SKINCARE AND WELLNESS
mother’s day
Being a holistic therapist, I am expected to frown on Botox and fillers, but I don’t at all. My philosophy is if an individual feels that they will improve their self-confidence and self-esteem then why not; after all, how we feel is really what this is about. Personally speaking, I am finding great results with active ingredients on the skin and I actually like the fact that I have a few lines – I am comfortable with the fact I have experienced many laughs as well as many heartaches. My “skinspirations” are the likes of Dame Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep who are confident women, proud, full of sass and grace and who still ooze sex appeal. Think as you feel and remember it is not the years in our life that matter but the life in our years! Look after your skin. Take time to have regular facials, not only to maintain good skin health but for valuable “you time”. Use products rich in anti-oxidants, Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides. Incorporate a great Retinaldahyde product such as Osmosis Renew and use it at night as it’s the best time for product absorption. Look at using a moisture booster such as Osmosis Immerse, abundant in essential fatty acids that will restore the lipid barrier. And look at supplements that can help boost the skin from within such as Rejuvenated Veggiecol. For expectant mums, this is an exciting time as your body is undergoing some huge changes. Pregnancy draws on all of the body’s resources to enable the unborn child to develop into a healthy, bouncing baby. The skin during pregnancy also has immense changes, such as breakouts, pigmentation, dehydration and oily conditions. The baby’s growth increases blood supply which, in turn, increases oil production, one of the reasons why acne can sometimes make an appearance. Mild AHAs are fine to use, but avoid Retinols at all costs while in this fragile state. Another common condition is increased pigmentation. Using a moisturiser with SPF daily can help to avoid further darkening – such as Osmosis Protect or the Brush-On Block. Once the baby is born and breast-feeding has ceased, you can then work out a skincare programme with your s Mother’s Day approaches, I want to aesthetician to target and even out skin tone with resultsfocus on expectant mums as well as driven, active ingredients. rocking mums with some mileage under For dehydration and general dryness of the skin, Bodhi their belts! The old adage of “anti-ageing” & Birch do a beautiful range of organic products that will For more (terminology that I refuse, as much as I information on help to hydrate and nourish it. The Rosa Rosa Skincare pregnancy skin, you can, to use) is something I want to focus set is inspired by legendary skincare ingredients, the daily can check out a blog on this time. Having now reached a point where I have care trio helps purify and maintain skin health, restoring entry at: www.marie more wisdom and experience and have “lived” within this its natural vitality. Optimised for normal to dry skin types reynoldslondon.com body for a number of years, I have a different perspective including sensitive, it combats dull-looking skin and aims on ageing… why should we be ANTI-ageing? I think my to smooth, tone, brighten and even out the complexion daughter got it right in an inspirational post on old age and fashion, leaving a rejuvenated and vibrant glow. Use of these products instantly which can be found at: www.oliloves.wordpress.com makes you feel nurtured and pampered! “Old age is something that has become more celebrated and revered; it is seen as a privilege rather than a hindrance, allowing more diversity between not only cultures and creativity within fashion but also within wider society. Throughout the past few years, old age has been shown as something other than retired grandparents who have completed their goals, rather old age is now presented as an age of liberation and experience.” The relationship we have with ageing is a state of mind; it is our own personal attitude to it. Yes, we have major differences in our skin due to experiences, diet and chemical changes, but mentally this should be looked upon as growth into an individual who is LIVING. I am sick of people, especially women who think that when they are post-40, it’s all downhill. Rubbish! As far as the skin goes, we all know the main enemies of premature ageing: smoking, sun damage, diet, lifestyle and so on, but it also comes down to your state of mind.
MUM’S THE WORD
Skincare specialist Marie Reynolds looks at products and procedures to help both expectant and mature mothers
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