Natura Skin Clinic is a friendly, family run clinic based in Cheshire offering a great range of non-surgical treatments to improve the appearance of your skin.

Unlike other local clinics or spa salons, every single procedure at Natura is carried out by a fully qualified doctor. Set up by established local GP, Dr Carlos Xavier, Natura is a privately owned, family run clinic with the highest standards of service, treatment and care.

As non-surgical treatments have grown in popularity, the number of places claiming to offer treatment has risen – all too often, without any medical supervision or training. At last, patients can feel comfortable having treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, lip sculpturing and laser hair removal in total medical safety.

Your Skin Evaluation

We believe it’s vital to evaluate your skin and needs first, so we offer patients a free skin evaluation first without any obligation to commit or any pestering phone calls from any salespeople.

Our Website

Our website also has lots of great information on ways you can look after your skin and how to treat skin conditions such as Acne and Rosacea. You can also find lots of information on how our treatments can help your skin, including Fractional CO2 Laser, Sculptra and Platelet Rich Plasma.

With wedding season nearly upon us it seems an increasing number of brides to be are going even further to achieve wedding perfection. Pre-wedding procedures are seeing huge growth, and are becoming as important as choosing the dress.

Non-surgical procedures can give great natural looking results but it is important to ensure that you seek treatment from an experienced, qualified practitioner. We have chosen our picks of pre-wedding treatments and a guide to what to look for to ensure you get the most out of your treatment in time for the big day.

The Vampire Facelift- Rejuvenate Skin With Your Own Blood

When To Have Treatment

The Vampire Facelift is a great treatment for those wary of using Botox or dermal fillers. Using your body’s own blood the platelet rich plasma (PRP) is extracted and re-injected to stimulate collagen production and to assist with healing. At Natura we use our Fractional CO2 Laser and the PRP is applied after which dramatically reduces the downtime. We would recommend having this treatment at least 10 weeks before the wedding. Results are further improved by having a polishing laser dermabrasion 4 weeks after treatment so you want to give your skin time to heal.

What To Avoid

Avoid having chemical peels close to the day, as the use of chemicals could cause a reaction and there is no telling how long this may take to heal. The Vampire Facelift is entirely natural, using your own blood so you know that your skin won’t react to it.

Botox- Smooth Lines And Wrinkles

When To Have Treatment

If you do decide to get Botox, do it at least a month before your wedding to prevent any bruising and to allow it time to work. It can take between 5 days and up to two weeks for it to fully ‘kick in’. If you do bruise easily, allow at least six weeks to make sure everything has settled down and your muscles have had time to respond to the treatment. You want to look natural and show your true emotions on the big day.

What To Avoid

There are growing numbers of people undergoing Botox at bridal parties at a reduced rate. It is important that your treatment is carried out by a professional because should it not be administered correctly there is very little that can be done to rectify it. Look for practitioners using Botox produced by Allergan. Allergan is the leading manufacturer of Botox so you know you are getting the very best the market has to offer.

1. Exercise Daily

Getting your heart pumping doesn’t have to entail a marathon session at the gym. Quick
10-minute breaks throughout the day (like taking a short walk or climbing the stairs at work) can get your blood flowing and bring a natural flush of color to your skin.

2. Eat Cucumbers

Cucumbers contain vitamin C and caffeic acid, two antioxidants that help fend off wrinkles and sun damage. Vitamin C gives your skin a boost of collagen and elastin, which keeps you looking radiant. Plus, you can save the leftovers for a cooling eye mask or add them to your water for a refreshing twist on plain water!

