What is skin needling and how does it work?Skin needling is also called micro-needling therapy or collagen induction therapy. It is a new beauty therapy treatment and very effective. It is a minimally-invasive non-surgical and non-ablative procedure for facial rejuvenation that involves the use of a micro-needling device to create a controlled skin injury.
As each fine needle punctures the skin, it creates a channel or micro-wound. The controlled injury triggers the body to fill these micro-wounds by producing new collagen and elastin in the papillary dermis. In addition, new capillaries are formed. This neovascularisation and neocollagenesis following treatment leads to reduction of scars and skin rejuvenation, i.e., improved skin texture, firmness and hydration. The needles are up to 3 mm in length.
Professional skin needling is considered to be one of the safest skin treatment procedures. Unlike chemical peels,dermabrasion and laser treatments, skin needling causes minimal damage to the skin.
What is skin needling used for?Skin needling is effectively used for:

• Reducing scars (including hypertrophic scars) caused by acne, surgery or thermal burns
• Fading stretch marks
• Reducing fine lines and deep wrinkles
• Dyspigmentation e.g in melasma
• Tightening sagging skin.

Benefits of skin needling

• Reduced risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring therefore safe on ethnic or dark skin.
• Suitable for thin and sensitive skin
• The procedure is well tolerated and well accepted by the patients,
• It is cost-effective, and can be done on areas of skin not suitable for peeling or laser resurfacing, such as near eyes.
• As opposed to ablative laser resurfacing, the epidermis remains intact and is not damaged. For this reason, the operation can be safely repeated if needed.
• Treatment does not result in a line of demarcation between treated and untreated skin, as usually occurs with other resurfacing procedures. This allows for specific areas of scarring to be treated without the need to “blend” or “feather” at the treatment edges.
• The patient can resume regular activities within a few days, depending on the depth of penetration of the needles. Treatment options like laser resurfacing or dermabrasion are often associated with considerable morbidity and downtime from daily activities of the patient in the post-treatment period.

What is the skin needling procedure like?The procedure is well tolerated. It takes around 10-15 minute after the 30 activation of the numbing cream, depending on the area to be treated and the severity of the problem.

• No lotions, makeup or other topical products are applied on the treatment area on the day of the procedure.
• The skin is punctured in a specific pattern using a skin needling pen. The device is moved over the skin multiple times for best results.
• As each fine needle punctures the skin, it creates a channel or micro-wound stimulating skin cell regeneration.
• Depending on the condition treated it may take 5-60 minutes to complete the procedure.
• A minimum of six weeks is recommended between two treatments as it takes that long for new natural collagen to form.

Postprocedure care

• Skin needling is well tolerated by patients but dryness, scaling, redness and swelling may be seen after treatment, lasting for several days or longer, depending on the depth of penetration of the needles.
• Sun protection for several weeks is recommended.
• In the case of acne scars, after the skin needling procedure, the face should be cleaned with a gentle cleanser before bed. The next day, the face may be cleansed and makeup, lotions and other topical products applied as usual.
• As the microholes close quickly, postoperative wound infection is rare.
• Emollients or antibiotic creams may be prescribed, if considered necessary.
• Rejuvenation of skin may be seen as soon as 2 weeks and as long as 6-8 months after the medical procedure.
• Burn scars are slow to respond. It can take up to 6 months to 1 year to see the final results from a single treatment.

Practical tips

• Good quality instruments should be used; there are many instruments from different companies. Using poor instruments may lead to breakage of needles in the skin.
• The patient should be counselled that multiple sessions may be needed.
• Other treatments such as subcision (surgical procedure using a needle to cut fibrous bands between fat lobules), and punch elevation may need to be combined for optimal results in acne scarring.
• Application of local anaesthetic cream can prevent procedure pain and help in performing the procedure properly.

How many skin needling procedures does one need?The number of needling procedures depends on the individual skin condition. Three to four treatments may be needed for moderate acne scars. Scars from Thermal burns and stretch marks (striae) may require up to 5 procedures.
In the case of wrinkles associated with ageing skin, one or two refresher skin needling treatments are recommended every year.
Specially designed home skin needling models with short fine needles (0.2 mm depth) may be used 2-3 times per week to:

• reduce pore size
• reduce oil levels in the skin (seborrhoea)
• help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines
• enhance delivery and effectiveness of medical grade skincare creams
• minimise acne outbreaks.

