SWF Aesthetic/Beauty Hub - Ask A Professional

Lash Extensions vs Lash Lift? Individual artificial lashes are bonded to your natural lashes during a lash extension, following your natural lash line and shape, whereas a lash lift involves effectively perming your lashes, curling them so that they look as if they are fuller and longer.

Our carbon laser facial is completely pain free! It instantly boosts collagen for that instant line reduction. It also lightens pigmentation and helps reduce any spots or break outs. Call us today 01245 808280 for a patch test. Just £59! We are the only clinic In the area advanced enough to offer this treatment! ❤

Aesthetic Beauty | Advanced Aesthetics Training Academy | Chelmsford 1&2 Day Accredited Courses in Advanced Beauty & Aesthetics

SPMU - What is it all about?

Semi-permanent make-up, also known as micropigmentation, is a form of temporary cosmetic tattooing which allows you to have long-lasting eyeliner and lip colour as well as being able to shape and contour your eyebrows and provide your face with an overall light glow or blush. Our fully trained, insured and licensed semi-permanent make-up artist can perform these treatments.

“The cosmetic-tattoo industry is evolving, the tattooing of yester year was a solid block of colour that would last well over 10 years but the industry has now turned to ‘topical’ methods that allow for fading and for clients to alter the colour or shape every 12 to 18 months. This is because old ink contained titanium dioxide that the body broke down, leading to horrid tones of pink, green and blue. But all of that has gone now thanks to the new generation of organic pigments.

BROWS
Microblading: Microblading is a technique where needles are drug across the skin, creating a fine cut where pigment can be placed in the skin. When this cut heals, when done correctly, it creates a thin, crisp line that mimics the natural look and texture of hair.

Due to the nature of pigment insertion, a lot of pigment cannot be forced into the skin, leading to a shorter lifespan than more traditional tattooing methods. On average, 6–18 months.

Micro-feathering can be done with microblading wherein it mimics natural hair so gaps and sparsely covered areas can be filled in resulting in a very natural look, also Ombre can be done with microblading where the brow is slightly more faded towards the front of the face and sharper towards the arch to add depth.

Thanks to numbing creams, most clients say it’s similar to very light scratching (be warned: you can hear the blade). There’s no formal downtime, although it depends from person to person and brows should be kept dry for at least two days – which is tricky.

Don’t panic if they look too dark at first – colour fades as they heal and the results last for about a year.

Tattooing: Unfortunately, we have all seen bad, discoloured, poorly shaped, obviously tattooed eyebrows, the bad eyebrows are what people notice and remember with horror.

The good eyebrows are the ones people notice and remember and then want the same. The most traditional tattooing methods involve the insertion of a needle or needles into the skin in a tapping motion. This can be done either by hand or machine. This movement forces a lot of pigment into the skin, causing the tattoo to last.

There are a wide variety of eyebrows that can be produced with traditional tattooing, the most common being the following:

Hair-Stroke or Feathered Brows: This is the closest to microblading, but it has been around much longer. Typically the hair strokes, once healed, will not be as fine or as crisp as the microbladed brows, but it still creates a natural, soft look and has a much longer longevity.

Soft or Powdered Eyebrow: This look is similar to the look most women get when filling in their eyebrows with powdered make-up. This technique is great for women who want a lot of fullness to their brow colour.

Hard or Crisp Eyebrow: This is typically what people think of when they think “tattooed eyebrows.” It is an eyebrow with a sharp, defined line. It is typically the most distinct and artificial-looking brow. It produces a look more like an eyebrow pencil or marker.

Many clients want the natural look, this isn’t exclusive to either microblading or tattooing, this is exclusive to extremely experienced and talented technicians. You may know what you like or, better said, what you think you like, but is it the best option for YOU?

First and foremost, skilled technicians will let you know if your skin even allows for some of these techniques to be an option. Very thin, easy-to-tear, or brittle skin, for example, will not be able to heal well from the trauma of microblading.

