This week's Sun Awareness Week has had us preparing for the summer ahead as well as re-looking at our current skincare regimes. With worrying stats revealing that the majority of us Brits don't protect our skin in the UK sun, we thought it was high time to highlight the issue and make sure Britain starts acting sun savvy.

Sun protection should be a no-brainer for normal skin types - just slap it on; but for those of us with sensitive, intolerant or even allergic skin, it's quite the beauty dilemma. The sun will often cause sensitive types to react with prickly heat and sunburn, while the SPF filters in sun cream itself can cause irritation too - leaving us a bit clueless on how to stay sun safe. Thankfully, there are a few brands out there who know their stuff when it comes to skin reactions - and our long time favourite Avène now has a sun care range that'll soothe any sunshine woes…

The product

Avène prides itself on offering skincare that will suit any degree of sensitivity - they cover sensitive, intolerant and allergic skin types with their great range of skin creams, cleansers and now sun care. Being a super sensitive type, I tried out their recommended cream for allergic skin in the range - the Very High Protection Mineral Cream SPF 50.

The cream's formula uses a 100% mineral screen to create a barrier that blocks the rays of the sun, rather than sinking in to the skin itself - making it ideal for those of us who have to be gentle with our skin. Paraben, alcohol and fragrance free, it suits those with a delicate disposition while also protecting against UV rays.

The treatment

The cream itself is in a 50ml tube much like their daily moisturisers, so it's ideal for travel. As a huge fan of Avène's standard skincare, I thought I knew what to expect - but was pleasantly surprised when I realised it was lightly tinted too. Why isn't more sun care like this? Holiday skin for me means daring to bare all, with little makeup during the day because it simply melts off or clogs my skin in the heat, particularly if I've used a sun screen underneath; this innovative product banishes the fear of leaving your face nude because it not only protects, but leaves a gentle translucent sheen on the skin too.

The result

Unsurprisingly, I was really, really impressed. Sun creams are often more greasy than standard moisturisers, but this felt much like my usual Avène daily moisturiser (which incidentally has an SPF 15) - quite a light consistency so that a lot goes a long way. Best of all was the tint - it really is a great idea because it makes those makeup free days in the sun much easier to do. The colour is light and doesn't give a strong coverage, but leaves skin with a healthy, even glow, much like a tinted moisturiser. And there was no allergic reaction in sight. Result.

Of course, the icing on the cake is the high SPF - anyone with sensitive skin tones will want the best protection around, so with factor 50 in the bag you can be sure you're giving your skin exactly what it needs. This one's going straight into our holiday essentials kit - and we'd happily wear it every day here in the UK too. If only the sun would come out to play a little more often…

Ladies, this one is for you. Whether you're a marathon runner, a zumba fanatic, rock climber or even a power walker, you need to protect your assets. No matter how intense your exercise regime, a sports bra is the most essential piece of kit - yet thousands of women are still slacking when it comes to wearing the right support.

Sweatshop, the sports retailer and running specialists, conducted a survey earlier this year that revealed 57% of women do not regularly wear a specific sports bra when exercising. The surprising figure was baffling given that 70% of women in the study admitted to knowing that a well-fitting bra would prevent breast sag and pain, which were their top two concerns - and a quarter of those asked admitted that they were currently wearing one which didn't fit them properly.

With one in ten owning up to not knowing what size they are and one third revealing that they've never even been measured, Sweatshop's specialists just had to step in and sort the ladies out. We tried and tested their brand new sports bra fitting service in their latest London store to find our more…

The venue

Sweatshop's new location is in the heart of Soho and is exactly as a sports shop should be - full of an impressive range of sports wear and friendly staff who want to help. Their 39th store, Sweatshop are well known in the running community for their expertise, with great brands such as Nike and Asics on sale plus their award-winning gait analysis footwear fitting service catching the attention of fitness fanatics nationwide.

Now, with the help of Dr Joanna Scurr and her fellow researchers in the breast health unit at the University of Portsmouth, Sweatshop have branched out to offer a much-needed sports bra fitting service. Exercise junkies can pop in, have a free consultation with their advisors and come away with a sports bra that suits their shape, needs and style.

Amanda Brasher, Head Sports Bra Buyer for Sweatshop, says: “If you take part in physical activity it is vital to wear a well fitting sports bra. 40 per cent of women polled experienced breast pain, yet research shows that a supportive sports bra can do more to eliminate this in the long term than painkillers. It is staggering that the majority of British women do not wear a sports bra when exercising”

The treatment

Sweatshop's survey results indicated that women need educating on the importance of keeping their assets in good shape, to avoid potential tissue damage, sagging and pain - so with their new 'bra bar' and expert bra fitters ready to go, the retailer is now schooling the nation.

Women clearly put off being fitted for a bra, but it's nothing to fret about - all the bra fitters at Sweatshop are women, and are perfectly discreet when seeing how you measure up. After giving a rough guide of the size I wear, the expert gave me a couple of options to try in the cubicle. Once on, she came in to see how well they fit, explained why the sizing was right or wrong, and gave another size to try. It turned out I had been wearing the wrong size - much like the majority of women in the UK - so once it was decided I was then given some style options. It was quick, embarrassment-free and educational - and I couldn't believe I hadn't thought to do it sooner.

The result

As a zumba-goer, Power Plate addict and wannabe runner, I went for a Panache underwired sports bra which can be worn either normally or as a halterneck for extra support - and I couldn't believe how much better it felt. Every sports bra I had worn before was tight, uncomfortable, and let's face it, ugly - yet this encapsulating style did the job while feeling right.

No matter what your cup size or what you do to keep fit - from Pilates to running and everything in between - an expert fitting should be on your to-do list before you even put those trainers on. Dr Joanna Scurr's team have found that breasts move on average 10cms in three directions when exercising - so if you want to stay fit and perky, good support is a must-have. Plus, there's no excuse not to - Sweatshop have launched the service nationwide so that women who want to keep fit can be fitted and kitted out in a flash…

To find a Sweatshop store near you, visit their website - we highly recommend you give it a go.

I admit it - I'm a little obsessed with trying out new eye makeup and I love it to be dramatic. But while I love the look of dark and flirty false lashes that are seen on the likes of Adele and Kim Kardashian, I also have no patience and can't be doing with all the glueing that's involved.

Thankfully, the wonderful world of beauty has made sure that I needn't miss out on the false lash effect. From lash conditioners to encourage growth, to lash extensions which last for a few weeks and even save you money on mascara, there are plenty of treatments to get your eyes aflutter - but now an instant fix has arrived that you can do all by yourself. Let me tell you more…

The product

Divaderme's Lash Extender is, quite simply, a bottle of eyelashes - but there's nothing creepy about it. Packaged much like a mascara, with a similar wand to boot, the bottle is packed full of hundreds of tiny natural lash fibres that you brush on to your own lashes to make them look longer and thicker.

They're also enriched with a B vitamin, panthenol, which can transfer onto your own lashes when worn for long enough apparently - but this is definitely more about the look rather than conditioning what Mother Nature gave you. Instant lash extensions without any glue? I couldn't wait to give it a go.

The treatment

Though it sounds super simple, applying the Divaderme lashes is not quite foolproof - it takes a fair bit of practice to get the technique right. There are some really helpful videos on YouTube to show you how to do it well and what you'll look like after, which are a great incentive to get you going.

The lashes need to be applied onto wet mascara, so you need a mascara that's not too old. Once you've applied your usual coats on your own lashes, you quickly need to use the Lash Extender over the top so that the little fibres attach to your mascara before it dries and sets. I found that you can really focus on the base of your lashes if you're after more volume, or tend more to the tips if you want Bambi-style lengthening.

If you're like me, you'll end up covered in the little hair-like things the first time you try it - after a few messy efforts I found that the less fibres on the brush the better, as it's easier to build up gradually than to pile them on. It's much like using anything with a sparkle in it - no matter how much you use, you'll need to brush away any excess. Once they're on, top up with mascara to seal and finish the look, and when it dries they should stay in place.

The result

It took a while to work out the best way of applying them, but once I'd got the hang of it I was seriously impressed. I didn't put a ridiculous amount on which meant it looked fairly natural, as if I had a really decent set of natural lashes (if only that were true!).

