The Key to Glowing Skin

Is it just me that thinks beauty starts with gorgeous skin? As a hormonal 16 year-old, I longed for radiant skin and the confidence that comes with that. Now well into my twenties, I'm thankfully passed the stage of unwelcome break-outs, however my skin is scarred in areas and I've re-focused my energy on minimising the appearance of those imperfections.

Over the past few months, I've experimented with more facial treatments than I ever have and honestly, my skin has never looked better. Despite struggling with problem skin, facials have never been something I've been keen to try. The fear of crazy break-outs post treatment is probably the reason for this but as I've learned, not all facials will make you spotty before giving you clear skin.

I booked in for a consultation with the skin gurus at Therapie Clinic, to determine what I wanted from the treatments and agree my areas of concern. My agenda was clear - I wanted my skin to glow, the appearance of my scars to be minimised and my pores reduced. I can say with absolute confidence that we have genuinely achieved this! Here's how we've transformed my skin from lack-lustre and a little dull to plump, smooth and even.

My First Facial 

We started off simply by trying out one of their less-abrasive treatments with the Organic Passion Image Facial Peel. This was a relatively relaxing treatment, with various products wiped across the face with a slight tingling sensation. The results from this were super glowy skin immediately after. I loved the results and my skin felt extremely replenished and nourished - something it absolutely needed. This treatment is perfect for a quick fix - perhaps ahead of a big event like a birthday or celebration. 

Prepping the skin for deeper treatment 

Treatment two was their advance skin peels. This treatment was similar to the first but a little more intense with stronger products used on the face. They say this treatment can result in a little peeling after the treatment but my skin was absolutely fine. Personally for me, this treatment didn't make my skin look quite as glowy and bright as the Passion Peel but that may be because the first treatment was so overdue and therefore had a more drastic change. 

Trying out the Derma Pen Treatment 

After 'prepping' my skin, we moved onto something a little more intense that would really target my scars. The therapist advised me on trying the Derma Pen facial - a fairly new treatment on the market that is said to transform skin. I'm not going to lie, the thought of twelve tiny needles being pierced across my face didn't exactly excite me but I was willing to give it a try. Much to my delight, the first step for the treatment is smearing a numbing cream across your entire face. After ten-minutes, the therapist got started. I was surprised that the treatment actually wasn't as sore as I was expecting. Of course, you can feel the needles but it's definitely bearable and manageable for someone with a low pain threshold. On my first treatment, we used a 0.5mm needle and a 1.5mm needle on treatment two. Naturally the bigger needle pierced deeper and so hurt a little more. I would say it is still bearable but just more intense so something to be aware of if you're wanting more intense results! 

One downside to this treatment is the recovery time. Don't be fooled and think the 'mild sunburn' as it is described on the website will mean you will be cool to go shopping straight after the treatment - you won't! Expect to be housebound for a least 48 hours. Of course, everyone reacts differently to any treatment and I can raise my hand and say I have very sensitive skin but I genuinely looked like I had laid in the sun for 24 hours in 40 degree heat after my first session. Don't believe me? Check out my vlog of the experience here. 

Once your skin recovers, you'll be pleased to know that your days in the house were absolutely worth it!! Honestly, I never expected the results to be quite as good as they were, and it wasn't just me that noticed how glowy and smooth my skin was looking. The treatment not only targets pores and scarring but also fine lines and skin pigmentation so it's amazing for numerous skin woes. 

I'm due to get a third and final Derma Pen treatment and I do think getting this treatment done a few times makes for better results! The treatment is also only £120 which I think is incredible value for money! 

As I said, my skin has never looked better and it's all down to these treatments. 

Thanks again to Therapie Clinic for letting me try them out!

XoXo 

Laser hair removal. Is it worth it?

With winter now finally behind us (keeping everything crossed!) I’ve got summer on my mind. Recent nights have me dreaming of warm evenings, a calendar filled with BBQ and picnic invites, and the ability to dress in as few layers as humanly possible. Summer is by far my favourite season of the year and the time us Scots really come alive. Honestly, visit Glasgow during a heatwave (or any temperature above 20 degrees for that matter) and you’ll know what happiness looks like.

My only gripe with this scorcher of a season however is the excessive need to shave. I’ll admit it, I’m one of those gals who shamelessly neglects shaving her legs in the winter. If I don’t have to get my legs out for a party then the short fuzz of hair can stay put. Even in the summer, my shaving frequency does increase but I still find myself frantically trying to shave my legs five minutes before I dash out the door.

Despite my shaving grudges, getting laser to reduce/remove the hair on my body never crossed my mind until the team at Therapie Clinic offered me the chance to try it out. With absolutely no idea of what was involved, how long it took or how painful it was going to be I initially turned down the offer. Fast forward a few months to the day my friend Victoria told me about her “pain-free” experience and suddenly I was willing to give it a try. You’ll surely know by now that I’m an absolute wimp when it comes to pain so hearing that it “honestly didn’t hurt” was like music to my ears.  

