Camilla J Collins knows all too well how beauty treatments can go wrongGet daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeWith the summer months bringing thoughts of holidays and other social events, beauty treatments and “tweakments” are in great demand. In fact, according to Avon, in the past six months searches for “skin tips summer” have gone up by 115%. But with an increasing number of alternatives when it comes to what to have done and where to go, and budgets tighter than ever, many people are choosing cheaper options – which can come at a price, both for your purse strings and your health. Lesley Blair MBE, CEO and chair of the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology, admits it can be difficult to work out who to trust. “It can be hard to navigate which salon to choose when booking a treatment, and the decision can be influenced by factors ranging from price to distance,” she says.
Searches for “skin tips summer” have gone up by 115% in the past six months
(Image: GETTY)
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“If you’re tight on time or have a last-minute event, it can be tempting to try to skip the patch testing stage for example. But this is often a compliance requirement and an essential step to avoid risk of allergies, unwanted reactions and complications.” From infections and burns to allergic reactions and chemicals that can affect your endocrine system, health complications can arise no matter how big or small the treatment. The secret to safety is all in your pre-planning and research, adds Lesley. “To ensure you’re booking with a safe, experienced and qualified therapist, don’t be afraid to follow our safety checklist – TIME (Training, Insurance, Monitoring, Evidence). And ask your therapist what certificates and insurance they hold, as well as about any aftercare provided, to ensure you are in safe hands.” Owner of Re/Skin Clinic, Sheffield, Rebecca Elsdon, says “mishandled” beauty treatments can have significant health risks, especially if expiry dates and strict hygiene standards aren’t adhered to. She explains, “Facial treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion can cause burns, scarring and infections, and spa treatments such as sauna and steam rooms and hot stone therapy can cause skin irritation, dehydration, burns and muscle damage if overused.” Here, we explore some of the main beauty pitfalls… Care confusion There’s a plethora of skincare advice out there – not all of it helpful. Rebecca says, “Skincare products, especially those containing retinoids, exfoliants and hydroquinone, can lead to skin irritation, increased sensitivity and even potential long-term health risks like ochronosis [discolouration of connective tissue].”
Knowing what beauty advice to listen to can be difficult
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Dr Ohla Vorodyukhina, aesthetics trainer and founder of Angels Twelve clinic, adds that the latest skincare trends might not be for you and incorrect use or guidance can cause havoc with your health. Lesser known dangers Dr Sophie Momen, consultant dermatologist at The Cadogan Clinic, says even getting your nails done comes with a risk. “UV lamps used in gel manicures emit UVA radiation, which has a role in ageing of the skin and skin cancer development. Regular use of these lamps may increase the risk of developing skin cancers over time.” Sophie recommends applying sunscreen with SPF 50 and a high UVA rating 30 minutes before. She adds that biotin, commonly found in nail and hair growth supplements, can interfere with blood test results. Injectable know-how Improper use of injectables like dermal fillers or Botox can cause all manner of issues. “This can result in asymmetry, nodules or even vascular occlusion [blockage of a blood vessel], which can have serious consequences,” according to dermatologist Lauren Geige, from GLOWBAR LDN. “Always consult qualified professionals for beauty treatments and follow their instructions meticulously. Your health should always come first in your pursuit of beauty.”
Pre-planning and research is important when it comes to making sure your beauty routine works best for you
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Eye spy a problem Lash extensions are far more than just a casual treatment if proper care isn’t taken. Optometrist Nicola Alexander-Cross (peepclub.com) stresses, “Eyes are particularly vulnerable after lash extensions as the eyelashes are the first line of defence for your eyes – especially against bacteria. “Lash extensions disrupt this natural barrier and, as a result, the eye becomes vulnerable to infection. If lash extensions are left for too long, they become a hotbed for bacterial growth.” Stay clear of social media Experts at luxury beauty buyers’ club Beauty Pie are warning against a new TikTok trend which is claimed to be a cost-friendly way to treat body blemishes and “bacne”. The hack – which has had millions of views on social media – involves mixing baking soda with vinegar in a bid to cure body spots. However, BP skincare experts warn the recipe can lead to dryness and itching. They urge people to look for “safer, more regulated and, ultimately, more efficacious alternatives”. ‘Lash extensions left my eyes like golf balls’ A trip to the salon for Camilla J Collins, of CJC Hair & Makeup, got her Maldives holiday off to a shaky start…
Camilla J Collins had a bad experience with eyelash extensions, just days before heading on the holiday of a lifetime
(Image: PR)
“I started getting eyelash extensions in 2016 and at first it was fine. I went back for infills and I noticed that my eyes looked more bloodshot than usual. I didn’t think too much of it but by my next infills appointment, things got worse. “My eyes were extremely bloodshot and it felt like I had grit in them. My lash line was also starting to peel, so I stopped getting extensions for a year. “That’s when I had a lovely trip to the Maldives with my boyfriend. I thought because I’d waited a year things would be fine, and I decided to get some eyelash extensions a couple of days before the holiday. But the next day I woke up and my eyelids were so swollen that I ended up having an urgent appointment to take them off. “My eyes were still swollen and I had little stubs for lashes. I remember being in duty free, thinking that my holiday was ruined. I looked ridiculous. I was in a lot of pain, so I bought some Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream and spent the entire flight rubbing it on my eyes. They were like golf balls – it wasn’t a good look. “Luckily, after three days the swelling went down, but there’s nothing worse than being in pain and self-conscious on holiday. “My boyfriend ended up proposing on the last day, and I have never been more relieved not to feel as if I had water in my eyes! I’ve never touched extensions again.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnHealth
