Tessa Stevens Health & Beauty Clinic

🧴 Struggling with acne but not sure why? 😩

Let’s discuss the 3 main causes of acne we see in clinic and, more importantly, why they happen.

✨ 1. Hormones
Hormones can increase oil production within the skin, leading to blocked pores, inflammation, and breakouts. This is why acne often appears around puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or times of stress.

✨ 2. Genetics
If your parents struggled with acne, there’s a higher chance you may too. Genetics can influence how much oil your skin produces, how quickly skin cells shed, and how prone your skin is to inflammation.

✨ 3. A Damaged Skin Barrier
Over-exfoliating, using harsh products, excessive cleansing, or following too many skincare trends can weaken your skin barrier. When this happens, the skin becomes irritated, inflamed, and more susceptible to breakouts.

Understanding the cause of your acne is the first step towards finding the right treatment and achieving healthier, clearer skin.

👇 Which of these do you think could be contributing to your acne?

The BEST spf you can use, is the one you’ll fall in love with! Then you’ll use it all the time!
That’s why we have over 25 different types. Pop in and have play and get personalised SPF advice. 👏🏽

Why Personalised SPF Really Matters ☀️

Not all skin is the same — so your SPF shouldn’t be either. Choosing the right sun protection is about far more than simply picking the highest number on the shelf. Your skin type, lifestyle, environment and skin concerns all play a huge role in how well your SPF protects you.
Remember in my previous post I spoke about the 1% difference between a 30 and a 50!

Factors That Affect Your SPF Needs:
• Pigmentation risk
Skin prone to melasma, post-inflammatory pigmentation or uneven tone needs consistent, high-quality UV and visible light protection.
• Skin cancer risk
Fairer skin types, a history of sunburn, family history of skin cancer or prolonged UV exposure increase the need for daily protection.
• Barrier health & sensitivity
Compromised or sensitive skin may react to certain SPF formulations. The right texture and ingredients can help protect without irritation.
• Lifestyle & environment
Do you spend lots of time outdoors? Exercise frequently? Drive often? Travel to hot climates? Your daily habits affect how often and how heavily SPF should be applied.
• in clinic treatments
Such as laser, Ipl, micro needling, chemical pills and any advanced treatments that need an SPF 50 applied after.
SPF Is More Than A Summer Product 🌤️

UV rays are present all year round — even on cloudy days. Daily SPF use helps:
• Prevent premature ageing
• Reduce pigmentation flare-ups
• Protect collagen and elastin
• Support healthy skin function
• Lower long-term UV damage risks

Application Matters Just As Much As The SPF Itself

Even the best SPF won’t protect properly if it’s not applied correctly.

✔ Apply 10–15 minutes before going outside
✔ Reapply every 2 hours
✔ Reapply more frequently if sweating or swimming
✔ Don’t forget the ears, neck, chest, hairline & hands
✔ Use enough product — most people under-apply SPF significantly

The Reality?

The “best SPF” is the one that:
• Suits YOUR skin
• Feels comfortable to wear daily
• Works with your skin concerns
• Fits your lifestyle
• Encourages consisteny
Because personalised skin protection always delivers b

So me and have been working hard on our social media…. But the TS team are having none of it!!!😂💜😂

☀️ SPF is no longer “one size fits all” — sun protection should be personalised to YOUR skin, lifestyle and skin goals.

When choosing the right SPF, we should consider:

• Your pigmentation risk factors
• How much time you spend outdoors during peak UV hours
• Whether your skin is at higher risk of skin cancer
• The health and resilience of your skin barrier

A compromised barrier, active skin conditions or advanced treatments may require more supportive, protective formulations.

SPF is only effective if applied correctly 👇

✔️ Apply 10–15 minutes before going outdoors
✔️ Reapply every 2 hours
✔️ Reapply more frequently if sweating or swimming
✔️ Don’t forget the ears, hairline, neck and chest
✔️ Wear sunglasses, hats and seek shade during the hottest part of the day

Remember — how MUCH SPF you apply and HOW often you reapply is just as important as the SPF number itself ☀️

10 years ago, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I actually found the active treatment and “the fight” relatively manageable.

For me, the hardest part came afterwards. When the treatment finished, I suddenly felt isolated, alone and scared. The fear of the cancer returning stayed with me for about a year, until I realised I needed to do something proactive to stop myself slipping into a really dark place.

I had counselling and therapy through the wonderful Nightingale Cancer Support Centre — and we are incredibly lucky to have a charity like this in our community.

Then I found . And I don’t say this lightly when I say she genuinely helped save my life. She probably doesn’t even realise the impact she had on me. She taught me techniques and coping tools that helped me navigate one of the darkest periods of my life.

Over the years, I’ve also sent many clients, friends and family members to Cathy they’ve struggled with different challenges. There’s just something incredibly special about the way she works. She teaches people how to manage their mental health and wellbeing, while reminding them to prioritise themselves too — to put their own oxygen mask on first. ✨

As it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year’s theme is “Every Action Counts”, I urge you to take action for yourself too.

You are worth it. 🤍