You do need a very wet mascara for best results - I used my favourite, Max Factor's Masterpiece Max - but even though it's only a month or so old it's starting to become too dry for this, so fresh is definitely best. It might be worth trying a few out to see what works best - no one likes spidery eyes so see which brand works its magic for you.

If permanent lash extensions are too much upkeep, false lashes are too fiddly and you want to enhance your natural lashes yourself, Divaderme's Lash Extender is the product for you. Practice definitely makes perfect and with a few tries you'll find you're a pro at making your eyes as full and fluttery as the celebs on the red carpet...

You can find more information about the Divaderme Lash Extender (RRP £42) on their website.

You could visit the most luxurious spa in the world, but if the products aren't up to scratch then the experience will barely be indulgent at all.

We're a lover of brilliant beauty brands here at Wahanda, always looking for the next great product to soothe skin and make us glow - which is why we're very excited that our all-time favourite Elemis is about to launch in the gorgeous Rookery Retreat and Spa. The pamper haven is located in a converted barn in the lakeside grounds of 16th century Rookery Manor, and will soon be adding the prestigious name of Elemis to its repertoire. What's more, you can be a part of the big day…

The Weston-super-Mare retreat is welcoming the arrival of the luxury spa brand Elemis to the fold with an exciting launch party on Saturday 14th April. Visitors can meet the therapists, enjoy a glass of bubbly and cakes, and of course receive exclusive discounts on Elemis treatments and products. What's not to love?

Event details

When: Saturday 14th April 2012, 10am-4.30pm

Where: Rookery Retreat and Spa

How: Admission is free

• Celebrate as the UK’s leading spa and skincare brand comes to Rookery Retreat & Spa
• Free consultations – plus a £10 voucher to spend on Elemis treatments. Buy 3 products and get 10% off!
• Enjoy a glass of Bucks Fizz, scrumptious cakes and a fabulous goodie bag to take home

Elemis joins an impressive selection of spa brands on offer at the Rookery Retreat and Spa, including Jessica GELeration, bareMinerals and Fake Bake. With perfect products and fabulous facilities including wave loungers, an outdoor hot tub and a hydrotherapy pool, the spa makes the ideal setting for a spot of pampering - why not go along and treat yourself? The best things in life are free, after all...

If eyes are the windows to the soul, and eyebrows are the frame for your face, you need to keep them both looking pretty good if you want to look your best. The HD Brows phenomenon has been sweeping the nation to do just that, giving people the brows they've always wanted with a seven step salon treatment that's widely regarded as the ultimate brow shaping regime.

The Wahanda team are huge fans of the treatment thanks to its flawless results, giving film star-like eyes in just one session. So, when we heard that the high definition brand had launched a new product designed to perk up eyes and make them fresher than ever, we couldn't wait to give it a go…

The product

The brand new product from HD Brows is the Vibe & Eye Smoothing Serum. An eye-opening duo designed to de-puff under-eye bags and tighten the delicate skin around the eyes, the set comes with a serum to soothe and hydrate the area and a 'vibe', a vibrating stick which sends ultrasonic vibrations into the skin. So far, so geeky - we approve.

The treatment

Knowing all too well how delicate the skin around the eyes is, I was a little nervous about trying this - after putting the battery into the vibe and trying it on my hand first, I discovered it was pretty powerful and made my hands tingle just from holding it. But, ever the beauty junkie, I wasn't going to be put off and set to work on using it on my face.

After cleansing, I applied the serum to just under my eyes and on my brow bone - it wasn't as thick as I would expect a 'serum' to be, and had a smiler consistency and feel to a toner, but it made my eyes feel refreshed so I wasn't complaining. Next, it was time to use the vibe. The tool has some raised bumps on the end so it's a little rough to the touch, but when placed flat on the skin it's actually quite relaxing.

The beauty of it is that you can massage the skin under the eye without moving the skin at all - so many eye products can drag the skin which probably isn't wise if you want to tighten up the area. I did this for about one minute, then moved on to the brow area and repeated both morning and night after cleansing.

The result

My main issue with my eyes is dark circles rather than puffy bags, but the concept for fixing them is the same - stimulating blood flow and circulation to help relieve any dehydration and wake up weary peepers. I really liked that unlike other under-eye massage products, the vibe didn't drag the skin or stretch it, yet I could see the movement underneath the skin as I gently applied it. My eyes felt fresher as a result, and with continued use I reckon those circles will fade away thanks to the vibe's targeted action.

At Wahanda we all know the best way to improve skin tone, and even cellulite, is with a lymphatic drainage massage to get rid of excess fluid and get the circulation going, and the HD Brow product uses the same method in a more convenient way. A definite thumbs up from us.

Need more high eye definition? Why not find a salon offering the HD Brows treatment near you or check out their Eye and Brow Palette which promises to give you the tools you need for salon-worthy brows at home.

The saying 'you are what you eat' has more truth in it than you may think. Most of us can tell if a certain food doesn't agree with us, or what foods can make us feel good - but it's not just a case of eating fruit and veg instead of crisps and snacks, because even the healthy stuff can cause problems. That's why this week's Food Intolerance Week (23rd - 29th Jan) aims to spread awareness about what could be making you feel under the weather, every single day. We chatted to YorkTest and Dr Hilary Jones to find out more…

Why food intolerance?

According to medical charity Allergy, up to 45% of us suffer from some sort of reaction to food - and with only 2.5% of those being affected by a food allergy, the rest have to cope with the often overlooked problem of food intolerance, which can cause all sorts of undesirable symptoms.

From headaches and skin problems to bloating, IBS and fatigue, being sensitive to certain foods has quite an effect on our overall wellbeing. It's hard to diagnose, too - the main solution is an 'elimination diet', whereby you cut out food groups or potential triggers, a time-consuming process that isn't necessarily going to give you answers (and isn't much fun either).

The difference between food allergy and food intolerance

'Allergies' is a term that's thrown around a lot, but it's not as broad in meaning as it sounds. Food allergies cause a fairly immediate reaction, where your immune system is confusing food for an 'invader', creating a rapid response that can manifest as a rash, swelling, vomiting or even breathing difficulties; it can even be life-threatening.

Food intolerance is far more subtle. From the better-known Coeliac disease and lactose intolerance to chemical sensitivities, a sufferer will have a more delayed bodily response - even up to three days later - which makes it even trickier to pin down what caused it and why. The reaction itself can be subtle too; a general feeling of not being well is all too common among those affected.

How to test for food intolerance

Having a sensitivity to food is a nightmare to live with, but you don't have to put up with it. If you visit your GP they will probably advise the elimination diet, but if you're struggling to pinpoint what it is that your body disagrees with then the YorkTest could be for you. An at-home food intolerance test, it uses a few drops of blood (all you have to do is prick your finger) to measure antibodies, your immune system's natural way of detecting and neutralising foreign objects such as viruses. This can detect antibodies to foods, which means your body is fighting off a particular food substance - therefore showing you're intolerant and giving you the answers you need to get better.

Testing you against 113 different foods, the YorkTest is easy to do - send off your blood sample in the box provided and you're done. You'll receive your results as well as two follow-up phone consultations with a nutritionist so you can get advice on any dietary changes that are needed. You can even now combine a food and drink scan which covers 158 trigger foods and ingredients found in beverages (who knew drinks could cause problems too?) if you don't mind paying £299 for the peace of mind.

Eating shouldn't be a chore, and it shouldn't make you feel ill either. If your diet is giving you a headache, don't put up with it - speak to a nutritionist, your GP or check out YorkTest to get started on the road to a happier and healthier lifestyle and show your body who's boss.

When my friend said we were off for a spa day in Liverpool as part of her hen weekend, I was part-excited, part-mortified at the thought of getting up at 8am after the night out we'd planned. But I needn't have worried.

Though a spa isn't usually the first choice for a hen party, it's not only a great idea but it makes total sense. The bride-to-be has been busy for the past year or so planning the big day, while we all want to spend time with her to gossip and get her alone before she becomes a Mrs. A whole day to chill out over tea and treatments is therefore a pretty perfect scenario.

