise to blend advanced technology with an inclusive, judgment-free experience." A leap forward in laser science Traditional lasers fire millisecond-long pulses that can overheat surrounding tissue-especially in melanin-rich skin. Aerolase Neo Elite® shortens each pulse to 650 microseconds, allowing skin to cool between shots while still precisely targeting pigment, vascular and sebaceous structures. Peer-reviewed studies report safe, effective outcomes on Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI (Source: Aerolase Clinical Dossier, 2024). Benefits patients will see immediately. Zero social downtime - Clients can apply makeup and resume normal activities right after treatment. Broad utility - One platform addresses acne, psoriasis, angiomas, wrinkles, ingrown hair and dozens of additional indications, reducing the need for multiple devices. Comfort first - Most patients describe only a mild, warm sensation-no numbing cream required. Reinforcing a legacy of excellence Since opening in 2015, Laserlicious has served more than 10,000 clients and earned eight industry honours, including consecutive Top Choice Laser Clinic in Toronto wins from 2021 through 2025. The addition of Aerolase amplifies the clinic's reputation for results-driven care delivered in a welcoming environment for all genders, ages and skin types. Complimentary consultations To celebrate the launch, Laserlicious is offering free skin consultations. Prospective clients can book online at Laserlicious or call (647) 409-0089 to learn whether Aerolase Neo Elite is the right solution for their skin goals. About Laserlicious Located at 1735 Kipling Avenue, Suite 208, Etobicoke, Laserlicious is a women-owned medical spa known for its client-obsessed culture, inclusive ethos and advanced technology portfolio. The clinic provides laser hair removal, an array of skin treatments for all skin concerns and skin rejuvenation, injectables and body-contouring services, all performed by certified and highly skilled medical aestheticians and nurses in a spa-like setting.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm so obsessed with filler that my huge lips touch my nose – trolls can't understand what I'm saying, but I don't care
A WOMAN has left people stunned after showing off her plump pout which is so big that her lips touch her nose. Sarah-Jane has long been a fan of filler, and goes bigger virtually every time she goes. 4 4 4 And in her latest TikTok video, she debuted her new lips after her most recent appointment. "God forbid a girl gets her lip filler done and God forbid she gets them so big that they touch her nose," she said in the video. "God forbid!" But trolls almost immediately flooded the comments section criticising Sarah-Jane's new look, with some admitting they can't even understand what she's saying because of the size of her lips. "Can't hear you - you're mumbling!" one wrote. "I really can't understand a word and that's not having a go, it's fact," another added. "Thought she was saying go to bed!" a third laughed. "You can barely talk because of those baboon lips," someone else sighed. While others took aim at the aesthetician that had allowed Sarah-Jane to have so much filler. "Whoever did this for you shouldn't be allowed to practice anymore," one sighed. I feel sorry for myself but trolls were right - I was Quagmire but Zoe saved me from destroying my face, says Molly-Mae "That's the problem it's not well regulated in the UK, so literally anyone can do these basically medical procedures to your face in their shed or whatever," another added. "I'm disgusted at the person that does the lip filler because she obviously isn't certified to carry on filling these lips with filler.," someone else said. "Should be a crime!" "I'm all for making yourself feel good but this shouldn't be allowed," another commented. "Whoever is doing this needs to be investigated!" However, there were those in the comments section who defended Sarah-Jane, insisting she's more than entitled to do whatever she wants to her face. What are the risks of lip fillers? THE RISKS of dermal fillers depend on whether the procedure was done correctly and the type of filler used. The NHS recommends you speak to your practitioner about the risks beforehand. Serious problems are rare but can include: Infection A lumpy appearance under the skin, which might need to be treated with surgery or medicine The filler moving away from the intended treatment area, which may need to be removed using surgery Scarring Blocked blood vessels in the face, which can cause tissue death and permanent blindness You should see your GP if you have any complications that need medical attention and speak to your practitioner if you're not happy with the results or experience lumpiness. Source: NHS "Honestly don't know why people hating," one said. "She's happy doing what she wants just leave the women alone she's happy." "If it makes you feel good and confident go for it, it's not our business," another added. "Exactly. It's her very own preference!" a third wrote.
