The Youth juice – drink daily for beautiful healthy glowing skin.

Drink this juice daily and see your skin glow.

Blend the following ingredients and drink immediately.

• 1 green apple & 1 pear.
• 1 handful parsley
• 1 handful kale
• 3 stalks celery
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1/2 lemon
• 1 inch ginger
• 2 handfuls romaine

Juice to boost immunity

This juice is full of beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E
Ingredients:

• 1 golden beetroot
• 3 large carrots
• 4 stalks celery
• ½ cucumber
• ½ thumb of ginger
• 1 medium pear

*Option to add some mango or apricot

LED Light Therapy for skin health .

LED light therapy helps you create beautiful skin from the inside out. It does so by utilising ATP, the fuel that powers cells and the basic components that your body needs in order to heal itself 

When you eat nutritious meals you are giving your body the building blocks for perfect skin.

The old theory of you are what you eat is very true in skincare since your skin clearly shows the health of the person.

The state of the skin is the first thing you'll notice when a person gets sick or is not well. When a person is not well or under-nourished their skin will become sallow and show signs of stress etc.

The reason for is that the skin, although the largest organ, is not considered vital by the body itself. The body will redirect nutrients, oxygen, fluids and whatever else to those organs it deems necessary to its survival. This is why the skin is the first to show that a person is not well and the last to get nutrients from the foods you eat.

LED light, red and infrared speed healing, boost collagen which helps to eliminate wrinkles and other age related conditions.

Benefits of Red and Infrared Light Therapy

• Creates a healthy glow about your face
• 
  
• Smoothes overall skin tone
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• Builds collagen by up to 300% 
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• Reduces wrinkles, including crow's feet, under eye wrinkles, forehead wrinkles & laugh lines 
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• Speeds the healing of blemishes, like acne and rosacea
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• Repairs sun damage
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• Reduces redness, flushing, and broken capillaries fades scars and stretch marks
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• Brings more moisture to your skin
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• Prevents hair loss & stimulates re-growth

Nourish your skin with organic ingredients ­ inside and out.

Kale is one of the healthiest foods you can eat and can provide you with some special cholesterol-lowering benefits if you will cook it by steaming. The fibre -related components in kale do a better job of binding together with bile acids in your digestive tract when they've been steamed. When this binding process takes place, it's easier for bile acids to be excreted, and the result is a lowering of your cholesterol levels. Raw kale still has cholesterol-lowering ability—just not as much.

Kale's risk-lowering benefits for cancer have recently been extended to at least five different types of cancer. These types include cancer of the bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) made from glucosinolates in kale play a primary role in achieving these risk-lowering benefits.

Like most of its fellow cruciferous vegetables, kale has been studied more extensively in relationship to cancer than any other health condition. This research focus makes perfect sense. Kale's nutrient richness stands out in three particular areas: (1) antioxidant nutrients, (2) anti-inflammatory nutrients, and (3) anti-cancer nutrients in the form of glucosinolates. Without sufficient intake of antioxidants, our oxygen metabolism can become compromised, and we can experience a metabolic problem called "oxidative stress." Without sufficient intake of anti-inflammatory nutrients, regulation of our inflammatory system can become compromised, and we can experience the problem of chronic inflammation. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation—and the combination of these metabolic problems—are risk factors for development of cancer.

Kale is now recognised as providing comprehensive support for the body's detoxification system. New research has shown that the ITCs made from kale's glucosinolates can help regulate detox at a genetic level.

Kale in Skincare.

So it should be no surprise that kale has come to skincare. Hungary-based Éminence Organic Skin Care has just introduced two kale-based products,Eminence skincare is organic from seed to Jar.

Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque and Serum.

The lutein in kale is a particularly powerful skin care ingredient. As a carotenoid, lutein protects against UV-induced free radicals, improves skin hydration, and elasticity

The mask and serum also have vitamin C (for elasticity), vitamin E (which has an has anti-inflammatory effect), and lemon and grapefruit to tone and protect against free radical damage.

Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum. Fast-absorbing, advanced serum for all skin types. This potent dose of non-irritating Vitamin C is stabilised by botanically-derived ferulic acid to deliver optimal antioxidant benefits and improve the appearance of skin.

Kale is rich in vitamin A. As you know, your skin requires a healthy dose of Vitamin A.