3. Use Sunblock

One of the simplest and most effective ways to look after your skin is to regularly use SPF. Lots of brands now include an SPF in their daily wear moisturisers so make sure you look out for it when you next buy. Despite our notoriously unreliable British summers, UVA & B rays are still present on cloudy days and these can cause premature ageing of the skin. We recommend Avene Antirougeurs Jour Redness Relief Moisturising Protective Emulsion – Normal to Combination Skin

4. Exfoliate

A Laser Dermabrasion is a great way to polish and remove any dead skin cells from your skin. The results? A smoother and clearer complexion. This light peel can be tailored to your needs so don’t worry about downtime. Alternatively, if you can manage the redness for a day or 2, Fractional CO2 laser treatment with PRP can give fantastic, natural looking results. Also dubbed the Vampire Facelift, this treatment is increasing in popularity thanks to it’s celebrity following.

5. Drink Green Tea

Not only does green tea taste great, but it’s also high in antioxidants like vitamin C, which help get rid of free radicals that damage skin cells. Plus, it reduces inflammation, a common problem for many.

In a recent episode of her new reality television show, Kim Kardashian and close friend Jonathan Cheban visit a clinic for a facial where Kim undergoes a vampire facelift. (or blood facial as described by Kim.)

The treatment is gaining popularity because of its organic and natural looking results. The treatment works by utilising the body’s own healing processes to rejuvenate the skin. Addressing numerous skin concerns; from acne to signs of ageing, Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment is proving an effective treatment.

The episode see’s Kim visit her doctor for the treatment. Blood is extracted from the patient and placed in a centrifuge. This process separates the red blood cells from the platelet rich plasma or PRP. It is this PRP that can synthesise the body’s own healing processes to improve anything from fines lines and wrinkles to scarring caused by acne.

How Does It Work?

Platelet rich plasma skin rejuvenation is the perfect treatment for those who feel the more commonly used dermal fillers aren’t for them.

The treatment has shown a particular efficacy when used alongside fractional CO2 laser treatment. The application of PRP dramatically reduces the downtime associated with more ablative lasers whilst improving collagen synthesis beneath the surface of the skin. This also allows more sensitive areas such as the neck and eyelid to be effectively treated and managed post treatment.

The results are better and the recovery time is markedly shortened. Together these treatments can be used to achieve smoother, better texture, healthy and youthful skin in a safe rapid and reliable treatment.

So how do they help?

The antioxidants found in blueberries help prevent long-term cell damage. Antioxidants fight free radicals to protect your skin from environmental factors, which can cause skin to age.

A diet containing food high in antioxidants is one of the simplest, most natural things you can do when it comes to enhancing your health and beauty.

Anthocyanin’s, members of the phytochemical group known as bioflavonoids, give blueberries their characteristic pigmentation. More importantly, these colouring agents possess powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promote overall health. If you’re concerned about blotchy, dull or sun-damaged skin, eating blueberries and other anthocyanin-rich plant foods on a regular basis could help clear up problem areas and leave your skin looking clearer, firmer and younger looking.

Ingredients

• 4 Hot Cross Buns
• 100ml Milk
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Tbsp Honey 
• 1 Pot Of Natural Yogurt
• 50g Toasted Flaked Almonds
• 1 Punnet Fresh Blueberries

For the Compote

• 100g Blueberries
• 1 Tbsp Caster Sugar
• A Squeeze Of Lemon Juice

Method

Put the compote ingredients in a pan. Heat gently until the blueberries start to pop and release their juice then simmer for 2-3 minutes until jammy.

Slice the hot cross buns in half. Mix the milk and eggs together and soak the sliced buns in the egg mixture for a minute or so.

Using a non-stick frying pan and a little oil gently fry the buns on each side until golden brown.

To serve, stack the 2 slices on a plate, spoon on half the pot of yoghurt and blueberry compote, drizzle with honey and top with almonds.

Garnish with the fresh blueberries.

This week we look how artichokes and fennel can improve skin health.

Artichokes

Regular consumption of these woody, fibrous vegetables has been linked to healthier skin, and in particular, improved skin luminosity. Artichoke is frequently used as an herbal remedy in creams and cosmetics because of their high antioxidant potency, but included as part of a healthy diet, can also benefit the body by easing digestion, lowering cholesterol and aiding the body’s natural immune system defences.

