We’re still feeling a bit down in the dumps in gloomy January, and definitely feeling the effects of over-indulgence in, well, almost every aspect of our lives.
And no matter how many hours we’re spending tirelessly sweating it out on the gym floor four days a week (We are, aren’t we? Yes?), there are also other ways to counter the effects of the late nights, chocolate binges, booze and whatever else you’ve been treating yourself to. So, here’s the low-down – the why, what, where and how – of how to get a new and fresh you… because a half-hearted detox and workout at the gym just wont quite cut it…
• HAPPY SMILEY PEOPLE
We’d all like a beautiful, brighter, whiter smile, however, for those of us who also enjoy a glass of red wine (or five), an espresso or even the occasional fag (as in cigarette) – keeping a healthy grin can sometimes prove impossible!
Bel Sorriso – meaning ‘Beautiful Smile’ – use B-Zero™ – the UK’s first professional teeth-whitening that is completely peroxide free. A locally based, mobile teeth whitening studio – the procedure is safe and gentle on your teeth and gums as they do not use harsh chemicals such as peroxide, chlorine dioxide and bleach, which are often found in many inferior ‘home’ whitening products.
FREE TEETH WHITENING
Bel Sorriso offer a FREE 15 minute teeth whitening session at their clinic at SHQ, Pudding Lane, Maidstone, Kent and a massive 50% discount off all printed prices, which means instead of £149 its only £74.50 or book with a friend, two people for the one price of £99 (£49.50 each). Just quote ‘QX’ when calling.
• Contact Bel Sorriso at www.belsorriso.co.uk or call 0800 088 6114
• THE BIG FIVE
- Laser Hair Removal. Despite many of us loving a hairy guy, we are still on a conquest to have unsightly hair removed from our neck, chest, back or crack. Laser hair removal provides a permanent solution.
- Skin Rejuvenation. There are several ways to rejuvenate the skin including Microdermabrasion where the skin is treated to a deep, mechanical exfoliation, which gently resurfaces the outer layers of the skin, removing damaged cells and stimulating the skin’s natural cell regenerating process. Skin peels are popular, too, and good for removing sun damage skin and acne.
- Botox and Fillers. Botox is remarkable at improving the wrinkles resulting from hyperactive facial muscles. While Filler treatments are used to plump-up lines and wrinkles around the face. When treated the patient gets an immediate result and more natural, smoother appearance.
- Derma Roller. Derma Roller is a revolutionary device with hundreds of tiny needles which has the amazing ability to naturally stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin without damaging it. It is good for scar removal, anti ageing and anti wrinkle.
- Laser. Fraxel Laser beams penetrate deep below the skin’s surface to eliminate old, damaged and dead skin cells. The Fraxel Laser stimulates the body’s own healing process, rejuvenating damaged skin and revealing fresh, glowing skin – making you look years younger.
FREE CONSULTATION!
• Mention ‘QX’ when you call for a free consultation!
• Skin Health Spa. Call 0800 2425 145 or visit
• www.skinhealthspa.com
• STRIPPING DOWN TO THE BEAR ESSENTIALS
Good skin is down to three basic rules, says Jules Heptonstall: cleanse, tone and moisturise…
Ok ok, I mean bare essentials. So, this week’s special feature is all about beauty – lets revel in it shall we? Or, are you left feeling a bit confused in a rabbit-headlight man-at-beauty-counter kind of way? Don’t be, you can achieve great skin with a basic routine.
We’re taught from a young age that washing yourself is important, but you have to remember that now living in this big city we call London, our skin is subjected to some pretty grimey stuff. When you’re standing waiting for the tube, just feel the air on your skin as it pulls in – imagine the level of dirt that is being pushed into your pores (apologies if this now causes discomfort during your commute, I didn’t want to be alone). As men, our bodies are different from women (a given, duh!) but that also includes our skin (our body’s biggest organ – so that must justify a bit of TLC?).
Start by using good cleanser. Many men have dry skin, especially in the winter, so choose a gentle cleanser with added moisturising benefits. Try Dr Nick Lowe Hydrating Foam Cleanser (£10.20 – Boots) or for a one-cleanser-does-all – try LAB Series for Men Multi Action Facewash (£17 – Boots). “It contains small “polishing spheres” that buff the skin’s surface removing dead cells as you massage the foam into the skin,” states Richard Sawyer, Spokesperson & International Education Director at Lab Series. Fancy!
You may have heard the old phrase – ‘cleanse, tone and moisturise’, some are great believers that this is the trick to great skin. Toners balance the pH levels in the skin as well as tightening the pores. Try Anthony Logistics Astringent Toning Pads (£21 – Space.NK), simply wipe over your face after cleansing. They’re also great for use after the gym to remove any left over sweat to avoid blocked pores.