A diet lacking in Vitamin A can lead to dry and flaky skin.Vitamin A plays a pivotal role in repairing the tissues underneath your skin and prevents damage caused by free radicals.

Kale is rich in vitamin K.Vitamin K serves as a powerful ingredient in many skin care products as it helps to get rid of tiresome dark circles under your eyes.

Kale is rich in Vitamin C: Vitamin C too helps reduce damage caused by free radicals, which is mostly likely to occur when your skin is overexposed to the sun.In other words, Vitamin C helps prevent premature aging of the skin and helps you stay younger-looking for a longer period of time.

http://youtu.be/A3TTxSi1SIU

Hair Benefits of Kale: Omega Fatty Acids: Besides its rich vitamin content, kale is also known to be packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Your hair benefits immensely when you drink a glass of kale juice every day because of the combination of these two fatty acids.

If you have a problem with breaking hair, you should consider incorporating kale juice into your daily diet. It is best to take it in the morning at breakfast. You will notice a change in the elasticity of your hair. Besides strengthening your hair roots, the benefits of kale also includes improving the blood circulation in your scalp.

Kale is a good source of dietary fibre which improves the digestive action and bowel movements. This can prove extremely beneficial for people having digestion issues.

 Skin receives the least nutrition in comparison to the other organs since it’s the organ that is the furthest from the bloodstream.A lack of real nourishment and stress can both lead to premature ageing long term.

Acne Prevention Tips.

Having acne-prone skin can present a daily challenge. But there are plenty of different treatment options available to prevent and control breakouts.

Clean your skin properly daily

It is important to keep your skin clean by washing it daily. The goal is to remove any dead skin, makeup and impurities that have accumulated throughout the day. Gently massage the cleanser suited to your skin type and rinse with warm water. To avoid further irritation and inflammation, especially during a breakout, use a mild cleanser. Avoid scrubbing your skin, which will spread bacteria, by using your clean hands or a fresh, soft white face cloth, then rinse and towel dry with your own towel.

Minimise the use of makeup & hair products

Let your pores breathe… Especially during a breakout! You may be tempted to cover up blemishes, but it can worsen the existing acne. If you decide to wear makeup, try to use oil-free cosmetics without added dyes or chemicals. Additionally, your hair products can have a similar effect on your complexion. Avoid using fragrances, oils and harsh chemicals on your hair as they can fall onto your face and block the pores. For longer hair, simply keep it pulled back off your face. As always, be sure to cleanse your skin before you go bed whenever you wear any product or not.

Keep your hands off!

This may sound simple enough, but may be one of the hardest to accomplish. It’s amazing how often we touch our face and skin throughout the day. Steer clear of propping your chin or cheek on your hands or avoid touching your face in general. Pressing against skin cells can not only spread bacteria, but it can further irritate already inflamed skin. And never pick or squeeze pimples with your fingers. It can lead to further infection, worse breakouts and even scarring. Keep your hands clean and off your face.

Use over-the-counter acne products with care

Though effective, over-the-counter acne products contain the antibacterial agent benzoyl peroxide, which can cause peeling and drying of the skin. Any active ingredients can also cause redness and scaling for those with sensitive skin. Use these ointments with caution by applying small amounts at first and adjusting as needed.

Skinceutical’s answer to acne.

·        Blemish + age cleansing gel - Exfoliating cleanser for ageing skin prone to imperfections - Designed for ageing skin prone to breakouts, LHA Cleansing Gel combines potent cleansing agents with LHA, glycolic acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate, smooth the appearance of irregularities and brighten skin.

·        Blemish + age solution is an exfoliating toner for ageing skin prone to blemishes. Designed for ageing skin prone to imperfections, Blemish + Age Solution is formulated with a combination of 3 exfoliating agents to help remove excess residue and surface cells.

·        Blemish and age serum is a targeted, oil-free approach to target imperfections and address the visible signs of premature skin ageing. This acid blend combines 2% dioic acid with an optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid formulation designed to help protect against the appearance of imperfections, minimise blemishes, and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

·        Clarifying clay masque-Deep pore-cleansing, skin-refining clay masque. This non-drying masque combines earth clays kaolin and bentonite, botanicals and minerals. It helps sooth and calm the skin; along with hydroxy acid blend.

