Northern Skin Co.

🙋‍♂️ Men’s Skin Health 🙋‍♂️

2️⃣

Today marks two years since we welcomed our first client to Northern Skin Co; doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun. The love and support has been truly incredible, we never imagined when we relocated that we would be so busy. We’re overwhelmed with how many of you followed us and overjoyed by all of the new faces we’ve seen. Literally hundreds of you have trusted us for your services. Thank you all so much!

We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported our dream, booked treatments, made a purchase, bought a gift voucher, recommended us, interacted with our social media posts.
You’re amazing!

Thanks for being apart of our journey, here’s to many more years 🫶🏻

Gingerbread Coffee House 🧁

🌿 June 🌿

A late monthly post due to being on holiday😎. It’s been fabulous spending quality time with the family, we’ve enjoyed lots of scenic walks, beautiful traditional food, iced coffee’s, revitalizing swims in the sea and I actually had time to read a book 🫶🏻 However, it’s also now great to be back to business this week doing what I love, and boy do you guys certainly know how to keep me busy. The diary has been jam packed since my return; thank you 🙏🏻

So, what’s happening in June?

It’s our 2nd anniversary since moving away from Morpeth 🥳
Can you believe that?! To celebrate we will be sharing Gingerbread Coffee House Cupcakes, so if you have an appointment at the weekend you’re in for a treat 🧁

This month’s gift with purchase is ‘the ultimate eye wand duos’ which are absolutely delightful. They help improve fine lines & wrinkles, dark circles & puffiness. Free when you spend £100 or more on Dermalogica products.

If you’re still looking for a ‘Father’s Day’ gift - look no further. Gift vouchers are available for men’s skin treatments or we have a lovely selection of skin health gift packs.

This month Dermalogica has won some awards featuring in Vogue , Who What Wear and Glamour. The winners were Pro Collagen Banking Serum, Porescreen SPF40, Bio-lumin C Gel Moisturizer & Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 🎉👏🏻

Holiday … what holiday. Let’s go !!!

✈️ Holiday Mode On ✈️

Sarah is now on holiday until the 5th of June. All messages and enquiries will be responded to on her return ✌🏻

Physical Sunscreen 🆚 Chemical Sunscreen

What is the difference?
Let’s break it down.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that both physical and chemical sunscreens can effectively protect against the sun when used correctly. The choice between the two often depends on personal preference, skin type, and specific skin concerns or sensitivities.

Selecting a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and adhering to the manufacturer's instructions for application and reapplication, ideally every 2 hours during sun exposure, is crucial for effective sun protection.

🧴 Physical
Physical sunscreens, also known as Mineral sunscreens; utilise mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active components.
These minerals form a protective layer on the skin's surface, acting as a shield to reflect and scatter UV rays away from the skin. They are often referred to as “physical blockers” and give more UVA protection. You are also protected immediately upon application. They are suitable for all skin types especially those who suffer with melasma, hyperpigmentation, dermatitis, eczema, lupus, rosacea, sensitive skin. Highly recommended for children & pregnant women also.

🧴 Chemical
Chemical sunscreens are the most common type of sunscreen on the market.
They contain organic compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octinoxate and octocrylene as active ingredients. These compounds absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin. Takes 30 minutes to become effective, are more water and sweat resistant. Absorb into the skin quickly as the texture of these creams are usually thinner. Suitable for most skins other than sensitive skin types.

🛒 https://www.dermalogica.co.uk/collections/spf-sunscreens? 🛒

Which one do you prefer?

❔What is Melanopro ❔

Melanopro Peel System is a powerful 6-week treatment designed to effectively address a range of pigmentation concerns to fade dark spots, smooth skins texture and decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

This clinical-strength peel program, features a mask worn for up to 7 hours initially (applied in the clinic) and then using only 2 products (at home) for the subsequent 6 weeks.

Formulated with a blend of transformative ingredients like tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, phytic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and retinol, this routine is ideal for tackling pigmentation concerns, especially melasma not treatable with IPL and lasers.

This treatment includes the products for 6 weeks (apart from your cleanser), the initial consultation and application of the mask and a hour facial at the end of your 6 week period.

💷 £350
🧪 Patch test required

🔆 Every skin tells a story 🔆

I thought I’d be brave and share my recent UV skin scanning image with you all which shows you the hidden sun damage lurking under my skin; that is not visible to the naked eye. Apologies ~ the image is horrifying!!! 🫣🫣

This image shows deep pigmentation damage, U-melanin (damage that has been there for years) photoaging; the effects of free radical damage and HEV light exposure from devices.

