How to take care of your skin at the gym
26 May 2023 10:43
Posted in: How To
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Tweet This ArticleGlow Up Your Skincare Routine: Banish Dullness for Good
22 May 2023 14:48
Posted in: How To
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Last Updated: 22 May 2023 14:48
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What is skin cycling and how can it work for you?
14 March 2023 12:05
Posted in: How To
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Last Updated: 14 March 2023 12:05
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LFW Ready.Set.Glow Facial
20 September 2016 17:21
Posted in: Events, Behind the Scenes, How To
We're over the moon to have been part of London Fashion Week again this year. For Spring/Summer ’17 OSKIA’s Head Therapist Holly Webster has designed a quick and powerful super cleanse to get skin glowing in a flash! Perfect for getting ready for a big night out or an important event if you happen to be running a bit short on time, our Ready.Set.Glow Facial will revive skin for a glowing, healthy and hydrated complexion ready for makeup application by the fabulous Lauren Parsons.
"We wanted to keep the models looking naturally beautiful and fresh for Huishan Zhang's first show, prepping the skin with Oskia's 'Ready. Set. Glow' routine. Key to the look was massaging a mix of the 'Renaissance Cleansing Gel and Renaissance Mask' in to the skin, it gently exfoliated and rehydrated the skin on every model, allowing the skin to glow from within and create the 'dewyness' needed for the look. A layer of 'Get up & Glow' and Nutri-Active Day Cream' was applied to the skin after to nourish and create the perfect base for make up.
A personal fave on set and on my bathroom shelf is the Renaissance Mask. The Oskia products, brand and ethos is in tune with my way of thinking; it looks beautiful and really delivers results." - Lauren Parsons.
STEP 1 – COMBINE & APPLY
Combine 2 pumps of Renaissance Cleansing Gel with one spatula scoop of Renaissance Mask in the palms of your hands. Gently rub your palms together until the product turns white and apply to the skin in gliding motions for a vitamin-rich boost.
STEP 2 – POWER CLEANSE
Use OSKIA’s signature facial massage techniques to quickly and effectively boost radiance and improve circulation. Start using circular movements to massage the product over the forehead, before moving down and repeating on the cheeks and jawline.
Next, use thumbs to glide over the forehead in lifting motions, and repeat using fingers for the cheeks and jawline. This boosts circulation and helps to bring fresh nutrients to the skin’s surface.
STEP 3 – PRODUCT REMOVAL
Use a warm, damp muslin cloth to remove the product in long gliding motions, leaving the skin perfectly prepped for product application.
STEP 4 – HYDRATE & MOISTURISE
Gently massage 2 drops of Get Up & Glow into the skin. Once absorbed, apply 2 pumps of Nutri-Active Day Cream to the face and neck in small circular motions. Apply a light layer of oil from the Rose de Mai Candle to lips.
STEP 5 – YOUTHFUL GLOW
Post makeup application, pat a small amount of Restoration Oil onto the tops of cheekbones and bridge of the nose to finish the look.
Last Updated: 22 September 2016 10:53
Jet Set Skin
23 June 2016 12:42
Posted in: How To, Skin Health, Lifestyle
Whilst the warmth of the sun and the therapeutic properties of the sea can do our skin the world of good (as long as you don’t forget your SPF!) providing countless health benefits and working wonders for our skin - helping to smooth, heal and boost elasticity - often the flight and travel to the destination can play havoc with our complexions. Read on for our founder Georgie Cleeve's top tips on how to ensure you step off the plane looking well-rested, glowing and holiday-ready!
1) Increase your water intake
It may be the obvious suggestion, but OSKIA founder Georgie counts this among the most important tricks for keeping skin looking glowing en route and during your holidays. Most of us are guilty of not drinking enough during flights, and this combined with the dry atmosphere and lack of oxygen on board can leave skin looking dull and dehydrated. Try to drink as much water as possible, especially on long-haul flights. For flights over 3 hours, we recommend drinking at least 1 litre every 3-4 hours you’re on board to ensure your skin and body stays thoroughly hydrated.
2) Add moisture
On a flight, you can never have enough moisture, Georgie’s secret is packing along a mini routine in her hand luggage. Trap and retain hydration with a nourishing moisturiser or oil, and make sure to re-apply throughout the flight. We love massaging our Restoration Oil into skin to deeply sooth, nourish and replenish in the dry cabin air.
3) Add a healthy glow
Step off the plane looking well rested and radiant and gently pat on our Get Up & Glow serum into skin before landing. This pearlescent serum contains Ribose which is proven to boost cell ATP energy to brighten and enliven skin whilst adding a healthy, radiant glow to tired complexions!
Last Updated: 23 June 2016 12:43
How We're Ageing Differently
13 June 2016 14:37
Posted in: How To, Lifestyle, Skin Health
In today’s world, the rapid rate of skin ageing is a growing concern for many, and it is fast becoming apparent that our lifestyle choices have a large impact on how quickly (and early!) these changes start to appear. Studies suggest a staggering 85% of the signs of ageing are caused by extrinsic factors (i.e. external influences that can be avoided) so read on to find out more about some of the factors responsible for accelerating the ageing process and how to keep the signs of premature ageing under control.
1) ‘Tech neck’
A large proportion of us spend countless working hours looking at a computer screen in addition to many more out-of-office hours looking down at our smartphones. This repeated motion causes folding of the skin on the neck (often one of the first places to show signs of ageing as a result of the delicate, thin skin), eventually leading to a syndrome known as ‘tech neck,’ a wrinkle that appears just above the collarbone at the base of the neck.
Prevention is key to avoid tech neck. Try adjusting your posture at work so that your computer screen is at eye-level, and try and hold your phone up and closer to your face to avoid bending your neck looking down. Also, don’t forget that your skincare routine shouldn’t be concentrated on just the face. It is vital to also apply your products to the neck and décolleté for optimum results. Our Super 16 Serum contains an advanced formula designed to boost collagen synthesis, lift and firm the skin and reduce fine lines. Post serum, try applying a layer of our Renaissance 360, a vitamin-rich moisturiser that targets the ageing process on all fronts for powerful anti-ageing results.
2) Lack of movement
Office work and spending a significant number of hours sitting inhibits circulation and has a number of negative implications not only on our overall health but also on our skin condition. Firstly, collagen production is slowed down along with the rate of detoxification and cell renewal, causing skin to become looser hence more prone to wrinkles. Lymphatic drainage is also impaired, leading to fat accumulation and water retention.
Make sure to take regular breaks to get up and stretch, go for a walk or better yet squeeze in a gym class during your lunch break to really get your body moving.
3) Central heating/air-conditioning
Exposure to central heating and air-conditioning can wreak havoc with our skin and be extremely drying. When our skin is dry it often becomes irritated and more sensitised, not only leaving our skin feeling tight and uncomfortable, but also making it more prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles.
Because changes in climate are hard to avoid, it is more important than ever to make sure we supply our skin with everything it needs to stay balanced and protected. Omegas, anti-inflammatories and prebiotics are key ingredients to look out for to keep skin healthy, hydrated and younger-looking. Try our Super 16, Perfect Cleanser, Renaissance 360, Bedtime Beauty Boost and Restoration Oil to give your skin a much-needed hydration boost.
Last Updated: 13 June 2016 14:41
Summer Skin Essentials!
6 June 2016 09:59
Posted in: How To, Skin Health, Seasonal Skincare
As we embrace the warmer weather and start preparing to show more skin, we’re sharing all you need to know on how to slough away dull winter skin to reveal hydrated, more even and brighter skin. Our simple 2-step routine will get skin ready to bare all!
1) Micro Exfoliating Balm
Our creamy Micro Exfoliating Balm contains the tiniest MSM and silica particles to gently buff away dead skin cells whilst nourishing the lipid barrier to leave your skin soft, radiant and glowing with health and vitality. Exfoliating once a week not only keeps skin in tip top condition but also boosts the performance of your skincare products, allowing your products to penetrate deeper into the skin.
2) Renaissance Hand & Body Cream
Banish ‘winter skin’ and treat hands and body to our exfoliating Renaissance Hand & Body Cream packed with bio-available vitamins, fermented minerals, fruit AHA's and the very best bio-actives to chemically exfoliate dead skin cells, deeply nourish and rejuvenate. This luxurious and effective moisturiser leaves skin gorgeously soft and smooth from head to toe.
Did we mention this duo is also ideal for those suffering from Keratosis Pilaris? A hereditary condition, Keratosis Pilaris occurs in 40 % of adults as a result of a build-up of keratin, a hard protein that blocks the opening of the hair follicle resulting in small patches of bumpy, slightly rough skin on the tops of arms and thighs.
Gently massage the Micro Exfoliating Balm over dry, rough areas to effectively remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin, and follow up with our Renaissance Hand & Body Cream to further exfoliate the skin and break down excess keratin. This routine will help to reduce pigmentation, even skin tone and improve radiance meaning you’ll be ready to wear those sleeveless tops in no time!
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:16
Hay Fever Skincare Tips
18 May 2016 17:06
Posted in: How To, Skin Health, Lifestyle, Seasonal Skincare
For those suffering from hay fever, warmer weather often signals months of sneezing, runny noses and streaming eyes. One of the most common allergies, hay fever is caused by an irritation to pollen, a yellow-coloured powder produced by trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds. Hay fever can have an effect on many aspects of day-to-day life, leaving many feeling tired and run down with itchy eyes, runny noses and tickly throats.
Any of these symptoms sound familiar? If so, our founder Georgie Cleeve is on hand to help! Read on for a few easy tricks to help soothe the pesky symptoms so many of us are suffering from.
Check the ingredients
When it comes to your skincare routine, try and look out for ingredients with anti-inflammatory qualities. Georgie recommends ingredients such as Butterbur, derived from the root of the Butterbur shrub which grows in Europe, Asia and parts of North America. Butterbur is a known anti-histamine that has long been used to soothe irritated skin.
Find it in our Get Up & Glow serum and Renaissance Mask.
Treat your eyes
Sometimes just applying some light pressure to the eye area can really help reduce irritation. Our Eye Wonder serum has a soothing rose water base, and is jam-packed with nutrients and peptides to help hydrate and strengthen the delicate eye area.
We recommend our tailored Magic Eye Massage Routine to not only de-puff and refresh the eye area but also help to relieve itchy eyes. Using ring fingers and just one pump of Eye Wonder, follow the steps below:
1) Imagine you are typing quickly on a keyboard. Use this tapping movement around the eyes, temples and on the forehead for 10 seconds
2) Place your ring finger on the first pressure point
3) Move to arch of the eyebrow, apply pressure to the second point
4) From here move in between the eye brows to the 3rd point
5) With very light pressure, circle the eye area 3 times from inner to outer eyebrow, underneath the eye and up the bridge of the nose, with your fingers meeting again in between the eyebrows .
