Women’s Health Week: 4 Common Skin Concerns

May 14, 2024

During Women’s Health Week, learn about common skin concerns that women face. From acne to pigmentation, explore causes and solutions.



Women’s Health Week: Adult Acne


Studies suggest women in all age groups above 20 are more likely to have adult acne than men due to hormonal disturbances. Potential causes are the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and contraceptives. It is also particularly common in peri-menopausal women. 


During Women’s Health Week, it is useful to discuss acne mapping and potential causes of acne. Hormonal acne commonly occurs around the jawline, chin and upper neck – particularly during menstruation or pregnancy. Acne on the cheeks is often due to external factors. It could be a dirty pillowcase, a mobile phone screen or even a pair of glasses. Acne along the hairline can be caused by oily hair products and makeup collecting in the hair. 



Women's Health Week Rosacea


Rosacea is more common in women than men, so it is a great topic to delve into during Women’s Health Week. This skin condition is particularly common in women over 30 with a family history of rosacea. Symptoms may show up on the skin as blushing across the nose, cheeks and/or forehead. It also causes a warm feeling across the face, and burning or stinging when using water or skincare. The cause of rosacea is unknown, but potential triggers include: 

  • Extreme temperatures (sunshine or wind)
  • Hot food and drinks, spicy foods & alcohol
  • Emotional stress, exercise and some cosmetics products. 



Women’s Health Week: Pigmentation


Melasma is a common form of pigmentation, which often occurs during pregnancy. As a result, it is also known as ‘the mask of pregnancy. Melasma may appear as irregular patches of brown and brown-grey pigmentation. It looks similar to freckles or large blotches and is usually found on the forehead and upper lip. 50-70% of women experience melasma during pregnancy, and it usually begins during the 2nd or 3rd trimester.


Women's Health Week: Stretch Marks


Stretch marks are also a common skin complaint for women, particularly during or after pregnancy. These marks appear as indented streaks, often on the stomach, arms and upper thighs. They can be pink, red, black, blue or purple. Stretch marks are harmless and often fade over time to a silvery appearance. They don’t need treatment unless you want to speed up the process. 


Get in touch to find out how Restore Harmony in Birmingham can support your skincare needs.