I have to hold my hands up and admit before I qualified as a Professional Skin Therapist and was educated in sun safety and before I knew the horrendous effects of tanning beds; I was a regular sun shower user 😱 not realizing the damage I was causing to my skin and increasing the possible risk of skin cancer.
When on holiday I would never wear a hat or reapply sunscreen as often as I should, resulting in my skin to burn. This early damage has unfortunately left its mark.

Although you can’t see this damage at the moment on the surface of my skin, as I get older these pigments will eventually work their way to the surface if left untreated.

The great news is - intervention can be done to stop the pigments becoming visible (thank goodness!!) and I will soon be starting a NEW treatment plan which we offer, called Melanopro.

Pigmentation be-gone …. 🪄💥

If you’d like to have a skin consultation which includes UV screening, or you’d like to discuss a treatment plan for pigmentation, please contact us to start your journey too 📲 💌

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to our weekly engagement list! 🎉🎉🎉

Suzanne Dent, Janette Milburn, Lindsey Park

🤨 Tanning FAQs 🤨

> ARE TANNING BEDS AS HARMFUL AS THE SUN?

YES. Tanning, whether indoors or outdoors, is dangerous. In fact, UVA rays used in tanning beds might increase your risk of developing melanoma.

> IS TANNING A GOOD WAY TO GET VITAMIN D?

NO. The truth is that UVB radiation leads to the production of vitamin D. Tanning is mostly caused by UVA rays. This means that tanning delivers almost no vitamin D benefit while increasing the risk of skin cancer. Meet your daily vitamin D requirement the safe way — with food or supplements.

> SHOULD I GET A “BASE TAN” INDOORS BEFORE AN ABROAD HOLIDAY?

NO! Tanning does not protect against sunburn; it simply exposes you to more harmful UV rays. The best way to prevent sunburn is to seek the shade, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses, and apply sunscreen every day.

> DOES TANNING HELP WITH SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)

NO. Tanning does not help treat SAD. Tanning beds differ significantly from light boxes. Light therapy uses visible light which is safe. Tanning beds use UV light which cause premature aging and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

🔬Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream🔬

Several lifestyle factors play a major role in premature ageing of eye contours: constant screen use can accelerate eye fatigue and weaken the eye muscles, while lack of sleep hampers the skin's ability to restore collagen.

The result can be drooping eyelids, fine lines and wrinkles. So it’s no surprise that blepharoplasty - also known as eyelid correction - is among the top five most-requested cosmetic procedure globally and that the number of procedures has increased by 13% since 2022.

In addition to visibly lifting the eyelid wrinkles, Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream makes fine lines and wrinkles smoother and less visible, hydrates the skin and makes it visibly firmer.

Clinical trials are in ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Be quick we only have a limited amount available before the official launch.

⚠️ Indoor Tanning ⚠️

Did you know you increase your risk of developing life-threatening melanoma if you start using indoor tanning beds before the age of 35 by a horrifying 7️⃣5️⃣% 😱

🔎How to check your moles🔎

The ABCDE guidelines provide a useful way to monitor your skin. Seek medical advice if you notice any of the following:

> A is for ASYMMETRY:
One-half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.

> B is for BORDER irregularity:
The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.

> C is for COLOUR variation:
The colour is not the same all over, but may have differing shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of red, white, or blue.

> D is for DIAMETER:
The area is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger.

> E is for EVOLVING:
Changes in size, shape, colour, elevation, or another trait such as itching, bleeding or crusting. This last point is likely the strongest of all of the warning signs.

Remember, if in doubt, check it out!

💁🏼‍♀️ The secret is out 💁🏼‍♀️

Finally, the lift you're looking for 👀

Introducing the NEW Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream. This eye treatment works to visibly lift, firm, and reduce eyelid folds. Not only does this treatment smooth + reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but also hydrates and visibly redensifies skin.

Available to purchase with us before the official launch in two weeks time.

❓Are you applying enough Sunscreen❓

Studies show that most people only apply 25 to 50% of [the] recommended amount of sunscreen; and if you don't apply enough, you may not be getting the amount of protection that's listed on the label.

The recommended amount is 1 ounce. This can be hard to envisage, so here’s our easy hack. The “two-finger rule” This involves squeezing sunscreen along the length of two fingers and applying it to one part of your body like your face.

A great client selfie to demonstrate 🤳⬇️

⁉️Did you know ⁉️

The single best thing you can do for your skin is to protect it with an SPF every single day, no matter what the weather.