The venue

A short drive outside of Liverpool's city centre sits Formby Hall Spa, an impressive building with expansive grounds which make a great view from the steam and sauna rooms on a sunny day. This is not one of those 'spas' with two treatment rooms and a jacuzzi - we're taken upstairs to a dining room for a welcome drink, given a tour of the facilities (changing rooms, a relaxation room, lounge, steam, sauna and heated loungers, full-length swimming pool and jacuzzi) and then handed our robes and slippers to get into. We'd all opted for various treatments when we booked, so we were told when our appointments were and then left to enjoy our day however we liked - bliss.

Exhausted from a week of work and a night out before our early start, I made the most of the comfortable relaxation room before summoning up the energy to swim a few laps and then enjoy the foot bath in the wet room. Despite being a Saturday, the spa wasn't too busy - there were plenty of people about, mostly couples or small groups of women, but the sheer size of the building and variety of rooms meant we would wander around as we liked between treatments and lunch.

The treatment

I'd originally booked a back and shoulder massage (which I am told is fantastic here) but on the day we decided it was best not to have a treatment involving oils as I have very sensitive skin. The spa and therapist were so accommodating about this change of plans and immediately suggested a dry floatation treatment - which is so much more luxurious than it sounds.

In my own private room where some slightly distracting gong-like music was playing, I was told to hop up onto a large bed. My therapist then cocooned me in the softest, warmest blanket ever - it's the little things that count - and then pressed a button which made the part I was laying on move slowly down so that I was laying on water, only without being in it. It's effectively like laying on a water bed, only the jets underneath move the water about so that you feel like your back is being massaged.

The result

I was left for half an hour to enjoy the feeling of floating away in my cosy surroundings. My back felt more relaxed after a week of sitting hunched at a desk, I let my mind drift off and I even managed to doze a little. It always takes me a while to fully switch off, so I would definitely recommend an hour of this rather than thirty minutes - I really didn't want to leave so was quite sad when my therapist returned to switch it all off.

With little sleep the night before and a busy night planned for that evening, the rest was exactly what I needed. While my fellow hens had been rubbed and scrubbed and pampered, I felt like I had been floating in a warm sea somewhere exotic (the imagination is a wonderful thing). It worked wonders, and I'd book it in advance next time without hesitation.

Glowing green with envy? Take a look at our deals and offers at Formby Hall Spa for inspiration, or check out our money-saving spa day deals. Go on, you deserve it...

As a beauty writer at Wahanda I should probably know more about facials and massages than makeup and cosmetics, but for me the latter is a necessity rather than an indulgence. I never leave the house without a flick of eyeliner and a sweep of mascara, but my favourite way to experiment is with my nails.

So easy to update and a great way to keep on trend (without spending a fortune on shoes), trying out new manicure tricks is becoming a bit of a habit, from long-lasting Gelish to fun crackle polishes. That's why when I heard we were doing a great deal on nail wraps I couldn't wait to give them a go.

The product

GetGorgeous! know their stuff when it comes to beauty trends and have nailed the look for the upcoming party season. As well as flirty false lashes to make eyes pop, they've got some great nail wrap designs inspired by Minx nails that are sure to add some extra sparkle to the festivities.

The treatment

I tried out the pink and silver design - the louder the better where nails are concerned! Applying them was super simple but I would recommend having a friend help you out for best results. All I had to do was peel back the foils which were on a clear sheet, and press them carefully onto my clean bare nails. For some of them I used the hairdryer just to gently heat them up a little and make them more flexible.

Putting the round end against the cuticle and smoothing them over my nail, I then had to trim the excess to the shape of my nails - this is where it helps to have a nice friend around, since using scissors with the wrong hand is rather tricky. Once they were the right size, I simply filed them with my usual nail file in one direction to give a smooth edge and voila, my nails looked ready for the party I was off to.

The result

They were easy to put on (save for a few scissor issues - definitely using clippers or a willing friend next time) and more importantly, I thought they looked great on. They'd work no matter what the length of your nails, are lovely and shiny for a very glam effect and I had plenty of comments on how pretty the design was. I was also really impressed with how many I had left on the sheet as they are really generous to make sure you have enough to cover any mistakes. Definitely something I will be trying again this Christmas - and I'll also be popping them into a few stockings too…

Like what you see? We've got a special offer on a set of four GetGorgeous! Foil Nail Wrap Designs which means you can try them all out for just £10. Hurry - the deal ends soon…

If there's one thing that bugs me in the beauty industry, it's the number of products that claim to be suitable for sensitive skin when they're not quite sensitive enough. How do I know? Because I then end up with redness that I have to fix with lots of soothing products and start all over again… sound familiar?

I'm always on the lookout for the really good stuff - the brands who understand that we can't all put strong fragrances and chemicals on our skin and get away with it. Recently I was raving about Avène, whose expert skincare range has a permanent place on my shelf. But I'm now making some extra room, because I've discovered another brand that caters for fair and fragile skin like mine and does it with flair. Meet Pai Skincare - organic skincare for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.

About Pai

I'm sold on the gorgeous packaging myself, but it's what's inside that counts. Or what's not inside, rather - Pai products are free from irritating synthetics, which means goodbye to parabens, alcohols, sulfates, phenoxyethanol and propylene, a refreshing change from others on the market. Pai are keen to be completely transparent when it comes to the ingredients in their products; that means plain English on the bottles and a full list so you know what you're putting on your face. Simple, no?

Launched in 2007, Pai are not only certified organic by the Soil Association, but they also pick naturally active ingredients with therapeutic properties - music to any sensitive-skin sufferer's ears. And with celebrity fans like Natalie Portman, they come very well recommended.

Pai products

With products that can help soothe adult acne, contact dermatitis, eczema, rosacea and of course ageing skin, as well as catering for all skin types, Pai will suit anyone - something not many brands can put on their label without bending the truth a little.

Favoured by Natalie Portman (and now myself), the Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream is quite possibly the most gentle, soothing and downright lovely product you'll ever put on your face. It's thick and creamy without feeling too dense, and has a delicate scent that doesn't make your skin tingle - an absolute first. Of course, the ingredients also work their magic, with anti-oxidants and Omega 3 & 6 in the chamomile and rosehip - so it doesn't just feel good, it does your skin good too. A firm favourite!

Facial oils have been growing in popularity over the last few years, and with winter on the way I'll be stocking up to save my skin from the cold. Pai of course have got this skincare staple covered with the Rosehip BioRegenerate, a beautifully light oil that not only moisturises but helps to hide those scars, stretch marks and lines - and not a red mark in sight, phew!

Whatever your skin needs - whether you need to protect it, heal it, soothe it or simply show it a good time, Pai gets our vote. Organic, original and open about what goes into their products, we only wish more brands would take a leaf out of Pai's book…

Remember back in the summer when the UK was hit by terrible riots? It was very stressful for all involved and we wanted to help out those who had been affected by the damage and violence, so we set about encouraging you guys to write more reviews and putting it to a good cause. For every review written in August, we vowed to give £1 towards Riot Rebuild to help get the UK cleaned up.

Well, an amazing 2,122 reviews were written in August - that is a lot of spa-ing, fitness classes and haircuts - and we can't thank you enough for the help. However, we had a problem. The riots caused so much goodwill among those who wanted to help out that we can no longer donate to the rebuild project because they don't need it. While this is fantastic news because it shows what a great job they did, it means we have £2,122 waiting to go to a good cause...

We got our thinking caps on and found a solution. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a special event-filled occasion that happens every year to raise funds for research into the disease that now affects so many of us across the world. So we thought, what better place to donate to than Breast Cancer Care, who provide information and support to those who suffering from or affected by the C-word. They're an inspiring and hard working bunch, so we're thrilled to be supporting them - and we couldn't have done it without you, the Wahanda Community.

So a huge thank you to everyone who wrote a review during August - thanks to your words of wisdom, we're giving £2,122 to Breast Cancer Care so they can continue running their expert Helpline team, the HeadStrong hair loss service and much, much more. And of course if you want to donate more you can head over to their website or buy one of the many pink products that are selling nationwide.