Live Healthy!

One of the best things you can do for yourself, and your skin, is to live a healthier lifestyle. How you eat and treat your body is directly related to how you look and feel. Foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene are essential to healthy skin. Including more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet will help you look and feel great. Additionally, exercising regularly can reduce stress and enhance blood flow which contributes to other acne fighting regimens. Avoid wearing hats and similarly constrictive clothing that cause excessive sweating, which can increase skin irritation and bacteria. And again, always shower after sports to clear your pores.

Acne can be a common occurrence for many people, but adding some of these tips into your daily skin care routine can result in less breakouts and healthier skin.Avoid overstripping your skin with harsh ingredients as they will have a negative affect.
 Treatments such as LED light therapy, Jet Peels, Salicylic peel can all help to heal acne.

 If severe acne continues to plague you do not hesitate to call a doctor or dermatologist as prescription medication may be necessary.

Is Halloween giving you the 'Jitters'? Allow us to settle you down with a relaxing and comforting massage.

Bliss Massage

Spice up your October with this warming aromatherapy Massage. Drift into the luxurious aroma of warming oils being massaged into your muscles.  These warming scents, aided by knowledgeable hands will ease away tension providing lasting relief from those hurried daily schedules.
 60 minute massage €75

Dry Skin

Dry skin is very often an issue as the weather gets colder and the heating in your home and work will be blasting causing dehydration of the skin and hair.

But it does not have to be, in fact there is a lot you can do to prevent dry skin conditions.

Look for some of these ingredients in your products as they can make a difference in the way your skin looks and feels.

SkinCeuticals

Founded in 1997 by American scientist, Dr Sheldon Pinnell, SkinCeuticals is a pioneer in the advent of cosmeceuticals to the aesthetic industry around the world. Dedicated to maintaining skin health and fighting the major causes of skin ageing, SkinCeuticals makes one simple promise: to provide advanced professional skincare, backed by science.

The leading brand for antioxidants protecting skin against free radical damage, Dr Pinnell’s research team discovered the formulation of the original, stabilised topical vitamin C serum, with the exact specification for proven penetration into the skin. The strict constraints that ensure saturation into the skin revolve around the L’Ascorbic acid formulation being at the right pH level, stable and the optimum percentage for adequate penetration. These rules are now the defined parameters for the strict Duke University patent, for which all SkinCeuticals antioxidants conform.

Why is Massage so good for you?

As we continue to lead our busy lives, massage has become a necessity instead of for only relaxation. Massage has been proven to have the following benefits including stress relief, pain relief, managing anxiety and depression, stiffness, blood pressure control, infant growth, boosting immunity and assisting in healing sports-related injuries.

Massage encourages healing by promoting the flow of blood and lymph, relieving tension, stimulating nerves and stretching and loosening muscles and connective tissue to keep them elastic. It helps move lymph, blood and oxygen to the various organs and tissues in ways that normally are not happening for people.

The other reason massage has such remarkable results is the touch factor. Touch calms people, reduces blood pressure, boosts immune system function and makes people feel cared for. All of these factors are very important to those seeking health and healing.

Research around the world has proven that with health concerns such as migraines, chronic pain and depression, weekly to monthly massages have been shown to have effective, long-term benefits that assist with shorter recovery times and longer periods of well being compared to exclusive medication use.

Try to receive a massage treatment at least once a month for continued well-being.

Not all dryness, redness, and irritation of the skin is created equal.

 

If you feel like you're constantly trying to soothe skin issues, you're not alone. Cleansing religiously, exfoliating too often, and topping it all off with a generous layering of strong anti-aging products are just a few of the things that send your complexions into a tailspin. Increasing stress and environmental allergies also make skin more prone to problems.

Despite countless products labelled "for sensitive skin" on shop shelves, treating a sensitive complexion isn't a one-size-fits-all affair. "Sensitive" products that work well for your friend's skin could just as easily wreak havoc on yours, so it's important to get beyond the general label and figure out what's really irritating your skin.

·       Your kin is taut and itchy - It might mean your cleanser is too drying. It's the number one culprit behind unnecessary irritation. Avoid ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulphate, harsh detergents commonly used in facial cleansers and soaps that break down the natural lipids in skin. When this happens, it's like a double whammy. Little invisible cracks in the skin form, causing moisture to seep out and allowing irritants in. Suddenly, other products in your routine that didn't irritate your skin before might now.