Health Line
19-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
8 Steps to the Perfect At-Home Facial
At-home facials may suit those who prefer the comfort of their own homes to relax and unwind while treating their skin. Learn what experts recommend including in your facial routine. Treating yourself to a facial is one of life's little luxuries. But if you don't fancy a trip to the spa or prefer a cheaper alternative, an at-home facial could be the perfect option for you. A multitude of skin care products and devices on the market make taking facial steps at home a walk in the park. Nighttime is a great time to start. 'During the day, skin is in a more protective mode, but at night, skin is more relaxed and starting repair mode, so it can readily accept extra love,' says Renée Rouleau, celebrity aesthetician and founder of her eponymous skin care line. Here's how you can treat yourself to a DIY facial. Whether it's a tried-and-true skin care regimen, how often you wash your hair, or the cosmetics you're curious about, beauty is personal. That's why we rely on a diverse group of writers, educators, and other experts to share their tips on everything from the way product application varies to the best sheet mask for your individual needs. We only recommend something we genuinely love, so if you see a shop link to a specific product or brand, know that it's been thoroughly researched by our team. Step 1: Cleanse In order to maximize every step, the idea is to start with a clean slate. The general rule is that if you're wearing makeup, you should use a cleansing lotion or oil first. Then, you cleanse again with a lightly foaming gel or exfoliating cleanser to remove residue. 'The emollients used in makeup are removed more effectively with other emollients,' says Rouleau. Start by massaging the lotion or oil on dry skin first. Then, wet your fingertips and massage it through a second time. To rinse, Jennifer Swisher, aesthetician at SkinCeuticals SkinLab by Dr. Roth in Texas, recommends using a microfiber washcloth to provide lifting action and make sure it all comes off. Next, cleanse again with a sulfate-free, low-foaming gel with nourishing components. These components won't dry your skin out. 'Your skin barrier is genetically coded to produce a certain amount of oil. If you fully strip that off, you're sending the wrong message to your skin to produce more oil, and that's when you create imbalances in your skin,' says Stevie McCord, esthetician and founder of Urban Alchemy Lab in Texas. If you have oily skin, you may want to opt for a cleanser that helps remove excess oil. For dry skin, you'll want something that cleans without stripping the skin. And for normal skin, a cleanser that gently exfoliates while removing oil and dirt can be useful. Step 2: Exfoliate Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, and it helps make sure the rest of the products you apply are properly absorbed. There are a few different types of exfoliators: Physical exfoliators include products such as facial scrubs, at-home microdermabrasion tools, or derma-planing blades. Chemical exfoliators refer to acids, like lactic or glycolic, which help dissolve dead skin cells. For the ideal at-home facial, Rouleau recommends using both physical and chemical exfoliators, starting first with an acid exfoliator. After leaving it on for 10 minutes or so, she recommends following it up with a physical scrub 'to make sure you actually remove the dead skin cells.' You can also just do one or the other, depending on your skin type. 'Someone with oilier skin can get away with exfoliating four or five times per week,' says McCord. 'Someone with drier skin should exfoliate much less, about once a week.' Step 3: Steam Now that you're working with freshly exfoliated skin, you can steam with an at-home steamer. Steaming offers several benefits. 'It heats up the internal temperature of the skin and slightly dilates the pores. This makes the hardened oils in the pores (aka blackheads) melt a little, making extractions easier to perform,' says Rouleau. 'It also increases blood flow to the skin, and it is very hydrating because it brings a lot of moisture to the skin.' That said, if you steam, it's important to quickly follow up with moisturizing products, like a mask or an extraction (more on that below). 'You never want to leave skin bare after steaming because it will get tight and you will lose all that moisture,' adds Rouleau. Steaming might not be suitable for those with skin problems, like melasma. If you're unsure whether steaming is the best step for your skin, consult a dermatologist. If you're steaming at home, only do it for 5 to 10 minutes. Any longer than that and you risk dehydration. Step 4: Extract If you're considering extracting your own blackheads, it's important to do it correctly to prevent damage to your skin and pores. Directions If you're using an extractor tool, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If using your fingers, wash your hands thoroughly. Wrap your fingers in tissue or toilet paper. Place your fingers around the comedo, and squeeze once. Change your positioning to prevent marking up your skin or causing inflammation, and squeeze a second time. If nothing comes out, move on. Dab with a topical acne treatment. Step 5: Mask There are several kinds of masks, including: Gel. Gel masks are cooling and calming to the skin and good for all skin types — especially those with redness and rosacea. Clay. Clay masks are especially good for oily skin and clogged pores. The clay helps draw out impurities from the skin. 'If it dries and cracks into a million pieces, it means the mask is too strong,' says Rouleau. 'Look for a hydrating mask infused with ingredients that are nourishing for the skin.' Cream. Cream masks usually have a heavy consistency. They're great for drier skin types that need more lipids, oils, and nourishing components. Sheet masks. Sheet masks are typically gel, infused with water-based hydration. These masks are also great for dry skin types. You can also DIY a great mask at home with ingredients like yogurt, honey, oatmeal, avocado, and papaya. The perfect mask for you depends on your skin type. But no matter which type you reach for, leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove with a damp washcloth. Step 6: Treat Serums are great targeted treatments for specific skin concerns, like wrinkles and pigmentation. Serums contain active ingredients like niacinamide, antioxidants, peptides, vitamins A, C, and E, and even topical retinols. For pigmentation issues, opt for a vitamin C serum. For dry, red, or flaky skin, try a serum with peptides and niacinamide. If you have wrinkles you'd like to target, retinols or phyto-retinols may be able to help. Step 7: Moisturize Following a serum, apply a good layer of your favorite moisturizer to lock it all in. If your skin is oily, you can opt for a lightweight lotion. If your skin is dry, you might want to try a heavier cream for more moisture Step 8: Massage Including a little massage into your facial not only feels great, but it also helps to increase circulation and lymphatic drainage. This can result in a dewy, de-puffed complexion. It may also reduce dullness and skin irritation, according to Swisher. If you want to use your fingers, you can. But you may also want to use a roller and a nice facial oil for a final flourish (think of it as a topcoat for your moisturizer). 'Work from the middle out, and always go upward in motion,' says McCord. 'If you're going to work around the eyes, you need to make sure you have enough product around them. You certainly don't want to tug that area, since the tissue around the eyes is a lot thinner.' If your skin is on the oilier side, you may be wary about using an oil on top of your moisturizer, but McCord recommends it 'because it actually helps to balance out [your] sebum production.' For oily skin, McCord recommends jojoba or sesame oil, while coconut, borage, rosehip, or avocado oil are great options for those with dry skin. If your skin is a little in between? You can never go wrong with frankincense or marula oil. Last but not least, dab on a little eye cream around the eyes.
Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Hollie Parkes: the Claridge's expert turning eyebrows into art
What's the most valuable player in your make-up bag? For many of us, mascara has always been the one product we feel we can't live without. For others, it's a bit of concealer to hide the eye bags. But increasingly — and slowly over the past decade or so — eyebrows have become a priority. Our mothers plucked their brows, but they didn't style them the way we do now — which is why the appetite for brow products is growing at breakneck speed. The global market for brow gel was worth about $265 million in 2021 and is projected to reach $432 million by 2031. Beauty cognoscenti know that the stealthy way to look as though you are ageing slowly is to address your eyebrows. Much like the hairs on our heads, they thin as we age — often not helped by periods of overplucking. With the correct products and professional attention, some clever browscaping can do as much for your face as a tweakment — only it'll be more subtle. A friend of mine visited a well-known aesthetician for some nip-and-tuck advice a few years ago. She was asked to bring some photos of herself from 15 years before, the idea being that any adjustments should reflect how her face used to look, rather than using, say, Bella Hadid as the reference. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue The first thing the doctor told my friend was, 'If only you hadn't touched your brows — that's the most ageing thing that's happened.' We're all cottoning on to this now. In my make-up bag (OK, cabinet) Tom Ford's Brow Sculptor, Westman Atelier's Bonne Brow Defining Pencil and Merit's Volumizing Pomade are always on hand for almost daily use. Walking down any high street in the UK, however, will yield evidence that many have taken the full brow look to the extreme. The puzzling popularity of brows that look like big slugs has understandably made some fearful of handing their brow architecture over to a practitioner. But there's a movement towards subtlety and understatement, particularly at the luxury end. Possibly the most in-demand brow technician now is Hollie Parkes, who recently took up residency at the Claridge's spa in Mayfair, which is becoming a hub for London's finest practitioners, from acupuncture (Ross J Barr) to facials (Hadda). Parkes tends to the brows of CEOs and celebrities with the precision of a physicist, matching the brow to the architecture of a client's face as well as their style, rather than having her own signature look. There's an orderly queue forming for a 90-minute brow-perfecting appointment with Parkes (the £400 price tag notwithstanding). I'm always cautious of letting professionals tinker with my brows, preferring to organise them myself with make-up and gels. I don't know what the brow equivalent of 'scissor happy' is called, but I have experienced it in salons over the years. But then someone I trust, who has immaculate brows, recommended Parkes and I took the leap. I was clear that I did not want to emerge from the appointment looking like a different person and that I am absolutely not a fan of Instagram eyebrows. I'm old-fashioned enough to want brows that look as though they are made out of hair. Natural is one thing, but there are a couple of tiny bald patches and a general creeping scarcity I hoped Parkes could address. • Your 19 biggest beauty problems — solved! Her own brows are perfect: full and natural looking, not aggressively edited. A good sign. Parkes listens to my worries with saint-like patience as she quietly studies the angles of my face. There's a deep cleanse in preparation, and a stress-reducing facial massage stops my mouth as I surrender to her expertise and the most relaxing brow tint, shaping and fine-tune tweezing I have ever had. Who knew a brow appointment could be enjoyable? I relax under a collagen-boosting LED light before the moment of truth when she hands me a mirror and an opportunity to edit her work. I have no notes: a subtly organised, ever so slightly bolder brow with no empty patches. The real test comes later. Who notices I've had my brows done? No one. Who says I'm looking good or youthful or compliments my make-up when I am not wearing any at all? Loads of people. My upgraded brows pass with flying colours.