This results in a complete fading of the tattoo at best or unsightly blotching or smudging of the tattoo with possible scarring at worst.

Someone who likes dark, full brows, and fills them in everyday, probably won’t be satisfied by microblading. Even once the area heals, they may find themselves using their make-up over perfectly shaped brows, just because they are not full enough.

Microblading will not create a completley filled look; it will add hairs and shape, but not fill.

Microblading, or any permanent cosmetic, is a tattoo. Where opening of the skin and placing pigment beneath it occurs. However, there are some out there who are promoting microblading as a ‘non-tattooing’ alternative for eyebrows. This is simply not true.

We indeed have all known unqualified technicians providing these treatments in their salon with no more training beyond YouTube and who did not have a tattooing license. This is horrifying.

Technicians should be fully qualified and some in not only tattoos but also semi- pigmentation, these are two very different qualifications.

All technicians and their premises should be licensed with their local Council to perform semi-pigmentation treatments.

So, on to the risk. Any time the skin is opened there is a risk of infection, any tattoo, whether artistic or cosmetic, requires skill with the needles in use.

Deep sterilisation of the couches, floor and any area used should be done between each and every client, all tattoo equipment should be covered in protective plastic and the couch covered in cling fling.

The hand held tattoo head should have disposable needles which are changed between each client and click and lock ink cartridges which can only flow into the needles notback up.

Colour choice is also highly important when tattooing, technicians should be fully trained in the cosmetic tattooing field and understand the importance of colour matching. During your consultation the technician should study your skin to look at your colour undertones, blood flow and skin health, knowing and understanding this is imperative in choosing a colour that will appear natural to your face.

Lashes
While semi-permanent eyeliner is popular, the latest trend is to have tiny micro-droplets of pigment nestled in between each lash to give the appearance of thick, fluttery lashes. “It creates undetectable definition for your eyes. The tattoo machine used to do this is incredibly gentle. It uses light vibrations, so feels more like an electric toothbrush but your eyes may feel sore afterwards and need to be kept dry for at least 48 hours afterwards.

Lips
Replacing lip’s lost border gives a more youthful appearance, it’s also a great way to create the illusion of a fuller pout without injections, while leaving a beautiful hue so you don't need lipstick.

Lip blushes get their name thanks to using a dark shade around the lip line blended with a softer shade in the middle with almost no colour in the centre. Expect tenderness afterwards but aftercare is minimal: refrain from touching lips and regularly apply an antiseptic cream. Trained technicians should colour match with you at your consultation.

Cheek Blush
Semi-permanent blush is a great cosmetic procedure for anyone who has an allergic reaction to makeup and can’t apply blush on a regular basis, or for someone who just simply wants to add a natural glow to their face. The blush is applied using micro pigmentation, or cosmetic tattooing, and will add a light shade of pink to the cheeks without being too noticeable or overpowering. This dusting of pink to the cheeks is soft and subtle yet cute and flirty. Experienced technicians can apply blush on the skin in a pain-free process.

BB Glow Mesotherapy

BB Glow Mesotherapy uses a Micro Needle Therapy System (MTS) combining skin coloured pigment with niacinamide and peptides along with natural growth factors for effective brightening and anti-ageing benefits leaving fine lines and wrinkles plumped, pores diminished and skin with a tinted glow similar to that of a tinted moisturiser that lasts up to 4 months.

BB Glow is recommended for both Men and Women of any skin tone for the reduction of freckles, age spots, redness and acne induced skin dis-colouration on lighter skin tones. If you are having a one- off treatment or the first treatment of a course allow 60 minutes as this includes dermaplaning dead skin to increase product pe*******on.