Everyone loves pamper products that smell good enough to eat for a bit of luxury in their skincare routine, but what if your skin doesn't love all that fragrance? Sensitive, intolerant and even allergic skin can be difficult to care for, with so many beauty products out there that have strong scents or too many chemicals or that claim to be suitable for sensitive skin despite still having harsh formulas. Thankfully, that's where Avène steps in…

The French beauty brand provides relief for sensitive skin sufferers with their gentle dermo-cosmetic products. Avène is based on the properties of their Avène Thermal Spring Water, which is low mineralised and clinically proven to be naturally soothing.

Sensitivity

Avène have come up with three degrees of skin sensitivity to make sure you can pick the right products for your needs, regardless of whether your skin is dry, oil or combination:

• First degree: Sensitive


Mainly fair complexion, fine skin that tends to become red in the sun, often stings, experiences sensations of tightness or reacts to potent skin care products.

• Second degree: Intolerant


With the slightest external stress factor, it starts to heat up or flare up.  Eczema-prone skin and Rosacea sufferers are in this category too.

• Third degree: Allergic


A fragrance, preservative or even sun filter contained in a skin care product can cause allergic reactions, itching, redness, skin eruptions or rashes.

Composition

So what's so special about the water? The brand have broken it down to give us a better idea: "Avène Thermal Spring Water is bacteriologically pure, has a low mineral content and has a large variety of anions, cations and trace elements.  the 2 to 1 Calcium/Magnesium ratio makes it exceptional among dermatological thermal spring waters and may explain its skin-healing promotion action during the course of treatment at Avène."

Avène's key principle is to avoid contamination which could potentially cause irritation to the skin, and so the water is bottled at the source and manufactured in a sterile unit at their Avène Hydrotherapy Centre - a nice touch that ensures a quality product.

Skin complaints

Unlike many other brands who focus on one skin issue, Avène have something for every skin concern, from blemishes and eczema to ageing, scarring and sun exposure. Rosacea and dehydration are also catered for as well as acne. They even have a men's range so that the boys aren't left out - is there anything they haven't thought of?

The products

Avène's range of cleansers, moisturisers and skin savers is extensive - but we have a few favourites...

• Thermal Water Spray is a handbag must-have, and was said to be a show staple at the recent London Fashion Week. Simply spray on skin for a calming and soothing effect, use it between cleansing and moisturising to settle the skin, or even use it to set makeup. We'd be lost without it…

• Soothing Hydrating Serum does what it says on the bottle, a delicate serum which is highly concentrated in the special Thermal Spring Water. Paraben free and with a diffusing effect which means it's slowly released into the upper layer of the skin, it's a winter skin saver.

• Suncare products such as the Emulsion SPF and Protection Sprays are the perfect addition to any beauty shelf. We should be protecting our skin all year round, and with these specially formulated products it needn't be a hassle thanks to the various options depending on your skin type. Sunburn is so last year.

What are your favourite products for sensitive skin? Let us know over on Twitter.

London Fashion Week has officially kicked off with fashionistas donning their heels and heading to the capital to see the new trends for Spring/Summer 2012, and it's looking pretty good already. Not that we're jealous. Not at all.

We can't wait to see the new beauty trends that are coming our way for the next season and hope there are plenty of exciting hairstyles making their way down the catwalk too.

To celebrate London's week of trend-setting, we've teamed up with the super-chic Stylistpick to offer you a fantastic prize that will keep you looking your best for not just this season, but the whole year to come - sound good? Thought so.

Stylistpick has a team of experts on hand including Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model's Grace Woodward and TV presenter, model and fashion journalist Louise Roe to help members find the perfect shoes, bags or jewellery every month. Simply fill out the style quiz and put your pedicured feet up while the stylists do their thing and create your very own showroom of accessories that match your profile. Your own online personal shopper? We love it…

If you love the sound of it too, enter our competition now for the chance to win a year's worth of accessories from Stylistpick, plus a £200 Wahanda spa gift voucher to spend on whatever pampering you like. We just wish we could win it ourselves…

We're always keeping a beady eye on beauty trends here at Wahanda, and one that we've noticed growing in popularity with our Twitter followers, fellow bloggers and beauty fans is the 'try before you buy' mantra.

We've been a keen player in the trend for some time ourselves, with our free skin consultations and free fitness deals which give you the chance to try out that Pilates class or see what's really involved in a skin peel - but the latest to the try-it-first table is the idea of the beauty box.

These beauty boxes are a selection of travel or sample sized beauty products that are sent out and delivered to subscribers for a small fee each month. From the Boudoir Privé box to Feel Unique's version, the regular box of mini goodies allows beauty fans to try out the latest products, see what suits them and discover new brands - and given that we love our makeup and lotions and potions, we like the sound of that...

One of the UK's original sites that uses this concept is Latest in Beauty. Starting out with monthly sample boxes giving subscribers a few samples for just £1, the mail order beauty club has now grown to create a themed box of luxury samples every two months for beauty enthusiasts across the UK. For just £4.95, those who sign up will receive five travel sized samples which you can see before you order, so you'll never be disappointed by your box.

It's simple, easy and of course allows us to try out something new every month - what's not to love? This month we tried out the special 'Beauty Insiders Choice Winners Box', based on the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) UK awards.

In our neatly packaged box was:

• Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream (15ml)
• Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash (55ml)
• Batiste Dry Shampoo (50ml)
• Nivea For Men Revitalising Gel (15ml)

Plus small samples of:

• Lanolips Lip Ointment
• Dr Organic Rose Otto Skin Lotion

The products were exactly the size you'd want to take on holiday, and we loved the scent of the dry shampoo - a handbag must-have for any woman. A great way to see what suits your skin, what smells good, and what works, we're already huge fans of Latest in Beauty and can't wait to see what's in the next box. Far more glamorous than having to play with the testers in Boots…

We all know what happens as we get older; things start to sag, wrinkles appear and some of us even start to lose our lustrous locks. But stories of hair loss have hit the headlines more often in recent years, and not because of ageing - but because of stress.

Stress is known to have a poor affect on health, from aches and pains to skin problems and weight loss or gain, but new statistics show that it's also the leading cause of hair loss. Viviscal, the hair loss supplement company, conducted a study to find out what was causing the nation to shed their tresses and found that 53% deemed stress the culprit.

Stress was closely followed by age (23%), post birth (20%), dieting (13%) and over styling (17%), something that Lady Gaga has been reported to have suffered from. But while most women understand that hair loss and stress often go hand in hand, 42% of the women surveyed claim that stress is simply unavoidable in their hectic lives. Work came out as the top driver of their woes, with money worries and depression being next on the list.

Expert trichologist, Trisha Buller explains how stress has a knock on effect to your hair:

“Many of us now can’t avoid stress in our lives and deal with traumatic situations everyday. During these periods the pressure can have an adverse effect on our hair. Feelings of lethargy and irritability makes the body’s immune system become vulnerable and our nutritional intake changes due to bad diet habits during these periods. This can create fine, weak, dull and lifeless hair, which could result in hair shedding.”

“During periods of stress our bodies are also releasing chemicals that transmit messages to the hair follicles, entering them into a resting phase. This can have an effect on the normal hair growth cycle. By remaining at this resting stage for a longer period of time, this will affect the density of hair and shedding of an abnormal amount of hair on a daily bases will be visible though  a wider parting and less hair in a ponytail.”

Top tips for hair loss sufferers

• Products such as Viviscal can help by nourishing the hair follicles, strengthening the existing hair and stimulating the growth of hair that has slowed down. Not only do they sell daily supplements to help you from within, but their new Scalp Lotion and Shampoo and Scalp Cleanser create the right environment for healthy hair to start growing back.
• Look at your diet. Are you getting enough zinc, protein and iron? Hair is made of protein and needs these other nutrients to stay healthy and strong. Try pumpkin or sesame seeds, nuts, plenty of greens and fish, eggs and chicken for an extra boost - why not check out our Happy Food blog for some recipe ideas?
• You may not be able to remove the stress from your life, but you can do something about de-stressing - and you're in the right place because Wahanda is the queen of wellness. Why not try meditation to help slow down and - literally - breathe, or calm your mind and body with some yoga or Pilates sessions? Exercise has been proven to reduce stress, so whether you like to run, kickbox, swim, vibrate on a Power Plate or get into the rhythm of Zumba, take up something that makes you feel good and you never know, your hair might just thank you for it.

