Your emotions have a powerful effect on your skin.  Since stress is for the most part an unavoidable factor in life, what really matters is how you handle it.

How Stress Affects Skin

Stress causes a chemical response in your body that makes the skin more sensitive and reactive.  This can also make it harder for some skin problems to heal.  Have you ever noticed that when you are stressed, you tend to have more break outs?  This is because stress causes your body to produce cortisol and other hormones, which tells your sebaceous glands to produce more oil.  Oily skin is then more prone to acne and other skin problems.

Stress can also:

• Worsen skin problems.

For example, stress can worsen psoriasis, rosacea and eczema. Stress can also cause hives and other types of skin rashes and even trigger a flare-up of mouth blisters.

• Interfere with daily skin care.

If you are stressed, you might skimp on your skin care, which can aggravate skin problems.

Skin problems in themselves can also be stressful.  Some people are so embarrassed by their skin that they just tend to keep to themselves, which only adds more stress, in turn worsening the problem.

If you have a skin problem that doesn’t heal or keeps coming back, have a rethink about how you handle stress.

8 Ways to Reduce the Effects of Stress on Your Skin

Although it’s impossible to avoid stress completely in the world we live in, there are ways to help handle it better.  Try these approaches:

1. Don’t neglect your skin.  Take care of your skin, even if you’re tired or stressed.
2. Get regular exercise.  It’s good for your skin and the rest of your body and mental well-being.
3. Take time for yourself to do something you enjoy, even if you only have ten minutes. Take a relaxing bath or read a book.
4. Take a walk around the block.  The fresh air will clear your head too.
5. Practice stress management techniques, such as simple breathing exercises, yoga or meditation.
6. Treat yourself to a massage – easy away the tension.
7. Get enough sleep – easier said than done for some of us!  Seven to      eight hours each night is ideal.
8. Learn to say NO.  It’s OK to set limits and boundaries to reduce your stress levels.
9. Talk to someone.   Seek support from a friend or a professional therapist.  You’ll be surprised to realise, you are not alone.

The professional therapist doing your treatment will help you understand how a skin peel works, tailor it to your specific requirements and outline what to expect after the treatment.

What is a Peel?

In a nut-shell, a peel is a means of chemically exfoliating the skin by breaking down the intercellular glue that holds together dead skin cells.  This “shedding” of dead skin in turn speeds up the CTR, or cell turnover rate, bringing new skin to the surface at a faster rate.  Generally there are three levels of peeling – superficial, moderate and deep or advanced peels.  Image Skincare’s peels line caters to all skin conditions and offers formulas for superficial, moderate and advanced peeling – depending on the desired result.

Level 1 peels, such as Image Skincare’s Signature Facelift, can be considered as a “lunch time” peel with little to no downtime, yet with still great results.  This is wonderful brightening treatment that restores the health of the skin using fruit enzymes and a 30% concentration of vitamin C and is a great introduction to  Image Skincare Peels .

Other level 1 & 2 peels by Image include the Acne Lift – which treats all kinds of acne while resurfacing and smoothing the skin after just one treatment -  as well as the Lightening Lift - which lightens and brightens and reduces sun spots, brown spots and the redness caused by Rosacea.

Clients that want to achieve a more drastic result with advanced/level 3 peeling love the Image Skincare Perfection Lift - which is a triple effect resurfacing treatment and delivers the ultimate in the perfection of your skin –  and also the TCA Orange Lift which will require a little more preparation to achieve optimum results.

Very important!

To get the maximum benefit from your professional treatments, be sure to follow your therapists instructions and maintain your skin afterwards with a good quality
.  Many people spend the time and money on professional treatments only to immediately resume a poor home care regimen using products that deliver NO results.  Home care and professional treatments should work hand-in-hand, so be sure to do your part at home to keep your skin healthy.

Remember, healthy skin is beautiful skin!  Contact your local Image Skincare Salon or Clinic today and see how you too can have healthy, beautiful skin.

The ancient Indian medical science of Ayurveda has been using Gotu Kola for generations in an attempt to reduce anxiety, stress, promote relaxation, improve memory, and aid meditation.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb is believed to promote longevity.  The Chinese name for Gotu Kola means “fountain of youth.”  A Sri Lankan legend says that elephants have long lives because they eat Gotu Kola.