One treatment – results last up to 2 weeks
Course of 3-6 treatments – results last up to 4 months

BENEFITS
• Effective Skin Brightening
• Skin Whitening/ skin darkening
• Wrinkle improvement
• Reduces skin dis-colouration
• Instant and gradual lightening/darkening effect to skin
• Promotes scar-less healing and natural collagen reproduction
• Minimising open pores
• Non comedogenic

This is generally a very comfortable treatment as it’s superficial micro-needling however some tightness and tingling after treatment is totally normal.

You can go back to day to day life however the BB Glow serums that look like a foundation should be left on the skin for 24 hours. Powder make up can be added after 6 hours.

Your skin may feel a little dry a few days after treatment this is the skins natural inflammatory response to micro-needling. This is a great standalone treatment especially for a one-off event or a weekend away however for long term results lasting up to 4 months we recommend building up coverage over a course of 3-4 treatments a month apart.

SWF Aesthetic/Beauty Hub

Dermaplaning Vs Microdermabrasion - The Truth

A lot of people have asked us what the difference is between dermaplaning and microdermabrasion. We agree the words do sound similar but that’s about all these facial procedures have in common. While the end result is exfoliated skin, they are completely different procedures.

DERMAPLANING

Let’s elaborate on the term dermaplane. Quite simply, it is a fancy way of saying shaving! Dermaplaning is basically just another painless way to exfoliate the top layer of your skin AND get rid of fine, vellus hair… AKA the dreaded peach fuzz!

A medical grade, straight sterile blade is used to gently stroke the face in most areas to exfoliate, or remove dead skin cells as well as vellus hair from the epidermis layer of your skin.

Because of this - dermaplaning also allows for better product pe*******on, reduce the appearance of fine lines, even skin tone and assist in reducing milia, closed and open comedones, and minor acne breakouts associated with congested pores.

You will also get an overall smoothing appearance instantly. Don’t be afraid of the medical grade straight sterile blade. Your fully trained esthetician has skillfully mastered the art of dermaplaning. The blade is stroked at an angle while your skin is held taught. Of course, there is always the possibility of a slight nick especially in the areas where the curvature of your face is greatest, such as your chin and nose area. But don't let that discourage you. The nicks are minor, much like when you nick your legs while shaving.

Following the dermaplaning treatment, it’s common to have a mild peel because the results will be amazing! With peach fuzz and dead skin cells gone, the peeling solution will be able to absorb more evenly and deeply to give you even better results! We recommend the IMAGE Signature Facelift Peel or the Theraderm Lactic Acid peel that will really make your skin glow.

MICRODERMABRASION

Microdermabrasion has been around for quite some time and is done in either diamond tip form, or crystal form. The effects of microdermabrasion are slightly different than dermaplaning.

Microdermabrasion creates abrasion, pressure, and suction during treatment leaving you with slight erythema or redness, but a smooth, clean exfoliated canvas.

Now you might be asking yourself, why would I want redness and abrasion? Well, for a few reasons. Just like dermaplaning, microdermabrasion will help correct signs of ageing, skin tone and texture, and other skin issues like acne scarring, however, it is more aggressive in the way exfoliation occurs.

Some prefer a more aggressive take on it rather than the gentle approach. Normally for first timers, 1 to 2 passes are done on the face in sections at a time while skin is held taut with the pen like applicator with diamond or crystal tip attached. For clients that have had this procedure before many times, more passes are ok to do so long as the skin does not become overly irritated and suction does not create a bruising type mark or a striping appearance. Also keep in mind, that microdermabrasion does not remove vellus hair from the face.

If you want to be really aggressive with your treatment - following up with a peel is just what the doctor ordered!

No matter which treatment you choose, always remember to follow up with a broad-spectrum protection sunscreen with a minimum factor of between 30 and 50, this will help protect your results while extending the benefits of the procedures.

A nurse has heart attack and describes what women feel when having one:

I am an ER nurse and this is the best description of this event that I have ever heard. Please read, pay attention, and send it on!...

FEMALE HEART ATTACKS

I was aware that female heart attacks are different, but this is the best description I've ever read.

