» Listings for 2018

1. PT 2 Review of The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane (Month 2)

   Posted on 9:00pm Thursday 12th Apr 2018

   

   Well this is month 2 of using the Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane.  You can read my first post here. which explains what Retinol is used for in skin care, precautions and my results after month 1.  I doubt I will have anything significant to report in month 3, but if I do I will update my blog again.

   My skin is dry/oily combination in winter and I have sun damage on my forehead, fine lines at the side of my eyes, my under eye area is dry, furrows between my eyebrows and deep creases on my forehead.

   So, again the most noticeable result for me is that the skin on my cheeks looks fresh and new.  This is because Retinol increases cell turnover and regeneration.

   I have also noticed some reduction in the darker skin (caused by Melasma) on my forehead.  However, I have also been using The Ordinary's Vitamin C 23% in the day and Alpha Arbutin day and night.  These also help to reduce hyperpigmentation, so I can't say which product has proved most effective in doing that.  My guess would be the combination of all 3: Retinol, Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin.

   The fine lines around my eyes look the same as do the deep furrows between my brows and deeper wrinkles on my forehead.

   About 7 weeks into using The Ordinary's Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, my skin felt tight and dry during the daytime even with extra moisturiser.  So I cut back to using it every other night and applied Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm over the top of my Retinol.  This did the trick, and my skin stopped feeling dry and tight.  I have continued with the every other night approach, and on the nights I am not using the Retinol, I just use a serum (topic for another post as I use a few) and The Ordinary's Natural Moisturising Factor to moisturise.

   As I am now 1/2 way through the 30ml bottle of 0.2% Retinol, I have purchased the next strength up, which is the 0.5% Retinol in Squalane.  

   My Current Routine:

   Daytime: Cleanse, Tone, AM & PM Alpha Arbutin on my melasma patches and The Ordinary's Matrixyl with Hyaluronic acid on my lines and wrinkles,  Moisturise with an SPF Cream.

   Night Time:

   Cleanse, Tone, Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and Wild Rose Beauty Balm or

   Cleanse, Tone, Vitamin C 23%, Moisturise or

   Cleanse, Tone, Anti-Ageing Serum, Moisturise.

   I use a mixture of cleansing balms, milks and facial washes to cleanse and a mixture of floral waters, moisturising or acid toners and anti-ageing eye creams, serums and face creams, SPF creams and some creams with very simple formulas that are just there to moisturise.  I will write a blog post at some point and talk about the products in more detail.  The reason I use so many different products is that I like to switch things up, love trying different products, which in down-to-earth terms means that I am just a skincare junkie lol.  Also, on some days my skin needs more of 1 type of product than another and also because I don't want my skin to get used to using the same products all the time.

   If you would like to purchase The Ordinary's Retinol 0.2%, it is only £4.20 for 30ml!  I buy my products directly from their site, and shipping to the UK is about 4 days time although there is currently a notice on their website which says orders can take up to 10 days.  Shipping is free after a £25 min spend.

   Until next time

   Zoe

   x

   PS Do you need help with your at home skincare routine?

   Check out my Skin Care Guide - only £5 - Ebook PDF

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2. Stress Awareness Month

   Posted on 9:00am Sunday 1st Apr 2018

   Stress Awareness Month: Understanding Stress and Finding Ways to Relax

    April is Stress Awareness Month, so I’ll be writing a series of posts around this important issue and exploring some of the different ways we can support our wellbeing when life becomes stressful.

   What Causes Stress?

   Stress can build up for many different reasons and is often caused by a combination of circumstances rather than one single event.

   Some common causes of stress include:

   Too much to do, lack of time, financial worries, heavy workloads, job uncertainty, family troubles, relationship breakdowns, bereavement, moving home, urban living, conflict at work or home, isolation, redundancy, retirement, going to university, planning a wedding, pregnancy, becoming a parent, concerns about world events and, of course, many more.

   Sometimes even positive life events can be stressful because they involve change, uncertainty and additional responsibilities.

   The Effects of Long-Term Stress

   A little stress is a normal part of life, but when stress becomes prolonged or overwhelming, it can affect both our physical and emotional wellbeing.

   Long-term stress can manifest itself in many different ways.

    

   Some common experiences associated with prolonged stress include:

   Headaches, physical and emotional tension, muscular aches and pains, digestive upsets, exhaustion, feeling constantly "on the go", anger and irritability, feeling overwhelmed, anxiety and low mood, overthinking, difficulty sleeping, loss of concentration, difficulty making decisions, brain fog and feeling emotionally drained.

   Everyone experiences stress differently, which is why it’s important to listen to your own body and recognise when you may need to slow down and take some time for yourself.

   How Can Holistic Therapies Help With Stress?

   The holistic treatments I offer are all designed to provide a deeply relaxing experience and give you valuable time away from the stresses and demands of everyday life.

   While complementary therapies shouldn’t replace appropriate medical or psychological support, they can be a lovely addition to your regular self-care routine.

   Which Treatment Is Best for Stress?

   The best treatment depends on how stress is affecting you and what you feel you need most.

   Swedish Massage

   If stress has left you with physical aches, muscular tension and depleted energy, Swedish Massage may be a good choice.

   The flowing massage techniques are designed to relax the muscles, encourage circulation and provide a deeply calming experience.

   Aromatherapy Massage

   If you are experiencing physical tension, aches and pains alongside feeling mentally frazzled or overwhelmed, Aromatherapy Massage may be more suitable.

   Your massage can be combined with an essential oil blend selected or customised according to your individual preferences and wellbeing needs.

   The combination of massage and aromatherapy creates a wonderfully relaxing treatment for both body and mind.

   

   Reflexology

   If stress is affecting you emotionally or you simply need some time to completely switch off, Reflexology can be a wonderful choice.

   Reflexology involves applying gentle pressure and massage techniques to different areas of the feet and is particularly popular with people looking for deep relaxation.

   It can also be a good option if you have several different wellbeing concerns and would prefer a gentle, holistic treatment.

   Reiki

   Reiki is a gentle complementary therapy that focuses on relaxation and subtle energy.

   For many people, a Reiki treatment provides an opportunity to slow down, become still and take some much-needed time away from the outside world.

   Bach Flower Remedies

   Bach Flower Remedies are another holistic approach that some people choose when they feel emotionally overwhelmed or are experiencing particular emotional states.

   I can help you select a personalised combination based on how you are feeling at the time.

   Crystal Healing

   Crystal Healing is another relaxing holistic treatment that can provide dedicated time for stillness, reflection and self-care.

   For those who enjoy working with crystals and subtle energy, it can be a lovely way to create a calming ritual around their wellbeing.

   If you need a combined treatment, I offer a Classic or Deluxe Pick and Mix Package.

   Remember: You Don’t Have to Wait Until You’re Stressed

   One of the most important things I’ve learned over the years is that self-care shouldn’t only happen when we’re already exhausted or overwhelmed.

   Regular relaxation can be part of maintaining your overall wellbeing.

   This could be a monthly massage, a relaxing aromatherapy ritual at home, a walk in nature, practising yoga, spending time with friends or simply making space in your diary for some quiet "me time".

   Small, regular acts of self-care can make a big difference to how we cope with the demands of everyday life.

   If stress is beginning to take over, don’t wait until you’re completely exhausted before giving yourself permission to pause.  If you are interested in learning how holistic therapies can be incorporated into your own stress-management self-care activities, please browse the Revive Self Care Hive.

   Stay tuned for more posts on stress relief throughout Stress Awareness Month.

   Until next time

   Zoe

   x

   Note: If stress is causing you physical and/or mental health problems, please visit your GP.