Fennel

If you’re not familiar with this liquorice-flavoured root vegetable already– get to know it. Aside from aiding digestion, reducing swelling in the body and helping to flush out excess fluids and toxins, it also works wonders for the health of your skin and hair. Fennel is also commonly used in skincare products, treating dry skin and preventing the onset of fine lines and wrinkles.

This recipe makes a great addition to any meal as a side dish, or can be eaten as a healthy lunch with a crusty bread roll.

Grilled Artichoke & Fennel Spring Salad

Ingredients

• 5-6 Baby Artichokes
• 6-7 Baby Fennel Bulbs
• Lemon
• Olive Oil
• Garlic
• Honey
• Rice Vinegar
• Parmesan Cheese
• Lambs Lettuce

Bring a pan of water to a boil. Clean 5 or 6 baby artichokes by snipping the sharp thorns off the leaves all the way around with kitchen scissors, remove the bottom toughest leaves, and slice the tops off. Rub all over with a lemon.

Place in a pan of water to cook for about 10 minutes depending on how big they are. Add 6 or 7 baby fennel bulbs including the roots. The fennel will cook faster than the artichokes.

Cut prepped vegetables in half, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill on a grill pan or under a hot grill for 15 minutes flipping and turning so they cook evenly and don’t burn.

For the dressing chop 1 small garlic clove, the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 tsp honey, 1 tsp rice vinegar, chopped fennel fronds, salt and pepper and whisk.

Once your vegetables are cooked through, place them on a bed of lambs lettuce and drizzle with the lemon dressing, garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and lemon zest.

With the Spring just around the corner, now is a great time to treat unwanted veins and cellulite on your legs. Natura has a great new offer so you can save on ANY leg treatments.

Leg Vein Treatments

If you, like many other women, suffer from unwanted leg veins, the summer can be a trying time. Shorter hemlines and summer holidays mean that unwanted veins can cause many to feel self-concious. Thankfully, there are non-surgical treatments that can rid legs of these veins in as little as just one treatment.

Laser Leg Vein Treatments and Sclerotherapy are a quick and painless way of solving this troubling condition.

Cellulite Treatments

Cellulite unfortunately affects most women at some point during their lives. Cellulite is the dimpling of skin which typically develops on the top of the legs. Though the definitive cause is not known, lifestyle, exercise and genetics play a large part. Velashape uses a system of infra-red, radio-frequency, vacuum and deep massage which increases the metabolism of stored energy, shrinks the fat cells and vastly improves lymphatic drainage, banishing unsightly lumps and bumps.

Olive oil may be unique among dietary oils for its anti-aging benefits to your skin. Though this is not advocating a high-oil diet, it seems that should you use oil in your food, olive oil may be the best choice for your skin.

Research Results

A recent study in France revealed that the signs of skin photoaging were significantly lower in people who regularly consumed olive oil in their diets. The study surveyed almost 3,000 French men and women aged 45-60 and correlated dietary information with photographic ratings of skin photoaging.

The study’s investigators removed confounding factors that impact skin aging (such as smoking, sun exposure history, body mass index, menopausal or hormone replacement status, home geographic location, etc.) and olive oil consumption was still correlated with younger looking, less sun-damaged skin.

Consumption of dietary fats from animal sources (i.e. dairy and meat) was not associated with this protective phenomenon, nor was consumption of the other most frequently used vegetable oils in the French study population (safflower and peanut oil).

The Verdict?

The scientists carrying out the study concluded that olive oil may be uniquely beneficial to the skin’s health because of it’s rich polyphenol antioxidants and squalene content

Both of these act as antioxidants to help fight oxidative free radical damage. Sun damage of skin is caused by oxidative free radical reactions. They noted that

Squalene is to a large extent sequestered in the skin (sebum is reported to contain 12%), where it is believed to exert a major protective effect against free radical damage and skin dryness. Polyphenols are also known to be powerful radical scavengers. Both squalene and polyphenols have been assumed to be primarily responsible for the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet.