6) On the last circle, apply pressure at point 4, pushing upwards towards the ceiling.
7) For point 5, apply the pressure inwards, towards to nose.
8) Applying a little more pressure, lift and slide towards the temples, lifting the eyebrow, gently circle under the eyes three times.
9) On the last circle of the eye socket, stop at the outer corner of the eye and apply pressure to pressure point 7
10) Now, using your index and middle finger, use static circular movements to the temples three times
11) Swap back to your ring finger applying pressure point movements to point 8.
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:17
A Pre-Wedding Skincare Routine for Every Skin Type
5 May 2016 12:00
Posted in: How To, Skin Health, Lifestyle, Bridal
Wedding season is upon us! Unfortunately the added stress that often goes hand-in-hand with wedding planning tends to take its toll on our skin, often resulting in a dull, tired-looking complexion. Its never too early to start prepping skin for your big day, so read on and say ‘I do’ to our favourite glow-boosting everyday routine!
DAILY
Cleanser
Cleanse skin with an illuminating product such as our Renaissance Cleansing Gel. Cleansing is a crucial first step to refresh the skin and remove impurities, revealing a clean, supple canvas for make-up application. Our Renaissance Cleansing Gel contains Pumpkin Enzymes in addition to Vitamins A, C & E and MSM to leave the skin visibly radiant, nourished and balanced.
Serum
Apply a few drops of your preferred serum onto cleansed face, neck and décolleté. Serums are designed to penetrate deep into the skin, meaning that vital active ingredients can get to work where they’re needed the most. Depending on your skin type, try our Get Up & Glow containing Ribose, Mica and Galactoarabinan for an immediate energising and radiance boost or our Super 16 which contains Bakuchiol, Vitamins A, C & E and Hyaluronic Acid for a powerful collagen boost. Finally, our Renaissance BrightLight contains a targeted formula including our unique Nanobright Liposome, Swiss Garden Cress Liposomes and Niacinamide to combat pigmentation for brighter, more even skin tone.
Moisturiser
Gently massage your choice of moisturiser into skin to further hydrate and plump the skin. Try our vitamin-rich Renaissance 360 Supreme Cream to combat the signs of ageing, deeply hydrate, illuminate and even skin tone.
Oil
Seal it all in with 2-3 drops of facial oil. Our easily-absorbed Restoration Oil contains many hydrating and complexion boosting ingredients such as Rosehip Seed Oil, Turmeric and Starflower Oil for a beautifully dewy finish.
WEEKLY
Mask/Exfoliator
Weekly treatments are key to keep skin in tip top condition. Once a week, we recommend applying a gentle exfoliating mask such as our Renaissance Mask or using a physical exfoliator such as our Micro-Exfoliating Balm. Our brightening and resurfacing Renaissance Mask contains AHAs which gently unbind dry and dead skin cells, activating cell renewal for a radiant, plumped complexion!
Top Tip: Post make-up application, gently pat our Get Up & Glow serum onto the high points of the face for a gorgeous natural highlight!
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:18
Pick your perfect moisturiser!
29 April 2016 10:48
Posted in: How To, Skin Health
Are you still searching for your go-to moisturiser, or been lucky enough to have already discovered ‘The One’? Considering the vast selection of moisturisers available today, each tailored to suit different skin types with varying consistencies and ingredients thrown into the mix, it can often prove difficult to find your match! Look no further… we’re revealing exactly what you need to know on the differences between our moisturisers to help make your decision that much easier!
Nutri-Active Day Cream
The Nutri-Active Day Cream is an advanced lightweight, multi-active day cream. This day cream has been designed to not only hydrate and provide essential nutrients to improve cell health and efficiency, but also help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, revitalize and repair, and protect skin DNA.
Who is it for?
An ideal base before makeup, its lightweight, easily absorbed texture makes it perfect for more oily or combination skin types, or younger skins looking for a hydration boost whilst targeting the early signs of ageing.
Renaissance 360
The Renaissance 360 is a vitamin-rich day cream that combats the ageing process on all fronts. Skin elasticity is improved, fine lines reduced and hydration increased, whilst targeted actives fade discolouration to even skin tone and brighten. Also containing powerful nutrients to nourish and enhance skin condition, this moisturiser is supported by free-radical fighting anti-oxidants.
Who is it for?
The Renaissance 360 is perfect for drier or more mature skins and those seeking a brighter, more even skin tone.
Bedtime Beauty Boost
The Bedtime Beauty Boost is a luxurious night cream packed with anti-ageing ingredients, nutrients and floral extracts to provide skin with a supercharged overnight health and beauty boost. Rich in essential cell nutrients and a variety of hydrating and anti-ageing actives, this night cream has been designed to help stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process, iron out the appearance of wrinkles and give skin a natural, youthful glow.
Who is it for?
This deeply nourishing moisturiser is perfect for dry or more mature skins. For drier skin types, we recommend using the Bedtime Beauty Boost in the day time too.
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:19
Switch Up Your Skincare Routine for Spring!
25 April 2016 15:43
Posted in: Seasonal Skincare, How To, Skin Health
With spring in full bloom, we at OSKIA think now is the perfect time to spring clean your skincare routine in time for the warmer months ahead where your skin may not need such intense moisture. Read on for a few of our top tips to help you adjust your routine and pick the products your skin craves for a glowing, radiant complexion throughout the seasons to come!
