A little bit about me

I have been in the beauty industry for over thirty years, starting as a Clarins consultant whilst training for beauty therapy and aromatherapy qualifications, working as a therapist in beauty salons, setting up beauty salons for third parties and going on to qualify as a lecturer and teach the highest levels of beauty therapy and aromatherapy. 

While lecturing I undertook student and lecturer assessments and over saw the standardisation of treatments and theory work.

In 2012 I opened my own salon The Cheshire Beauty Barn at Bartington. The Cheshire Beauty Barn is all about a giving a personalised treatment. 

When dealing with people and skin it cannot be a one size fits all, a holistic and tailor made approach is absolutely necessary, to both give clients a relaxing treatment and achieve visible results. 

I have continued to develop my skills over the years by completing many courses and now, through The Cheshire Beauty Barn specialise on skin, the area I am most passionate about.

A problem shared is a problem halved!
I have had quite a few people asking advice during lockdown, and I thought that it would be a good idea to share the advice given as I am sure there are many people with similar skincare concerns.

Question

Dear Emma,
I have lost all confidence in myself as my skin on my face is often red, inflamed and seems to react to everything.  I can’t even cleanse my skin anymore, even water can leave it feeling tight and sore. I am unable to wear makeup as that seems to make things worse and the wearing of face masks has only added to the problem. 

I have not been able to have any alcohol in a long time as this just flares my skin up.

Please can you help me?

Solution

I asked this person to send me close up pictures of her face, and then we arranged to have a video chat, so that I could assess the skin.  This is never as good as seeing a person face to face but lock down prevented this.

Following an in-depth consultation, I could see this persons skin could well be suffering from Acne Rosacea, and generally dry and compromised in other areas. 

The need to calm the rosacea and strengthen the skin was important. I set out a long-term plan, helping a skin like this can take time and a little patience. I selected a selection of samples to send out with strict instructions of how and when to use. I discussed trying the following:

  •  Use a non-biological and gentle washing powder when washing your pillow cases
  • Ensure a well-balanced diet and make a note of any foods or products that irritate the skin.
  • As this lady was at an age where a lack of oestrogen levels can come in to play, I recommended Oil of Evening primrose oil capsules along with magnesium and Turmeric, which can act as an anti-inflammatory.
  • Licorice balm for dry sensitive areas.  
  • Pro collagen marine cream moisturizer by Elemis was the first moisturizer, which worked well. (there was a couple of products that didn’t suit).
  • Phasilab factor 50 sunscreen, this lady walks a lot, so it was important to find a sunscreen that did not react in order to protect an already compromised skin.
  • Step two was to try suitable cleansers, and the Elemis procollagen cleansing balm worked well, and then Elemis skin bliss capsules worked very well.
  • Things to avoid are too much heat, so no piping hot baths, showers and no facial steaming, spicey foods, too much dairy.  Where possible going from very hot environments to cold.  Avoid stress where possible too!

Once the salon reopened, I was able to see this lady face to face, and we trialed some IPL (which falls under laser treatments).  

We also used the O2 treatment from the Comcit machine.This really cleared the redness on the nose and chin, and even allowed this lady to have the odd glass of wine without a skin flare up. We are now waiting to trial make up and she confidence has increased in confidence.

The IPL is amazing for conditions such as Rosacea, and works, the LED masks at home can if used daily also really help, your teens can borrow it for acne break outs, but the mask must be cleaned thoroughly if sharing. It is worth booking in for a consultation if you have a skin problem, as there is often so much we can do to treat

Do you need advice?

Please feel free to contact me with any beauty or skincare concerns at emma@thecheshirebeautybarn.co.uk

I will endeavor to give advice and if I can send you a sample or direct you to the best skin product or treatment for your skin. 

Over the coming weeks I hope to talk about salon treatments to book in for when salons open, to treat a variety of skin care concerns.

The more that you care for your skin now, the better your skin will respond to the treatments when the salons open.