Sun protection everyday = youthful skin.

Share this with anyone who is concerned with premature skin ageing.

🌿 May 🌿

Hello May and hello sunshine.

May is Melanoma & Skin Cancer Awareness Month; so our aim this month is to share as much information with you about the dangers of skin cancer and the facts that help save lives. We’d love you to follow along and give some of the content a ‘share’ to reach as many people as possible.

We are super excited about Dermalogica’s new product launch coming in May , it will be the best and biggest launch of the year and we promise you you’re all going to absolutely love it!!!

👀 It’ll be the ‘lift you’re looking for’ 👀

All revealed 05.05.24
Exclusively available to purchase from us 13.05.24

Sarah is on holiday from 25.05.24 until 05.06.24 and is currently fully booked until her return. During this time Julie will only be working limited hours - so please bare with us.

We hope you all have a wonderful month with lots of exciting things planned. ☀️

🌶️ Rosacea Food Triggers 🌶️

Diet can have a big impact on your rosacea symptoms. We can often forget that food is made up of chemicals and compounds that play a role in the chemical processes within our body. Some compounds in certain foods can improve your rosacea, while some can make it worse.

>> What foods to eat >>
antioxidants and anti-inflammatories such as:Berries, Dark leafy greens, oranges, peaches, mango, oily fish, seafood, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts.

>> Pre and Probiotics >>
Growing evidence around the role of the gut microbiome means pre and probiotics could play a big role in reducing rosacea symptoms.

Prebiotics are considered “food” for the bacteria living in the gut. They help promote bacterial growth and activity which both contribute to a healthy gut and skin microbiome. They are important to keep the good bacteria that are already in your gut healthy, and can help reduce inflammation in the body. Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber so a diet high in fiber could help reduce rosacea symptoms.

Examples - oats, barley, brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain breads, fortified cereals such as oat bran.

>> Probiotics >>

Examples - yogurt, Sauerkraut, Kombucha, Tempeh, Miso, Pickles, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Cottage Cheese.

>> What foods not to eat >>
Trigger foods are different for everyone. A simple way to determine what foods trigger your rosacea is to keep a record of what you’ve eaten before a flare-up. Through trial and error, you will be able to learn which foods affect you most and therefore, which foods to avoid.

The most common foods to avoid are foods containing capsaicin: red chilli peppers, cayenne pepper, jalapeño peppers, bell peppers, paprika, green peppers.

foods containing cinnamaldehyde: Cinnamon, Apples, Citrus fruit, Carrots, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Spinach, Celery, Cucumbers, Chocolate.

foods containing histamine: Avocado, Papaya, Bananas, Pineapple, Strawberries, Pear, Dried apricots, dates, figs, and sultanas, Tomatoes, Spinach, Eggplant, Chocolate, Processed meat.

foods containing formaldehyde: Apples, Grapes, Plums, Banana, Cauliflower, Spinach, Onion, Mushrooms.

foods containing niacin: Mushrooms, Potatoes.

| Let us know your triggers in the comments.

📝 Rosacea Diary 📝

Everything you need to identify and track your triggers.

Download here 👉🏻 https://www.rosacea.org/patients/materials/rosacea-diary-booklet

National Rosacea Society

💟The UltraCalming Solution💟

Dermalogica’s Ultracalming line provides serious relief for sensitive skin. Formulated with the best of science and nature’s pharmacy the UltraCalming formulas contain an ingredient complex to fortify skin's protective barrier for healthier skin. Every UltraCalming product is formulated without lanolin, SD alcohol, mineral oil, artificial fragrances or colours, which can make sensitive skin worse.

Here’s our recommended 3 steps to calmer skin:

👉🏻prep
Cleanse skin with UltraCalming Cleanser. This cooling gel/cream cleanser is sulphate free and can be used with or without water to gently cleanse the most delicate skins.
👉🏻treat
Reduce redness and cool the skin with the hydrating UltraCalming Mist. Spritz onto clean skin and throughout the day to calm flare-ups. Add a layer of UltraCalming Serum Concentrate to reduce irritation and help build skin’s tolerance with a unique peptide.
👉🏻glow
Moisturise with Stabilizing Repair Cream: its balmy-cream formula melts into skin to give it stability, relief, and a chance to recover from sensitivity. It also features a Ceramide-Building Complex that provides nourishing lipids, strengthening skin’s barrier to lock in moisture and help keep signs of sensitivity at bay.
During the day, complete your regimen with Invisible Physical Defence SPF30 to defend against damaging UV rays. This ‘chemical free’ sunscreen also defends against blue light and contains bio-active Mushroom Complex to soothe skin and reduce UV-induced redness and dryness.

