Tried and tested
Nov 29 2008 by Liz Hands, The Journal
WINTER is definitely the time that skin needs more than the usual routine of hurriedly washing and moisturising.
My own skin is feeling the effects of cold wind and central heating, so I’m more than ready for a bit of pampering at Serenity in the City on Jesmond’s Osborne Road.
My therapist Karen Faulkner suggests the Pro-Collagen Quartz Facial to plump and moisturise. The full facial, using Elemis products, takes an hour - with exfoliation, two masks, a facial serum, cleansing and oils.
It leaves my skin feeling cashmere soft and me feeling so relaxed I definitely don’t want to go back to work afterwards.
Spa owner Jocelyn Maxfield firmly believes women should take the time to look after their skin rather than taking more drastic action.
And, she is certainly a good advertisement for healthy living.
Jocelyn doesn’t shy away from telling anyone her age – she’s 45 and looks natural and impeccably groomed.
The mum-of-four feels so strongly about growing old gracefully that Serenity is running a Better than Botox campaign.
“The trend for Botox among 30 to 50-something women is out of control,” she says. “But thankfully there is now a bit of a backlash.
“If they look after themselves well, women can look great right into their sixties because they are filled with confidence.”
Jocelyn’s Better than Botox tips are:
1. Puffed out – Smoking thins the skin, creating a saggy, drab look and can make skin look yellow. Quitting will show almost instantly in your skin.
2. Be a water baby – By keeping hydrated with water and fruits, your body will work more efficiently sending blood cells to your skin and maintaining its elasticity. Start with a minimum of one litre of water a day and watch your fine lines diminish.
3. Eat for your skin - If you’re fuelling your body with fresh, healthy food items then it will reflect in your skin. Fruits, vegetables, wholegrain products, yogurt and oats will produce a healthy glow.
4. Chill this winter – Try to find a little time to relax each day, or an hour a week to have a massage or treatment, or take a yoga class.
5. Clean up your act – Try to make it a habit to always remove your make-up. Keeping your skin clean is essential to keeping it healthy.
6. Move – Exercising sends blood cells to the skin increasing its tone and elasticity.
7. Moisturise and Massage – Moisturise twice a day, morning and night religiously. Try to make the cream as natural or organic as possible and massage it into your skin for at least five minutes.
8. Enjoy Life – smiling uses more muscles than frowning, keeping your facial muscles alive and toned.
Serenity in the City is calling for North East women to send in their own top tips on natural ageing for a book to celebrate natural beauty.
Whoever sends in the best beauty tip will receive one beauty treatment a month for a year. Submit your tip by post or email, including a photograph and your age to Serenity in the City, 48 Osborne Road, Jesmond, NE2 2AL or newcastle@serenityinthecity.com.
