Blemishes, those bothersome spots that seem to have a knack for appearing at the most inconvenient times, can be a source of frustration and self-consciousness for many of us. Whether it’s a stubborn acne breakout, dark spots from sun damage, skin tags that seem to hang around, cherry angiomas that catch us by surprise, or the appearance of facial thread veins, we’ve all experienced the desire to achieve clearer, more confident skin. But fear not, for many of these bothersome blemishes there are effective treatment options. Let’s delve into the “secrets” of blemish removal to unlock the path towards radiant, blemish-free skin.

Understanding Blemishes: The Culprits Behind the Spots

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the different types of blemishes and what triggers their appearance. Blemishes can arise from various factors, and knowing the root cause helps tailor the most suitable approach for each individual.

Acne: The Unwanted Guest

Acne, one of the most prevalent blemishes, affects people of all ages and can have a significant impact on self-esteem. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Hormonal fluctuations, excess sebum production, and bacteria are common factors contributing to acne.

Sun Damage: The Fading Memories of Fun in the Sun

Spending time under the sun brings joy and fond memories, but it can also lead to unwelcome souvenirs in the form of dark spots or hyperpigmentation. Prolonged sun exposure triggers the skin to produce excess melanin, resulting in dark patches or freckles. This sun-induced hyperpigmentation can leave us seeking solutions to restore our skin’s even tone.

Skin Tags: The Uninvited Guests on Our Skin

Skin tags are harmless, soft, and often flesh-coloured growths that hang off the skin. Though generally painless, they can be a source of irritation and self-consciousness, especially when they appear in visible areas. Skin tags are commonly found in skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, or under the breasts, and may be triggered by friction or hormonal changes.

Cherry Angiomas: The Unexpected Red Dots

Cherry angiomas are small, red, raised spots caused by dilated blood vessels. While benign, their sudden appearance can be unsettling. These bright red dots can occur anywhere on the body and tend to become more common with age.

Facial Thread Veins: The Fine Red and Blue Lines

Facial thread veins, or telangiectasia, are small, red, or blue veins that are visible on the skin’s surface. They often appear on the face and can be caused by factors such as sun exposure, ageing, or genetics.

Milk Spots (Milia): The Tiny White Bumps

Milia are small, white bumps that typically appear on the face, especially around the eyes. These harmless cysts form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface.

Seborrhoeic Keratosis: The Brown or Black Growths

Seborrhoeic keratosis are non-cancerous growths that appear as small, brown or black patches on the skin. These growths are usually painless and can occur anywhere on the body.

The Impact of Blemishes: Beyond the Surface

Blemishes can take a toll on our emotional well-being, affecting our confidence and self-esteem. The visibility of blemishes, especially on the face, can lead to self-consciousness and even social anxiety. It’s important to recognise that the psychological impact of blemishes is not just skin-deep. Addressing blemishes goes beyond physical treatments, and embracing a positive self-image is equally essential for overall well-being.

Now that we’ve acquainted ourselves with the common types of blemishes, let’s explore the secrets to confidently bidding them farewell. It’s essential to note that each person’s skin is unique, so what works for one individual may not have the same effect on another. However, with various effective treatments available, there’s hope for everyone seeking blemish removal.

Over-the-Counter Solutions: Your First Line of Defense

When faced with blemishes, many of us turn to over-the-counter products. These solutions often contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids, which help combat acne, exfoliate the skin, and reduce inflammation. While some may find success with these products, others may require additional treatments for more stubborn blemishes.

Laser and Light Therapies: Illuminating the Path to Clear Skin

Laser and light therapies have gained popularity as effective solutions for various blemishes, including acne scars, sun-induced hyperpigmentation, cherry angiomas, and facial thread veins. These treatments work by targeting specific pigments or stimulating collagen production, leading to skin rejuvenation and reduced blemishes.

Electrolysis: The Precision Technique

Electrolysis is a safe and effective method for permanently removing individual blemishes like skin tags. It is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require any downtime but may cause some temporary redness or swelling. A small electric current is used to destroy the hair follicle or blood supply, causing the blemish to fade away.

The Power of Skincare: Your Everyday Arsenal

In addition to professional treatments, a solid skincare routine is essential for maintaining clear and healthy skin. Consistent cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising play vital roles in preventing blemishes and promoting overall skin health. Incorporating products with acne-fighting ingredients and broad-spectrum sunscreen can also be beneficial.

Lifestyle and Diet: Nurturing Your Skin from Within

Taking care of your skin goes beyond external treatments. Lifestyle factors such as managing stress, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep play a significant role in maintaining healthy skin. Additionally, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients supports skin health and may help prevent future blemishes.

