Beat The VAT Increase

From today until the end of December 2011 we are reducing the recommended retail price of all Dermalogica products by 21% (while stocks last).

Make sure to stock up on your favourite Dermalogica products before the new VAT rate comes into effect on 1st January 2012.

DRY SKIN Is A Sure Thing

There are very few guarantees in life.  Reading glasses in your 40’s & 50’s is almost a sure bet.  And now we can pretty much expect dry skin by 40 as well – at least that’s the conclusion of scientists who have studied skin ageing.   The sharp decline in the level of ceremides, one of the more important structural components of the lipid barrier, has led scientists to conclude that by the time we reach 40 our skin will almost certainly be dry and/or dehydrated.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the good fortune of waiting until they are in their 40’s to deal with a dry skin condition.  A recent survey of women over 18 indicated that 59% of those polled felt dry, dehydrated skin was their no.1 skin concern; this was followed by 52% who ranked wrinkles as their top priority.  Continuous exposure to the sun, wind and chemicals in the environment, not to mention a stressful lifestyle – all of which are contributing factors for dry, dehydrated skin – make this a legitimate concern for people of all ages.

Dry, dehydrated skin can be temporary, or a lifelong concern.  Dry skin can be genetically determined, or it can be a product of an increasingly stressful lifestyle coupled with continual exposure to the sun, wind and chemicals in the environment. It can also be caused by using inappropriate products on your skin.

Dry or Dehydrated?

Dry skin generally refers to skin that is lacking oil.  Dehydrated skin is characterised by lack of moisture in the Stratum Corneum (outer layer of the skin).

Oily skin can experience dehydration.  As mentioned, dehydration is lack of water, not oil.  This means sebaceous oil activity can still be normal or even overactive in dehydrated skin.

Both dry and dehydrated skin can experience, some or all of the following:

·         Irritation, inflammation and itchiness

·         A feeling of tightness or tautness

·         A look or feel of roughness

·         Slight to severe flaking and scaling

·         Fine lines, cracks that can sometimes bleed, and severe redness.

One of the biggest consequences is an increase in sensitivity, as dryness and dehydration are precursors to sensitised skin.

The Top Three Causes of Dry, Dehydrated Skin

Intrinsic Aging

This is the normal process of physical change over time that’s more about genetics than lifestyle.  (Lifestyle-induced aging is known as premature aging).  Activity in the sebaceous glands responsible for oil secretions tends to decrease with age and the skin’s natural hydrators decline over the years.  Aging also may cause blood flow to the skin to decrease, causing a drop in sebum (oil) production.

Weather/Environmental Elements

Prolonged exposure to the sun causes water to evaporate from skin, which is why sunburnt skin requires more moisturisation than unexposed areas.  Likewise, cold winds, or air conditioning units, forced air heating and low temperatures can also dry out skin, contributing to premature aging.

Lifestyle

The trend of fat-free diets can deprive our bodies of skin-friendly Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs).  This deficiency can result in chronic itching, dryness, scaling, thinning and can lead to an imbalance in prostaglandins (chemical messengers that do many things, such as control inflammation).  Excess intake of alcoholic beverages and certain medications (such as nasal decongestants) can also contribute to dry skin.

Proper Treatment for Results

At Kokoro Beauty we can offer professional skin treatments which will deliver immediate relief to dry, dehydrated skin while also improving texture and tone.  After performing Face Mapping Skin Analysis to determine if skin is dry, dehydrated, or both, a customised treatment will be built around your specific needs.

A common mistake made by many people is to ‘bulk up’ on the use of moisturiser but this can contribute to dead skin cell build up, clogged pores and a lacklustre appearance.  Professional exfoliation will remove dead skin cells helping to bring newer cells to the surface while prepping skin for subsequent product application.

A consistent home care regimen will be prescribed which will dramatically impact the health of your skin.  Along with your personalised regimen, keep the following tips in mind:

·         Do not use hot or cold water when cleansing your skin, tepid water is best.

·         Perform gentle, upward circles with your hands when cleansing, applying moisturiser, SPF etc.

·         Steer clear of products with artificial fragrances, colours and S.D. alcohol.  All Dermalogica products are free of these ingredients (and are not tested on animals).

·         Be aware of hormones, stress levels, diet, alcohol and nicotine intake, as these will affect dryness of your skin.

Introducing Shellac 14-Day Manicure

Today Kokoro Beauty is adding a wonderful new addition to our treatment menu - the Shellac 14-Day Manicure.

Shellac paints on like a polish - base coat, colour, top coat - and is cured under a UV light so there is zero dry time.  The colours are hypo-allergenic, and '3 Free' - no formaldehyde, toulent (solvent) or DBP. The polish provides strong natural nail protection with a resilient mirror finish that resists dullness and chipping, even during rigorous activities.  Removal is super easy too - no soaking, drilling or filing is necessary.  Each nail is wrapped in Shellac Remover Wraps - integrated cotton pads that limit finger and skin exposure to acetone by keeping it pinpointed on just the nail.  10 minutes of time in exchange for two weeks of perfect colour is all it takes.

To celebrate the launch of Shellac here at the salon, and just in time for the party and Christmas season, we have a very special offer - book a Shellac 14-Day Manicure for you and a friend for just €15* each.  The manicure will cost €25 normally but for the month of December you can each save €10 and have fantastic nails over the holidays.

*To obtain the rate of €15 you and a friend must book in at the same time.  There is a cost of €5 to remove the manicure (just €2.50 each if you return together).  This charge does not apply if you are having a new manicure.