Try using a gentle cream cleanser such as Cetaphil – you will get this at your Pharmacy, OR Camomile cleanser by Eminence Organic Skincare available at the salon and spa. These will both allow your skin to maintain moisture levels.

 

 

·       Your skin is  sensitive, burning and stinging It might mean: Anti-ageing product overload. Packing too many anti-ageing ingredients into your routine can make skin sensitive as it can affect the skins natural barrier. The more products you use, the greater chance one won't agree with your skin." Second, mixing different anti-ageing ingredients, like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids—both of which work by sloughing off dead, dull cells to reveal healthier and more youthful skin underneath—means that you're essentially exfoliating twice, which can seriously strip skin and increase the potential for irritation.

Try to stick with a good quality antioxidant vitamin C serum per day and a moisturiser fortified with anti-ageing ingredients. Those that include ingredients that builds up skin's barrier, like hyaluronic or peptides.

·       Your skin is prone to blushing and flushing, sometimes accompanied by tiny red pimples. It might mean that you have rosacea. Characterised by blood vessels that swell and produce redness at the slightest agitation—from cold, heat, wind, stress, or spicy foods—the condition traditionally develops after age 30. The exact cause is still unknown, and specific triggers differ for everyone. What experts do know: A liberal, daily application of an SPF 30 is a must. Sun exposure breaks down the supportive structures, like collagen, around blood vessels, exacerbating redness. Watch your sugar intake as this may make the redness worse.

 

Apply Redness neutraliser serum by Skinceutical-Formulated with patent-pending NeuroMed Complex, Redness Neutralizer prevents and corrects redness associated with rosacea by combating environmental triggers and interrupting the inflammation cascade while protecting the skin’s barrier.Minimises redness flare-ups by controlling hyper-reactivity to environmental triggersCools skin temperature, so  ideal for rosacea as well as sensitive skin types and conditions sunscreen daily to prevent symptoms from getting worse.



                                                                         

Sensitive skin often can not tolerate chemical UV filters, like avobenzone, but physical blockers titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect without irritation. Try Skinceutical mineral based sun barriers.

For serious, persistent rosacea, see your dermatologist, who can recommend the right treatment for your skin.

 

                 ·       Your  skin is scaly  with   rough patches on the skin

It might mean: You're having an eczema flare-up. When working properly, the top layer of skin acts like a strong film that seals in hydration and protects deeper layers of skin. Eczema-prone complexions suffer from a faulty skin barrier that allows water to easily escape, leading to extreme dryness and flakiness. When irritants like smoke and fragrances then settle on skin, immune cells rush to the area to respond, triggering inflammation. Though 90% of people are diagnosed before the age of five, with symptoms often fading during childhood, eczema is a chronic condition that may make you more prone to dryness and irritation at any age.

To enhance skin's resilience, apply a humectant-based moisturiser after cleansing while skin is still moist. Drink lots of water and take fish oils.

Skin care ingredients to avoid if you have eczema and psoriasis or sensitive skin.

 

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)

 

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and the similar sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) are detergents that act as cleansers, emulsifiers and foamers and are present in lots of household and industrial items. They are present in the vast majority of personal care products including moisturisers, body lotions and shampoos. There are several variations of these ‘sulphate’ (or sulphate) chemicals and they differ slightly in composition, but fundamentally they are the same. They appear in personal care products primarily because they’re cheap and highly effective cleansers and foaming agents.

 

They are known to be skin irritants. They are detergents and so their properties are very similar to soap – stripping the skin of moisture and protective oils. SLS is the most common of these detergent chemicals and it is the one that causes most skin irritation – it prevents the skin from being able to efficiently defend itself from the environment. It has been proven that SLS is a very abrasive irritant that was still detectable in research subjects for three weeks post use. SLES causes less irritation than SLS but is more expensive and thus SLS is frequently used. Eliminating sulphates could be all you need to do to put an end to red, itchy, and dry skin.

Both SLS and SLES have been proven to aggravate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and so sufferers of these conditions are advised to eliminate sulphates entirely. Signs of sensitivity to sulphates include redness, scaling and itching of the skin, and an itchy scalp and hair loss when it is used in shampoos. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should switch to sulphate free products to see if their symptoms improve.