Why do Uspa use Gotu Kola?

Increased antioxidant enzymes: studies have shown that using Gotu Kola can help to improve the production of antioxidant enzymes in the body which prevent cell damage by free radicals. These antioxidants include superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. This means that Gotu Kola could help many ailments and prevent cell damage around the body thus combating illness as well as promoting longevity and wrinkle-free skin.

Treatment of wounds: studies have demonstrated the ability of Gotu Kola to help wound healing. Applied topically it has been shown to help with the maturation of scar tissue due to the increased production of type 1 collagen. It is the isolated steroids from the plant that are used to treat leprosy. It is a wonderful anti-inflammatory for the skin also.

What Uspa products contain Gotu Kola?

Sensitive Rescue Serum

Born out of the principles of Rescue Remedy, Sensitive Rescue Serum is a powerful blend of herbs suspended in a light weight Aloe Vera gel.  These herbs are designed to repair and reduce inflammation in the skin. The Gotu Kola works in conjunction with Comfrey, Chamomile and Calendula to provide a superior product that is ideal for teenage skin as well as highly sensitive skin.

Renewal Exfoliating Tonic

Here the Gotu Kola works to soothe and calm the skin whilst the remarkable Salicylic Acid works to clear the skin of congestion. It is a fabulous exfoliant for sensitive skin types.

Damask Rose Hydrosol

Heaven in a bottle, Gotu Kola creates healing synergy with Organic Damask Rose to provide all skin types with the ultimate spritz of hydration.

You can also now purchase these products from the comfort of your own home on the Uspa Online Shop today!

“Smile, breathe and go slowly.”  Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Buddhist monk

The idea of being mindful – being present, being more conscious of life as it happens – may seem somewhat contradictory to those who are used to sacrificing living for pursuing their goals.  But cultivating mindfulness will help you achieve your goals and enjoy life more.  In actual fact, you’re more productive when you’re more mindful.

But more importantly, being present is undoubtedly the only way to enjoy life to the fullest.  By being mindful, you enjoy your food more, you enjoy friends and family more, you enjoy anything you’re doing more.  Even things you might think are drudgery or boring, such as housework, can be so different if you are truly present.  Try it – wash dishes or clean or cook and remain fully present.  It takes a lot of practice, but it’s worth it.

Do one thing at a time.

All too often we feel the need to prove that we can multi-task – especially us women! Get over it.   Single-task, don’t multi-task.  When you’re pouring water, just pour water.  When you’re eating, just eat.  When you’re washing, just wash.  Don’t try to knock off a few tasks while eating or washing or driving.  Chances are the task in hand will be completed properly, with less chance of error then.  There’s an old Zen proverb: “When walking, walk. When eating, eat.”

Do it slowly and deliberately.

You can do one task at a time, but also rush that task. Instead, take your time, and move slowly. Make your actions deliberate, not rushed and random. It takes practice, but it helps you focus on the task.

Do less.

If you do less, you can do those things more slowly, more completely and with more concentration.  If you fill your day with tasks, you will be rushing from one thing to the next without stopping to think about what you do.  But you’re busy and you can’t possibly do less, right?  You can.  It’s a matter of figuring out what’s important and letting go of what’s not.

Put space between things.

Related to the “Do less” part, but it’s a way of managing your schedule so that you always have time to complete each task.  Don’t schedule things close together – instead, leave room between things on your to-do list.  That gives you a more relaxed schedule, and leaves space in case one task takes longer than you planned.

Spend at least 5 minutes each day doing nothing. 

Some people are a lot better at this than others!   But give it a try.  Just sit in silence.  Become aware of your thoughts.  Focus on your breathing.  Notice the world around you.  Become comfortable with the silence and stillness.  It’ll do you the world of good and just takes 5 minutes.  And yes, do it at an appropriate time!

Stop worrying about the future – focus on the present.

Become more aware of your thinking – are you constantly worrying about the future?  Learn to recognize when you’re doing this and then practice bringing yourself back to the present.  Just focus on what you’re doing, right now.  Enjoy the present moment.

When you’re talking to someone, be present.