Women rarely have the same dramatic symptoms that men have ... you know, the sudden stabbing pain in the chest, the cold sweat, grabbing the chest & dropping to the floor that we see in movies. Here is the story of one woman's experience with a heart attack.

I had a heart attack at about 10:30 PM with NO prior exertion, NO prior emotional trauma that one would suspect might have brought it on. I was sitting all snugly & warm on a cold evening, with my purring cat in my lap, reading an interesting story my friend had sent me, and actually thinking, 'A-A-h, this is the life, all cozy and warm in my soft, cushy Lazy Boy with my feet propped up.

A moment later, I felt that awful sensation of indigestion, when you've been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich and washed it down with a dash of water, and that hurried bite seems to feel like you've swallowed a golf ball going down the esophagus in slow motion and it is most uncomfortable. You realize you shouldn't have gulped it down so fast and needed to chew it more thoroughly and this time drink a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach. This was my initial sensation--the only trouble was that I hadn't taken a bite of anything since about 5:00 p.m.

After it seemed to subside, the next sensation was like little squeezing motions that seemed to be racing up my SPINE (hind-sight, it was probably my aorta spasms), gaining speed as they continued racing up and under my sternum (breast bone, where one presses rhythmically when administering CPR).

This fascinating process continued on into my throat and branched out into both jaws. 'AHA!! NOW I stopped puzzling about what was happening -- we all have read and/or heard about pain in the jaws being one of the signals of an MI happening, haven't we? I said aloud to myself and the cat, Dear God, I think I'm having a heart attack!

I lowered the foot rest dumping the cat from my lap, started to take a step and fell on the floor instead. I thought to myself, If this is a heart attack, I shouldn't be walking into the next room where the phone is or anywhere else... but, on the other hand, if I don't, nobody will know that I need help, and if I wait any longer I may not be able to get up in a moment.

I pulled myself up with the arms of the chair, walked slowly into the next room and dialed the Paramedics... I told her I thought I was having a heart attack due to the pressure building under the sternum and radiating into my jaws. I didn't feel hysterical or afraid, just stating the facts. She said she was sending the Paramedics over immediately, asked if the front door was near to me, and if so, to un-bolt the door and then lie down on the floor where they could see me when they came in.

I unlocked the door and then laid down on the floor as instructed and lost consciousness, as I don't remember the medics coming in, their examination, lifting me onto a gurney or getting me into their ambulance, or hearing the call they made to St. Jude ER on the way, but I did briefly awaken when we arrived and saw that the radiologist was already there in his surgical blues and cap, helping the medics pull my stretcher out of the ambulance. He was bending over me asking questions (probably something like 'Have you taken any medications?') but I couldn't make my mind interpret what he was saying, or form an answer, and nodded off again, not waking up until the Cardiologist and partner had already threaded the teeny angiogram balloon up my femoral artery into the aorta and into my heart where they installed 2 side by side stints to hold open my right coronary artery.

I know it sounds like all my thinking and actions at home must have taken at least 20-30 minutes before calling the paramedics, but actually it took perhaps 4-5 minutes before the call, and both the fire station and St Jude are only minutes away from my home, and my Cardiologist was already to go to the OR in his scrubs and get going on restarting my heart (which had stopped somewhere between my arrival and the procedure) and installing the stents.
Why have I written all of this to you with so much detail? Because I want all of you who are so important in my life to know what I learned first hand.

1. Be aware that something very different is happening in your body, not the usual men's symptoms but inexplicable things happening (until my sternum and jaws got into the act). It is said that many more women than men die of their first (and last) MI because they didn't know they were having one and commonly mistake it as indigestion, take some Maalox or other anti-heartburn preparation and go to bed, hoping they'll feel better in the morning when they wake up... which doesn't happen. My female friends, your symptoms might not be exactly like mine, so I advise you to call the Paramedics if ANYTHING is unpleasantly happening that you've not felt before. It is better to have a 'false alarm' visitation than to risk your life guessing what it might be!

