Ageing Archives | Katerina Steventon

How Touch Enhances Wellbeing

By Katerina Steventon| 2018-09-12T12:40:26+00:00 September 9th, 2018|Facial Massage|

One of my favourite areas of interest in skin science is how touch can have a beneficial effect in a person’s skincare regime and on their wellbeing. The effectiveness of a product goes beyond simply the ingredients and how beneficial they are for the individual’s skin type – how is the skincare applied is crucial for reasons much deeper than you might think. When I talk about “touch”, I mean the pressure, the direction and style of the strokes, and whether a product is applied with the hands or a tool of some kind. It is quite incredible how many different approaches there are to facial massage. It varies from one culture to another, such as French Jacquet massage and the Japanese art of Kobido, for example. I have believed for a long time that the right type of touch can boost skincare product efficacy and generate a wave of positive emotions to make people look and feel well. Now, advanced research techniques can detect changes in brain wave patterns and different brain area activation. For the first time, the science provides evidence of the effect touch can have on the whole body. Skin is the largest sensory organ. New research has shown that skin senses external information in the same way that the brain does; it

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Shortlisted: Pure Beauty Awards 2017

By Katerina Steventon| 2018-02-06T21:59:47+00:00 September 5th, 2017|Facial Ageing|

"I’m very proud to have reached the final of the Pure Beauty Awards with my 4 Anti-Ageing Serum. I’m competing against big budget international skincare brands.” I am delighted that my signature serum has been shortlisted for the Pure Beauty Awards this year. The Pure Beauty Awards are considered a highlight in the beauty industry calendar and the annual awards event attracts key industry professionals and leading UK retailers. The category "Best New Skin Care Treatment" reflects all I stand for - my passion for scientifically proven ingredients, great skin-feel and scent - and last but not least, an evidence-based targeted application. I am based in Yorkshire yet as a skin scientist and facialist, I pride myself in being innovative and unique in my approach to products and treatments. My first serum, designed for vertical lines and wrinkles, is the result of over 20 years of my scientific research, clinical expertise and own personal skincare journey. I have had fantastic reviews from my clients who enjoy using my signature product. The fact that the first skincare product I have developed has been acknowledged by the judges is a true commendation. If you like my work and would like me to win, please vote for me here. The voting runs from 5th until 26th September. Thank you! To make it interesting, I will bring

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French Women’s Attitudes to Ageing

By faceworkshops| 2016-12-07T10:22:34+00:00 July 29th, 2016|Aesthetic Rules & Beauty, FaceWorkshops, Facial Ageing, Skin Concerns|

One thousand French women took part in the beauty survey - let's look at their views on attitudes toward beauty and ageing (perceptions of internal and external age) and concerns about skin ageing and “preventative” measures employed (lifestyle choices and skin care). The research shows that the majority of women become aware of facial ageing in their mid-30s, when fine lines appear and they feel looking tired. This survey captures the views of French women - it would be interesting to identify cultural variations in Britain. Attitudes towards beauty. Younger faces are considered to be more attractive than older faces - with older female faces being the least appealing. Skin condition - in particular colour and texture - is an important indicator of youth, health, and physical attractiveness. The peak of beauty was judged at an average age of 36 years. Nevertheless, 92% also thought it was possible to grow old “beautifully” - the main factors for facial beauty were a natural look, self-confidence, and attractive skin. Nearly 80% of women feel younger, and believe themselves to look younger, than their true age. As women reach their mid-30s, a gap starts to develop between the age they feel inside [internal age] and the age reflected by their faces [external age] - even though they

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Beauty Sleep: Beneficial or Damaging?

By faceworkshops| 2016-12-07T09:56:06+00:00 March 9th, 2016|Facial Ageing, Skin Concerns, Skincare Research, Society of Cosmetic Scientists, Wellbeing|

Long, sound and refreshing sleep for facial beauty Much of beauty is based on scientific advances, particularly in skincare. The Sleep Report (2014) compiled by This Works (and brought to my attention by Sunday Times) quotes research from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm reporting that "an adequate nights sleep helps make a person look more attractive". The report makes for an interesting read. I experience first hand how lack of sleep (or even interrupted sleep) affects the skin - anxiety and fatigue can make even the face of a young woman look drawn and prematurely aged. Sleeping on one side promoting sleep lines? The quality of sleep matters but also which side of the face people sleep on makes a difference - leading to sagging and "sleep lines" discussed in previous blog. Or does it? My SCS colleague, Daniel Whitby from Cornelius highlighted a recent US study (2013) stating that "sleep side preference was not significantly correlated with the appearance of wrinkles or sagging". The participant cohort included 41 right-sided and 23 left-sided female sleepers in Michigan. My clinical experience concurs with previous study (1999; carried out in Miami and confirming the initial work by Dr. Samuel J. Stegman on sleep creases) that lines are truly more pronounced on the sleeping side. Searching for solutions, recent research (2015) offers a review of this area and promotes sleeping

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Choices in Anti-Ageing: The Botox & Fillers Alternative

By faceworkshops| 2016-12-09T09:29:33+00:00 November 23rd, 2015|Aesthetic Rules & Beauty, Cosmetic Procedures, Facial Ageing, Facial Yoga|