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10 Jun, 2024
The Incredible Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage After Cosmetic Surgery Cosmetic surgery is a significant step towards achieving your desired look, but the journey doesn’t end once you leave the operating table. Recovery is a crucial phase that can significantly impact your final results. One highly recommended post-operative treatment is manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage. This specialised massage technique can accelerate healing, reduce discomfort, and enhance the overall outcome of your surgery. If you're in Birmingham, UK, read on to discover why MLD massage should be part of your post-surgery recovery plan. What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage? Manual lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, therapeutic technique that stimulates the movement of lymph fluids around the body. This helps remove waste and toxins from the tissues, promoting a healthier and faster recovery. The massage uses light to medium pressure and rhythmic strokes to encourage lymph flow and reduce swelling, which is particularly beneficial after cosmetic surgery. 1. Reduction of Swelling and Bruising Swelling and bruising are common after cosmetic surgery. MLD massage helps to reduce these symptoms by stimulating the lymphatic system, which drains excess fluids and reduces inflammation. This can lead to a quicker reduction in swelling and less visible bruising, enhancing your overall recovery experience. 2. Accelerated Healing Process The improved circulation from manual lymphatic drainage massage promotes faster healing. By enhancing lymph flow, the body can more efficiently transport nutrients to tissues and remove waste products. This can lead to quicker recovery times and better surgical outcomes. 3. Pain Management and Relief Post-surgical pain can be daunting, but MLD massage offers a natural way to manage and reduce pain. The gentle techniques used in MLD help to alleviate pressure and discomfort, providing relief from the soreness that often accompanies cosmetic procedures. 4. Improvement in Skin Texture and Appearance MLD massage can significantly improve the texture and appearance of your skin, especially after liposuction where there can be some wrinkling and hardening. MLD promotes better circulation and reducing fluid retention, your skin can heal more evenly and look more refined. This is particularly beneficial for minimising scars and improving skin tone post-surgery. 5. Enhanced Circulation and Detoxification Enhanced circulation is one of the key benefits of MLD massage. By boosting blood flow, the body can deliver essential nutrients more effectively and remove toxins more efficiently. This detoxification process supports overall health and speeds up recovery. 6. Reduction in Scar Tissue Formation MLD massage helps to reduce the formation of scar tissue by ensuring proper fluid drainage and reducing inflammation. This leads to softer, less noticeable scars, contributing to a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing recovery. 7. Boosting the Immune System The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system. By stimulating lymph flow, MLD massage enhances the body’s ability to fight off infections and recover from surgery more efficiently, which is vital during the vulnerable post-operative phase. 8. Psychological Benefits Beyond physical benefits, manual lymphatic drainage massage also offers significant psychological advantages. The relaxing nature of the massage helps to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of well-being and mental relaxation. This can be incredibly beneficial during recovery, as a positive mindset aids in overall healing. 9. Recommended Frequency and Duration of Sessions For optimal results, it is recommended to start MLD sessions soon after surgery, typically 2-3 times per week, gradually reducing as recovery progresses. Each session usually lasts about an hour, and a qualified therapist can tailor the treatment to your specific needs. 10. Expert Care in Birmingham, UK If you are recovering from cosmetic surgery in Birmingham, and looking for Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage, Restore Harmony is the place to be. I will ensure that you receive safe and effective treatment tailored to your recovery needs. I am fully qualified with positive reviews to guarantee the best care. **FAQs** What is the primary benefit of manual lymphatic drainage massage after cosmetic surgery? The primary benefit is the reduction of swelling and bruising, which accelerates the healing process and enhances the overall recovery experience. How soon after surgery can I start MLD massage? It's typically recommended to start MLD massage within a few days to a week after surgery, depending on your surgeon's advice. How often should I get MLD massage after cosmetic surgery? Initially, 2-3 sessions per week are recommended, gradually decreasing as you heal. Is manual lymphatic drainage massage painful? No, MLD massage uses gentle, light to medium pressure and should not be painful, however it can cause some discomfort. Can MLD massage help with scar reduction? Yes, MLD massage promotes better fluid drainage and reduces inflammation, which can lead to softer, less noticeable scars. Conclusion Manual lymphatic drainage massage is a powerful tool in your post-cosmetic surgery recovery kit. From reducing swelling and bruising to accelerating the healing process and managing pain, MLD massage offers numerous benefits that can enhance your recovery journey. If you are in Birmingham, UK, consider booking a session with Restore Harmony to experience these benefits first-hand. Your body will thank you for it. To find out more about post surgery lymphatic drainage follow this link https://www.restoreharmony.co.uk/postoplymphaticdrainagemassage
07 Jun, 2024