We all know how annoying it is when we know we are talking to someone who we know just is not listening!   But look to yourself here.   How many of us have spent time with someone but have been thinking about what we want to say or do next, instead of really listening to that person?   Instead, focus on being present, on really listening, on really enjoying your time in that persons company.

Eat slowly and enjoy your food. 

Food can be crammed down our throats in a rush, but as with anything, where’s the joy in that?  Enjoy each bite slowly and really get the most out of your food.  Interestingly too, you’ll eat less this way and digest your food better as well.

Live slowly and enjoy your life.

Just as you would enjoy your food by eating it more slowly, try doing everything this way – slow down and enjoy each and every moment.  Tune into the sights and sounds and awaken your senses to the world around you.

Make mundane tasks become like a meditation. 

Cooking and cleaning are often seen as drudgery, but actually they are both great ways to practice mindfulness and can be great rituals performed each day.  If cooking and cleaning seem like boring tasks to you, try doing them as a form of meditation.   Put your entire mind into those tasks, concentrate and do them slowly and completely.  It could change your entire day – along with leaving you with a cleaner house!

Practice is necessary.

As with anything that’s worthwhile, you will need to practice.  If you get frustrated, just take a deep breath.   When you ask yourself, “What should I do now?” the answer is “keep on practicing.”

When you are driving around and come to a red light or are stopped in traffic, you can just sit back and make use of these few minutes to relax – breathe in, breathe out and enjoy arriving in the present moment.  The benefits will far outweigh cursing the “idiot” in front, or to the side of you and will set you up well for the next task in hand.

The best way to combat cellulite is to become an informed individual.  In earlier times cellulite was the mark of wealth, high social status, attractiveness, and sexiness.  It was symbolic of someone who lived the good life.  For example: they ate richer foods, were driven everywhere and physical work was handled by their servants.

Historically, women ate organic foods – food which was grown naturally in their back gardens – or bought freshly harvested fruits and vegetables from the market.   All foods were organic and fewer individuals had cellulite.

In time, large scale farming brought wide spread use of pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers and other food additives.  This resulted in the conversion from nutritionally rich natural foods, to foods depleted in nutritional value and loaded with preservatives.

As lifestyles change, we’re becoming a culture dependent on technology.  Our lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary, which has been shown to add to the production of cellulite.  By increasing one’s daily activity, cellulite has more trouble forming.  Exercise burns fat deposits, so cellulite cannot form as easily on a person who stays more active.

The reason cellulite actually occurs is because of the fat cells under the skin which change shape.  The fat is squeezed and you can see it as dimples are formed just under the skin.  Hormones also tend to play a fairly big part in cellulite as teenagers and pregnant women are more likely to develop it.

An amazing product that helps break down cellulite in conjunction to the other factors mentioned above, is called Cell U Lift from Image Skincare.  It is a revolutionary firming body cream formulated to fight cellulite and skin laxity at the cellular level.  It contains Enzyme-Polypeptide Complex which reduces fat cells and strengthens collagen fibres.

The result of using Cell U Lift is amazingly tight and firmer looking skin with a smooth and hydrated surface. It is just one product in the Image Skincare Body Spa range, which also includes a Rejuvenating Body lotion, Face & Body Bronzers and an excellent Exfoliating Body Scrub.

Check out your local Image Skincare Centre today to discuss their full range of treatments.

The final NEW 21 Day Trial Programme from Yon-Ka is the Advanced Optimizer Anti-Ageing Firming Kit.   It contains the ultimate combination treatment for visibly younger skin which is firmer and smoother, with redefined facial contours and a reshaped and sculpted bust line.

This Kit contains:

OPTIMIZER SERUM  is part of the ultimate twin treatment for visibly younger skin that is firmer and smoother, redefined facial contours.  Generous and comfortable, this anti-ageing firming booster acts in tandem with the Optimizer Creme and preserves the infrastructure of the epidermis.

OPTIMIZER CREME the second part of the twin treatment, again works in tandem with the Serum.

The ADVANCED OPTIMIZER GEL LIFT  Cool, gentle and quickly absorbed, deliciously and naturally aromatic, this gel envelops, smooths and restores firmness to the delicate area of the neck, décolleté and bust.  The skin is refined, its tone improves rapidly and the breast area is firmer.

