Rose Clay and Rosehip Mask

Hello fans of real organic skincare, I’d just like to remind you that during a Pinks Facial we often use the Rose Clay and Rosehip Mask. Many of you already have a home routine using Pink Boutique, but I’m sure this is going to be another great addition to your home skincare.

For those of you who are unsure as to what makes this mask that little bit different, the Rose Clay and Rosehip Mask is a delicate moisturising mask for normal to dry and sensitive skin. It is a gentle, non-setting mask, handmade with sun dried rose clay from France. Having tried the mask myself, I am pleased to say it leaves the skin with a real glow, and I loved how healthy my skin looked afterwards.

The mask is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is easily applied with your fingers. It also has some lovely ingredients, such as Shea Butter and Sunflower seed oil, that helps to leave your skin soft, smoothed and plumped. It is also multipurpose as you can use it as a balm to treat your lips when it gets nippy this winter.

If you’re interested in the Rose Clay mask, or any of the other Pink Boutique products, they are all available from my online shop. Or, you could give me a call if you have any questions about the products. I’m always happy to help!

Why do we need antioxidants?

We hear the word Antioxidants a lot these day, but what exactly are Antioxidants and why do we need them?

An Antioxidant stops Oxidation. Some examples from every day of oxidation are when a freshly cut apple or avocado turns brown, a nail becomes rusty or a copper statue turns green.

Oxidation has created damage, by the formation of free radicals.  Free radicals are public enemy number 1 to the skin!  The technical name for free radicals is Reactive Oxygen Species – sounds even worse doesn’t it!!

The vast majority of skin damage, dysfunction, disease and premature ageing is caused by the activity of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms and need to be stopped in their tracks to limit their damage to healthy functioning cells.

How does a free radical develop?  A healthy oxygen atom becomes a free radical atom, when the healthy atom is agitated by an adverse energy source e.g. UV light, inflammation caused by pollution or stress. The agitated atom throws off one of its electrons to try and release the unwanted energy. So, the previously healthy atom is now missing an electron and gets even more agitated, the lost electron goes in search of another atom to join up to, that other atom in turn now has too many electrons and becomes agitated and throws off an electron and so on creating a chain reaction leading to Oxidative Stress and the oxygen molecules are now disfigured and cannot function properly.

Free radicals invade body cells, breaking through the membrane, negatively affecting the structures and function of the cell and deprive it of oxygen. If these free radicals damage the nucleus (“heart of the cell”), irregular cell reproduction will occur leading to irregular dysfunction in the skin, premature ageing and disorders and diseases of the skin, and if the DNA is changed, then cancerous change will occur.

Free radical damage to the skin occurs from exposure to UV light, pollution, stress, excessive exercise, poor diet, smoking, infra-red, x ray, alcohol, medication, inflammation, for example.

So, we need to neutralise the free radicals. All sounds very Star Trek! But it is of vital importance to our health. Because Oxidative Stress doesn’t just apply to our skin – but to all cells within the body.

Antioxidants neutralise free radicals. How do they do that?

An antioxidant will donate an electron without becoming a free radical itself.  Humans can’t manufacture antioxidants, we depend on their consumption through fruit and vegetables.  Many would say that it is difficult to obtain sufficient antioxidants these days as intensive farming and increased urbanisation has depleted our soil, while a more stressed society and processed foods depletes our digestive system’s capability.  Therefore, we are can’t provide our body with the essential nutrition required to counteract free radical activity. So this means we also need to think about supplementation.  And that’s a whole topic in itself.

We can also increase our Antioxidant usage by topical application to the skin. This is why you will see many products stating the word Antioxidant on the label. The quality of the antioxidant ingredients, their molecular size and therefore ability to be used by the skin’s cells all affect the efficacy of a topical product. And there are many sources of antioxidants so a product with a broad range of Antioxidants is best.

To quote Dr Des Fernandes, the founder of Environ skin care, plastic surgeon and skin cancer specialist, we need the Antioxidant Brigade!!

“This is the antioxidant network of the skin which comprises Glutathione, Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E and Alpha Lipoic Acid which recycle each component’s antioxidant activity. This is fortified by carotenoids and altogether, the network and carotenoids protect vitamin A in the skin.”

Another interesting fact is that whilst the use of SPF on a daily basis is vital, research is showing that the addition of antioxidants is even more effective than sunscreen alone, when protecting the skin from cancer.