2. Note that I said 'Call the Paramedics.' And if you can take an aspirin. Ladies, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!

Do NOT try to drive yourself to the ER - you are a hazard to others on the road.

Do NOT have your panicked husband who will be speeding and looking anxiously at what's happening with you instead of the road.

Do NOT call your doctor -- he doesn't know where you live and if it's at night you won't reach him anyway, and if it's daytime, his assistants (or answering service) will tell you to call the Paramedics. He doesn't carry the equipment in his car that you need to be saved! The Paramedics do, principally OXYGEN that you need ASAP. Your Dr. will be notified later.

3. Don't assume it couldn't be a heart attack because you have a normal cholesterol count. Research has discovered that a cholesterol elevated reading is rarely the cause of an MI (unless it's unbelievably high and/or accompanied by high blood pressure). MIs are usually caused by long-term stress and inflammation in the body, which dumps all sorts of deadly hormones into your system to sludge things up in there. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.

*Please be a true friend and send this article to all you female friends.

5 Easy Fixes to Improve the Appearance of Scars –

Scars are often reminders of past events, old accidents, mistakes made, or incidents that can feel like they’ll never leave you. But they don’t have to be permanent. It’s easier to mask and fade the appearance of scars on the face and body than most people think. Use these five tips to reduce the visibility of scars while treating textural irregularity:

Easy Fix #1: Use the Right Makeup
While a go-to liquid concealer or powder may be best for camouflaging dark under eye circles or the inflammation and redness caused by acne, these aren’t the best options for masking scars—particularly when dealing with irregular textures. For best coverage, consider colour-correcting before applying a quality mineral makeup powder that reduces the appearance of scars without caking and drawing attention to textural irregularities. Alternatively, for more pronounced scars, use a full-coverage cream concealer created specifically for masking scar tissue and colour in tandem with a light setting powder for a smooth, flawless finish.

Easy Fix #2: Keep Skin Moisturised
Skin around scars tends to become easily inflamed and can be more sensitive, leading to frequent redness and irritation that can emphasise their appearance. Moisturise often to cut down on these symptoms. Opt for a body or face moisturiser that’s best for your skin type, and don’t shy away from oil-based moisturisers or moisturising oils—it’s an old wives’ tale that all oils are bad for oily skin. Of course, it’s always a good idea to increase water intake as well to help moisturise skin from the inside out.

Easy Fix #3: Hide with Highlighter
Scars that are depressed (dip into the surface of the skin) can be harder to hide with concealer, risking a buildup of too much product for the sake of a seemingly smoother finish. To minimise the appearance of divots and concave scars without clogging pores with too much makeup, try dabbing a light, creamy highlighting makeup on the scar. This will reflect light from the area and minimise the appearance of the scar’s textural irregularity overall.

Easy Fix #4: Have Patience
Your body has its own way of masking and minimising the appearance of scars, but its natural healing process takes time, so patience is key. After an injury, the body produces an increased level of collagen to prompt the healing of damaged tissue. Using treatments too early on in the healing process may cause more harm than good, so ensure the body has ample time—three to four weeks—to heal before pursuing any further scar reduction treatment.

Easy Fix #5: Try a Skin Resurfacing Treatment
If the body doesn’t seem to be holding its own in helping to heal and minimise the appearance of scar tissue, try boosting skin’s natural collagen production levels with a Nano Fractional radio frequency treatment. Using tiny needles and high energy density to create micro-dermal wounds in the skin’s surface, heat produced through radio frequency technology is delivered below the skin’s surface, prompting the body to begin its natural healing process and revitalise collagen and Elastin production. These radio frequency treatments boost collagen levels and stimulate a natural healing response, leading to the correction of scar tissue and a reduction in the appearance of scars and textural irregularities of the skin.

To learn more about radio frequency skin resurfacing treatments, contact a certified treatment provider near you today.

SWFAB