The polyphenols and squalene may help bolster your skin’s defenses against stray UV rays. Simply substituting olive oil for other dietary oils may give you a slightly better edge over wrinkles, sun spots, and skin cancer – helping to keep your skin healthy and younger looking.

But remember, it is still important to use a protective SPF cream daily to portect the skin from damaging UV rays. It’s the single most important skin care step for preventing wrinkles, premature skin thinning (solar elastosis), uneven pigment, and skin cancer.

In the February issue of Elle mag, Kelly Ripa reveals all on how she manages to stay looking young and lets us in on a Botox secret even we didn’t know:

The actress regularly works out, which she says has had a massive impact on how she feels and looks. “The spin class is punishing”, says Ripa but she seems to outperform the twentysomethings manically pedaling around her and emerges looking almost like she did when she arrived. “It’s the Botox,” she says, adding that she sometimes gets it in her armpits to avoid sweating.

Ripa has never had plastic surgery, but she every 4-6 months, the actress visits her doctor for non-surgical alternatives to rejuvenate her skin. Top of her list of treatments is Botox.

“Every seven months or so my eyelid skin rests on my eyelashes. So I feel like it makes my makeup artist’s life easier, and it makes my eyes look a little more open on TV, which is where I happen to work right now,” she said.

Without the makeup, she says, she’s a transformed woman.

“Once I leave the building, I can walk out to the street and never be noticed. It’s my superpower: I’m invisible. I just look very normal and totally unremarkable.”

Ripa is aware of her appearance perhaps more so than other women who appear on television, simply because she’s so small that any changes in her body are immediately recognized by viewers and called out.

“I feel like as long as you take ownership over your own flaws, it doesn’t hurt if someone else points them out,” she said.

A University of Florida study found that people who consume more antioxidants such as pommegranate and blueberries, maintain lower BMIs, smaller waistlines, and lower body-fat percentages than those with lower intakes, even though both groups consumed about the same number of daily calories—a strong indication that the nutrients calories are bundled with play a key role in metabolism.
 
 

2. Myth: The Label Never Lies

A Harvard professor recently created a buzz when she spoke out about the shortcomings of the 100+ year old formula used to determine the calorie values many people rely upon. Turns out, based on further study, several foods actually contain less, because some components don’t get digested. Incomplete digestion means that rather than being absorbed into the body, where calories have to be burned, used, or stored, some simply travel through your digestive system, to become waste.

This type of analysis led to the recent insight that almonds supply about 30 percent fewer calories than the label states, while other foods may pack more than expected. In addition, many studies have shown that after ingestion, some foods, like ginger and chili pepper, or food patterns, like vegan diets, increase metabolic rate, triggering you to burn more calories.
 

3. Myth: Counting Calories Is A Surefire Strategy For Weight Loss

In a recent study from the University of California, San Francisco, scientists randomly assigned 121 women to one of four protocols. The first tracked their calories, keeping them to 1,200 a day. The second ate normally, but recorded the number of calories they consumed. The third ate 1,200 calories a day, but didn’t have to record them, and the fourth ate normally, without any calorie tracking.

Researchers found that when calories were limited, levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, rose. And calorie counting, even without limitations, also made the women more stressed. Cortisol is known to rev up appetite, spike cravings for fatty and sugary foods, and lead to an increase in belly fat, so causing it to surge surely isn’t a smart weight-control strategy.
 

4. Myth: All Calories Are Created Equal

There are three types of calories your body needs: Carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Because each performs a unique function, they aren’t interchangeable, so getting the right amount of each is important. For example, if you ate too few protein calories and too many carb calories, the jobs that proteins do wouldn’t get done, and the surplus carb calories would get sent straight to your fat cells.

This can result in weight gain, as well as the loss of muscle mass, dry, dull hair and skin, hormonal imbalances, and a weaker immune system. Too much or too little of all three calorie types can lead to unwanted side effects, so getting a certain number of daily calories, without regard to the type of food, just doesn’t make sense.