In the United Kingdom we long for the Summer sun all year round. But we certainly don’t long for the oily faces many of us inevitably suffer with when the sun shows it’s face. We want to feel beautiful, not greasy when the sun shines!

This is when NeoStrata Sheer Hydration daily moisturiser becomes your new best friend. It not only protects your skin from sun damage with it’s SPF 35 protection, but it controls oiliness, evens out skin tone and unlike many other sun creams and moisturisers doesn’t have that sticky, greasy feeling on your skin.

83% of users reported skin feels hydrated without feeling greasy*

NeoStrata Sheer Hydration SPF 30

This oil-free daily moisturiser helps to control and minimise skin oiliness whilst it’s SPF 30 provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection which pharmacist Shailesh Patel explained the importance of in this recent blog on sun protection. It is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark sun spots as it contains patented NeoGlucosamine® which evens skin tone. 83% of previous users reported smoother skin texture, better clarity and younger-looking skin*. Now who doesn’t want that?

It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic.

Skincare Results

Results after 4 weeks of using NeoStrata Sheer Hydration SPF 35 show:

  • 100% of users reported this product is gentle, absorbs easily, is compatible with makeup, and is not irritating*
  • 93% of users reported improved overall appearance of skin*
  • 86% of users observed brighter/more luminous skin*

*Data on file, NeoStrata Company, Inc.Neostrata sheer hydration

 

September Skincare Offer

For the month of September we are offering the NeoStrata Sheer Hydration Daily Moisturiser at 10% off its recommended retail price.

WAS £38.62

NOW £34.78

As you can imagine, this is one of our most popular moisturisers at this time of year so if you would like to take advantage of this offer please contact the team to place your order as this offer is only valid whilst stocks last.

Offer expires on 30th September 2016.

 

After our success at last year’s My Face My Body Awards winning ‘Best Training Program 2015’ we are proud to announce that we are once again finalists for ‘Best Training Program’ 2016.

Over the past year we have been continuously improving the quality of our aesthetic training we provide to our delegates. We offer an ever-increasing variety of cosmetic courses from basic Botox and Dermal Fillers to Chemical Skin Peels and Microsclerotherapy to name just a few. We have also invested in online learning such as our Managing Botox Complications online video series.

As always we pride ourselves on the amount of hands-on practical training we offer to our delegates with all models provided by us covering a wide range of skin types and concerns.

We’d love to be recognised once again for the quality of our aesthetic training program but in order to do this, we need your support!

Our category will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Does your training programme engage with the delegates and is it well received?
  • How much time is allocated to practical hands-on assessment?
  • What level of support do you offer following training such as e-learning, videos or mentoring?
  • Do you offer a full range of training workshops within Aesthetics?
  • Is your training course accredited?

It only takes a few seconds to vote in the My Face My Body Awards. So if you’ve trained with us at Cosmetic Courses and would like to lend us your support, we’d really appreciate it!

How you can vote for us

You can cast your vote on the main My Face My Body Awards. Scroll down to Best Training Program, click in the check box next to Cosmetic Courses, then scroll down to the green ‘Submit Your Vote’ bar.

Alternatively, you can go to our entry page and leave your comments at the bottom of our listing – this also counts as a vote for us, so either way is fine!

About the My Face My Body Awards

The My Face My Body Awards is the premier consumer and industry awards event for the cosmetic industry both in the UK and across the world. They were launched to educate a wider audience about the aesthetic industry and have quickly become one of the most high-profile awards, attended by experts in this field as well as a host of celebrities!

There are even awards for newcomers to the aesthetic industry including Best New Practice. So if you’re just starting out in your aesthetic career, you could set your sights on Best New Practice 2017 and learn from the finalists of this year’s awards to find out what it takes to win one of these prestigious awards.

This year the My Face My Body Awards will be held at the 5* Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, London on Saturday 12th November 2016. There will be a drinks reception, followed by a 3 course meal before dancing the night away in the magnificent ballroom.

As always, our dedicated team of trainers including Clinical Director Mr Adrian Richards himself and our hardworking course co-ordinators will be present on the night, enjoying a well deserved evening of celebrations.

Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page in the coming days. We’ll be putting up some badges soon that will link through to our award entry page. After the awards, we’ll put up some photos from the night too.

In the meantime thanks for your support, and if you can spare a couple of seconds to vote for us, we’d be hugely grateful!

 

As an Aesthetic Practitioner you will be well aware of the importance of protecting your skin from the sun. However, this awareness does not always carry over into the general public. To help advise your patients on the importance of sun protection and the different products available Shailesh Patel, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacyspace offers his five minute guide to sunscreen and sun care.

Most of us enjoy being in the sunshine, it makes us feel good, but too much sun exposure can lead to adverse effects on our skin such as; sunburn, skin ageing, sun induced skin allergies, cold sores and immunosuppression of the skin. So using a good sunscreen product with an SPF30 or above and a high UVA protection rating should be an essential part of a daily skin care routine, as well as seeking shaded areas to avoid sun exposure during 11.00am and 3.00pm, and protecting the skin with clothing.

Sun protection needs of individuals will vary according to;

  • skin type,
  • age,
  • gender and
  • daily activities.

It is important to provide product recommendation and advice which provides protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. UVB has a wavelength of 290 – 320 nm and is mostly responsible for sunburn and contributes to skin ageing. In the UK the sun is at its strongest in the middle of the day between 11.00am and 3.00pm. In hotter regions nearer the equator, UVB is more constantly present and intense.

UVA radiation has a longer wavelength of 320 – 400nm. Although it does not burn the skin, UVA does increase the burning effect of UVB and can cause skin cancers just as much as UVB. It is little affected by the seasons – it can be almost as strong in the winter as in the summer. This is why it is important to use a sunscreen which has high UVA protection. UVA penetrates deep into the dermis, where the supporting collagen and elastic fibres are contained. Much of the signs of skin ageing, such as loss of skin tone, sagging, enlarged blood vessels, uneven skin tone and wrinkles, are the result of UVA exposure. It is also responsible for photosensitivity reactions.

Skin type affects how the skin will react to the sun

One of the most commonly used skin type classifications is provided below.

TypeFeatures
Type INorthern European. Pale skin, often burn and rarely tan. They generally have light coloured hair or red hair and freckles. Blue or green eyes.
Type IIEuropean/Scandinavian. Usually burn but may gradually tan. They are likely to have light hair, and blue or brown eyes. Some may have dark hair but still have fair skin.
Type IIISouthern European. Central European. Burn with long exposure to the sun but generally tan quite easily. They usually have a light olive skin with dark hair and brown or green eyes.
Type IVMediterranean, Asian, Latin America. Burn with very lengthy exposures but always tan easily as well. They usually have brown eyes and dark hair.
Type VEast Indian, African, Native American, Have a naturally brown skin, with brown eyes and dark hair. They burn only with excessive exposure to the sun and their skin further darkens easily.
Type VIAfrican, Aboriginal. Have dark brown/black skin with dark brown eyes and black hair. They burn only with extreme exposure to the sun and their skin further darkens very easily.

Adapted from D’Orazio JA, Jarrett S,  Marsch A, Lagrew J, Cleary L (2013). Melanoma – Epidemiology, Genetics and Risk factor. Recent advances in the biology, therapy and management of melanoma. Dr Lester Davids (ed). 

Skin types I and II are at the greatest risk of sunburn and skin ageing whilst in the sun. Whereas darker skin types have increased levels of melanin and provide more protection.

What’s in the sunscreen products?Suncream

Sunscreen products contain organic UV filters (chemicals which are designed to absorb UV light) such as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, and inorganic (mineral) filters such as titanium dioxide which reflect and scatter the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) at the skin surface. Once opened, the packaging will give an indication of the expiry of the product. After this expiry period sunscreens will lose their effectiveness; this is normally an icon of a small jar upon which will be a number, generally 3, 6 or 12, with a ‘M’ next to it.

What is Sun Protection Factor (SPF)?

The SPF is mainly a measure of UVB protection and indicates how long a person can stay in the sun without burning with sunscreen on compared to a person without sunscreen on. For example, if it takes 20 minutes for unprotected skin to start to burn (turn red), then a SPF 15 sunscreen will protect them for 15 times longer (i.e. approx. 5 hours). However, it is important to remember that sunscreen products should not be used to increase the amount of time spent in the sun. SPFs are now categorized as providing low to very high protection. These are also printed on the product labels.

Low protectionSPF 6 and 10
Medium protectionSPF 15, 20 and 25
High protectionSPF 30 and 50
Very high protectionSPF50+

What are the UVA stars and circle?

The star system is widely used in Europe to indicate a products UVA protection. A product with five stars indicates excellent protection against UVA equal to the SPF. The EU recommendations in 2006 also introduced a UVA logo (letters UVA printing in a circle) to show that the product achieves the requirement.

How to apply sunscreens correctlyFace with magnifying glass

It is widely recognised that people who use sunscreen protection do not apply the required amount of sunscreen. Hence the importance to apply sunscreens evenly and liberally to achieve the indicated SPF. Particular attention should be given to those areas that burn easily such as ears, nose, neck and lips (via a lip screen).

Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before going out and to apply a second application just as you go out i.e. 30 minutes after the first application to correct missed areas and ensure adequate application.  If a sunscreen has a high SPF factor it will provide greater protection to the areas where they are thinly applied. As a general guide an average sized adult should apply approximately 35ml (6 full teaspoons) for full body application – a teaspoon for the face, each arm, each leg, the front of the body and the back.

An overview of our advice on protecting your skin from sun damage

  • Choose a sunscreen labelled broad spectrum or high protection against UVA and UVB so it offers balanced UVA and UVB protection e.g. SPF30 and 5 star UVA
  • Do not stay in the sun too long, even whilst using sunscreen, as no sunscreen can provide 100% protection
  • Use a high protection sunscreen and re-apply frequently and generously, especially after perspiring, swimming or towelling
  • In sunny weather, seek shade between 11am and 3pm
  • Cover up with clothing and don’t forget to wear a hat that protects your face, neck and ears, and sunglasses
  • Never let your skin burn
  • A tan is a sign of sun damage to the skin

Shailesh Patel


Pharmacyspace
is based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire and is dedicated to providing a trusted and cost-effective service for your clinic supplies. The handpicked team of dedicated staff will ensure that you get the products you need for your clinic, together with a professional service.

 

 

Are you considering dermal fillers but still researching your options? In this week’s blog we bring you everything you need to know about dermal fillers, right from A-Z…

A – Aftercare

After having dermal filler treatment it is extremely important to follow the aftercare advice down to a T! One of the hardest to follow is avoiding makeup for the rest of the day post-treatment. This prevents the introduction of infection into the injection sites. If you do need to wear makeup at any point we would recommend mineral-based foundation.

B – Benefits

There are a range of benefits associated with modern dermal fillers that we use at Cosmetic Courses. Firstly there is very little recovery time meaning you can resume your daily routine immediately after treatment. The treatment can be tailored to your needs and built upon over time. If you want a subtle, natural look this can be achieved in a single treatment but if you are looking for a more dramatic effect this can also be achieved over a course of treatments. It’s important to let your practitioner know which type of look you are aiming for so that a treatment plan can be designed specifically for you.

C – Cheek Augmentation

One of the most popular areas of the face to have dermal fillers is into the cheeks, known as a cheek augmentation. The reason for this is as we age we lose fat and therefore volume in the cheek area which can make you look hollow and can cause the skin to sag downwards. This sagging can cause more prominent lines in the lower face such as between the nose and mouth and the marionette lines. By injecting dermal fillers into the cheeks, they work to add volume back into the mid-face, improving the appearance of wrinkles and making your cheeks appear chiselled and rejuvenated.

D – Dermal FillersJuvederm smile

D is for dermal fillers of course! Dermal fillers replace volume that is lost during the ageing process. There are a variety of companies that produce dermal fillers and within each brand of filler there are different strengths. At Cosmetic Courses we use the Juvederm range of dermal fillers, which is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler. (Find out more about hyaluronic acid below!) The strength of your dermal fillers will be assessed according to your needs and desired outcome.

E – Effects

The effects of dermal fillers are immediate. However, the longevity of the effects can vary, depending on each individual, the type of dermal filler and the area that has been treated. Effects will last a shorter amount of time when the dermal filler is applied to the lips as there is a significant amount of movement in this area causing the filler to break down. We tend to say that the effects on average will last between 6-18 months on static areas such as the cheeks but 3-6 months for the lips.

F – Feet

Foot cushioning is one of the latest innovations using dermal fillers and is in demand by ladies who live and work in their heels. Nicknamed the ‘loub lift’ the treatment involves injecting dermal fillers into the sole of the foot to create a cushion and make wearing those killer heels much more comfortable!

G – Gorgeous

Dermal fillers should be used to enhance your natural beauty and make you feel gorgeous rather than make you look like a completely different person.

H – Hyaluronic Acid

The most popular type of dermal filler is made of hyaluronic acid which is a natural substance that occurs in the body. Hyaluronic acid is responsible for lubricating joints and skin tissue and gives you that plumpness in your skin. Over time the rate at which you produce hyaluronic acid slows down. Therefore by introducing it back into the skin via hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers you can achieve a more youthful appearance. It is a completely natural substance and is broken down over time and assimilated back into your body. Hyaluronic acid is also able to hold 1000 times its own weight in water which is one of the reasons it’s so popular as a type of dermal filler!

I – Injection

The treatment is performed using a very fine needle which is inserted underneath the skin and followed by a slow injection of the dermal filler. The needle is extremely fine which minimises any pain but we also numb the treatment area prior to injection by applying topical anaesthetic cream.

J – JuvedermAllergan logo

Juvederm is a brand of dermal filler produced by Allergan; a global healthcare company that has pioneered developments of medical aesthetic treatments for more than 35 years. Juvederm is one of the most popular types of filler and can help refresh, lift and define different areas of the face.