London spa fans, attention please - one of your favourite locations has got a brand new offer for you to get your manicured mitts on.

The gorgeous Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden is embracing summer with a super special spa day that's guaranteed to give you that feel-good glow - and with so many treatments to choose from there's something for even the fussiest of spa fans.

Their new Sunshine Spa Day gives you the chance to experience the ultimate day of luxury, thanks to the London hotspot's stunning facilities. From the Koi Carp lounge to the Atrium pool and the peaceful Sleep Retreat, you can while away the hours in first class surroundings and feel a world away from the busy streets below.

The Sunshine Spa Day with a 50 minute treatment includes:

• Choice of one of the following 50 minute treatments:
• Sanctuary Prescription Facial
• Sanctuary Full Body Massage
• Aromatherapy Full Body Massage
• Lava Shell Massage
• Youth Boosting Hand Rescue
• Luxury Manicure
• Luxury Pedicure
• Perfectly Polished Pedicure
• Sanctuary Hot Sugar Scrub
• Revitalising Wrap
• Yummy Mummy
• Summer Afternoon Tea (Summer cupcake, a macaroon and a glass of pink Prosecco)
• Full use of the spa facilities

Feeling inspired? Book your spa treat today, and hurry - the offer is only available until 31st August. Ready, set, pamper…

Being a time-strapped Londoner and forever struggling to fit fitness into my routine, Power Plates are something I’ve loved since discovering them a few years ago. I now visit Fitness for Every Body weekly for my fix but am always looking for new cardio activities to try - so was very excited to hear about the brand new product from the tech whizzes over at Power Plate HQ: the PowerBIKE. I hotfooted it over there to check out the new phenomenon…

The concept

Part Power Plate, part exercise bike – yes, the PowerBIKE is every bit as tough as it sounds. The stationary bike doesn’t look too different from your usual spinning class contraption, but I soon find out looks can be deceiving. Within the wheels is the brand new 'pedal and crank' technology, so that once you switch on the power your cycling produces a mechanical vibration that causes muscles to work even harder. This is the same technology as the Power Plate; vibrations transfer throughout the body, making muscles respond multiple times per second and therefore giving them a tougher workout in a shorter amount of time.

Whereas with spinning you would probably do around an hour’s class, with the PowerBIKE your muscles work so hard that even the fittest pro will probably need to switch between the normal bike and the vibrating version, for intervals of just a few minutes at a time, building up to around 30 minutes training time. So it’s got all the time-saving benefits of Power Plate, but with a tough cardiovascular exercise built in – where do we sign up?

The exercise

I started with a couple of minutes’ warm up, cycling as you would usually on any exercise bike, before my instructor switched on the vibrations. Straight away I could feel my legs working harder, pushing over what felt like jagged bumps on an imaginary road; this is the crank system which is delivered through the pedals as you go. The harder I cycle, the more the vibrations intensify, working me up into a sweat as if I’ve been on it for a lot longer than I really have. Let's be honest - that's any gym-goer's dream...

Some vital statistics to impress doubters; compared to muscle activity when the vibrations are off, the quadriceps work an extra 167%, hamstrings work an extra 144%, and the glutes are pushed a further 138%. Building strength, toning and a great way to aid weight loss as well as getting your heart pumping, the PowerBIKE could revolutionise your home gym with two fitness bikes in one. Cardio and so-called Acceleration Training together at last - the best of both worlds.

The result

After just ten minutes of trying out the new machine I was sold on the concept; I like the ethos that the harder you work, the harder it works you, as well as the fact that it’s entirely eco-friendly since it doesn’t even need plugging in.

My legs usually feel jelly-like after a tough session of Power Plate, but with the bike I could feel them working a lot harder as well as my heart rate increasing, so I really felt like I was giving it my all. It’s low impact, timetable-friendly and an all-in-one device for both aerobic exercise and toning – more innovative than most of the machines you’ll find in your local gym.

With athletes and professionals already using it to train and enhance performance, it’s clearly going to take the fitness world by storm – after all, reinventing the wheel is no small feat…

When halotherapy, also known as salt therapy, was brought to the UK thanks to The Salt Cave in Wandsworth, we couldn’t wait to try it out and share our thoughts with you. But that was a whole two years ago and while the pioneers have expanded to run a further three locations of these cavernous havens, another company had a bright idea to bring the trusted treatment to even more allergy sufferers worldwide. And so, the Salt Pipe was born.

What is it?

Cisca’s Salt Pipe is an all natural dry salt inhaler, which uses dry aerosol micro-particles to help beat allergy symptoms. With millions of us struggling with hayfever and other allergies this summer, this quirky little invention brings the benefits of the natural therapy to you as and when you need it.

Whether you’re knee-deep in mud in the middle of a grassy field at a festival or you simply can’t walk outside without a sniffle, the Salt Pipe is a handy addition to your handbag to keep the sneezes at bay. All you have to do is breathe in with the pipe through the mouth (a little like you would with an asthma inhaler, but with less force) and then breathe out through the nose.

How does it work?

Salt has long been used to boost the immune system, giving the lungs a spring clean and allowing them to take in more oxygen. The moisture of the moving air absorbs the microscopic particles of salt, allowing it to penetrate the entire respiratory tract. It draws excess fluid from the sinuses and cell lining, cleansing the nasal passages and opening the airways to leave you decongested itch-free. The salt can even thin down mucus (lovely) to help clear it away and give you a breather.

The result

Hayfever sufferer, general cold-haver and all round lover of natural therapies, I was excited to give this a go. The instructions said to use the pipe for around 15 minutes at a time, a few times a day – which I found quite hard to stick to with such a busy schedule, but I tried my best. I was just getting over a summer cold when I started using it, and found it helped to ease the congestion in my airways so that I could breathe a little easier at night – always a plus!

It’s still quite bulky to fit into a small handbag but if you can take it out with you (and don’t mind the odd stare on the tube) it makes a great alternative to antihistamine tablets. The smallest pipe (the Cisca Easy Pipe) lasts up to six months, which is pretty impressive considering most of us will only suffer for around three months a year.

Having taken an antihistamine every day for the previous month, I wanted to cut down and managed to do it by using the pipe; on particularly high-pollen days I kept tablets with me just in case but thanks to the Salt Pipe I have managed a few days a week with no tablets whatsoever.

As a fan of salt therapy already, I will definitely be keeping up my use of the pipe for the next few months to keep allergy symptoms at bay – and even if I still need to go back to my antihistamine-popping ways, at least my lungs will be cleared of the heavy London air…

We're glad you like us, but how much do you know about us? As your go-to guru for the best deals, we want you to know you're in good hands. We know that service with a smile makes all the difference, and that you're not going to try the latest beauty trend without a little background information first - which is why we are so much more than just bargain hunters.

Did you know that:

1. We use eVouchers

Where's the fun in shopping online if you have to wait a few days for the postman to arrive? We like to do things quickly and easily, which is why when you purchase anything from Wahanda you'll receive an eVoucher straight to your email inbox in a flash.

2. We welcome you with open arms (and a £5 discount)

When you sign up to our newsletters for the first time, we welcome you with a £5 discount code to use on your first purchase on Wahanda - it's just a little gift to say thanks for stopping by. You can also earn more £5 rewards by inviting your friends to join us, which is always a good idea if you want a gym buddy or some company for that 2 for 1 spa deal.

3. We do our research

We know our health and beauty industry pretty well, but we don't stop there. The deals we put up are for treatments and services that we've seen - and often tried and tested - for ourselves. We research treatments fully and give you all the info you need on what they do and how they do it. Plus, if you have any burning questions you can ask our database of expert therapists for all the answers, or for real recommendations you can check out reviews from other customers.

4. We have real life humans at the end of the phone

Yes, we actually have people answering phones in our London office - refreshing, don't you think? Our customer service team will do their very best to make sure you get what you need, whether you're having trouble booking or you've misplaced your eVoucher. You can email us, call us or fill out an online contact form - either way you'll reach a human being who knows what they're doing.

