Showing posts with label Skincare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skincare. Show all posts

Saturday, 21 November 2015

Spatchcock chicken with fennel and mango salad

Spatchcock chicken with fennel and mango salad


A tasty, simple and fast way to cook a whole chicken.

Add a little spice to the marinade if you like - it will complement the fruity salad.

Ingredients
For the spatchcock chicken
1 x 1.8kg/4lb free-range chicken, spatchcocked
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp chopped rosemary
2 tbsp thyme leaves
extra virgin olive oil or butter
4 garlic cloves

For the fennel and mango salad
100g shelled toasted hazelnuts
2 mangoes, peeled, stone removed, flesh cut into 1cm/½ in cubes or 5mm/¼in slices
2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and cut lengthways into thin slices
100ml oz olive oil
1 lemon, juice only
4 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
250g feta cheese

Preparation method
Preheat the oven to 180C
For the spatchcock chicken, slash each chicken leg two or three times with a sharp knife. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, sprinkle with chopped rosemary and thyme leaves and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

Transfer to a roasting tin. Place skin-side upwards and tuck the whole garlic cloves underneath. Roast in a preheated oven for 50 minutes to an hour, or until the juices run clear

For the fennel and mango salad, lightly crush the hazelnuts in a pestle and mortar or place in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to break them up. 
Set aside.

In a bowl, mix together the mango and fennel with the olive oil, lemon juice and mint. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve, cut the chicken into portions, then divide the salad between plates, scatter over the toasted hazelnuts and crumble over the feta cheese.

I also love this salad with salmon.

Thursday, 15 October 2015

Egg White Oats!


My new favourite breakfast!

Great Post Workout meal also.

Egg white and gluten free oats:
with cocoa nibs, 
bee pollen, 
pumkin seeds, 
chia seeds 
and a splash of coconut milk!!

YUM! 

Tuesday, 13 October 2015

Colonic Irrigation


Colonic Irrigation, or colon hydrotherapy as it is also known, involves the introduction of warm purified water to the colon in order to create a gentle cleanse. This cleansing effect can be increased by incorporating gentle abdominal massage techniques. Excess water and waste material is then drained away using a closed system. Using the most advanced Harley Street method, it is now possible to enjoy the powerful health giving benefits of colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy at MEDISKIN.
The colon is large intestine or bowel is situated in the abdomen and forms the last part of the digestive tract.


An extremely important organ in its own right, it carries out a number of vital functions including the completion of the digestive process involving absorption of water soluble nutrients as well as the synthesis of certain vitamins.

The colon is a major part of the excretory system, and is responsible for eliminating food and other body wastes, as well as protecting us from infection and disease. In a normal functioning colon, all this is achieved with the help of billions of friendly bacteria, which inhabit weight of our faecal waste.


However, the delicate balance of this internal ecosystem can very easily be disturbed by a number of factors including stress, pollution, poor food and drink choices, certain drugs, smoking and exposure to toxic substances.

Frequently Asked Questions


What are the benefits of colonic irrigation?

Makes the digestive system more effective

As the colon is cleansed, it pushes undigested waste through your system, clearing the way for good nutrient absorption. If waste remains in the body for too long, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and illness. A clean colon from a colon detox allows undigested waste to pass easily through your system.

Maintains regularity and prevents constipation
Constipation — especially when it's chronic — causes a sluggish digestive response, which in turn leaves waste in the system longer. This increases the likelihood that toxins will be released into the bloodstream. It is also a cause of other illnesses and irritations, such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Increases energy
Releasing the toxins from your body is rejuvenating because it refocuses the energy usually used for forcing waste through your intestines to other parts of your body. People who have undergone colon detoxification say they have better blood circulation, more restful sleep and a boost in energy.

Increases the body's absorption of vitamins and nutrients

A colon that has been cleansed allows only water, vitamins and nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream, rather than releasing toxins and bacteria through the colon walls. When the colon is detoxified, it clears the way for essential nutrients to filter into your body unobstructed.

Improves concentration
Poor diet and ineffective vitamin absorption can cause you to become distracted and lose your concentration. The buildup of mucous and toxins in your colon can keep your body from getting what it needs to function, even if you eat a consistently healthy diet. Cleansing the colon with a detox diet can be the difference between feeling alert and not being able to focus. This has far-reaching ramifications for work, your relationships and your overall health.

Kick-starts weight loss
Foods lacking in fiber move through the digestive tract at one-quarter the pace of high-fiber choices. This slow-moving food produces excess mucous that literally sticks to the intestinal walls, weighing the intestinal tract down with pounds of decaying fecal matter.