K – Knowledge

Before you commit to any aesthetic treatment it is extremely important to do your research and make sure you know the ins and outs of the process and the recommended aftercare advice – hence our A-Z of dermal fillers!

L – Lip Augmentation

Another very popular area of the face to have dermal fillers is the lips, known as lip augmentation. Dermal fillers in this area can have two effects:

  1. Define
  2. Produce volume

If you are looking for more definition in your lips then you can have dermal fillers applied to the lip border, which is the edge of the lip. This treatment produces very natural results and a nice outline to your lips. However, if you are looking for more volume then you should ask for your lip body injected with the dermal fillers. The lip body is the actual pink part of the lip and by injecting dermal fillers into this part you can restore plumpness and achieve that perfect pout!

M – Mouth

There are five different areas around the mouth that we can inject with dermal fillers:

  1. Marionette lines – the lines which go from the corner of your lip towards your jowls
  2. Nasolabial folds – the lines which go from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth
  3. Oral Commisures – the very corner of your mouth which can give you that downturned look
  4. Peri-oral lines – the smoker’s lines which appear when you make a pout
  5. Chin augmentation – dermal fillers can be injected into the chin to reduce dimpling, or contour the shape.

N – Non-Surgical Facelift

With advances in dermal fillers we can now produce what’s known as a non-surgical facelift also known as the 8 Point Facelift or Liquid Facelift. This technique injects dermal fillers  into various points on the mid and lower face to produce an overall lift to the cheeks and jowl area. This is a slightly more expensive approach to dermal fillers than simply injecting one specific line or fold, however it provides an overall rejuvenated effect to the face rather than just focusing on one area alone.

O – Only at Cosmetic Courses

Cosmetic Courses is one of the only places where you can receive a high quality treatment at a discounted price. By becoming a model you can save up to £175 on your dermal filler treatment!

P – Permanent Fillers

A common misconception is that if you undergo lip filler you will end up looking like Leslie Ash. This is not the case. The difference between the fillers Leslie Ash had compared to what you would receive at Cosmetic Courses or any other high quality clinic is that Leslie Ash had permanent fillers injected into her lips rather than temporary ones. In her case the silicone set around the muscles in her lips and it is now impossible for surgeons to remove it. So it’s important to remember that ‘Permanent fillers cause permanent problems’ so always make sure you are being treated with temporary hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers.

Q – Quick

The treatment itself is extremely quick usually taking only 30-45 minutes to complete. Results will be seen immediately but there will be some slight swelling and redness initially so true results can be seen approximately 2 weeks post-treatment.

R – Rhinoplasty

Dermal fillers can even be used to perform what’s known as a non-surgical rhinoplasty. A combination of Botox and dermal fillers can be injected into the nose to amend any contour irregularities or change the shape of your nose. Unlike a surgical rhinoplasty this is a much quicker procedure, is a lot less expensive and has very little downtime.

S – Smoker’s Lines

Dermal fillers can be used to correct smoker’s lines, also known as peri-oral lines. These are the vertical lines above the lip that appear when you pout. These are known as smoker’s lines because if you are a regular smoker and have been for some years, the continuous process of moving your lips into that pout position causes troughs in your skin which appear as wrinkles. Injecting these lines with dermal fillers, rejuvenates this area of the face.

T – Tear Trough Rejuvenationbefore after tear trough

Tear trough rejuvenation, also known as peri-orbital rejuvenation is most commonly used to reduce dark circle or tear troughs beneath the eyes which give a tired, sunken look. Dermal fillers are injected between the lower eyelid and cheek which will thicken the skin beneath and around the eye, resulting in a natural, brighter look.

U – Unwanted Lines

Dermal fillers can correct any unwanted lines across your face such as laughter lines or smiling lines. They will improve the appearance of your wrinkles and replace the volume that has been lost due to ageing.

V – Very Happy

We have had some very happy clients over the years including Liz who has had a range of treatments with us:

W – Women

Although a majority of the demand for dermal fillers is from females we are slowly seeing an increase in the demand for these types of injectable treatments from the male population.

X – X-rated

Dermal fillers are only licensed for patients aged 18 and over. Therefore if you are under 18 we would not treat you with dermal fillers at Cosmetic Courses.

Y – Your Face is Uniqueconsultation with mel

Everyone’s face is unique meaning treatment for each individual will be different. It is important to thoroughly discuss with your practitioner your aims and desires from treatment so that a bespoke treatment plan can be created specifically for your needs.

Z – Zero Cost

There is zero cost for a consultation at Cosmetic Courses. If you are unsure about which treatment would be best for you, or would just like to discuss your options then please feel free to visit us for your no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

Dermal Filler Treatment at Cosmetic Courses

If you’d like further information on dermal filler treatment at Cosmetic Courses then please contact us or if you would like to register as a model please fill in our registration form and one of our advisers will be in touch.