Eminence is a good quality organic skincare line free from any nasty ingredients.

 

 

Anti-ageing juice.

Juicing is good for you – your body & skin reflects what is going on in the inside.

Try a daily vegetable juice high in Vitamin C, iron, fibre and antioxidants. I recommend this juice to encourage a natural healthy glow and helps with anti- ageing of the skin as well;

Ingredients;

1 carrot,

½ a beetroot (including stems and leaves),

2 sticks of celery,

1 green apple,

2 kale leaves,

1 small piece ginger,

To taste you can add a few strawberries.

 **It is well worth investing in a good juicer that can juice leaf vegetables.  Try to have a juice daily.

Natural ways to delay the ageing process

1: Cut down on sugar

It’s pretty much impossible to eliminate sugar but we should reduce our intake considerably for the sake of our skin. Sugar accelerates the ageing process by causing damage to collagen and elastin in the skin, so cutting down on your consumption of the sweet stuff can reinvigorate your looks. If there is too much sugar in the body, protein molecules can cross-link with sugar molecules. Once this cross-linking process has occurred, the new sugar proteins are called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The human body does not recognize AGEs as normal, and will produce antibodies that cause inflammation in the skin. Once formed, AGEs tend to gravitate toward dermal collagen and elastin.

2: Exercise

Staying within a healthy weight range will keep you looking younger: being too thin can have an ageing effect on the face, and being overweight can make you appear older. Exercise is immensely helpful when trying to maintain a healthy weight and has countless benefits to health, including better sleep and increased energy levels. It also improves circulation and blood flow to the skin and giving it a healthy, youthful glow. Strength training will help tighten and firm the muscles – building lean, toned muscles is one of the most effective ways to look younger than your years.

3: Get enough sleep

Our bodies restore themselves during sleep, it’s the time our cells repair the DNA damage from the day before. The concept of beauty sleep is not a myth – being sleep deprived can definitely be detrimental to our looks. Everyone’s sleep requirements are different, but aiming for at least 7 hours is a good target.

4: Get enough vitamin D

Some studies found that people with higher levels of Vitamin D age more slowly than those with lower levels, but it’s not clear why. Make sure you get enough of the ‘sunshine’ vitamin, but be careful not to overdo sun-exposure, which will not only have an ageing effect on the skin but will also increase your risk of skin cancer.

5. Drink plenty of water -drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated which keeps your skin moisturised, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Fish oils help dehydrated skin also.

6: Yoga & Meditation

Yoga and Meditation - soothes and de-stresses, and improves your posture and muscle tone and help you sleep. All of these help keep the ravages of age at bay. 

7: Be happy-Smiling uses fewer muscles than frowning, be happyand you will feel better and when you feel good you look good. 

Skin Care Tips to achieve a natural healthy glow.

 

 

·        Cleanse in the Morning and Evening-It is important to wash your skin in the morning, as you have oil on your face from sleeping, and in the evening, you have to wash off sunscreen, makeup, dirt, and pollens. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type (dry, oily or combination). Remember there is no advantage in trying to strip your skin of oils by using an over abrasive cleanser as it in fact have the opposite effect.

 

·        Exfoliate -Remember nobody needs to exfoliate every day, so avoid daily scrubs. You only need to exfoliate two to three times a week, with a fine scrub. If you have very fine skin, you may like to apply the scrub while you still have your cream cleanser on your skin. Avoid the scrubs with large beads that have irregular shapes that can irritate your skin.

SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator is a grain free exfoliator suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. This revolutionary resurfacing and replenishing serum surpasses the results of a daily 20% glycolic acid treatment while simultaneously reinforcing the skin’s barrier for healthier, more radiant skin. Normalises epidermal renewal to create a noticeably smoother, softer surface texture. Stimulates enzymes that help break the bonds that bind dead cells to the surface of the skin, to dramatically diminish surface lines and wrinkles Speeds skin-cell turnover to improve skin’s radiance, keeping new, healthy skin on the surface. Balances skin moisture levels. Reinforces the skin's barrier

 

·        Use Vitamin A -Retinoid, which are made from vitamin A, are the one of your best ingredients against anti-ageing. Retinoid come in two forms: Retinol: You can buy products containing retinol without a prescription. Both encourage your skin to make more collagen, which gives your skin structure and elasticity. They also exfoliate your skin, removing dead, surface skin cells to soften lines. You need to allow your skin an adjustment time to get used to the product, so less is more – use as if it were made of gold. A tiny amount goes a long way. Use once or twice a week to begin and build it up. These are irritating to the skin and can cause excessive dryness and rash if you are too heavy handed. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen daily, as these make your skin more photo- sensitive to the sun.