I wanted to start off with a small area to see if it was for me so opted to target my underarms. The team recommend you get six sessions of laser to see the best result. I’m now three sessions in so thought now would be a good time to share my thoughts so far.

To keep things concise, I’ve answered a few of the most asked questions about laser below:

What is it like to get laser hair removal?

At Therapie Clinic, the team use some of the most advanced technology in the world, using what’s called “medical-grade laser”. After popping on to a treatment bed and given a pair of orange protective glasses (sexy), my therapist analysed the area and cleaned it with an alcoholic wipe before rubbing some gel over the target area. She then used the machine which has some form of laser light at the top of it (technical, I know) and then rubs this back and forth in a quick motion across the skin. This doesn’t hurt in any way but by the end of each timed session you can feel this heating up ever so slightly.

How long does it take?

This depends on the area but as I’m only getting my underarms done I’m honestly in and out of the clinic in 15 minutes.

What are the results like?

They say you’ll start to see results after two to three sessions so just about where I’m at now with my treatment. As someone who has ridiculously fast-growing hair – just look at the hair on my head and you’ll get the picture – I’ve always had to shave my underarms daily. Since my last treatment I’ve noticed the hair is growing at a much slower pace, isn’t as dark as before and has reduced significantly. Even when my hair has fully grown in I can notice the overall growth area has reduced. One thing to note, is that laser removes 75-80% of hair so won’t remove absolutely everything but you’re still guaranteed great results.

Anything else I’d need to know?

There are a few rules when getting laser, the biggest being that you can’t wear fake tan in the area you’re targeting during your treatment. Not a problem for me as fake tan is a rarity in my beauty routine but I know this can be off-putting for some people.

Pre-treatment you need to shave 24hrs in advance so the area is prepped and during treatments you can’t wax  at all. 

Post-treatment you’re not allowed to take any hot baths/showers or put on deodorant for around 24 hours I believe so definitely something to keep in mind when booking your appointments. You wouldn’t want to leave yourself unable to shower before a big night out….

What does it cost?

Despite being the No.1 provider of laser hair removal in Europe, Therapie Clinic are actually very affordable. They regularly have offers running on the treatment and prices start from just £19 for lip/chin area and £49 for leg & underarm area. Not bad at all.

I’m excited to see what further change I’ll see after my next three sessions and will absolutely keep you all up-to-date with the results! Feel free to drop me a DM on Instagram @thegirlwiththebighair if you have any questions.

Until next time.

xoxo

What it's really like to get lip fillers

Lip fillers - it's the cosmetic treatment on everyone's lips (pun intended :P) but deciding if it's the right treatment for you is a scary process. If like me, you're not keen on the over plumped, fish lips that are swimming (double pun :P) around the internet, you don't have to give up all dreams of all a more voluminous pout.

Lip fillers can range from 0.5ml to 1ml per treatment. Hesitant for my lips to completely change from my natural shape and size I decided to go for something in between the measures available to ensure my results were as natural as possible. Now that my fillers have settled I have to admit, I could have probably went for a little more but easing myself in is the best way I could have done this. 

Now, with the actual process I think a huge factor in the service is professionalism and results depends largely on where you go to get it done. There are so many rookies offering lip fillers these days when they're really not qualified to do so so please do your research before booking! After my botox experience at Therapie Clinic I knew choosing to go back there that I would be in good hands. 

I was beyond nervous for this treatment but the moment I stepped into the clinic my nerves lifted. The staff were also hugely helpful in making me feel at ease which was nice since I was on my tod.

For any scardy cats like me you'll be glad to know it honestly isn't something to be scared of and I say that will complete truth. You can just about feel the injections going in and one or two areas stinged ever so slightly but it was really fine. 

All in all, I think the injections lasted around 2-3 minutes. After sitting for ten minutes with numbing cream on my lips I was probably in and out of the clinic in 20 minutes. Although quick, this isn't a lunch time treatment as you will experience some swelling and bruising for the next 24-48 hours but nothing a little make-up can't hide. I was out at an event the next day and no one was any wiser to my treatment.

Your lips don't properly settle for about a week. It's now been just under two weeks since I had my treatment. I have one small lump in the right hand side of my top lip but this is a natural side effect. If it doesn't go away itself, they simply advise you to visit your therapist who will gently massage this out. Try not to do this yourself as you may move the filler into the wrong position.

Overall, I'm really happy with the results. They're still incredibly natural but have a bit more oomph to them. I think I'll probably feel a little braver next time and might go for the full 1ml. 

Lip fillers aren't for everyone but if they make you feel the slightest bit more confident then they're worth every penny in my eyes. Plus, you have a new found appreciation for all of your bold lip colours. I certainly know what's on my Christmas list this year....

I vlogged the entire lip fillers experience from start to end so you can really understand what it was like for me so check that out below.

Lip fillers at Therapie Clinic currently start from £150 for 0.5ml.

Please don't feel shy to ask me any questions you may have. 

xoxo