Acne is a problem for most of us at some stage – and is caused by a hormones and/or stress. However temping it may be “never pick or squeeze a spot as this can push bacteria deeper into the skin” advises Lowe. If a little friend has popped up near the day of a date and you need to banish that blemish, choose Aveda Outer Peace Blemish Spot Relief (£15.50 – stockists 0870 034 2380)
Don’t be afraid to spend that bit more on your essentials. These should be used twice a day so when you strip it down to cost-per-wash – it’ll work out as an investment rather than money down the plughole…so to speak.
• 5 STEPS TO A HOLLYWOOD SMILE
- Brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Brushing your teeth removes plaque (bacteria) that can cause tooth decay and gum problems. Brush using a fluoride-containing toothpaste to strengthen the teeth and prevent decay. It is best to brush your teeth in small circular motions on the tooth and gums. Flossing, as much as we all hate it, is also important as it gets out plaque from between the teeth where the brush can’t reach.
- Avoid smoking. In addition to seriously harming your health, smoking stains your teeth and can affect your gums, too. Other things that stain your teeth include tea, coffee and red wine. So drop the fags and that wine, love.
- See your dentist for regular check-ups. Only a dentist can examine your teeth thoroughly and advise you of any potential problems before they get out-of-hand.
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned. Certain stains can only be removed by deep cleaning done by a dentist or hygienist. At the surgery they use ultrasonic scalers to effectively remove build-up and stains from the teeth. They also have an airflow machine that uses small particles of sodium bicarbonate to gently remove stubborn stains for a glimmering smile.
- Consider cosmetic dental treatments. There are a vast range of treatments available to improve your smile. At his dental surgery, Dr Marques offers veneers, dental implants, white fillings and tooth whitening among other treatments. Veneers are porcelain fronts that improve the shape and appearance of your teeth. Dental implants can replace missing teeth. White fillings restore your teeth in a natural-looking way. Tooth whitening can dramatically improve the colour of your teeth.
• ZOOM whitening with Dr Marques costs £650. For more information, go to www.wimpolestreetdental.com – to book your free consultation call 0207 637 1672
• REJUVENATE, PEEL AND PLUMP
We know that your vanity knows no bounds, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a plump, a fill or a peel – they’re all relatively non-invasive and quick, and can do wonders for your appearance and confidence. Just don’t overdo it, please. Freedomhealth is a private, discreet gay-friendly GP service and cosmetic clinic in the heart of the medical district on Harley Street. They offer anti-ageing treatments, skin rejuvenation treatments, laser treatments and chemical peels.
Cosmetic services include anti-ageing treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers. Anti-wrinkle injections smooth out forehead wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s feet to give you a rested and youthful appearance. Dermal fillers involve the injection of a soft gel into or under the skin. They help to ‘plump up’ the area around the region that has received the injection, leveling it with other parts of the skin, thus making it not look sunken. Dermal fillers are the most popular treatment to augment cheeks, lips and treat lines that go from the nose to the corner of the mouth.
Skin rejuvenation treatments are useful to treat wrinkled skin, pigmented skin changes in the skin and facial thread veins (telangiectasias). Freedomhealth uses microdermabrasion, photorejuvination using Broadband Light therapy and various skin care systems to rejuvenate the skin and reverse some of these changes cause by years of sun damage.
Chemical and laser peels are also available at Freedomhealth. These treatments all remove a layer of skin from the face. The body naturally repairs itself and replaces the old, damaged skin that was removed, with a fresh, healthy layer of skin. Fine lines, wrinkles and sunspots are treated in this way and your new skin will give you a youthful glow.
At Freedomhealth, they’re gay friendly and will make you feel right at home; you’ll be seen by specialist nurses and doctors and they offer innovative, state of the art techniques and treatments. Your comfort and safety is always a priority and there are no sales consultants or beauty therapists.
FREE CONSULTATION!
Prices vary according to the treatment, but there is a special offer until the end of February which will include a free cosmetic consultation with Dr Alex Vass – our resident doctor (see page 62)… just quote ‘QX’ when you make your appointment.
• Freedomhealth,. For more information please call 020 7637 1600 or visit www.freedomhealth.co.uk.
• LIPO AWAY
Treatments include: Body shaping and fat reduction with i-Lipo™ laser lipo inch loss; anti-ageing rejuvenation facials from Galvanic Spa™, Ultra cellulite reduction with skin toning and skin tightening. Diet plans, nutritional advice, natural health supplements and cosmecuticals complement their in-clinic treatments – all working together to create a fresher more confident you.
50% OFF!
To tempt you over, Health Spectrum Clinic is offering you a whopping 50% discount. That means a full course of i-Lipo for only £400, plus they will offer you one free Botox-like Galvanic Facial. Now there really is no excuse not to!
• Health Spectrum Clinic, 1st Floor, 141-142 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 6BQ. For more information please call 020 7377 8017 or visit www.healthspectrumclinic.com
• WAX ON, WAX OFF!
• The Soho Salon, 5 Carlisle Street, Soho, W1.
• Tel: 020 7494 4444. www.thesohosalon.com
• The Covent Garden Salon, 69A Endell Street, Covent Garden. Tel: 020 7836 8362.
• www.thecoventgardensalon.com