Colon cleansing has the potential to aid weight loss; some people claim to have lost up to 20 pounds over the course of a month. The average human colon weighs about four pounds empty and can hold up to eight meals' worth of food before digestion finally occurs. A colon cleansing can result in significant weight loss and kick-start your metabolism, as well as refocus your attention on better food choices and whole-body wellness.

Decreases risk of colon cancer
All the toxins that you eat, drink, breathe in and absorb through your skin end up being processed by your gastrointestinal system and liver. If they are not forced from your colon and liver as quickly as possible, they can wreak havoc on your body's systems. By releasing stagnant body waste, you reduce the causes and the risk of polyps, cysts and cancerous growths in your colon and gastrointestinal tract.

Increases fertility
Colon cleansing, as well as increased fiber intake and healthy food choices, improves regularity and helps keep your weight under control. Fat is estrogen-based, and if too much is present, becoming pregnant becomes more difficult. A colon that is weighed down by years of buildup can also press on the uterus and surrounding reproductive organs in women, causing strain.

Colon cleansing rids the body of many chemicals and toxins that affect the egg and sperm. Many naturopaths recommend that both partners undergo colon cleansing before attempting pregnancy.

Maintains pH balance in the bloodstream
Foods that cause colon blockages are acid-forming — particularly high-protein diets without enough fiber. This leads to general malaise in the body. The tissue of the colon eventually becomes diseased and inflamed, reducing the colon's ability to do its job, which is to allow only water, minerals and vitamins to pass into the bloodstream. If yeasts, molds, fungus, bacteria, parasites or fecal material enter the bloodstream and connected tissue, the body's pH will be thrown out of balance.

Improves whole-body well-being
Ridding the colon of waste and toxins by releasing layers of colon buildup can lead to feelings of lightness, strength and overall good health.

What should I do following my colonic irrigation treatment?

Follow any specific advice on diet, supplements, exercise etc given to you by your therapist.
Don’t over eat.  Eat simply cooked or raw food and chew well.  A diet rich in fruit and vegetables ( especially dark green, leafy foods) will add to the cleansing effect and regulate bowels.
Don’t eat red meat (beef, lamb, pork and game) every day, white meat and fish and vegetarian meals are much easier to digest.
Eat only grains e.g. brown rice, wholemeal flour, NOT refined e.g., white flour products, pasta etc.
Avoid lots of mucus forming foods like refined grains, dairy products and eggs.
A small amount of water is absorbed during the colonic treatment and you may notice an increased need to urinate.  This is normal and will subside quickly.
Drink plenty of fluids.  If your digestion is weak don’t drink with meals or for 30 mins before, or 1 hour after meals.  Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours.
You may experience some flatulence and bowel sounds – this is due to the bowel bacteria multiplying back up to strength for up to 48 hours after treatments. Probiotic supplements/foods may be useful and the fruit and vegetables will help.
If griping occurs drink hot peppermint, Fennel or Chamomile infusions and avoid cold drinks, carbonated drinks and gassy foods.
Don’t expect a bowel movement the next day depending upon your conditions, it may take several days before normal bowel movements resume.
Avoid rigorous exercise and weigh lifting for 24 hours after treatment.

Contact MEDISKIN if any problems arise following your treatment.

Tuesday, 29 September 2015

Mediskin are Finalists!!

Sooooo proud to announce that MEDISKIN are Finalists in this years 
BLOG AWARDS IRELAND.

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We have been longlisted, shortlisted and now named as finalists among thousands of other entries.

This is such a huge honor and we are genuinely thrilled.  

We use our blog daily to give our clients a little something extra from their consultations and treatments. 

Mediskin

FREE, relevant advice on how to maintain your skin is our main objective with our blog, with some healthy recipes and lifestyle advice to boot.

We hope all of our followers continue to enjoy our blog posts and thanks so much to everyone for voting for us in the earlier stages! 

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Thursday, 17 September 2015

Moisture Burst from within with Skin Omegas+



The Skin Omegas+ supplements from Advanced Nutrition are a fantastic way of moisturising your skin from the inside out, reinforcing your topical moisturiser and serums. Containing omegas 3 and 6 essential fatty acids for healthy hydrated skin and enriched with Vitamin A for skin repair. These supplements boost your skins moisture content from the inside out, resulting in a plumped, glowing complexion and.

Omega 3 fatty acids are responsible for the health of the cell membrane. It is this membrane that influences the cells ability to hold water, having a nice, healthy barrier yields moister, softer, more subtle, and more wrinkle-free skin. Omega 3 has strong anti-inflammatory properties and may calm skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. It can also help to minimize redness. Some nutritional studies have shown that omega-3 may protect against squamous cell skin cancers and decrease sunburn response.