5. We offer a 10 day no quibble refund and 150% price guarantee

We're pretty proud of this one. We know that sometimes you're in a rush and pick a deal that doesn't have the availability you need, or the treatment you want. Contact our lovely team (see point four) within ten days of purchasing and they'll refund your purchase with no questions asked. Plus, we pride ourselves on finding the best deals around - so if you find the exact same offer elsewhere at a cheaper price, we'll refund your purchase with an extra 50% of the cost - that's our price guarantee.

So, have you added Wahanda to your favourites yet? Bookmark us as your tried and trusted health and beauty one-stop shop - we'll make sure you're well looked after.

With Mother’s Day being this weekend we’re all celebrating our wonderful mums and saying thank you, but do you thank yours for your looks? New research shows that women are now turning to anti-ageing treatments to delay the transformation into their mums.

Sk:n, one of the UK’s leading skin clinics, has surveyed 8,000 females across the country to find out what their attitudes are to ageing and skincare. The research found that one in ten women worry about getting older at the point they begin to look like their mother, and are now using injectables such as Botox and fillers to slow down the process. In fact, one in thirteen women worry their husband or boyfriend will leave them for a younger model if they increasingly resemble their mum (the so-called mother-in-law effect).

The survey went on to explore the anxieties women have about ageing, finding that a third of women believe ageing will make them less attractive and a quarter admit to worrying about ageing for at least ten minutes every day. One in ten women confess to counting their wrinkles once a month, while one in twenty say they never stop worrying about wrinkles – which of course isn’t going to help fade away those frown lines.

It’s not all doom and gloom; the good news is that one in three Brits believe they look younger now than their mothers did at their age (though it’s probably best not to include that in your card this Sunday). The research showed that we’re pretty quick to spot tell-tale signs of ageing, with hands being the biggest giveaway (53%), followed by crow’s feet (42%), forehead furrows (23%) and the décolletage (25%).

Though we start to worry about looking like our mums from the age of 31, we’re most likely to have anti-ageing treatments such as injectables between the age of 41 and 45. This age group spends an average of £508 per year on their appearance – so if you know anyone hitting the forty mark you might want to tell them about Wahanda's beauty deals and save them some pennies...

Jane Lewis, Clinical Development Director from Sk:n Clinics comments, “Increasingly women feel the pressure to look younger than they are and constantly think about the ageing process and how it will affect them. Whatever a partner thinks, it’s important that women make the best choice for them. We advise women who are considering any anti-ageing treatments to have an in-depth skin consultation first to ensure the right treatment is administered, giving them the subtle results they require. We may all worry about looking like our mothers but it’s important we make the most of our natural features and injectables should be used to enhance our looks, not over-haul them.”

Sk:n are offering free consultations on anti-ageing injectables nationwide – so if you’d rather not be a case of like mother, like daughter, check them out and make an informed decision when it comes to those laughter lines.

With Mother's Day being just around the corner (ahem, 3rd April for those of you looking panicked) we’ve all been scratching our heads trying to think of how best to say thank you to our mums for putting up with us for yet another year. Well, fret no more - Wahanda has it covered. Did you expect anything less?

Kicking off on Monday 28th March, Wahanda is delighted to announce a fresh new partnership with the Sanctuary Spa which will see not one, but two unbeatable MobDeals on their fantastic skincare range going live just in time for Mother’s Day. This is the first time the Sanctuary have unleashed their products outside of Boots, so to say we’re feeling pretty special would be an understatement (we're actually dancing in excitement, can you tell?).

First up is the Sanctuary Skincare Spa Heroes Kit with an amazing 54% off, which includes four strong spa favourites:

• Radiance Boosting Facial Oil (30ml)
• Perfectly Polished Hot Cloth Cleanser (150ml
• Warming Microbrasion Polish (100ml)
• Warming Charcoal Detox Mask (100ml)

And for those who want a bit more of a boost, the second offer is for over 50% off the Pro-Collagen Skincare Kit, containing a trio of treats:

• Pro-Collagen Youth Serum (30ml)
• Pro-Collagen Night Concentrate (50ml)
• Skincare Collagen Boosting Mask (100ml)

Not only are we solving your Mother’s Day gift-buying blues, but we’re throwing in free delivery nationwide, so nobody has to miss out. Plus, at just £20 for each kit, we think your mum will be really proud at how savvy you are with your savings – she clearly taught you well.

Why not pick up both and treat yourself too? But be quick – we only have a limited number available and once the word gets out, we think it’ll be pretty popular…

It’s fun to keep up with the hottest nail colours around each season, but now there’s a new nail treatment in town too – Gelish. Being a dedicated nail-painter myself, I couldn’t wait to try out this time-saving treat that promised to leave my nails glossy and bright for up to three whole weeks without damaging my nails - and no, there are no pigs flying overhead…

The therapist

If the prospect of having perfect nails wasn’t exciting enough, the fact that I didn’t even have to leave my house to have it done made it even better. NAILS BY METS, aka Metta, is a mobile therapist who is currently polishing the nails of beauty lovers across inner and outer London, as well as the Reading area. Specialising in everything from nail art (her own nails had roses painted on them – definitely a good advert for her artistic skill) to the newer trends of Gelish and Minx, Metta knows her manicures and hopes to start on pedicures later in the year when sunshine and sandals start to make an appearance.

The treatment

Metta started by explaining what the process was, roughly how long it would take (an hour usually) and showing me her huge range of nail colours. With classic pillarbox reds, glossy blacks and deep purples, there were plenty to choose from – but I had to go for Gossip Girl, a punchy hot pink that would be perfect for my night out that Saturday.

So what is Gelish? As the first hybrid gel-polish, it’s already making a mark on the manicure industry. Unlike conventional gels, Gelish comes in a regular twist-cap bottle with brush, and is applied thinly just as you would a normal nail varnish. The difference is that in between coats it’s cured under a UV or LED lamp. Even better, there’s no drying time needed, so as soon as the final coat and light is applied you’re free to make a cup of tea, do your hair or whatever else is needed – and all smudge free. Too good to be true, right?

Wrong. After a quick cuticle tidy, file and light buffing of the nail, Metta applied the PH Bond to temporarily dehydrate the nail, giving the perfect surface for Gelish to adhere to. A Foundation Gel was then used for the base coat, as well as Structure Gel on the few nails that were looking weaker to reduce potential chipping. Metta then went over the nails with a dry brush to make the surface a little more tacky, which helps the Gelish to stick. Two coats of the gorgeous Gossip Girl shade were applied, and finished with the ‘Top It Off’ top coat for extra gloss. Between each coat, each hand had to be placed under the UV lamp to set it in place, and Metta (perfectionist that she is) tidied up any stray marks. Once the last round of polish and light was done, I was good to go – without that awkward waving-hands-around action that I usually have to go through to get them to dry.

The result

Well, I am a Gelish convert. Not only was it enjoyable to have my nails pampered in the comfort of my own home, but the result is notably better than my usual high street varnish. For starters, the gloss on the colour is unbelievable – so shiny that they almost look like liquid (but don’t smudge – hurrah!). Metta promised that this shine would last as long as the polish, and over ten days later I can safely say she wasn’t lying. They haven’t chipped, there’s no dulling to the surface and if anything my nails feel stronger than ever.

Only time will tell as to whether I can keep it chip-free for the full three weeks, but so far so good. Once it does need to be taken off, Metta will easily remove the Gelish in a fifteen minute appointment with no damage to the natural nail – what’s not to love?

Good to know

• NAILS BY METS serves London, outer London and Reading. A Gelish manicure is £35; removal is £10 which includes removal of Gelish and then a mini-manicure (cuticle tidy, shape & buff, application of a clear nail conditioner/strengthener and cuticle oil.)  If Gelish is to be reapplied then removal is included in the cost.
• Metta recommends using CND Solar Oil every day to soften cuticles and keep the nail area nourished so that it is less brittle and therefore less likely to chip.
• Care should be taken when washing up or using detergents – use gloves at all times!
• Gelish is currently available in a wide range of 48 colours.  24 brand new colours have already been announced for 2011 and it is anticipated pre-orders will arrive later this month.  You can also create your own bespoke colours by layering different shades.
• Gelish is versatile – if you don’t fancy the same colour for three weeks, you can paint normal varnish over the top and take off again with non-acetone nail polish remover, leaving Gelish intact underneath.
• Gelish was the winner of the Innovative Product of the Year 2010 award

Mancunians, we may just be able to brighten up your week. If you need a bit of a pamper fix, head on down to the Spa Co Urban Oasis in Debenhams on Wednesday and be part of the official relaunch after their fantastic refurbishment.