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are both very effective at treating active acne. They are both perfectly safe for use on acne prone skin when performed by a professional, who will know and understand exactly what the skin needs. Those with skin concerns are often very interested to know which is better – chemical peel vs microdermabrasion for acne? Let’s find out! Microdermabrasion – Microdermabrasion is a solid staple, and provides excellent results for your complexion whilst remaining flexible enough to compliment other treatments. Ultra-fine crystals are used to remove dead skin cells and impurities before they are suctioned away by a vacuum. Find out more about how microdermabrasion works for acne sufferers, and how they can benefit from the treatment. Chemical Peels – You can apply chemical peels to the face and neck to improve the appearance and feel of your skin. Non-toxic acids such as lactic acid, salicylic acid and glycolic acid exfoliate and brighten the skin. Salicylic acid in particular is perfect for acne prone or congested skin. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that is great for destroying the breakout causing bacteria on the skin. The strong but gentle acid exfoliates away the top layer of dead, dull skin to unclog pores and remove excess sebum. As a result, skin will appear smoother and clearer, and breakouts will be minimal. Though the word ‘chemical’ can be off putting, particularly when it comes to your face, there is a peel available for every skin type. Whilst ‘chemical’ can sound a little scary, there are different types of peels available with different strengths. Peels range in strength from very gentle to much-deeper acting. You should decide which is best for you based on factors such as the severity of active acne on the skin, and the skins sensitivity. We recommend you start low, with a gentle acid, and build up. You can achieve the best results this way, as your skin adapts to the new products. Chemical Peel vs Microdermabrasion for Acne It is evident that both treatments can successfully treat acne prone skin and make a difference. So how do you decide on a chemical peel vs microdermabrasion for acne? Depending on individual skincare needs, there may be times when one is more appropriate over the other. An advantageous way to approach dealing with acne is to use treatments in combination with each other. Having a chemical peel, and following up with a microdermabrasion treatment a week later is a great way to get skin in tiptop condition. The peel with remove any bacteria from the skin, providing an ideal starting point for the microdermabrasion. If you would like to combat your acne, then get in touch and we can discuss your skin needs.
10 May, 2024
So, why is Manual Lymphatic Drainage so worthwhile? Well, our body's lymphatic system is crucial for our immune systems and our ability to cleanse and strengthen our bodies. It gets rid of toxins and foreign elements, builds new tissue, nourishes, and does everything needed to keep your body functioning in the best condition. It does this by using a complex setup of vessels, nodes and organs that work together to sort the fluid levels in the body. In recent years, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) has been all the rage amongst a load of celebrities such as Dua Lipa, Selena Gomez, and Jennifer Aniston. They have been sharing their eye-catching results on social media with millions while endorsing the procedure, which is the biggest reason the movement has caught fire. Not only that, but one popular Los Angeles massage therapist who specialises in lymphatic drainage has stated he has a waiting list for treatment of over 2,300 clients. However, this trend is not a passing fad. There are a bunch of genuine benefits that MLD offers, which is why many people in their droves are turning to it to boost their beauty and wellness routine. Let us delve more into the reasons why... Manual Lymphatic Drainage is Non-Invasive This is one of the key selling points from manual lymphatic drainage. MLD is a natural noninvasive technique, to give your body a natural detox without using chemicals or medication. The benefits do not end with a boost to your overall appearance either. Here are some more plus points: Detoxification and Support for the Immune System Support The MLD procedure helps stimulate the lymphatic fluids flow, which supports the body's natural detoxification process. This process is vital for getting rid of the waste and toxins from tissues in the body. Not only that, but a lymphatic system that functions well results in an immune system that responds well and strongly when needed. A Reduction in Swelling and Water Retention This is another advantage which occurs as manual lymphatic drainage encourages the body to remove excess fluids. People suffering from lymphedema or puffiness due to lifestyle factors can really capitalise on this benefit. Skin Health MLD also helps with this by enhancing the texture and tone through toxins in the body being removed and an increase in blood circulation. With these factors in place, you get to benefit from clearer and more radiant skin. Relaxation and a Reduction of Stress MLD does not just work wonders for the body and your beauty; it boosts your mind, too. The procedure involves gentle and rhythmic strokes, which calm and bring down stress levels. This does not just put your mind at ease, but a decrease of stress impacts the body and your skin positively too. Post-Operative Lymphatic Drainage Massage The procedure is also just the ticket if you have had cosmetic surgery. It will aid in reducing swelling and encourage your body to mend as quickly as possible. With a Post-Operative Lymphatic Drainage Massage, the lymph flow will get a boost, and the body will find it easier to remove waste, so there is less chance of issues with the healing process. Conclusion So, overall, it is clear to see why celebrities and people in general are queuing up to get the benefits from this miraculous procedure. It is not invasive, and it brings with it a host of benefits that can transform a person's appearance and mental wellbeing making it such a valuable option. At Restore Harmony , we are proud to offer manual lymphatic drainage in Birmingham to help with a wide range of issues. Whether it is for Lymphedema, Skin Disorders, Allergies, Post-Operative Lymphatic Drainage Massage, or a host of other issues, we offer a premium service to help you savour the life-changing benefits MLD offers. Reach out today for more details and to be one more step to a brighter, better you.
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