Embracing Confident Skin

Blemish removal is an individual journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, armed with the knowledge of effective treatments and skincare practices, you can embark on your path towards confident skin. Never hesitate to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional to create a personalised approach tailored to your skin’s specific needs. Embrace the uniqueness of your skin, and remember that clear, confident skin is within reach.

We’re Here to Help

We know that blemishes can be a source of stress and annoyance, but remember that you’re not alone and we’re here to help. We’ll work with you to find the right treatment for your individual needs and we’re committed to helping you feel confident in your skin, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you’re struggling with blemishes. We’re here to help.

To schedule a consultation, please visit our website or call us on 01522 523777. 

Photo by Neal E. Johnson on Unsplash

Pregnancy symptoms change your body in ways that you might not imagine. Although you probably expect certain things to happen, I thought you might be surprised by these twelve pregnancy facts — I know I was! I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.

1. The Longest Pregnancy Was over 12 Months!

Most pregnancies last approximately 280 days or 9.5 months, thank goodness! But one woman was pregnant for 375 days. When Beulah Hunter’s baby girl, Penny Diana, was finally born on the 21st of February in 1945, she was almost 100 days overdue. Although this is the longest pregnancy ever recorded, pregnancies of 42 weeks, which is around ten months, are relatively common.

2. When You Are Pregnant, Your Heart Grows Bigger

One of the most incredible pregnancy wonders I discovered is that your heart doubles in size during pregnancy and remains that size until you give birth. This is because when you are pregnant, your blood volume increases by around 30-50%, meaning the heart is working harder.

3. Your Voice Can Change During Pregnancy

Your voice might sound deeper or lower during pregnancy. The cause is the rise in oestrogen and progesterone when pregnant, so your voice should return to normal after childbirth, although this may not happen until you finish breastfeeding.

4. Joints Become Looser When You’re Pregnant

You are actually more flexible when you are pregnant, although it probably doesn’t feel like it! Unfortunately, it doesn’t last long after you give birth, as your body only makes the hormone relaxin — which makes ligaments soften — during pregnancy.

5. More than a Third of Pregnant Women Will Have “Oops” Moments

Yes, I am talking about when you unexpectedly pee yourself. Urinary incontinence is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms and often continues after childbirth. But you don’t have to put up with it. Kegel exercises can be done during pregnancy and after birth. There is also a new treatment that does your pelvic floor exercises for you!

The revolutionary Emsella Treatment for urinary incontinence can get you back to normal with easy, non-invasive treatments. All you need to do is sit in the Emsella chair for 28 minutes and let it do the work.

6. You Will Probably Notice Bad Smells More

In the first trimester, bad smells will probably smell worse than before you were pregnant. Scientists propose a strong sense of smell during pregnancy could be an evolutionary mechanism to keep you from eating food that might make you ill.

7. Babies Taste Food in the Womb

When you eat food with strong tastes, such as garlic, your baby can taste them! Intense flavours travel from the blood into the amniotic fluid. After the third trimester, your baby will swallow amniotic fluid and can more than likely taste through their taste buds.

8. Babies Cry in the Womb

Babies have been shown to become startled on 3D ultrasounds when the sonographer presses down on the stomach with the ultrasound. Researchers have also found that when your baby hears sounds, they might “cry”, with ultrasound videos showing babies opening their mouths and gasping when music is played.

9. Your Unborn Babies Stem Cells Might Repair Damaged Organs

Pregnancy symptoms don’t get more astonishing than this! Research has discovered fetal cells in mothers’ brains. A remarkable study found that fetal cells might migrate through the placenta into many organs, including the lungs, liver, heart, and kidneys. These cells might be able to repair damage and even prevent cancer.

10. You Might Crave Non-edible Things

Often pregnancy cravings are joked about, but did you know pregnant women can have cravings for non-edible things? Pregnant women have reported a hunger for many less than tasty items, including soap, hair, paper, and pebbles!

11. Taller Women Are More Likely to Conceive Twins

A study found taller women are more likely to conceive twins or multiple babies. So you have a higher possibility of conceiving fraternal twins — which happens when two eggs are fertilised by two different sperm — if you are tall!

12. Your Feet Might Grow by One Full Size

You might expect your feet to swell when you’re pregnant, but did you know they might actually increase in size? Why your feet grow during pregnancy is thought to be due to a combination of factors. Your ligaments become looser, which can make your feet wider, your arches drop, and swelling can all make your feet up to one shoe size larger!

But don’t worry, you probably don’t need to throw out your shoes (unless they are already tight), as, after childbirth, your feet will usually reduce in size again. But be warned; 60 to 70% of women will still have slightly larger feet after childbirth. But isn’t that the perfect excuse to buy lots of new shoes?

Worried about urinary incontinence after childbirth?

Find out more about the revolutionary urinary incontinence treatment, the Emsella Chair at Body Lipo Lincoln, a medically-led aesthetic clinic. Offering a wide range of treatments using the most advanced technology, we are here to support your health and well-being.