Omega-6 has an anti-inflammatory affect on our skin, soothing irritated skin. GLA has been been used to reverse epidermal hyperproliferation, a condition when the skin cells reproduce at a faster than normal rate. This happens with skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. GLA is absorbed into the skin and repairs the skin barrier, resulting in the skin retaining moisture and staying flexible. Omega-6 fatty acids are also necessary for moisturizing the scalp and supporting hair health.

Just 2 capsules of Skin Omegas has the same nutrient value as 30 portions of salmon! The fish oils contained within the capsules come from the bellies of the most nutritious fish available, mackerel and salmon.

To rehydrate dry skin it is recommended to take 2 capsules per day with food. For people with chronic dryness, eczema or psoriasis up to 8 capsules can be taken daily with food.


Skin Omegas+ are available to buy at MEDISKIN now for just €36


xx

Saturday, 18 July 2015

Glo-Minerals mineral make-up





Why Glo-Minerals?

Glo-Minerals mineral make-up is clinical grade and made with the finest ingredients in a triple-milled process and 100% talc, lanolin and mineral oil free. 
Each product contains a powerful blend of antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and Green Tea extract to provide protection and maintain skins health. 
Natural minerals Zinc and Titanium Dioxide provide long-lasting sun protection while leaving your skin smooth and flawless. 


Glo-Minerals Foundations




glo-minerals Liquid Luxe Foundation SPF15
Luxe Liquid Foundation €39.99
glo-minerals Pressed Base
Pressed Base €49.99
Protective Liquid Foundation Matte II
Protective Liquid Matte II €48.50
Protective Liquid Foundation - Satin II
Protective Liquid Satin €54.20

Glo-Minerals Lip Products




Glo-Minerals Lipsticks all available at MEDISKIN for €18.75



Glo-Minerals Lipglosses  all available at MEDISKIN for €19.99


Glo-Minerals ''Suede Matte Collection'' available at MEDIKSIN from €19

Foods to avoid for acne!



What you eat has a huge effect on the health of your skin. You may be using all the right skincare products and getting enough professional treatments but if your diet is not up to scratch your skin will suffer for it regardless of your home regimen.
9 times out 10 acne sufferers are eating too much acne triggering foods, and not getting the right minerals and vitamins necessary for skin health.
If you are using the right products for your skin condition and you are still suffering with acne breakouts you probably need to take a good look at your diet.
Keep a food diary for at least 3 weeks and cut all of the following acne triggers out of your diet. Using the process of elimination slowly reintroduce these foods back into your diet in order to find what your trigger is.


1. Dairy: 

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This is a big one. Removing foods like milk, cheese and other dairy products can dramatically reduce your acne. Its all down to a growth hormone called IGF-1 found in dairy products. Our body reacts to this hormone by cranking up insulin production which in turn results in our skin producing excessive oil or sebum, creating a breeding ground for acne causing bacteria and trapping sebum in our pores so that dead skin cells cannot exit naturally. If you suffer with acne opt for alternative products such as unsweetened almond, coconut milk or soy milk. Yoghurt is a great way of acquiring probiotics, but is also a major acne trigger. Instead, take a pro-biotic supplement such as Acidophilis or Bifidobacteria. This will help to maintain digestive health and remove the need for dairy in the diet.


2. Sugar: 

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Whether you eat an apple or a slice of cake, our body treats all forms of sugar the same. The sugars are broken down into glucose which cranks up our insulin levels. Digested sugar attaches itself to the collagen fibers in our skin, a process known as glycation. This increases inflammation and exacerbates acne. Aim for a low glycemic diet to to reduce sugar intake. If you need to have fruit always opt for fresh and organic and avoid fruit juices. Stay away from chocolate, pastries, jam, pre-packed snacks, white bread and pasta. If you crave something sweet try to stick to low amounts of raw honey or maple syrup.


3. Chocolate: 

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Just like with sugar and dairy, chocolate is a processed food that, when eaten. spike our insulin levels and cause inflammation. Opt instead for chocolate in its natural state - cacao or cocao. This raw form of chocolate is packed with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E and skin loving minerals such as zinc, magnesium, chromium and tryptophan. 


4. Spicy food: 

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Inflammatory food such as chillies, onions, peppers, garlic and hot sauces raise our bodies temperature, causing our skin to flush and exacerbate acne symptoms.


5. Alcohol: 

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Alcohol tends to have a lot of sugar added. This has an effect on our insulin and sebum production. It reduces the power of our immune system which makes it harder for our body to remove acne causing bacteria.



Friday, 10 July 2015

Homemade Paleo Museli

This is an amazing skin booster! Great alternative to porridge.
Full of antioxidants, zinc and selenium! 
Great for skins prone to Acne, Rosacea,  Eczema or Psoriasis. 