Step 1: Replace heavy consistencies
Swapping heavier cleansing balms for cleansing gels or oils is the first step towards spring-ready skin when you may not require as much extra nourishment. Our deliciously scented Renaissance Cleansing Gel is the ultimate cleansing gel-to-oil which contains pumpkin enzymes to remove dull and dead skin cells leaving you with illuminated, balanced and radiant skin. Massage in circular motions for an extra 2-3 minutes to really cleanse deep into your pores whilst boosting circulation.
Step 2: Pick a lightweight (yet hydrating!) moisturiser
If you are suffering from dry skin after the harsh winter weather, a lightweight hydrating day cream is perfect for deeply moisturising whilst avoiding any leftover residue on the skin. Try our new Renaissance 360 Supreme Cream to deeply nourish and tackle the signs of ageing whilst reducing pigmentation and evening skin tone, or our Nutri-Active Day Cream to hydrate whilst providing your complexion with essential nutrients to improve cell health and efficiency, and protect skin DNA. If you’re a lover of facial oils, you may find that as the weather warms up your skin might be perfectly happy with an oil in place of your usual moisturiser. Our Restoration Oil is a lightweight oil that works to hydrate, replenish and soothe whilst protecting against free radical damage.
Step 3: The power-boost
Top it all off with your choice of serum for an intense dose of goodness throughout the transition to the warmer months. Choose an energising serum such as our Get Up & Glow for a natural healthy glow whilst increasing cell respiration to brighten and enliven skin. For an anti-ageing boost, try our Super 16 to encourage collagen production and lift the skin whilst hydrating and providing anti-oxidant protection.
Step 4: Don’t forget to exfoliate!
Exfoliation is key for achieving radiant, smooth skin. Buffing away tired and dead skin cells helps to unclog pores and also means your products can be penetrated more effectively. Using a creamy exfoliant such as our Micro Exfoliating Balm is also brilliant for nourishing the lipid barrier, avoiding any stripping of the skin. Enriched with youth-boosting nutrients and prebiotics, using this exfoliator just once a week will help stimulate collagen production and leave skin supremely soft.
Want to find out more about how to layer your skincare and make sure your skin is reaping maximum benefits out of your everyday routine? Click here
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:19
Refresh Your Routine With Our New Brightening Duo
5 April 2016 17:48
Posted in: How To, Skin Health
When it comes to introducing new products into our skincare routines, it can sometimes prove difficult to figure out where exactly they fit in, how often they should be used and which products they should be used alongside.
A few weeks on from the launch of our Renaissance BrightLight and Renaissance 360, we’re sharing a few tips on how best to introduce them into your existing routine for maximum skin benefits.
Renaissance BrightLight
The Renaissance BrightLight is a high performance, targeted anti-pigmentation serum. It has been scientifically designed to help combat all forms of pigmentation and melanin production, from dark spots and sun damage to acne scarring. This product contains 13 brightening actives as well as AHAs and fruit enzymes which work together to illuminate, even skin tone and boost radiance.
A few drops of the Renaissance BrightLight serum should be applied to cleansed skin under your moisturiser or oil. This product can also be used in conjunction with other serums if using multiple serums to address particular skin concerns. When layering serums, be sure to allow the first serum to fully absorb before applying the second, or you may choose to alternate between two serums and apply one in the morning and one in the evening. Please note that if using our Renaissance BrightLight serum, apply twice a day and in conjunction with our Renaissance 360 for best results. Don’t forget to apply a high-level SPF when in direct sunlight!
Renaissance 360
The Renaissance 360 is a hydrating day cream that is packed full of active ingredients to fight the ageing process on all fronts and improve elasticity whilst deeply nourishing the skin. It also contains targeted actives to reduce pigmentation and fade discolouration for a more even skin tone and illuminated complexion. It is perfect for all skin types, especially more mature skins.
Gently massage 1-2 pumps into the skin each morning after applying your choice of serum(s).
For unbeatable skin brightening results, use in combination with our Renaissance BrightLight serum.
For more tips on how to make the most out of your skincare routines, head over to our Layering Your Skincare blog!
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:19
Backstage at London Fashion Week
24 February 2016 13:16
Posted in: How To, Skin Health, Behind the Scenes
OSKIA went backstage at London Fashion Week, prepping skin for the glamourous models in the Amanda Wakeley Collection so we thought it only right to share some of our therapist’s top tips from the show!
The Glow Facial, exclusively designed for the show, was created to reflect the healthy, athletic Icelandic warrior vision of the designer’s collection, leaving skin feeling firmer, energised and refreshed, ready for make-up application.
Read on for a step-by-step guide outlining the products used along with some tricks to get skin catwalk ready!
Step 1: Renaissance Cleansing Gel + Renaissance Mask
- Add 1 pump of Renaissance Cleansing Gel to 1 spatula scoop of the Renaissance Mask, and apply to the skin using long stroking movements for a super-charged fruit enzyme boost.
Step 2: Facial Massage
- Starting on the jawline make small circles with your thumbs, starting close to the centre to the face, and gliding up towards the ears. Repeat this movement in 3 to 4 rows until you reach the hairline to stimulate the blood flow and lymphatic system.
- Lift & glide the thumbs across the brows, then use your ring fingers in lifting movements underneath the eye area towards the top of the ear. This helps to maintain a more youthful appearance by gently reversing sluggish circulation and brightening the eye area.