A good analogy for the holistic approach I advocate for the face - personalised skincare routine, professional treatments and at-home facial exercise - is exercising the body. If we want to tone up and achieve a better silhouette, we have a choice of a) an instant tummy tuck or b) to engage in a bespoke exercise regime. The later requires more effort and personal commitment, and the results are delivered slowly in comparison to the former. I have been witness to the adverse side effects of Botox, fillers and facial fat transfer making me firmly believe that the holistic approach is a health-affirming, if longer-term path, to inner beauty. When looking at the psychology of appearance, I refer to Dr Eileen Bradbury who said that undergoing cosmetic procedures often exposes us to a judgement of being vain; we receive little sympathy from our peers. Yet, we all strive to look attractive and struggle with ageing (see my survey). Attractiveness is important in all walks of life - symmetry and evenness of facial skin and features signal our health. Yet, we often don't see each other in movement, or when smiling, only static in the mirror. There is something disturbing about asymmetry - and as we age these asymmetries become more exaggerated. For example, sleeping on one side can contribute to more lines and a slightly 'squashed'

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New vs. Innovative Skincare

By faceworkshops| 2016-12-07T10:23:53+00:00 November 17th, 2015|Product Reviews, Skincare Shopping, Skincare Tips|

Launching new or innovative skincare products? The beauty market is saturated, yet in perpetual need of NEW products (35 % of purchases annually) that are not always scientifically relevant or innovative.. PACKAGING. Creating value in the eyes of the consumer often stems from packaging - at least for people that don't have difficult-to-treat skin types or too many ageing concerns. CONVENIENCE. Mobile purchases are becoming more popular than desktop and Google favours e-commerce sites that are mobile friendly. The online journey and feeling welcome on the site - as well as product reviews are becoming extremely important. After all, the beauty industry is about talking to people.. Packaging needs to appeal, be simple and fit for purpose - but at the end of the day, it is only the outer shell of the product. SKIN BIOLOGY, LIFESTYLE & COMPLIANCE. Buying skincare differs from other beauty purchases. Your skin type is unique and the factors that influence you individually depend on genetics and lifestyle - efficacy, the right choice of active ingredients and sensory aspects of skincare products come first! The price, quality, size and prestige attributes are secondary. Go shopping when: you understand your skin type and active ingredients that alleviate your concerns know how to layer your products know how your skin changes during the day and seasons appreciate how does it

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Be Smart About Anti-Ageing Skincare

By faceworkshops| 2016-12-09T09:36:34+00:00 October 28th, 2015|Facial Ageing, Facial Massage, Facial Yoga, Skincare Tips|

Looking good for your age feels fabulous. And quality skincare does not have to break the bank - the results are also in your (and your facialist's) hands. Facial creams are only a part of the solution. It is the professional facial massage (every 4 - 6 weeks) and a personalised daily "at home" care that make the difference! 1. Go shopping for a PERSONALISED bargain. Ask questions of your beauty therapist so that you can respect their credibility. A good skincare specialist will be able to save you money on efficacious products. We all love a bargain - but only if it works! 2. Save money by PROTECTION and PREVENTION - at any age. Be diligent with your skincare routines. Use a gentle cleanser and a serum underneath your moisturiser. Use a mask regularly and learn the art of skincare layering. Remember that skincare has a shelf life - change your products every season. 3. RELAX YOUR FACE in the evening by bespoke facial yoga and a gentle massage routine. 4. Invest in regular PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS. Only 25 % of British women invest in facial treatments. The Brits worry about appearance and facial ageing but don't do much about it. Having a facial has not been ingrained in women since childhood (as in France) or demanded by the society (e.g. USA). As the Parisians say - enjoy the face you have today.

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Ageing in Figures

By faceworkshops| 2016-12-07T09:31:36+00:00 May 19th, 2012|Facial Ageing, Skin Concerns, Skincare Research|

According to Unilever research, these are the factors that bring about good ageing in 40 - 70 years old women. In China Less sun exposure - 2.9 years younger Working indoors - 6.5 years younger Pre-menopause - 3.5 years younger Frequent use of moisturiser - 2.4 years younger Frequent use of night cream - 2.4 years younger In Spain Eating fruit and veg every day - 2.1 years younger Healthy diet - 1.8 years younger Never using a sunbed - 5.7 years younger Ever used HRT - 2.5 years younger Frequent use of moisturiser - 2.8 years younger Non smoker - 1.8 years younger Falling asleep quickly - 2.5 years younger Also in my practice - healthy lifestyle, lots of sleep and a good skincare routine accounts for 80 % of success in delaying skin ageing.

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Look and Feel Confident

By faceworkshops| 2016-12-06T21:52:51+00:00 November 2nd, 2009|Skincare Research, Skincare Shopping, Skincare Tips|

“A good face is the best letter of recommendation”. Queen Elizabeth I. Since pre-historic times, human communication has been mainly visual and it remains so today – we convey emotions through our face. We also still possess the ability to read the faces of others and evaluate their well-being. We form many assumptions about a person based on their physical appearance when we meet them for the first time. Make-up can increase our attractiveness and scientists have shown that attractive people enjoy many advantages in life - they are judged as happier, smarter and more successful. The way we look even correlates with our health – our skin mirrors the strength of our immune system. When we become unhappy with our facial skin, be it through a mild skin disorder (like rosacea or acne) or signs of ageing (lines and wrinkles, sagging and pigmentation), we are prone to psychological distress. It is unfair that the prevalence of skin issues increases steadily as we are ageing and our society does not judge visible ageing of our faces kindly. We don’t receive as sympathetic a response as someone suffering from other physical ailments may do and often feel low and rejected. Foundation & The Lip Stick Effect We tend to explore different strategies to boost

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