1500s-1600s 
Dating as far back as the Elizabethan era in Europe, women have gone to extreme measures to attain youthful-looking skin. With little science behind early skin care, previous attempts often did more harm than good. In the 1600s pale skin, untouched by the rays of the sun, signified wealth and power. To further the skin-whitening process, Queen Elizabeth and other members of the upper class used Ceruse, a poisonous mixture of white lead and vinegar. Even more extreme, some would draw their own blood to achieve that faint colour.
1875
At the turn of the century, women were more focused than ever on youthful skin and various, new beauty products like Madame Rowley's toilet mask hit the market. An ad for the overnight beauty mask was "recommended to ladies for Beautifying, Bleaching, and Preserving their Complexion." It's not surprising how a mask that suffocated your face and encouraged perspiration while you sleep would fall out of favour.
1900s 
The universal preference for glowing skin continued to inspire new, resourceful treatments. Raw meat facials popped up abroad and with the discovery of radium, a number of cosmetics companies started putting the chemical into their products. One variation of the trend was Kemolite Radio-Active Beauty Plasma that was advertised as a volcanic clay mud treatment. Women of the time were booking salon appointments almost daily to get radium-infused masks that promised to restore smoothness and revive sallowness. As it turned out, the radium salts in the OG face mask were actually very harmful to the salon-goers health.
1930s
Sunbathers in the ‘30s were so anti-freckle that they would wear a freckle-proof cape to avoid sun damage. For the already freckle-afflicted, Italian physician Dr. M. Matarassoa invented a new spot removing procedure that used carbon monoxide to freeze off freckles with a sharp needle. Luckily, chemist Franz Greiter came along to invent sunscreen in 1946, leaving the prickly device behind.
1940s
With well-established beauty moguls Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden leading the industry, more salons began opening nationwide and ushered in a variety of new anti-aging treatments. For a perfectly flushed, youthful complexion, the glamour bonnet and other helmet-like structures came into fashion. Rosy cheeks were also sought after via electronic heated face masks, skin-tightening wraps and vacuums aimed at addressing issues like sagging skin, circulation and acne.
1950s 
With the advent of television homes in every household the idea of Hollywood beauty became attainable and everyday women were highly focused on their physical appearance. In addition to heading to day spas for seaweed baths, paraffin treatments and many other services that we still see on menus today, steam facials became the popular pick for achieving that long sought-after glowing healthy skin.
Present Day
Facials certainly have come a long way since the early days of poisonous serums and overnight torture devices. Today, celebs like K Kardashian, Jessica Alba and Victoria Beckham are no strangers to the latest and greatest of the industry. Kim has tried the vampire facial, which promises younger, firmer skin by using your own blood. Victoria is said to be a fan of the bird poop facial that stems from Medieval Japanese geisha girls, while Jessica favours Hollywood's current favourite facial that enlists LED lights to penetrate the skin and reverse signs of ageing.

Top 10 reasons why you need a monthly facial.
 
Most people don’t understand the benefits that a good professional facial can offer to you. Most people will wait until they encounter a skin concern or have an upcoming special event before making an appointment for a facial. While this is totally OK, these frustrating problems can often be preempted by proper monthly facials and counseling on the correct at-home products.
Despite the small expense of having a facial, here is a short blog outlining why a monthly facial is a good investment. Your skin is always on display and often has the power to dictate how good we feel about ourselves. Investing in proper skincare has a value that can be arguably more important than buying a new dress or going out to a fancy restaurant or even taking an expensive vacation (a facial is a mini-vacation).  What’s more is that facials at Mojo Beauty use the high quality Medik8 range and are affordable. I charge significantly less than a formal spa and appointments in my personal studio are tailored and holistic just for you. Plus, my facials are undeniably more unique (and fun) while still being customized, anti-aging, relaxing, comfortable, and come with personal attention and great service.  If affordability is an issue, I can work around that if needs be. Please like my Facebook page, Mojo Beauty and my instagram Mojobeautychch, and check this blog often for more specials offered.
Facials are ideal once a month unless you have a specific skin concern you are trying to overcome (acne, hyper-pigmentation, etc), then you may need to come in for a series of treatments. The reason behind getting monthly facials is that your stratum corneum (the outermost layer of visible skin) will completely renew itself approximately every 28 days. In this time your skin cells are constantly being replicated from the treated cells to replace the old cells. If you give your skin a head start with a professional facial, your skin cells will begin to replicate the now healthier cells and thus give you a better complexion. Also, most skin products can take up to 6-8 weeks to start to treat active skin cells, but by speeding up the renewal process with a facial you can make these products work faster and more effectively.
Aside from just feeling like heaven, here are my top 10 reasons why you should come in to the Mojo beauty for monthly Medik8 facials:
1)   Facials allow you to relax. They feel great and are healing to the soul. The power of touch, massage, proper technique, and professional products can heal. Stress relief and beautiful glowing skin? YES PLEASE!
2)   Facials increase circulation of the blood under the skin allowing the skin optimal health to facilitate the renewal skin cells.
3)   Facials decrease waste underneath the skin that can cause puffiness, ruddiness, and fluid accumulation by manipulating the lymphatic system that lies just under the skin. Facials also aids in detoxification.
4)   A good facial (and facial massage) can help smooth fine lines and promote collagen production, which is the building block of the skin (to prevent premature aging, wrinkles, and sagging).
5)   A facial will cleanse the pores on a much deeper level. Even non-acneic skin can use a good deep cleanse. Extractions/cleaning out the pores can help to maintain clear skin, stop acne formation, as well as can help to change the pore’s size.
6)   Facials provide deep(er) exfoliation than you can achieve at home. Exfoliation smoothes skin, allows for great penetration of products (i.e. moisturizers or serums), unclogs pores, improves skin ability to retain hydration, and evens skin tone to just name a few benefits.
7)   Allows a professionally trained beauty therapist to counsel you on the proper products you should be using at home. This alone is worth the investment as the skincare industry can be a difficult and expensive area to navigate.
8)   Can help even skin tone and lighten dark spots. Dark spots age our skins’ appearance visibly. Again a gentle reminder- sunscreen is still a necessity no matter how great the facial.
9)   Facials slow the ageing process. They allow your skin to feel healthier, smoother, and look more radiant. Facials reduce fine lines, age spots, and relieve dehydrated skin. With these benefits, facials make us feel better about our skin. With the use of exfoliation, massage, and the penetration of nutrients and antioxidants, facials also help to reverse ageing process. We will all age, but we can do it more slowly with glowing, firm, and hydrated skin.
10) Facials are not a miracle in an hour but they do give you a fresh start to a healthier and balanced complexion. Regular facials will help you maintain optimal skin health and the Medik8 active skincare range is professional and produces clear results.