Step 4: Stimulating Compress
- Use a warm muslin or flannel to remove the product in long gliding movements to further remove any dead skin cells.
Step 5: Cooling Compress
- Hold a cool muslin to the skin for 5 – 10 seconds. Place on cheek & jawline and then forehead. Repeat on the other side. Using a cool cloth leaves the skin feeling firmer, energised and refreshed whilst also helping to soothe and calm sensitive skins.
Step 6: Nutri-Active Day Cream
- Apply 2 pumps of the Nutri-Active Day Cream. Rich in vitamins, hyaluronic acid and omegas, this lightweight moisturiser hydrates and leaves skin silky soft.
Step 7: Restoration Oil
- Finish by lightly pressing 2 drops of Restoration Oil into the skin, focussing on the cheeks for a gorgeous dewy finish ready for make-up.
Last Updated: 3 June 2016 13:04
How To Purify Your Skincare Routine
4 February 2016 14:31
Posted in: How To, Skin Health, Lifestyle
The skin plays a crucial role in the cleansing process, thus in addition to changing our diet to help our bodies to naturally detoxify from the inside, we should also take care of our skin from the outside through a few small changes in our skincare routines.
1) Exfoliate at least once a week (twice a week for mature or drier skin types). Exfoliation helps to buff away dull skin cells and impurities to prevent breakouts, allow your products to absorb better, and stimulate collagen production to leave your complexion healthy, flawless and glowing. Our creamy Micro Exfoliating Balm contains a clever blend of youth-boosting essential cell nutrients, prebiotics and peptides for long lasting skin health.
2) Get a good night’s sleep. During the first few hours of sleep, our brains go into overdrive producing Adenosine Triphosphate, more commonly known as ATP. ATP is the energy source responsible for supporting every cell in the body, and when we don’t get enough sleep we simply don’t produce enough of it. This is why we often suffer from lacklustre skin, poor brain functioning and a general lack of energy the morning after. Try our revitalising Get Up & Glow serum, rich in Ribose, proven to boost ATP energy.
3) Check the ingredients list of your favourite skincare products. Look out for key ingredients such as prebiotics, omegas, minerals, vitamins, peptides and anti-oxidants which all work to boost overall skin condition and leave you with nourished, silky soft and healthy skin. Try and stay away from products containing artificial fragrances, parabens, preservatives, silicones and sulphates.
4) Treat your skin to a little TLC - we can all be guilty of overindulgence over the holiday season! Try adding a couple of drops of facial oil to your moisturiser to restore the skin’s youthful vitality, treating yourself to a powerful anti-ageing serum rich in anti-oxidants for high-level hydration and increased skin elasticity, or pampering yourself with a resurfacing, illuminating and hydration-boosting mask to get your skin back on track in no time. Try our Restoration Oil, Super 16 Serum and Renaissance Mask.
5) Relax and rebalance mind, body and soul with an OSKIA facial. Our highly effective treatments boost skin health and improve the complexion through a combination of topically applied essential cell nutrients and pioneering beauty actives, using bespoke facial massage techniques and equipment boosting skin health and leaving the complexion beautifully radiant. Our highly trained therapists also offer personalised skincare advice to make sure you’re fully benefiting from your routine whilst managing any skincare concerns. Find out more about our spa partners and treatment menu here.
Top Tip: Did you know that research suggests breathing exercises may be one of the best ways we can boost our body’s natural detoxifying process?
Focusing on deep breathing sends an all-important boost of oxygen into our lungs, meaning vitamins and nutrients are better absorbed and we actually produce more white blood cells, speeding up our internal process of cell renewal.
1) Close your eyes, and breathe in deeply through your nose.
2) Count to five, to allow as much air as possible into your lungs and stomach.
3) Hold your breath for five seconds and then exhale over another course of five seconds.
4) Repeat this breathing exercise 5 times.
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:20
Purifying Your Diet...And Busting the Detox Myth
25 January 2016 17:48
Posted in: How To, Lifestyle, Nutrition
It’s nearing the end of January and by now many of us may be becoming a little bit tired with the word ‘detox.’ Although the desire to become the best possible version of ourselves is never stronger than at the beginning of a new year, it’s easier said than done! Here we’re sharing a couple of easy tips on how we can all improve our diets and skin care regimes throught the year, along with some of our favourite health retreats. But first, let’s bust some of those detox myths…
1) The word ‘detox’ is somewhat misused - ‘cleansing’ is in fact a more appropriate description especially when referring to diet. Our kidneys, liver, lungs and skin are all responsible for constantly detoxing, and do an exceptional job at naturally removing impurities. This means that there is in fact little requirement to ‘detox,’ and what we can do instead is aid this natural process by giving our bodies a break through limiting alcohol or irritants such as gluten, sugar and the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, chillies, red peppers) and suppleminting it with healthier alternatives such as a nutrient-rich soup diet.
2) January is not actually the best time to ‘detox’ or cleanse through diet. The weather is cold and our bodies naturally crave carbohydrate-rich foods to fuel internal body heat. Most people may also have a tendency to feel low at this time of year as a result of a number of reasons such as lack of natural sunlight, or the end of the holiday season, for example. If you want to give yourself a fighting chance, Spring is the ideal time of year to turn over a new leaf.
As we are constantly exposed to chemicals, toxins and preservatives through our environment, the foods we eat and products we use, it is always important to try and give our bodies a break to help avoid negative consequences on our health such as skin disorders, breakouts, exhaustion, and weight gain. Here are some of the key things we can do to help our bodies cleanse and be healthier for it.