Application steps: 

Steps 1 & 2 - Advanced Optimizer Serum and Creme

In the morning and evening, after cleansing and spraying Yon-Ka Lotion, apply the Serum to the face, followed by the Creme.

Step 3 - Advanced Optimizer Gel Lift

Apply a small amount (pearl size) of gel morning or night, with smooth movements from the chin to the base of your neck, and with circular upward motions from your bust to your décolleté.

The professional Yon-Ka treatment which works in tandem with the Anti-Ageing kit is the Total Optimizer.  Every part of this miracle treatment encourages flawless, ageless skin and perfect tone.  This treatment involving collagen & elastin, takes little more than an hour.  Your facial contours are “lifted & firmed” and your skin is left looking beautiful and relaxed.

Go on ladies, treat yourself at your local Yon-Ka Salon today!

BREAKOUT CONTROL PROGRAM

The programme contains products specifically for purifying and clarifying the skin, while preserving its inner balance.   CREME PG  is unmatched for eliminating shine and purifying oily skin.  This cream balances sebaceous secretions, tightens dilated pores and keeps makeup fresh and long-lasting.  JUVENIL is an unconditional ally to skin prone to impurities, rich in essential oils and botanical extracts.  An alcohol-free concentrate which is appropriate for all ages, its astonishing purifying power allows the epidermis to be clean and rebalances the skin.   And finally, CREME 15, rich in sanitizing plant extracts, this fast absorbing beauty cream is recommended for skin prone to impurities.  It balances, soothes and purifies the skin.

The application steps for this programme are as follows:

Step 1

CREME PG

ln the morning after cleansing and spraying on Yon-Ka Lotion, apply the cream to the face and neck.

Steps 2 and 3

Apply the CREME 15 at night on the face and neck, mixed with 2 pumps of the JUVENIL.

The Professional Yon-Ka treatment  which would be associated with the Breakout Control Programme is the Problem Skin Purifying Facial.  Contact your local Yon-Ka stockist today and see the benefits for yourself.

The Hydration Kit

This kit consists of 3 quick and easy “must-do” steps to ensure immediate suppleness, comfort and a softer skin touch to even the driest skins.

The box contains LAIT NETTOYANT make-up remover face and eyes ,  YON-KA LOTION refreshing, invigorating mist and CREME 28 protective, hydrating cream.  The application steps are as follows:

Step  1 / Lait Nettoyant

Silky and delicately scented, this milk is appropriate for all skin types.  It cleanses and removes make-up from your face and eyes in a single wipe and rinces off with water.  Gentle and protective to the skin’s natural balance, it leaves skin perfectly clean, supple and comfortable.

In the morning and evening, apply the milk with the fingertips, using circular motions on the face and neck.  For eyes and lips, remove the milk using a damp cotton ball. Rinse with water and dry without rubbing.

Step 2 / Yon-Ka Lotion

More than just a toner, this treatment mist is a true phyto-aromatic fountain of beauty, essential for rebalancing and preparing skin for everyday beauty products.  Alcohol-free, it refreshes, tones and purifies the skin.  The energizing effects of its essential oils can be felt throughout the whole body.

Spray on the Yon-Ka Lotion.  Massage in any excess with the effleurage and tapping techniques.

Step 3 / Crème 28

A precious ally for dehydrated skin – dry and oily alike – this vitamin-enhanced cream smooths rough areas and fine lines caused by epidermal dehydration, and leaves skin supple, comfortable and velvety.

In the morning, apply the cream to the face and neck.

The Professional Yon-Ka treatment in line with the Hydration Kit is called Hydralessence.  Contact your local Yon-Ka Stockist today to pick up your Hydration Kit or try out the Hydralessence Facial for yourself.  Your skin will thank you, especially after the long winter months!

Yon-Ka recently introduced their new 21 day Trial Program Kits.  With four to choose from, one for each skin requirement, these Trial Kits are the perfect introduction to a new Yon-Ka skin routine, whether you are new to the brand, or just ready to take the next step in your skincare routine.   Complete with instructions printed inside each lid, each kit gives you 21 days worth of product.  Its the ideal way to test drive your new skin program, enroute to a new you!

Yon-Ka Vitality Kit

This is your complete  Yon-Ka expert home regimen in 3 quick and easy steps, which will help balance normal to oily skins and bring back the natural glow, softness and vitality.