The fresh-faced spa is holding an event on Wednesday 22nd September from 12pm to 6pm to celebrate their new look, with free wine and nibbles available throughout the day for you to enjoy as well as some exclusive discounts and promotions.

Show up on Wednesday and you can check out their new Minx nails treatments, plus hear their very exciting news about a new treatment they will be offering that’s sure to go swimmingly well – our lips are sealed!

As well as keeping up to date with this Manchester hot spot, you can also get 15% off any treatments or vouchers you buy on the day – plus, if you can’t make it down in person, you can get the discount price by calling them on Wednesday to book in. Simple!

If you like what you see, check out the Spa Co Urban Oasis offers and deals on Wahanda, read their reviews and check out their price list.

It may be time to put the tooth fairy out of business and hold on to your gnashers because your teeth could be the key to staying young.

A new study has found that as our skin sags, so too do our bones – which explains why tightening the skin using cosmetic surgery can leave you looking windswept rather than restoring that youthful glow.

But don’t ditch the anti-ageing cream just yet – all hope is not lost. David Hunt, a physical anthropologist who’s seen 30,000 human skeletons, suggests that though you can’t stop your bones withering away, you can slow down the drooping by looking after your teeth.

Tooth loss leads to skinny jawbones that look older, as the body takes away the no-longer used sockets where teeth used to be. Thankfully dental care has improved massively over the years and so the teeth and skulls of baby boomers already look a lot younger than previous generations, Hunt explained – a good reason, should you need one to keep up the flossing and never miss your dentist appointments.

Dr Howard Langstein, who works as a plastic surgeon, teamed up with a colleague for the study to work out why face lifts don’t necessarily make patients look fresh faced. By collecting 3D CT scans of 60 adult skulls, they were able to study the underlying bone structure rather than looking at sagging skin and soft tissue. After grouping the scans into age categories – young, middle age and over 65 – Langstein found that like skin, facial bones also shift with age.

Their research showed changes around the eyes, in the cheek area and in the jaw – which is what you’d expect given that the older we get, the more deep-set our eyes become, while our cheeks sag and we lose our youthful jawline. Attractive, eh? Langstein explained that the cheekbones droop with age, giving less support to the lower eyelid and so encouraging the sunken-eye look.

Our bones are constantly being eaten away and then rebuilt, so gradually the bone becomes rougher and less dense – no matter how much Botox, exercise or milk you get. Still, keep smiling – those teeth could take years off you…

When Wahanda heard about magnetic therapy we just had to try it out – well, if it’s good enough for Roger Federer, then it’s good enough for us. An alternative, non-invasive drug free treatment that can benefit everybody, magnetic therapy claims to not only be great for illness or injury, but also for maintenance of good health. We wanted to know more, so spent the morning down at the BEMER Health Centre in Wandsworth and heard some fascinating stories while we were there…

The venue

The BEMER Health Centre is based in the same beautifully reformed building that harbours the UK’s first Salt Cave which we recently tried out and loved. Clean, clinical yet relaxing, the centre is run by magnetic therapy enthusiast Kathy Geminiani who has just two treatment rooms.

Having discovered magnetic therapy eleven years ago through a friend and seeing fantastic results of pain relief in those that used it, Kathy is now a full time BEMER practitioner and uses the device daily, morning and night, to maintain her own health. If Wandsworth is a little out of your way, Kathy can even come to you or rent out the machines – so no one need miss out on the pioneering treatment.

The treatment

Magnetic therapy: non-invasive, drug free, no side effects… too good to be true? We thought so, but step into the clinic and hear Kathy’s astounding stories of the people she’s helped over the years and your cynicism melts away. The BEMER equipment has been approved by the German government and is backed by scientific research. Whether you’ve scolded your arm, got a blister, torn some tendons or injured your elbow, the BEMER machine can help you recover with alarming results.

Before we try out the dream machine, Kathy tells us how it all works and why it could help our eczema troubles as well as sports injuries. BEMER stands for bio-electric magnetic energy regulation. The therapy involves laying on a mattress which contains magnetic coils, which then has electricity passed through it to create an electro-magnetic field which pulses through your body. This stimulates microcirculation, sending blood and oxygen to all those tiny cells within your body and giving them the energy they need, and therefore maintaining good health. Kathy explains that a lack of microcirculation leads to dying cells which ultimately leads to illness, so of course the treatment can help with everyday health as well as aid healing.

And heal it can; Kathy has helped many patients suffering from sports injuries, eczema and more. Just recently Kathy treated someone with a skiing injury to their leg – the patient arrived limping, and after just one session on the BEMER they walked out limp-free. In another case, an eleven year old boy with severe eczema who had been visiting the Salt Cave next door was treated with the magnetic therapy, plus the intense light therapy that Kathy also offers. The redness and rawness of his skin was reduced and he left less distressed, along with some of Kathy’s aloe vera gel that she swears by for skin conditions.

These cases along with news that Roger Federer uses magnetic therapy to keep himself healthy and injury-free for his tennis games, were enough for us to believe in it. After a glass of water beforehand, Kathy led us through to the bright treatment room where we removed our shoes and hopped onto the bed. It looks like a simple bed but has the BEMER mattress on top, which contains those all important magnetic coils.

Kathy set the machine on the base programme for sixteen minutes and left us to drift off into a comfortable doze, with our palms flat on the bed. Our muscles felt a little heavy as if winding down at the end of a long day and our head felt a little tingly, but other than that we couldn’t feel a thing. We then had twelve minutes on the intensive setting, and then it was all over. We had another glass of water to help clear out those toxins and then rubbed in some aloe vera gel to our arms.

The result

While we didn’t have any specific injuries to heal, we do suffer from eczema so were hoping that the magnetic therapy would help. Though there was no obvious visible difference in our skin straight after the therapy, it certainly made sense that continued use would help, and the case studies speak for themselves.

Kathy’s aloe vera gel from Herbalife also worked wonders on our skin leaving it smooth and silky, a refreshing change from the dryness of eczema. A great way to restore the body’s self-regulation, the BEMER machine may just be the answer to good health all year round, and could soon be the sport world’s best kept secret.

Could BEMER therapy help you?

• Chronic tiredness
• Arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Wound healing
• Fractures and many more...

Botox has been a hot topic lately, from celebrities such as Dannii Minogue turning their slender back on it or girls as young as fifteen getting their frown-busting fixes in early.

Now a new piece of gossip has got tongues wagging, as the Guardian’s Hadley Freeman reported that a contact in LA has discovered new classes which teach you how to act despite the inability to express emotions due to the use of Botox. We kid you not.

It may sound like the cosmetic industry- or Hollywood in general- has officially gone mad but perhaps all wrinkle-free A-listers should give it a go. Discussing the troublesome trend of Botox, casting director Margery Simkin told New York Magazine, ‘It has definitely impacted my work. It’s something that you think about when you’re assessing someone for a role.’

Interestingly, when Simkin did the casting for Avatar, Botox was an issue as James Cameron used ‘motion-capture’ technology that records the actors’ expressions. She told New York Magazine, ‘I talked to the animation supervisor, and I said, ‘Is there anything I should know? Is there a shape of a face, a kind of eyes, something that is going to be more or less workable in this new medium?’ And you know what he said? ‘No Botox. The faces have to move.’ ‘

Plastic surgeons are now upping their game in order to keep age-aware actors looking good without losing their acting talents. Stephen Pincus, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, told the magazine that he now asks his actor clients what emotions they need to show and discusses what results they’ll have with certain procedures, warning against any that will limit their expression. Even so, some will still have the treatment, preferring to look young and wrinkle free than worrying about brief flashes of emotion on screen.

With so many older leading ladies these days those acting classes will be filling up… let’s hope the next Sex and the City movie doesn’t look like Madame Tussauds has come to life on the streets of New York!

Botox is no longer favoured by just celebrities and yummy mummies; a teenage girl has become the youngest Botox user in Britain at the age of only 15. What would her mother say if she knew? Well, she already knows – and now gives her daughter the muscle-paralysing injections herself.

Hannah Burge, who is now sixteen, had her first dose of Botox at a clinic in Spain last year when her forty-nine year old mother Sarah gave her consent. Since her first fix, Hannah has had two more of the injections done in the comfort of her own home by none other than her proud mum, a trained aesthetic practitioner who administers half the usual dosage given to adults to help Hannah stay wrinkle-free.

Hopping on the bandwagon after finding forums and websites with young girls claiming to feel more confident after their Botox treatments, Hannah wanted to save her young skin and prevent wrinkles from developing as she gets older. She even claims that she already had a couple of lines which she wanted to get rid of.

The image-conscious teen said, ‘Appearance is important to me and I don’t want to look haggard and ugly by the time I’m 25. Some of my friends told me that the earlier you start to have B, the fewer wrinkles you’ll have as an adult.’

While it would be obvious to say that airbrushed celebrities in magazines and their reliance on Botox could be influencing the young, this may be more a case of like mother, like daughter. Hannah’s mum, Sarah is known as the Human Barbie, holding the world record for the most cosmetic procedures, and supports Hannah’s decision to have Botox.

With Sarah’s perfect face and body already having set her back over £500,000, it looks like Hannah may be about to follow in her age-defying footsteps. The teen’s next target is to have lip fillers, again administered by her mum – now that’s really trusting that your mother’s always right…

That January detox may feel like it was nothing but a bad dream already, but Wahanda try to keep fit and fabulous all year round. But what to do when you’re bored of running, avoiding the loneliness of the gym or completely unmotivated to get those muscles moving? Find a new fitness toy to play with, that’s what. Wahanda bounded over to Trinity Health Clubs last week to check out the new class in town – WaterCrew – and we were pleased to find we weren’t out of our depth…

The venue

Trinity Health Clubs are quietly hidden away in a basement location in Central London. Their compact studios are currently enjoying a refurb which is making them lighter and brighter, with a smart reception area already giving the place a welcoming feel. A very intimate club, Trinity focus on personal training and smaller classes in order to get results – which is exactly what you need if you’re lacking in the motivational department. WaterCrew is their latest venture, using WaterRowers to create a group fitness class that imitates real-life rowing.

The class

After a swift change into our rather neglected gym clothes, we set ourselves up on the rowing machines, along with the other four people in the group. The machines are a little different to those very mechanical rowing machines you find in the gym – WaterRowers use ‘Waterflywheel technology’, making it a lower impact class that mimics the feeling of being on the water. The circular tank of water provides all the resistance you’ll need to give yourself a full cardio workout.

The 45 minute class begins with a warm up of gently rowing back and forth; the swoosh of the water as we pulled on the bar was oddly relaxing as we began to get the blood pumping, and the statistics on the counters were explained to us as we rowed. Gradually, we increased speed – but as our knowledgable instructor pointed out, speed is not the object in WaterCrew – it’s about how much strength you put into the movement.

With perfect high-tempo music blaring behind us, we rowed in unison, using various techniques to work the whole body. With twists to work the abs, ‘sprints’ to challenge the legs and bicep curls to work the arms, WaterCrew ensures you work 84% of the body’s muscles. It even beats the treadmill, bike or cross-trainer to be the best form of cardiovascular workout, with a session of light to moderate rowing burning between 502-733 calories per hour; a vigorous training session will burn up to 1,035 calories per hour – now that’s a lot of Easter eggs!

The result

In just 45 minutes of moderate rowing, we were up to a rate of burning 749 calories an hour and counting, and had rowed a distance of around 8km. Unlike spinning classes which are high impact and high speed, WaterCrew is fun and energetic yet without that I’m-going-to-fall-off-the-bike feeling. With great music, great instructors and that great calming water sound, it’s easy to keep going, especially with such a dynamic routine that never gets dull.

WaterCrew classes are ideal if, like those of us at Wahanda HQ, you love the rowing machine but find it pulls on your muscles just a little too harshly or you just can’t keep going for more than five minutes out of sheer boredom. WaterCrew makes for an invigorating class that definitely floats Wahanda’s boat….

Spring is on its way and what better way to put some bounce in your step than an event dedicated to health and wellness? The Vitality Show is back at Earl’s Court 2 this month for the biggest health, beauty and wellness event of the year, and Wahanda will be there to check out the latest lust-haves in the world of wellbeing.

Running from the 18th-21st March, the Vitality Show is the ultimate girl’s day out with over 350 health, beauty, fitness, healthy eating and wellbeing companies taking part to display new products and offer advice to help spring clean your health and beauty regime.

This year has a whole host of inspiring treats, including the addition of the One Life Live Show, the perfect opportunity for you to give your life a makeover. Features include life coaching sessions, alternative and holistic therapies, and talks from leading experts such as John Lees, Jessica Chivers and Pete Cohen.

Of course, at Wahanda we love a sprinkling of pampering too which is why the Vitality Show is the best event around – why not treat yourself to a true dose of indulgence and book in for a VIP pamper package, which includes a goodie bag to take away with you as well as entrance to the show.

Your VIP pass includes a pre-booked luxury treatment from London Serenity (choose from a facial or back massage),
a complimentary glass of champagne, a VIP goodie bag worth over £50 
and access to the exclusive Pamper Lounge.

For more details and to book your golden tickets visit www.thevitalityshow.co.uk

We’re told to keep our salt intake to a minimum to keep hearts happy and healthy, but inhaling it can actually be good for you - halotherapy, or salt therapy is helpful particularly if you suffer from asthma, bronchitis or sinusitis. Ever the enthusiast for a natural remedy, Wahanda headed down to the UK’s first ever Salt Cave to find out why passing the salt could be the next big thing.

The venue

The Salt Cave is set within a one-hundred year old converted church in Wandsworth, just a stone’s throw away from the local station. With a friendly yet suitably clinical interior, a small and welcoming reception area leads through to a locker room where we can de-coat ourselves away from snow-encrusted London and put on the highly attractive (!) hair nets and shoe covers.

Hungarian-born Sofia, owner of the Salt Cave explains these are to keep the treatment environment hygienic in line with the conditions of the room – a natural salt cave micro-climate is recreated within the clinic. Particles of dry rock salt are ground in a machine and circulated around the chamber, which, though invisible to the eye, are inhaled deep into the respiratory system. The minerals within the salt, including magnesium and potassium have anti-inflammatory properties, while the salt’s natural antibacterial properties help clean out mucus to help reduce blocked airways. As long sufferers of hayfever and the usual coughs and colds, it was certainly worth a try.

The treatment

As we entered the cave, our eyes had to adjust as we were met with a room resembling a snow covered chamber – only of course the ‘snow’ was salt. Covering the walls, ceiling and floor was a thick layer of natural sea salt which we later heard was from the Red Sea. The sparkling spotlights were dimmed to help create a relaxing atmosphere as wave music played softly in the background, and a few ‘patients’ were already in the session – Sofia has treated over 1000 clients this year and is booking up fast.

Choosing conservatory-like loungers set at the back of the room, we settled down under a cosy blanket, keeping snug in the 20 degrees room and drifting into a pleasant snooze. Each session lasts an hour, so whether you’re reading a book, taking a nap or (if you’re a child) playing in the kids’ toy area it’s a serene setting for some well-deserved rest away from the bustle of the city.

The result

It’s not often you can kick back and relax with a nap in the afternoon, so it’s no surprise that halotherapy can alleviate stress and improve well-being. To really feel the results Sofia recommends a few treatments per week – but after just a short time in the cave, our blocked noses (courtesy of the winter cold and flu season) felt clearer, and we already felt a lot calmer. You may well think you can relax at home, or of course at a spa, but the cave offers a distraction-free haven as well as beautiful clean air to clear the lungs away from polluted London - and for any asthmatics or severe allergy sufferers it’s a natural way to improve your breathing. What’s not to love?