1) Add superfoods to your diet such as salmon, avocado, almonds, blueberries and spinach. Fermented foods are also brilliant for optimising the immune system and aiding our natural detoxification process. These foods have been around for centuries and are particularly well known for their outstanding nutritional benefits. Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Miso, Kambucha and Kefir are a particularly rich source of vital nutrients such as Vitamins B, K2 and probiotics. The beneficial bacteria in these foods are highly potent detoxifiers, capable of drawing out a wide range of toxins. Foods rich in fibre and organic fruits and vegetables such as beetroot, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina and seaweed also all work to get skin glowing and boost overall skin health.
2) Introduce targeted supplements into your diet such as MSM, chlorella, sulforaphane or Vitamin C. MSM is associated with a host of detoxing benefits, from improving our ability to produce anti-oxidants, to helping our skin cells to flush out toxins, all whilst boosting overall energy levels and reducing stress. Our Pure MSM Supplements are specifically formulated to boost collagen & keratin production whilst nutritionally supporting the condition of skin, hair and nails. They are also a fabulous anti-inflammatory and help detox the skin cells to promote healthy, happy skin.
3) Replace caffeinated drinks with green tea, and make sure you drink at least 2 litres of water per day. The skin is our largest organ, and without sufficient amounts of water it can quickly become dehydrated, tight and prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
4) Certain diets can have a counteractive effect. Limiting our nutrient or calorie intake can actually prevent our key organs from functioning properly. We require diets rich in the following: B-Vitamins, Flavonoids, Vitamins A, C & E, Glutathione (found in avocado, watermelon, and fresh fruits and vegetables), Omegas and Phospholipids (from eggs, meat, fish, soybeans), to name a few.
5) Cut back on cigarettes and alcohol, which can both only do harm to both body and skin. Though we’re sure there is no need to even mention this, there’s no time like the present to kick unhealthy habits!
Stay tuned for more tips on purifying your skincare routine, along with a roundup of some of our favourite health retreats!
Last Updated: 4 February 2016 14:21
Facial Oils 101
18 November 2015 17:00
Posted in: How To, Product Focus
Many of us sometimes struggle to find the perfect selection of products that make up our daily skincare routines, and choosing a facial oil to suit your skin is no exception.
What many people don’t know is that the right facial oil won’t make your skin greasy, and all skin types can actually benefit from using oils, including oily skins. Discover our skin-boosting tips on using facial oils:
Facial oils benefit the skin in a multitude of ways, from combatting anti-ageing concerns with anti-oxidants such as Rosehip Seed Oil, to soothing and calming the skin with anti-inflammatories such as Turmeric. Ingredients like Sunflower and Rice Bran Oils also work to replenish the lipid barrier, protecting the skin against environmental stresses, whilst simultaneously deeply hydrating and improving skin elasticity.
Oily skin types can fight oil with oil. Our skin produces excess sebum when the oil content in our skin is imbalanced. Many of us sometimes try and combat the oiliness in our skin by cleansing and exfoliating more frequently than needed to make our skin feel squeaky clean and free of all natural oils, but this is something we want to avoid. This actually sends our skin into overdrive producing more oils to try and compensate. The right facial oil will replenish and rebalance your skin, keeping oiliness at bay.
Oils can be used either on their own or over your moisturiser, as the last step in your skincare routine. If you apply a facial oil first, it will act as a barrier preventing your skin from absorbing all the beneficial ingredients in your moisturiser. Instead, apply last to seal it all in.
Introduce an oil in the evening to get used to the texture on your skin if you’re new to using oils. If you are a dab hand with facial oils, you’ve probably already added one into your routine morning and evening, especially if you have a drier skin type.
Still searching for your perfect facial oil? Try our Restoration Oil
Last Updated: 12 May 2016 09:45
How to choose the right bikini, with Ursula Lake
28 July 2015 15:59
Posted in: How To
Ursula Lake is one of the mega Super Stylists – she has been a Fashion Editor and Stylist to the stars for more than 15 years, including Fashion Editor for Sunday Telegraph Stella Magazine for seven years, Net-a-Porter's Edit magazine, Matches.com, The Sunday Times Style, GQ, InStyle, Wallpaper* and Stylist Magazine, and finally founder to the fabulous Violet Lake, the only bikini line that is designed with body shape in mind. She is also a wonderful friend.
Here she not only imparts her invaluable wisdom on how to choose the right bikini - because let’s face it – none of us really have a clue - but also offers you a very exclusive 20% off her gorgeous bikini line Violet Lake (see below).
10 TOP TIPS FOR SWIMWEAR
1. Always try on different styles, you might think you know what suits you, but often you are surprised by how things fit. I always say, you never know until you try! I didn’t think I could wear a bandeau top as I have big boobs, but I wear our ‘Plenty’ style bandeau styles all the time!
2. Try mixing and matching tops and bottoms, our printed designs like our zigzag prints and our stripes look really great when they are mixed with a plain top. Be playful, you are on holiday!
3. Don’t like your hips or feel bottom heavy, balance yourself up by putting a paler colour on your top half and a darker one on your bottom half. The same applies in reverse, a dark coloured top can tone down a bigger bust.
4. Buy tie side bikini bottoms if you think you might loose or gain a little weight on holiday. I sometimes loose a little weight on holiday as I loose my appetite in the heat. A tie side bottom means that you can adjust to fit, our ‘Tiffany’ and ‘Mayday’ styles are great for this.