Well by now, I hope you can see that Antioxidants are our natural protectors and vital to our overall health and healthy skin. So, here’s a few tips: 

• Base your diet on whole foods in forms of fresh fruit and vegetables and good quality proteins. 
• Minimise and ideally eliminate processed foods.
• Keep hydrated. The body and skin cells need water to do their work.

Key nutrients in your diet that help support high antioxidant activity are:

• Turmeric - containing the active ingredient curcumin. This spice is known, improving cognition and reducing the signs of ageing.
• Vitamin C - improves immune cell function (neutrophils & lymphocytes), reduces tiredness and fatigue, acting as a co factor for iron absorption and supports collagen formation.
• Vitamin D - appears to enhance immunity and inhibits the development of autoimmunity where the body turns on itself and destroys healthy tissue.

Take a look at your skincare. Is it giving your enough of the essential vitamins (A, C, D, E) needed for healthy skin?

Want to see Antioxidants at work on your skin? Book an Environ Active Vitamin Facial now and learn more.

Make sure to give me a call on 01748 889350 or send me an email at salon@gingertreebeauty.co.uk. 

Thank You,

Kathy x

Environs New Mobile Skincare Device

As a Bronze IIAA Salon, I’ve had an exclusive preview of the brand new Environ Electro-Sonic DF Mobile Skincare Device.

I know many of you have seen real change in your skin since using Environ homecare and having in-salon treatments, so I think you are going to love being able to maintain the effects at home with this new device!

The new device is a handheld version of the sonophoresis and iontophoresis treatment I have on offer in the salon. You will love the convenience of supporting your facials at home with Environ’s latest innovation in beauty technology.

The device itself works in the same way the larger model does by using electro-sonic technology to assist in delivering essential nutrients to where skin needs it most. This is a straight forward scientific device that has been tested in the Environ laboratories.

The product’s main launch is on February 1st, so it could make a great late Christmas treat or Valentines gift for yourself or a loved one. We are taking Pre-orders with a £30.00 deposit as we know on release this device will sell out fast.

Make sure to also look out for my video demonstration of the device coming soon.

Introducing the Electro-Sonic DF Mobile Device

Getting familiar with your DF Mobile Device

Our Favourite Stocking Fillers for Under £25!

One of our favourite things about Christmas is opening up a stocking filled with lovely treats. Whether it’s a gorgeous new shade of nail varnish or a pot of something lovely for our skin, we can’t help but feel a flutter of childlike excitement at what will be hidden at the bottom of our stocking each year.

Here are some of the treats we hope we will get this year, and we feel sure your loved one would like these too, best of all, they are all £25 and under!

First on our list is the new PureMoist Lipstick from Jane Iredale in shade ‘Gwen’. This is a stunning candy apple red and perfect for Christmas day kisses! The casing is gorgeous and glitzy too, everything a Christmas treat should be. 

£22

After slaving away in the kitchen over Christmas, our hands can always use a little TLC and we are willing to bet your loved ones could do with this too! Thank goodness for the Pinks Boutique Try Me Manicure Set. It has 5 mini products all designed to rejuvenate tired hands and leave them feeling silky smooth. It comes gorgeously packaged too, so there is no need to spend time wrapping! 

£20

Now as much as we love Christmas. There is no denying it can be ever so slightly stressful! We love the Remedies to Roll from Neal’s Yard and think they might just be the ultimate stocking filler. They are handy travel sized roll ons and are perfect to pop in your handbag for an on the go remedy! There are 5 roll ons to choose from, each with a unique blend of essential oils. Our top pic for Christmas would be the Relaxation Remedy, but there are roll ons for a quick energy boost, one to help you drift off to sleep and one to give you energy in the morning if you are suffering from ‘mulled-wine-flu’… 

£6.50

They say good things come in small packages and when it comes to the Neal’s Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm Mini Gift Set, we would have to agree! This comes in a gorgeous presentation box with glitzy details that scream Christmas.  This set is a mini version of the cult favourite beauty balm that leaves you with a glowing and radiant complexion.

£12.50

When we think of Christmas we think glitter! Glitter, glitter everywhere, including our makeup! That’s why we are crossing our fingers that this year Santa will be slipping the Limited-edition glitter lip trio from Jane Ireadle into our stocking. This trio has three easy to wear colours, there is a pale pink for during the day, a shimmery mocha for a bronzed-up glow and then a vibrant vampy red for Christmas parties. Best of all they are just £19.95 for all 3.

£19.95

Guest Blog: Scarlett’s Jane Iredale Tantasia Review

Confession time, my name is Scarlett, and I am a fake-tan-aholic. In my battle against my pale skin I have tried countless fake tan products, from spray on mist tans to mousses and everything in between! I have tried both cheap and high-end products in my quest for the perfect natural looking glow and had my fair share of tan disasters along the way…

It was last year that Kathy first introduced me to the Jane Iredale fake tan, Tantasia. I have to admit, I was sceptical that a product with all-natural ingredients would be able to give me the colour I craved (I like to look like I have a tan rather than a subtle glow!) but I decided to give it a try.

I initially tried applying this tan with gloves but soon found the silky formula applied more evenly using my tanning mit. As I worked the product into my skin it deposited a guide colour that was a beautiful golden shade and very different from some of the very obvious fake tan shades I have been used to! Infact the colour was so gorgeous that after allowing it a few minutes to dry I was able to get dressed and show off my new glow. The guide colour meant I didn’t miss any bits too and have tell tale signs that my tan was fake!

What I also noticed immediately about Tantasia was the scent. If you have used fake tan products before you will know that no matter how they try and disguise the developing scent there is an unmistakable aroma of biscuits as your tan develops, but not with Tantasia. Tantasia has a beautiful fruity scent that is completely different from any fake tan I have ever used, and best of all it didn’t change through the day.

After allowing the Tantasia a full 8 hour development time I showered and removed the guide colour. My final tan was a beautiful natural shade that made me look as though I had just returned from a fortnight somewhere tropical!

If you are looking for a fake tan product that gives you an even sun kissed look then this is the product you have been looking for. The natural ingredients also leave your skin feeling beautifully smooth and moisturised which I’m sure was the reason the tan lasted so long.

The Ginger Tree Guide to Beach Ready Pins!

It’s that time again ladies where we are all preparing to slip into a swimsuit and show off our legs on the beach. Now I’m not sure about you, but the thought of this in the past would leave me in a cold sweat and panic, but that was until I developed my own regime for beach ready pins!

Step One

It’s all about the preparation, a few weeks before I hop on a flight I make sure to up my moisturisation and exfoliating regime. This means not only does my skin feel smoother and more supple (top tip, rub the lotion in circular upwards motions and this can really help improve the appearance of stubborn cellulite) but also means for step two, waxing, the hairs are far easier to remove. My top product to use for an intense pre-holiday burst of moisture is Pinks Boutique Lemongrass & Mandarin Body Lotion. The pump bottle makes this perfect for slipping into your suitcase too and not running the risk of product escaping all over your toiletries! For a deep exfoliation you can’t beat the Pinks Boutique Sweet Orange & Neroli Body Salt Scrub, the smell alone will have you longing for the beach!

Step Two

One week before my holiday is when I time my waxes, this means that any slight redness or post wax tenderness has passed and I am still enjoying that gorgeous silky smooth just-waxed feeling! I use very high quality waxes that are less aggressive to the skin and don’t strip away your skins natural moisture and the Perron Rigot hot wax is a whizz at removing even the most stubborn of hairs. Plus all pre and post waxing products are Soil Association registered organic, that really protect and nurture your skin. Now I’m ready for step three…

Step Three

Step three for me is always applying a light layer of the beautiful Jane Iredale Tantasia. This is by far the best fake tan product I have ever used, and for all you porcelain skinned beauties (like me!) it builds to just the right level of natural colour. This is holiday skin in a bottle! Like the Pinks Boutique products this is also wonderfully moisturising (something that can’t be said of all fake tans that are notorious for leaving your skin feeling dry and patchy!) and smells divine. The fruity scent is a breath of fresh air when compared to the typical ‘biscuit’ smell that is true of so many fake tan products on the market.

Step Four

This final step is the most important holiday skin step of all and one that I can’t reiterate enough, and that is to arm yourself with a high quality, physical, not chemical SPF sun cream. My go to product is AlumierMD Sheer Hydration broad spectrum SPF 40 (tinted or untainted) or Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 42 for oily skins. Both are light weight and easy to apply.
So there you have it, four very simple to follow steps that will have you slipping out of your sarong and bearing your pins like the goddess you are!