The Kit contains GEL NETTOYANT cleansing make-up remover gel face and eyes,  LOTION YON-KA refreshing invigorating mist and VITAL DEFENSE anti-oxidant, anti-pollution, intense hydration cream.

Application steps:

Step 1 / Gel Nettoyant

This ocean-blue gel with its smooth and silky foam cleanses and removes make-up from face, eyelids and eyelashes, and purifies and revives the skin.  Gentle and protective to the skin’s natural balance, it leaves the skin supple, fresh and comfortable.

In the morning and evening, apply the gel with the fingertips, using circular motions on the face and neck. For eyes and lips, remove the gel using a damp cotton ball.  Rinse with water and dry without rubbing.

Step 2 / Yon-Ka Lotion

More than just a toner, this treatment mist is a true phyto-aromatic fountain of beauty, essential for rebalancing and preparing skin for everyday beauty products.  Alcohol-free, it refreshes, tones and purifies the skin.  The energizing effects of its essential oils can be felt throughout the whole body.  Spray on the Yon-Ka Lotion.  Massage in any excess with the effleurage and tapping techniques.

Step 3 / Vital Defense

Specially formulated to fight the damaging environmental factors that cause oxidative stress – such as pollution, smoking and exposure to UV rays and climate variations – this intensely hydrating, luscious cream contains high-performance plant extracts that help the skin to preserve its youthfulness.  The epidermis quickly recovers its radiance, softness, suppleness and vitality.  In other words, all the qualities of well-oxygenated, stress-free skin.

In the morning, apply the cream to the face and neck.

The Professional Yon-Ka treatment  which would be associated with the Vitality Kit is the Vital Defense.  Contact your local Yon-Ka stockist today and see the benefits for yourself.

The awarenesss of other cancers, including screening and prevention, is increasing here, but the Irish public seem to have a general sense that skin cancer is not so serious, and somehow less invasive, despite the statistics showing otherwise.

It is true that 97 per cent of skin cancer is curable if caught on time, but we also need to tackle the growing incidence in Ireland.  Melanoma Awareness Month is designated to encouraging Irish people to be more proactive about skin cancer detection and prevention.

Although melanoma can occur in anyone, Irish people have a skin type that is more susceptible to skin cancer.  Most Irish have a skin type 1 or 2, which burns regularly and tans with difficulty, which puts them at greater risk. Ireland is now the fourth worst in Europe for skin cancer rates, which is a very alarming statistic.

Experts say that excessive sun and binge tanning causes 90 per cent of all skin cancer rates, so sunscreen and shade is a must in the welcome summer sunshine.  Three-quarters of a person’s lifetime UV exposure occurs in childhood.  With up to 90 per cent of UV rays passing through light clouds, care is also needed on a sunny day, but also a cloudy one.

Users of “sunbeds” are 74 per cent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never used sunbeds, according to studies in the US at the renouned Mayo Clinic.  While self tanning cosmetics are now more popular in Ireland than sunbed use, people who frequently used ultraviolet (UV) tanning in the past are also still at risk.

Cheaper flights abroad and the increased popularity of sunshine holidays, are significant factors in the recent growing rate of skin cancer here.  Because a sun-tan is a desirable characteristic to many, Irish people tend to ‘binge tan’. They cram intensive sun-tanning into a week or a fortnight’s sunshine holiday, very often without proper skincare precautions.

The best advice is to apply SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen, with UVA and UVB protection, liberally and frequently and at least 20 minutes before heading into the sun.  It is also necessary to beware that some medications also make skin more sensitive to the sun, so people are advised to check this out with their doctor too.

People need to be more aware about checking their moles or any skin irregularities or changes and this will contribute greatly to reducing Ireland’s skin cancer rates over time.  The website SaveOurSkin.ie in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society and the Melanoma Trust demonstrates how to check for the warning signs of skin cancer and how to protect your skin from the sun.

While May is Melanoma Awareness Month, just because it’s not May right now does not mean we should loose focus on the dangers of Melanoma.  There are many Mole Screening Clinic’s around the country where you can avail of peace of mind with a mole-mapping consultation.  It could just save your skin – if not your life..!