5. Our bandeau styles (Domino, Blush and Plenty) are very practical as they have detachable shoulder straps that make this top perfect for sunbathing and also gives a bit more support when you are walking around or diving.
6. Got young kids? A swimsuit can often be a really practical idea if you are going to be swimming with them as its harder for them to pull at ties or undo things that might cause an embarrassing moment for you. It’s also great for the local pool once you are at home.
7. Long in the body but can’t find a swimsuit to fit? Try our Bibi swimsuit as the drawstring detail on each side is designed so you can adjust to fit your unique body length. The gathering this creates on the body is also super flattering.
8. For a really good fit, choose quality fabrics with good levels of elastane and choose designs with tie strap fastenings. There no reason why your rib cage will be a the same size as anyone else’s so I find the only way you get a really good fit is being able to tie it tight to fit to you. Needless to say all our tops have tie fastenings and are made from a super high quality fabric.
9. Going on a short break and want to maximize your suitcase space, a design like our Caruso swimsuit is great as you can wear it with a skirt in the evening for a glamorous beach to bar look.
10. Be bold with colour! You might live and die in black or navy during your working week, but strong colours can look so different in the sunshine and with a tan so be brave and try something new. Our new bright pink is an amazing colour and suits most skin tones. If you are a bit nervous, mix with a neutral. For example, our coral colour looks amazing combined with navy, scarlet looks super chic with our navy and white stripe and our emerald green looks beautiful mixed with white. Think about your skin tone too, paler skin tones look great in our emerald green and scarlet colour ways whereas olive skin really suits our coral and turquoise. Black skin always looks great super hot colours like our bright pink.
BODY SHAPE TIPS
BOYISH FIGURE – Create curves with designs with bows at the hips to help create an hourglass figure. Our Tiffany bottom works really well to achieve this.
BIG BUST – Try a supportive halter-top like our Ryder top in a darker colour and if you are small on the hips, maybe try a paler coloured bikini bottom for balance.
SOMETHING TO HIDE? - Our Moneypenny style is a great retro style with a high waist and drawstring sides so it’s great for covering up scars or stretch marks as well as being super chic.
SMALLER BUST – Our gathered tops like the Galore and Bonita are both padded and the gathering helps to create the impression of a larger bust.
PEAR SHAPED – Try a simple shape on the bottom half in a darker colour, and a stronger coloured top to balance yourself out, or maybe try a top like our Elektra which has bow details which draw the eyes to the top half and detracts from your bottom half.
LONG BODY OR SHORT BODY AND CAN’T FIND A SWIMSUIT THAT FITS? Try our Bibi style as it the drawstring sides can be gathered to adjust and fit your unique body length.
Last Updated: 3 June 2016 14:24
Bump Banishers
27 July 2015 15:15
Posted in: How To, Skin Health
Have you noticed a goosebump-like rash on the tops of your arms and thighs? Keratosis Pilaris, a hereditary condition, occurs in 40 % of adults as a result of a build-up of keratin, a hard protein that blocks the opening of the hair follicle resulting in small patches of bumpy, slightly rough skin.
The good news is that these pesky bumps are easily manageable with the help of a few simple tricks to unclog pores and make skin noticeably smoother.
How to treat it?
The key is to avoid over-scrubbing and stick to gentle exfoliants such as our Micro Exfoliating Balm which uses the tiniest silica and MSM particles to gently buff away dead skin cells whist nourishing the lipid barrier.Follow up with a vitamin-rich moisturiser such as our Renaissance Hand & Body Cream which has been specifically formulated with gentle pineapple, lemon, grape and passion fruit AHAs help to further exfoliate the skin and break down excess keratin. Further enriched with Swiss Garden Cress Liposomes, this nourishing cream also helps to reduce pigmentation, even skin tone and improve radiance meaning you’ll be wearing those sleeveless tops again in no time!
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:20
Say 'Yes' to Glowing Skin!
16 July 2015 17:39
Posted in: How to, Lifestyle, Bridal
A good skincare routine is the foundation of every gorgeous bridal look, so we have put together 3 simple steps perfect for prepping skin, and ensuring you are relaxed and glowing before the big day.
Step 1 Take some time out
The night before, treat yourself to a leisurely soak in the bath and light our luxurious Rose de Mai Skin Smoothing Treatment Candle. By the time you get out of the bath, the candle will have melted into a sumptuous body oil, leaving skin beautifully scented and silky smooth.
Step 2 Ensure your hands are in tip-top condition
With a huge focus on your hands on your big day, it is crucial to give your hands a bit of extra TLC the night before. Our Micro Exfoliating Balm is perfect for gently buffing away dead, dry skin cells. Follow up with a nourishing hand cream such as our Renaissance Hand Cream for the ultimate overnight rejuvenating treatment.
Step 3 Boost skin radiance.
On the morning of the wedding, try and make time for a quick complexion boost before make-up. Try a brightening and resurfacing mask such as our Renaissance Mask to leave skin soft, illuminated and more refined, not to mention gorgeously radiant.
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:21
Natural Beauty: Flower Inspiration
25 June 2015 15:21
Posted in: Lifestyle, How to, Product Focus
Kally Ellis, Managing Director of McQueens, London’s most innovative and reputable florist has shared her knowledgeable advice with SpaceNK on how to combine making the most of your flower displays at home with reusing some of those beauty containers that are just too gorgeous to throw away.