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Dry ingredients:
2 cups of raw almonds
1/2 cup of raw, unsalted sunflower seeds (shelled)
1/2 cup of raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup of hazelnuts (or any other flavorful nut)
1/2 cup of chia seeds 
1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup of almond flour (if you’re patient, all it takes is almonds and a food processor… or you could buy a package in the gluten-free baking section of most supermarkets)
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
dried fruit of your choice, I love raisins, apricot and mango.

Wet ingredients:
1/4 cup of coconut oil
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1/2 a cup of honey or agave nectar

Directions:

Using a food processor or knife, chop almonds and hazelnuts to desired size.

Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Add coconut oil, honey and vanilla extract and stir until all ingredients are incorporated.

Spread the mixture on a large pan and bake at 150 for 10 minutes.

Remove pan from the oven and stir ingredients carefully.

Return pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until ingredients begin to brown.

Let your paleo crunch cool before eating. 
As it sits, the crunch will get crunchier. 
Store in an airtight container.

Saturday, 4 July 2015

Why you should use Vitamin C topically.

This is a great post with some info from Paula's Choice Skincare on why Vitamin C should be incorporated into your daily skincare routine.


If you’ve shopped for skincare, you know that there is no shortage of anti-aging ingredients on the market. Despite the marketing hype often assigned to a single ingredient, research is clear that using a range of beneficial ingredients is always best for keeping skin at its healthiest. There are some exceptions—standout ingredients that, whether included among a mix of beneficial ingredients or in a concentrated treatment, are among a select few that can treat multiple skincare concerns. 

Vitamin C is one such example!

Here, we’ll share the research-proven results you should expect from vitamin C, we’ll discuss whether one form is better than another, and share how you can incorporate this powerhouse antioxidant into your skincare routine.


Recommended Products with Vitamin C

Glo Therapeutics 15% Vitamin C

Available at Mediskin for €86

Medik8 C- Tetra

Available at Mediskin for €44

Image Skincares Vital C Anti-Aging Serum
Available at Mediskin for €65.50

In any form vitamin C provides potent antioxidant protection, shielding skin from damaging free radicals—those pesky rogue molecules that promote premature aging. The most abundant forms of free-radical damage are environmental factors we can’t escape—think sun damage, pollution and oxygen—that assault skin on a daily basis, but that’s where topical vitamin C can help.

When incorporated into your daily skincare lineup, well-formulated products containing vitamin C can provide a range of benefits that keep your skin younger-looking, longer! 

See what C can do:


  • Reduce the appearance of brown spots and other types of sun damage
  • Helps boost healthy collagen production (hello, firmer skin!)
  • Reduce inflammation and irritation, both of which cause a cascade of damage
  • Fade post-breakout red marks by improving skin’s natural healing response
  • Increase the effectiveness of your sunscreens and boosts your skins defense against UV exposure 

Ascorbic Acid: Vitamin C Royalty


Ascorbic acid—also known as L-ascorbic acid—has the most research of any form of vitamin C when it comes to benefits for skin. For that reason, ascorbic acid is the most form of vitamin C used in well formulated skincare products. When properly formulated, it helps create younger, firmer skin while fading signs of sun damage and post-acne marks.

Vitamin C: The Extended Family

Good news: There isn’t a single “best” form of vitamin C, but there are only a handful that research has demonstrated are the most stable and effective. Other effective forms include sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, retinyl ascorbate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate—each derivatives of vitamin C, but all with less supporting research than ascorbic acid (but what research does exist is certainly encouraging).

Each of these forms of vitamin C has a range of benefits that include repair and protection from free- radical damage; the takeaway is that these are more beneficial when added to a blend with other proven antioxidants and cell-communicating ingredients. Look for products that include these with ingredients such as green tea, ascorbic acid, retinol, and/or niacinamide.

Note: All antioxidants, including vitamin C, are vulnerable to destabilizing when exposed to air and light.
That means if you want to reap the reward of your antioxidant-enriched treatments, only choose those that are packaged in opaque tubes, air-restrictive bottles, or pumps that help keep their ingredients stable!

Bottom Line

With decades of research around its benefits, vitamin C is a long-established skincare superstar that can help you achieve younger, healthier and more radiant skin. However, like any ingredient, skincare will never be as simple as any single ingredient—just as no single food or nutrient can keep your body healthy, you need more than just one ingredient to keep your skin in good shape, too!



It’s important to mention that vitamin C forms are effective in lower concentrations, so don’t get caught up in the belief that only higher strengths are beneficial for skin. Research has shown that concentrations as low 0.6% provide antioxidant and anti-aging benefits to skin. 
Depending on your concerns, you may do just fine using a regular-strength vitamin C product, especially is said product also contains a range of great ingredients to smooth, repair, and replenish skin.