#100DayReset programme

I am excited to announce that I am taking part in the revolutionary #100DayReset programme which has been launched by the International Institute for Anti Aging (IIAA) who distribute the Advanced Nutrition Supplements (Feed), Environ Skincare (Fortify) and Jane Iredale Make up (Finish) products.

The idea is that we have a 100 day Programme to help people improve their skin, get into a new routine, receive 3 free treatments during the 100 days and to celebrate progress that is made along the journey. You will also be entered into a competition to win £500 worth of products.
Excitingly Ginger Tree is 1 of only 20 salons selected from the Northern Regions to join this programme!

If you would like to be part of the programme, then email me 3 dates from 26th June onwards, spaced out as follows; We have until October 31st to submit our photos and case studies in order to enter the competition.

• 0-30 days appointment 1 on Day Zero
• 30-60 days appointment 2 to be on or around Day Thirty
• 60-100 days appointment 3 to be on or around Day One Hundred

You will need to leave aside approximately 1-1.5 hours per appointment and you can get involved by using the hashtag #100DayReset on Social Media.

If you would like to join in on this exciting programme get in touch and we can start taking action to help you and your skin go on a journey this summer.

Why should I Double Cleanse?

This is a question my clients often ask me and there are a number of reasons why I would always recommend double cleansing as part of your skincare routine.

One reason that double cleansing is so important is that if you don’t clean your face properly everything else you do as part of your skincare routine will suffer. This is literally the single most important stage in your routine, so take some time to do this properly and your skin will thank you! It also means when you apply your moisturisers and serums your skin is makeup free and they can work their magic!

Double cleansing your skin will ensure you have removed:

• Eye Makeup
• SPF
• Skin Makeup
• Skin debris and dead cells

How do I do it?

So how do you double cleanse and when is it best to do this? The best time to double cleanse is in the evening and it is a great thing to work into your bedtime routine.

Cleanse One

This first cleanse is focussed on removing eye makeup, spf and foundation. To do this effectively look for a cleanser with a balmy or oily texture, balmy is best. This is an unusual texture but oil fights oil, it breaks through it quicker than anything else.

If you wear heavier eye makeup you might want to first use a damp cotton pad and your balmy cleanser and then balm cleanse the rest of your face. 

A cleanser that is perfect for this is the Pinks Boutique Deep Cleanse Melt for combination and oily skin. If you have sensitive skin or skin that can sometimes be a little dry then opt for something hydrating like the Hydrate Deep Cleanse Melt and for more mature skin you can’t go wrong with the Anti Age Deep Cleanse Melt.

Second Cleanse

In a facial this is the one where we really start to massage and you should do the same. Like your dentist says to clean your teeth for 2 mins, standing and massaging your face for 2 mins each night would be unbelievably beneficial to your skin.

For this stage look for a cleanser that is plant oil based and avoid anything that is thin and watery as this will absorb into your skin with little benefit. Some great cleansers are the Ocha Cleanser, great for normal to dry skin, or the Lemongrass Cleanser that suits combination or oily skin.

Once you have picked your cleanser, massage this all over face and give your skin some love!

After a few minutes remove your cleanser with warm water and your cloth or muslin. Pat your skin dry and then kick in with the rest of your routine.

Should I double cleanse in the morning?

In the morning just one cleanse is absolutely fine, especially when you have given your skin such a deep cleanse the night before!

If you are looking to get the longest life from your makeup during the day, using a balm cleanser will help combat patchy makeup as you surface skin will be smoother!

Is there any product I should avoid?

Wipes

One of the biggest skincare ‘no no’s I hear clients talk about is using makeup wipes. Makeup wipes not only irritate the skin they also mean you are often smearing the dirt and makeup around your face rather than removing it!

Foaming Cleansers

Foaming cleansers are known to produce that ‘squeaky clean’ feeling, and whilst this can be appealing you need to remember that your skin should never feel squeaky clean. Your skin was never meant to feel squeaky clean. Foam is SLS (sodium Lauryl sulphate), drying, itchy, eczema enraging and just not nice to your skin.

Micellar Waters

Micellar water is the buzz word in beauty at the moment and whilst not necessarily bad for your skin this is just not greasy enough to remove your makeup or SPF.

So cleanse and cleanse again with luscious balm based and plant oil enriched products for truly clean skin – without the squeak!