“Anything can be used as a vessel or vase – so long as it’s cleaned out and contains water. For home I like recycling old beauty containers that are too interesting to throw out.” And we are thrilled to see that our Rose de Mai Candle has been chosen for this stunning campaign!
The first step towards rebooting your beauty bottles is to choose your flowers. Try and stick to flowers from local florists or flower markets for the best quality. Kally suggests keeping things simple by sticking to single stems of one type of flower. Garden roses, peonies or ranunculus are perfect for the summer months.
Next, cut the stems to your desired length, and get creative by using vases of different heights and shapes to create variety and impact, especially when using one colour or shade of flower.
Finally, dress your home! Showcase your flowers around your home choose focal points at your bedside table, bathroom sink, a bookcase– wherever you please!
“Everyone’s home should have flowers – they’re a must as far as I am concerned. They change a room, they’re good for your spirit and I challenge anyone not to be uplifted by them.”
'Natural Beauty' is a collaboration between Space NK and McQueens.
Last Updated: 12 May 2016 12:19
How to cope with the 9 signs of Ageing
10 June 2013 10:12
Posted in: How to
DRY SKIN
As we age our pores produce less sebum which results in dry, flaky skin that lacks vitality and lustre, and also leaves the skin open to infection and damage as sebum forms the lipid barrier and acid mantel, two forms of wonderful defence for our skin.
But, dry skin is not just an ageing concern, but also a skin type - skin with small pores. People with small pores and dry skin, are exceptionally lucky in that they rarely suffer from spots or acne, but unfortunately do age a little faster than those with oily skin and can be prone to conditions such as eczema, psoriasis due to their compromised lipid barrier and acid mantel.
DO: REPLENISH YOUR LIPID BARRIER WITH LOVELY OMEGAS IN BOTH YOUR PRODUCTS & YOUR DIET.
USE: Perfect Cleansing Balm rich in Omegas to nourish & protect.
Omegas (EFAs) - just how important are they?
EAT: Delicious Mexican Anti-inflammatory Pan-Fried Mackerel Fillets with Avocado Sweet-Sour Salad by Thomasina Miers
DRINK: Delicious Skin Hydrating Smoothie Recipe
DO: BUFF AWAY DEAD, DULL, DRY SKIN
Exfoliating not only reveals fresher more youthful skin, but more importantly stimulates the cells deep down to regenerate collagen and elastin, and increases blood flow to the skin to bring vital nutrients to where they are needed.
USE: Micro-Exfoliating Balm to buff, reveal, stimulate and nourish.
DO: HELP YOUR SKIN HELP ITSELF
Use ingredients that are designed to kick start and stimulate the skin's own hydration processes. Lactic Acid (found in our Renaissance Mask), not only removes dull, dead and dry skin to reveal beautifully fresh skin but also stimulates the skin's own hydration processes. Milk Peptides (found in our Nutri-Active Day Cream & Bedtime Beauty Boost) not only stimulates collagen synthesis by 40% but increases Hyaluronic Acid production by 1900% for deep hydration and plumping. Sound amazing?
USE: Renaissance Mask & Bedtime Beauty Boost.
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:21
I Spy With My Little Eye
30 January 2013 11:07
Posted in: How To
Put the sparkle back in to your eyes with OSKIA's DIY lymphatic boost.
The eyes are the window to your soul - but they can also be a window into your social habits. They are an obvious indicator of issues such as lack of sleep, dehydration, poor diet and emotional circumstances. So it’s important to try and maintain a healthy-looking eye area.
What does the lymphatic system do?
The lymphatic system removes waste products such as toxins from the body. It runs alongside your circulatory system. It can sometimes become sluggish, causing those toxins to stay in the body longer than they should. So sometimes it needs a little boost to get it working back to its best levels.
What can I do at home and why?
Ancient Chinese medicine techniques such as acupressure points can help to simulate the body. You can use massage and pressure point movements at home to increase your lymphatic circulation, reducing dark circles and increasing the blood circulation, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the area. Use your ring finger – the eye area is delicate and this finger applies the correct pressure. With each point, apply pressure for 3 seconds and then pump on the point for another 3 seconds. The pressure points around the eyes relate to detoxifying and cleansing organs within the body such as the gall bladder, bladder, liver, and stomach.
YOUR DIY MAGIC MASSAGE ROUTINE
(Match the acupressure points in the diagram to the steps below)
1. Imagine you are typing quickly on a keyboard. Use this tapping movement around the eyes, temples and on the forehead for 10 seconds.
2. Place your ring finger on the first pressure point.
3. Move to arch of the eyebrow, apply pressure to the second point.
4. From here move in between the eye brows to the 3rd point.
5. With very light pressure, circle the eye area 3 times from inner to outer eyebrow, underneath the eye and up the bridge of the nose, with your fingers meeting again in between the eyebrows . Do not drag the skin.
6. On the last circle, apply pressure at point 4, pushing upwards towards the ceiling.
7. For point 5, apply the pressure inwards, towards to nose.
8. Applying a little more pressure, lift and slide towards the temples, lifting the eyebrow, gently circle under the eyes three times.
9. On the last circle of the eye socket, stop at the outer corner of the eye and apply pressure to pressure point 7.
10. Now, using your index and middle finger, use static circular movements to the temples three times.
11. Swap back to your ring finger applying pressure point movements to point 8.
Last Updated: 9 June 2016 11:22