Notes on Gua Sha
Pronounced qwah-sah, this ancient Chinese practice involves ‘scraping’ the skin using a gua sha tool made out of a smooth stone, typically jade or quartz. Many of my clients say they experience a puffy complexion first thing in the morning. This simple tool and practice has many benefits, it promotes blood flow, and lymphatic drainage […]
Notes on Toners
Toners have come a long way since we were first introduced to them. The astringent, alcohol-heavy and terribly drying toners of decades past have been superseded by new modern-day formulations that are the ultimate prep point for skincare. Toners are often misunderstood products that are commonly overlooked or confused with essences, but they can yield […]
Notes on ‘Normal’ Balanced Skin
It’s important to point out that ‘normal’ skin isn’t a medical term, it’s a marketing term. Despite what Instagram might have us believe, nobody has 100% ‘normal’ skin all of the time. In fact, most of us will experience varying skin states at different points throughout our lives. While there is technically no ‘normal’, the […]
Notes on Squalane
Squalane is a skin-identical ingredient, meaning it’s already present in the human body. This is why it’s so well-tolerated and well-absorbed when formulated into skincare products. Known for its incredible hydrating abilities, squalane is a powerful moisturiser and emollient, meaning it locks moisture in, prevents water loss, and keeps the skin soft and supple. Why […]
Notes on Blackheads
One of the most common concerns I hear from my clients, they affect all walks of life, at any age and unfortunately once settled in, they can be notoriously stubborn. However, treatment is relatively straightforward – and believe it or not, it doesn’t involve extractions – and is best approached from a preventative standpoint, coupled […]
Notes on Cleansing Brushes
Should you be using a cleansing brush? Despite their popularity, facial cleansing brushes can actually cause more harm than good. Said to deeply clean and exfoliate the skin, and marketed especially towards those with acne and congestion, these electrical devices rely on a circular motion to physically buff the skin. While they can certainly cause […]
Notes on Spring Skincare
As the seasons around us change, so too do the needs of our skin. Moving into Spring, we’re met with a welcome shift in temperature. With this comes higher levels of humidity, which may lead to increased oil production, clogged pores and break-outs. I like to take the arrival of this warmer weather to support […]
Notes on Rosacea
From warmth and flushing to sensitivity and scaling, rosacea – while incredibly common – can be challenging to navigate and care for. Often many of us don’t even realise we have it, which is only made more trying by the fact that the condition itself is so vaguely understood and difficult to diagnose in the […]
Notes on Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of my favourite ingredients, it’s an expert multitasker and supercharged antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that address a myriad of concerns from hyperpigmentation to dull skin, premature ageing and a generally lacklustre complexion. Why is vitamin C a regime essential? This true powerhouse ingredient protects the skin against environmental factors such as […]
Notes on Travel Skincare
When we’re travelling and adjusting to different climates and timezones, our skin can go into a frenzy. There are so many triggers many of which are unavoidable while travelling such as recirculated air on airplanes, changes to our diet and often a lack of sleep and added stress. Below are some of my tips to […]