Any questions? Please call our friendly team of therapists who are always happy to help — 01522 523777.

Good Food, Good Mood

You’ve probably heard of the term “Good Mood, Good Food”, but what does it mean?

The science about foods that improve your mood is clear; one of the benefits of eating healthy is how you feel.

Research has shown the effect of diet on mental health. This is due to the nutrients contained in mood-elevating foods needed to balance the chemicals in your brain.

These chemicals influence your mood, energy levels, sleep, appetite and sex drive, as well as the healthy functioning of the body. Strongly connected to food for good mood is the production of serotonin — the happiness chemical.

You can boost serotonin with exercise. Doing things that make you feel special and happy is vital for good mental health. There is a lot of talk about self-care, and you will probably have an occasional hot bubble bath or spend an hour just reading a book or listening to music. Doing things just for you is essential to your health and wellness.

What Is Serotonin?

Serotonin is a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells produced by the central nervous system. Serotonin functions as a neurotransmitter and is vital for neural activity in the brain and nervous system.

The body requires the amino acid tryptophan, various vitamins, minerals and folic acid to produce serotonin. Low serotonin levels have been linked to tryptophan deficiency and low mood. Eating food containing this amino acid is essential for the body to produce serotonin.

Why Does Serotonin Make You Happy?

Although serotonin levels are typically associated with mental health, the chemical also contributes to physical health. The four brain chemicals related to mood are serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins. Each one of these chemicals has a different role. The effects of the four chemicals are:

1. Serotonin is a mood stabiliser and increases feelings of well-being.
2. Dopamine increases motivation and is released when you feel a “buzz” of happiness, such as getting a promotion or passing an exam.
3. Oxytocin helps you trust and feel a close bond with someone and is released when you feel love.
4. Endorphins are released when you exercise and provide pain relief and an extra boost of energy.

What Are the Best Foods to Boost Mood and Energy?

The key element to eating foods that boost your mood is a balanced diet. To produce serotonin and other chemicals, your body needs a mixture of food containing complex carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids and various vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, the function of the gut is linked to a good mood. To keep your gut healthy, you should also eat food with probiotics that are high in fibre. Staying hydrated is also vital for your gut health and to prevent constipation.

Sugar is another factor to help with depression. Sugar is needed by the body, but too many people eat too much. Refined carbohydrates like biscuits, cakes, chocolate and sweets are high in sugar. You may need these types of food when you feel tired or low and need a boost. Easily digestible, refined carbohydrates cause a quick rise and then drop in glucose. When glucose levels plummet, it can directly impact serotonin levels and could contribute to symptoms of depression.

To maintain glucose levels and a healthy, balanced diet, you should eat:

1. Complex carbohydrates such as whole-grain bread and pasta, cereals, brown rice, oats, lentils, seeds and nuts.
2. High protein foods like white meat, lean red meat, seafood, cheese, soya products, lentils, seeds and nuts.
3. Probiotics found in live yoghurt and probiotic drinks.
4. Fatty acids such as omega 3 and 6 found in oily fish such as salmon and sardines, avocados, eggs, dairy products, olives, seeds and nuts.

Keeping your glucose levels stable may also help with weight loss and tummy fat reduction, which can also boost confidence and mood.

Nine Superfoods That Boost Mood

1. Avocado
2. Asparagus
3. Spinach
4. Sweet Potato
5. Lentils
6. Raspberries
7. Watermelon
8. Bananas
9. Walnuts.

Including superfoods in your diet is a good way to improve your mood. Certain foods interact with antidepressants and other types of medication. If you take medication, check with your GP and pharmacist if there are any foods you shouldn’t eat.

Eating the right food helps prevent a chemical imbalance in the brain. However, your mood can also be affected by what’s happening in your life, such as financial pressure, struggling with bereavement, relationship or family problems. If your mood is low or you feel constantly anxious, it is often due to more than what you eat. It is a good idea to speak to your GP about how you feel. Life can be hard, so be kind to yourself.

What Is the Best Health and Wellness Treatment?

Do you need some “me” time? At home, it can be almost impossible to find time — or maybe you just need a boost. Infrared sauna therapy gained popularity in 2021 and is still in demand in 2022. Infrared saunas and body pods offer various health benefits associated with boosting your mood and overall health and wellness. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the body using air, infrared saunas use infrared light.

Research Has indicated using an infrared sauna may help inhibit cortisol production and reduce stress and anxiety, and have other benefits, including:

• Improved circulation
• Lower blood pressure
• Help with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Click HERE to find out more about infrared sauna therapy at Body Lipo Lincoln, a medically-led aesthetic clinic. Offering a wide range of treatments using the most advanced technology, we are here to support you with your health and well-being.

Any questions? Please call our friendly team of therapists who are always happy to help — 01522 523777.