               Use at night and be patient as it can take months to see an improvement.

 

·        Use serums such as Skinceutical Vitamin C, which is a medical grade antioxidant combination that delivers advanced environmental protection against photo-aging by neutralising free radicals that cause accelerated signs of ageing along with refining the skin and stimulating collagen



·        Moisturise your skin- Moisturise when you get out of the shower in the morning, and after you wash your face at night, use a moisturiser to lock the moisture in your skin. This helps your skin look soft and smooth, which can help minimise the appearance of wrinkles.

·        Sunscreen is one of the most important ingredients against skin ageing- It needs to be at least 30 SPF, and look for a broad spectrum as it important to be properly protected against UVA as well as UVB, as UVA rays because collagen damage, skin lines and skin cancer, you need to wear it every day, even in winter.



·        Say No to Sun beds.-Just one session on a sunbed raises your chances of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer it also accelerates the ageing process. Instead, use fake tans or bronzer; look for organic brands to give you a risk free glow all year round if you wish.

 

·        Choose a healthy diet for a healthy glow to your skin. You have heard it said you are what you eat, so choose wisely as your diet has a really powerful impact on your skin, and health. Choose foods like olive oil, fish like salmon, walnuts, and almonds. These are high in omega-3 healthy fats, which can help minimise damage and keep your skin healthy as you age. Your skin is constantly renewing itself so the healthier your diet is, the more nutrients your skin has for this process, and the better your skin looks and feels over time. Also, stay hydrated. Drink water when you're thirsty. You also get some water from vegetables and fruit, so include those at every meal.

 



·        Say no to smoking! You will have much better-looking skin if you kick the habit. People who smoke get wrinkles sooner than those who don't smoke plus smoking causes decolouration. The physical act of smoking also works against you. Any repetitive facial movements like pulling on a cigarette, which makes your mouth pucker, cause wrinkles.

 

If you think you don't have freckles, think again.

UV light shows New Yorkers their true skin

August 14, 2014: Photographer Thomas Leveritt set up an ultraviolet camera on a city street on a sunny day to show people how sunscreen helps protect your skin.

http://youtu.be/o9BqrSAHbTc

In the disturbing video shot in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, subjects see in real-time how much impact ultraviolet light has on them.

The footage shot by Thomas Leveritt shows how looks of joy turn to looks of shock and horror as the UV light shows previously invisible changes to their skin.

"I found that people reacted so strongly and interestingly to seeing themselves in UV, I decided I should capture that," Leveritt told Co.Create.

Almost everybody featured in the video is absolutely covered in hidden freckles, with the older participants more affected than the youths.

But the most remarkable part of the video is the impact that sunscreen has when applied.

Woods Lamp explained - used in skin analysis uses ultraviolet .

A Wood’s lamp is a mercury vapour ultraviolet lamp with a filter of barium silicate glass with 9% nickel oxide. The filter allows UV light in the wavelength of 320 to 400 nanometres only while blocking out all other wavelengths. Wood’s lamp mainly emits ultraviolet light in the wavelength of 360 nanometres.

Wood’s Lamp in the Diagnosis of Fungal Infection of the Scalp

Tinea capitis, the fungal infection of the scalp, is caused by different species of fungi. Examination of the scalp in a dark room with Wood’s lamp produces a greenish fluorescence when the infection is caused by certain species like the Microsporum and Trichophyton schoenleini. Wood’s lamp examination is particularly useful in rapidly diagnosing outbreak of tinea capitis in large number of cases as in community schools and boarding. Earlier diagnosis and management prevents further spread of the disease.

The disadvantage is that, at times, the fungal infection is caused by nonfluorescing species like Trihophyton violaceum. Hence a negative Wood’s lamp examination does not rule out presence of fungal infection.