🪢🫧 Rosacea & Facials 🫧🪢

CAN YOU HAVE FACIALS WITH ROSACEA?
Yes, absolutely you can have facials if you have rosacea. It’s important to clarify though: there is a difference between a facial and a skin treatment specifically to address a skin concern. So, for example, if you have rosacea and you’re on a spa day do your homework on the brand being used, check is it suitable for sensitive and reactive skins and opt out the use of steam in your treatment.

ARE THERE PARTICULAR FACIALS THAT ARE BEST FOR ROSACEA?
If you want a skin treatment specifically to treat the rosacea, then we’d recommend something light therapy based primarily, whether it’s LED light therapy or IPL / laser based treatments. Our go-to in clinic is Dermalux LED. Non-invasive, no downtime but has fantastic clinical proven results!

CAN YOU HAVE EXFOLIATION WITH A ROSACEA FACIAL?
Exfoliation is something that needs to be considered carefully and will vary depending on the individual. As rosacea is fundamentally a skin barrier disorder, exfoliating the skin too aggressively is counterproductive. Enzymes are best for subtype 1 and ingredients like salicylic can be used for subtype 2, but this is only following a skin assessment for suitability.

CAN YOU HAVE STEAM/EXTRACTION WITH ROSACEA?
We recommend avoiding steam and extractions on a rosacea skin, they are likely unnecessary (typically extractions are performed on comedones, which are more associated with acne and less common in rosacea) and also the steam will over-stimulate the skin.

CAN YOU HAVE FACIAL MASSAGE WITH ROSACEA?
Gentle facial massage, nothing too stimulating, can be performed, but again it will depend on the individual and how active the rosacea is.

IS THERE ANY FACIALS THAT WE *WOULDN’T* RECOMMEND FOR ROSACEA?
In terms of facials we wouldn’t recommend for rosacea, bearing in mind rosacea is a chronic skin barrier disorder, then anything that is too harsh or detrimental to the skin barrier including microdermabrasion, dermaplaning and some chemical peels.

DO WE RECOMMEND LIGHT THERAPY FOR ROSACEA?
Yes, we absolutely LOVE light therapy for rosacea and have been using light therapy in treatment for over 8 years now.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT KINDS OF LED & WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT COLOURS DO?
Quality varies greatly, as do results. The most proven wavelengths are red (at 633nm), near-infrared (at 830nm) and blue (at 415nm), although blue isn’t typically used for rosacea and is most beneficial for acne. We use Dermalux for its clinically proven wavelengths and medical CE certification.

Any further questions relating Rosacea and facials please contact us.

ℹ️The 4 subtypes of ROSACEAℹ️

1️⃣ Erythemato-telangiectatic
rosacea (type 1)

The most common subtype of rosacea.
Characterised by temporary redness (flushing) alongside persistent redness and visible blood vessels.
Other symptoms: heat, oedema (swelling)
itching and burning.

2️⃣ Papulopustular
rosacea (type 2)

Persistent facial redness, with papules and pustules (bumps and pimples)
Often mistaken for acne (hence the outdated term 'acne rosacea), but can be distinguished as rosacea 'spots' do not resemble blackheads whiteheads*
*acne can present alongside rosacea, but they are very different conditions.

3️⃣ Phymatous
rosacea (type 3)

Phymatous rosacea includes skin thickening, growth of abnormal tissue, and enlargement.
Rhinophyma - a type of phymatous rosacea - includes the skin thickening and enlargement of the nose. It is believed to be more common in men.

4️⃣ Ocular
rosacea (type 4)

Presents as watery, bloodshot eyes often with a feeling of grittyness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, irritation, or stinging
The eyelids may swell, and chalazions (blocked oil glands) and styes can appear more often.

Let us know in the comments which subtype (s) you have and if you learned something new.

👩🏼‍🎓 Skin S.O.S 👩🏼‍🎓

Yesterday we updated our knowledge on the complexities of three inflammatory skin conditions; Rosacea, Eczema and Psoriasis. Wow, what a brilliant class!!