An Invitation to meet Rachel Antill the new Yoga Teacher at Ginger Tree

Hello Everyone, I’ve organised a’ meet and greet’ event with the new Yoga teacher Rachel Antill on MONDAY 13th February 1700-1800.

This will be a great opportunity to meet Rachel, hear more about her approach to yoga and what you can expect from her classes and learn more about her work as a Yoga Therapist.

Hot drinks and light refreshments will be available to please RSVP so I can organise catering.

If you can’t come, but would like to put your name down for her first class on Tuesday 28th February 5.30-6.45pm then just let me know.

Thank You.

Kathy x

Winter Skin: Problems and Solutions

Christmas indulgence and Winter weather, turning up the central heating etc.,  play havoc with our skin. Harsh weather conditions and temperature extremes mean that the skin's natural moisture evaporates more easily and our natural oils become depleted. The product ranges I stock can all help to address these problems for you. If in doubt, just book a skin consultation, 20 minutes free of charge.

1. Diet

Winter diet and eating habits, generally mean an increase in carbohydrates, starchy foods and a reduction in foods providing our skin with essential oils. A rich, carbohydrate diet impacts our circulatory systems, reducing the efficiency of  blood circulation and lymphatic systems. Lack of essential fatty acids in our diet means our skin is less able to retain moisture. Essential fatty acids maintain the integrity of cellular walls and allow transference of waste and water.  So altogether,  these systems can't bring fresh nutrition or remove toxins effectively. The result is dry, dehydrated, congested and dull skin.

2. Lack of Moisture

Skin regenerates on a monthly cycle. It sheds the dead, flattened cells that lie on its surface to make room for new, living cells to rise. If the dead cells don’t shed as quickly as they should, thick, dry skin can form. This further impairs the skin’s normal barrier function. Environmental irritants such as bacteria can then sneak in, causing inflammation.

Some body parts are more prone to dryness than others, depending on their concentration of oil glands. The greatest concentrations are on the face (especially around the forehead and the nose), the chest, and the back, which all tend to have less trouble with dryness. The lower legs have few oil glands, which is why they dry out so easily.

Lips don't have oil glands or a thick, protective outer layer. The lip skin is not hairy and does not have sweat glands.  Therefore, it does not have the usual protection layer of sweat and body oils which keep the skin smooth, inhibit pathogens, and regulate warmth. For these reasons, the lips dry out faster and become chapped more easily.They are also constantly moisturized by saliva, then dried by breathing, which has an evaporation effect. Evaporation also dries out hands (from washing) and feet (from sweating). The thicker skin on elbows and knees has trouble retaining water, and its constant exposure to friction is also drying.

So winter time brings some real challenges for our skin and we need to make adjustments in our skin routine and products.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Increase your essential fatty acid food intake - eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, walnuts for example - sound like a yummy recipe to me, with just those 3 ingredients, just leave out a rich, creamy sauce!
    
• Take some Omega supplements. The Advanced Nutrition Supplement range here in the salon are Skin Omega+ at £28.00.
    
• Increase the moisturising step in your daily routine. Add in Environ's Super + Moisturiser, £31.
    
• Change your cleanser to a rich balm like Pinks Boutique Hydrating Cleansing Balm or Environ's Youth EssentiA Hydrating Cleanser, Neal's Yard Rose Beauty Balm.
    
• Top up your night time routine with a Night Balm or Hydrating Oil Capsules.
    
• Start to include a serum underneath your moisturiser, e.g. Neal's Yard Frankinsence Intense Serum or Pinks Boutique Anti Ageing Serum.
    
• Book a Hydrating Facial - I recommend the Environ Hydraboost Facial which uses the Focus Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid which holds up to 1000 x its own weight in water, is deeply hydrating, plumps and smoothes.
    
• Jane Iredale Lip Drink in Sheer, Flirt (pink), Crush (mauve) and Buff (nude) is simply the best lip balm I've come across. At £14.00 it is more expensive, but has an SPF 15 and packed with antioxidants, moisturising oils and a lovely light citrus smell. Protect your lips with this great product.
    
• Bathe in bath oil and use organic shower and bath gels with no harsh chemicals that dry out the skin. Both Neal's Yard and Pinks Boutique have a great range of natural scrubs, gels and lotions to make your bathroom smell divine. My favourite? Neal's Yard Citrus Shower Gel, Pinks Boutique Sweet Orange and Nerol Scrub, finished off with Environ Vitamin A Body Oil. Then I'm good enough to eat 😉