Wood’s Lamp in Pigmentary Disorders of the Skin

In light-skinned individuals, it may be difficult to distinguish between normal skin and slightly hypo pigmented (light white colour) areas in diseases like pityriasis versicolor, pityriasis alba and ash leaf macules present in the genetic disease tuberous sclerosis. These are accentuated when examined under the Wood’s lamp. The extent of vitiligo patches also can be clearly delineated in the fair skinned with the help of the Wood’s lamp.

In pigmentary disorders like melasma and freckles, the level of melanin deposition can be differentiated using Wood’s lamp. Dark colour due to pigments in the outer epidermal layer of the skin is accentuated while the colour of the deeper dermal pigments is decreased during Wood’s lamp examination.

Wood’s Lamp Examination in the Diagnosis of Bacterial Infections of the Skin

Wood’s lamp fluoresce a coral pink colour in eythrasma, a superficial bacterial infection causing brownish red patches on the skin. A yellowish green fluorescence is typical of Pseudomonas pyocyanea infection.

Wood’s Lamp in the Diagnosis of Porphyrias

Porphyrias are a group of inherited and acquired disorders resulting from certain enzyme defects in the body. These could range from life threatening disease to disease limited to skin. In porphyrias, the urine is high-colored and the skin is highly photosensitive with other changes in hair, nails and other internal organs. A pinkish or orange red fluorescence of the urine accentuated by the addition of dilute hydrochloric acid helps in making a presumptive diagnosis of porphyiria cutanea tarda using Wood’s lamp. The same fluorescence is present in the stools and blister fluids of these patients.

Wood’s Lamp to Detect Scabies Burrows

Fluorescine or tetracycline rubbed into the skin allows the identification of scabies burrows under Wood’s light.

Similarly, drug deposits like tetracycline in the teeth and mepacrine in the nails can be diagnosed from the yellow fluorescence under Wood’s lamp examination.

Wood’s lamp, thus, is a simple and cost effective tool in the diagnosis of a variety of skin diseases.

Source:

Bedi BMS. Principles of Clinical Diagnosis in IADVL Textbook of Dermatology, 3rd Ed, 2008

Candida/ Yeast infection.

Candida is a fungus, which is a form of yeast, a very small amount of which lives in your mouth and intestines. Its job is to aid with digestion and nutrient absorption, but when it is overproduced it breaks down the wall of the intestine and penetrates the bloodstream, releasing toxic by-products into your body and causing leaky gut. This can lead to many different health problems ranging from digestive issues to depression.
The healthy or ‘good’ bacteria in your gut typically keeps your candida levels in balance. However, the Candida population can get out of hand if a course of antibiotics kill too many of those friendly bacteria, you have a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar (which feed the yeast), high alcohol intake, are taking oral contraceptives or any number of other factors including a high-stress lifestyle.
Common Candida Symptoms
• Skin and nail fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.
• Feeling tired and worn down or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
• Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
• Autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis
• Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD and brain fog
• Skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes
• Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, rectal itching or vaginal itching
• Severe seasonal allergies or itchy ears
• Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings

Getting rid of the Candida overgrowth requires a change in diet to a low carbohydrate diet. Sugar feeds yeast, so eliminating sugar in all of its simple forms like sweets, desserts, alcohol and flours. A 2011 research study -http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21513811 looked at how Candida Albicans uses sugar. It found that carbohydrates were ‘indispensable’ both for cellular growth and for the conversion between the yeast and fungal forms. This is just one of the studies that make it very clear that a low-sugar diet is a necessary part of your Candida treatment.
Reducing to only a few cups a day of the more complex carbohydrates such as grains, beans, fruit, bread, pasta, and potatoes will prevent the Candida from growing and eventually cause it to die.
To boost your good bacteria you should take pro-biotics on a regular basis. Eliminate inflammatory foods that can harm your digestive tract and introduce foods that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, this will aid to  prevent Candida from working its way through your body, and will help to dramatically improve your overall health.

How to use Retin-A

Retin-A like is a category of retinoid: Stieva-A, Tazorac, Differin, etc.)

Why Retin-A treatment sometimes fails

Usually, people give up because they did one or more of the following—and as a result, they over-irritated their skin.

·        They used too high of a dosage.
·        They used too much of it.
·        They used it too often.
·        They used it on damp skin.
·        They didn’t use enough moisturiser.
·        They didn’t wear sunscreen.