Thank you Kelly @ Dermalogica UK

🫶🏻 We love client feedback 🫶🏻

2016 after my second baby I started suffering with Rosacea. I always ‘flushed’ really easily but it just got so much worse. Doctors offered low dose antibiotics which I rejected after doing some research. I ended up using prescription strength azelaic acid creams which is an irritant for sensitive skin. So I was in a vicious cycle of treating the rosacea then being left with compromised skin barrier, itchy and extremely dehydrated skin. Sarah really helped me understand this cycle. She worked with me and my budget to come up with a routine that actually eliminated the need for the azelaic acid and now I only have flare ups when my triggers are activated. I still have occasional flare ups but knowing the triggers and using the right products keep it on a manageable level.
_______________________________________

I don’t think we need to say anything more about this client. Pictures can tell you a thousand words. What we can say is; thank you for sharing your journey!!

Hold the vision , trust the process.

Trust Northern Skin Co 🩶

💁🏼‍♀️ The Less Rule 💁🏼‍♀️

Less is more when it comes to treating Rosacea or sensitive skin. Here are some simple rules to help adapt your routine when having a flare up or to use in general.

♨️ Less heat - Avoid hot water when bathing and washing your face, products that heat up and sauna and steam rooms. Be conscious of your pressure when touching your face so as not to stimulate blood flow.

⏰ Less time - Reduce the amount of time you spend on your skin. Cut back the steps and simplify your routine.

🧽 Less friction - Avoid scrubs and formulas with abrasive particles, rough flannels, and face brushes. Be gentle with applying and removing products from the skin.

🧴 Less product - Reduce the number of products in your routine. Use one cleanser for your double cleanse rather than two different and reduce use of exfoliating formulas.

♥️ Real People ~ Real Results ♥️

So grateful to be able to share this wonderful client review.

The journey started with a detailed consultation a skin analysis and scan. We discussed lifestyle habits , skincare ingredients and triggers to look out for. From there we created a new home care routine based on the less rule (I’m going to cover this rule in a separate post) to prioritise calming, hydration and building back up the barrier layer of the skin.

After being consistent for a few days with the recommended products for home care this client started to see the changes and discovered a new found confidence in her skin.

| Are you ready to start your journey?

🚩🚩Rosacea Triggers 🚩🚩

If you have Rosacea , you’ve just met your six newest enemies.

Everyone’s triggers can be different but these are some of the most common culprits that can cause a flare up. Knowing your triggers is essential for managing your rosacea and keeping your skin healthy. Once you know your triggers, you can take steps to avoid them or minimize their impact on your skin.

Remember, everyone's skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. But by understanding the most commonly reported triggers and taking proactive steps to manage them, you can keep your rosacea under control.

♦️April is Rosacea Awareness Month! ♦️

Let’s shed some light on what rosacea truly entails. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder that occurs when groups of capillaries close to the skin’s surface become inflamed and dilated. It’s characterised by recurrent episodes of flushing, blotchiness, redness and small bumps on the face.

Typically affecting fair-skinned individuals aged 30-50, rosacea primarily targets the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. While more common in women, it can be more aggressive in men. The exact cause is uncertain, but factors like genetics, sun exposure, stress and immune reactions may play a role.

The skin’s compromised state makes it easily triggered and prone to irritation, leading to chronic redness with occasional flare-ups. While it can’t be fully cured, managing symptoms is possible.

Understanding the treatment pathway is crucial:
1️⃣ Boost skin resilience against daily aggressors.
2️⃣ Reduce chronic redness and manage bacteria.
3️⃣ Strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.
4️⃣ Protect against harmful UVB & UVA rays.

Stay tuned as we share more insights and recommend products for rosacea management. If you have questions, book an in-clinic consultation appointment with a Skin Scan. Let’s support each other in navigating rosacea with confidence! 💪

🌿 April 🌿

Just like that another month is here. Onto lighter nights, warmer weather, pretty flowers and more time outdoors - hopefully!

For us in the clinic April is Rosacea awareness month.

We’ll be sharing early signs and symptoms, possible triggers, home care routines, and treatments that can help. Along with some success stories from our existing clients.

We are super excited to be attending a
Postgraduate education workshop with the International Dermal Institute called
Skin S.O.S this month - to delve into the complexities of inflammatory conditions, latest research and treatments to elevate our knowledge.

Our Skin School Event is also taking place in the Easter holiday break. Unfortunately this popular event is sold out , but we are taking requests for the next events which will be held in the summer holidays. If you missed out and would like to reserve your space please get in touch.

🐆 Proud & Privileged 🐆

Northern Skin Co is the new sponsor of the U13 Morpeth Jaguars ⚽️

Hope the new kit brings the girls luck for the rest of the season 🍀

As featured in this month’s edition of INSIDE Morpeth if anyone would like to see the article 👀