How to use Retin-A the right way

1. Start with a low dose, and then work your way up.

Retinoids come in various percentages, starting at 0.01 (the weakest), then 0.025, 0.04, 0.05 and finally, 0.1 (the strongest). You might think that starting higher will get you results faster, but it can actually be a recipe for disaster and make you want to abandon ship.

I think a good percentage for most people to start at is 0.025 or 0.3 from Skinceutical.

I can  recommend SkinCeuticals, which has 0.5 strength of retinol (and in general is just a really high quality skincare line that I totally trust).SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5

 -  How to use Retin A.

There are no hard and fast rules for when—or even If—you need to move up to the next strength. Some people are happy to stay in maintenance mode on a lower dose indefinitely, whereas others, once their skin is used to the medicine, can go for a higher percentage after finishing one or two tubes.

Whether you choose cream or gel depends on your skin type and personal preference. I find the cream easier to work with and less drying—but the ingredients could be slightly comedogenic, so acne-prone skin may be better off with the gel.

2. Wait at least 20 minutes after washing your face to apply it.

This is because when you put Retin-A on skin that’s not completely, 100 percent dry, you’re going to get more irritation. So wash your face with whatever you like to wash it with, and then set a timer for 20 minutes—30 is even better.

Note: Once your skin adjusts, it may not be necessary to follow this step.

3. Apply just a pea-sized amount to your entire face.

This stuff is potent, so a pea is all you need. (With a cream you have more time to blend, but with the gel format you have to work faster since it’s alcohol-based and evaporates quickly.) Go a bit lighter around the nose and mouth, since those are the flake-prone areas. Never put on your lips. Don’t be scared about putting it around your eyes:  but remember the adjustment takes longer for the eye area than elsewhere.

Also worth noting: Retin-A is not a spot treatment. If you’re acne-prone, you might be tempted to put a big glop of the stuff on a breakout, but it could burn your skin and make it look even worse. Just spread it all over in a thin layer and let the meds work their magic.

4. Use Retin-A only at night, and be extra-diligent about sunscreen during the day.

The sun’s UV rays break down the vitamin A in Retin-A, making it less active, so there’s no point using it during the daytime because you won’t get the same results out of the product. But that’s not the only reason you should only use it at night. It also makes you much more sensitive to sun exposure—so a fresh application in the morning could put you at higher risk for sunburn, which would only undo all of your hard work!

Also, I would be negligent if I didn’t tell you that you absolutely must avoid the sun when you’re on Retin-A. Frequent application of an SPF of at least 30 is key e.g. SkinCeutical - but that doesn’t give you carte blanche to lie out in direct sunlight. Personally, I think it’s better to wear hats, stay in the shade, etc.—especially if you’re using Retin-A for pigmentation issues, which can come back very quickly without proper protection.

5. Skip applications if you need to… or use more moisturiser.

If you’re doing all of the above but still finding that the Retin-A makes your skin too irritated, there are a couple of things you can do.

One is to cut back to using it every other night, or every third night, and then gradually working your way up until you can tolerate it nightly. Just be aware that this method will be slower to produce results- if still irritated - so they’re in a constant state of irritation and then recovery on a weekly basis. You want to push your skin’s limits a little bit, but still make it manageable.

Another option is to use your Retin-A with a moisturiser. My preferred method is to apply the Retin-A on bare skin, at least 20 minutes after washing, and then wait another 45 minutes before applying moisturiser (or a face oil) on top. The reason for this is that you want to let the Retin-A penetrates for as long as possible before diluting its benefits with another productas this would dilute its strength. Plus, it only works with the cream—the gel format, because it’s alcohol-based, doesn’t really lend itself to mixing.

The good news is that you can use as much moisturiser as you like during the day to counteract the dryness!

6. Use caution with other active ingredients.

Here’s where things can get a bit complicated. If you’re a total product junkie like me, then you need to be aware of how the other products in your arsenal can interact with your Retin-A.

Other acids—including glycolic, salicylic and lactic—shouldn’t be used at the same time as your Retin-A. If your skin can tolerate them, use them in the morning.

You should also use any vitamin C treatments in the morning.

As always, please don’t take this as medical advice talk to your doctor first about whether retinoids are right for you. Also, don’t use them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.