Are you sick of shaving, don't have the time to shave as often or suffering from skin irritations caused by  shaving?  Well, maybe it is time you try waxing!  These top 10 benefits of waxing over shaving will give you an overview of why many people have converted to waxing as a method of hair removal.
Top 10 Benefits of Waxing over Shaving

1. It lasts longer than shaving because it pulls the hair from the roots.
2. No cuts or nicks that can leave you with scars, especially if you are like me that has skin susceptible to discoloration even for a minor cut.
3. Shaving can cause rashes on sensitive skin.
4. For many, waxing makes the hair grow slower and finer .
5. Waxing produces smoother results because hair is pulled from the root.
6. Shaving can result to stubbles.   If you don't shave often enough, your legs will feel rough and abrasive.
7. Waxing will make your skin feel smoother longer without feeling itchy, because of slower hair regrowth.
8. Contrary to popular belief, waxing is not always painful. if you do it right, it is almost pain-free.
9. Waxing is fast and convenient.  
10. Skin is less susceptible to irritations associated with shaving.  

Premium eyelash extensions are made of mink, which are delicate, soft, and natural looking. These are often the go-to extensions when it comes to luxury. Mojo Beauty uses these. Nik will show you the lashes and consult with you about the style and length that you would like and what is best for your own lashes and eye shape.

Pay Attention To Glue And Application 
Glue should be formaldehyde-free and medical grade. If you have latex allergies, glue should also be latex-free. This is a no-brainer--I mean, the glue is coming in close contact with your eyeballs!

For Classic eyelash extensions, there should be a one-to-one ratio of eyelash to false eyelash, meaning only one false lash should be glued to each of your own lashes. Avoid clusters or strips, which can weigh down your lashes and cause damage. The individual lash should be glued to directly to your eyelash, not your skin.

Pads will be placed over your lower lashes to make sure glue isn't accidentally stuck to them. Then you can basically take a 90 minute nap and awaken with lush, beautiful eyelashes. During that beauty sleep, Nik at Mojo Beauty will carefully glue each eyelash, one by one, onto your own eyelashes.

Will I Lose My Eyelashes?
Not if the lash extensions are done properly. On average you'll shed one to three eyelashes a day, so the fake lashes will shed as your natural ones do. On a positive note, some clients find that their natural eyelashes actually seemed healthier with extensions, maybe because they weren't removing mascara and eye makeup as often.  Your lashes have a 90 day growth cycle, meaning they grow out over three months, so the lashes grow out and fall out over the days.
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When Do I Need To Replace Them?
On average, eyelash extensions last around four weeks, with fillers being required every two to four weeks, depending on your preference or when payday is. Fillers make you look as good as the day you got the extensions and cost less than a full set.
What If I Have A Reaction?Reactions are rare, but if your eyes feel extremely itchy, uncomfortable, and watery after application, contact Nik and arrange an appointment to get them looked at, corrected or removed. As much as you like them, we need to address the problem and you may be allergic to the glue. 

After Care?
Only use oil-free makeup remover only and water-based mascara if needed. But, to be fair, you won't be needing mascara. Don't jump in the ocean for the next few days or in a steam room. Be careful how your head is on the pillow as you can lose some lash extensions on that side but Hey, look after them, they are semi-permanent and will come off. Also, comb them out gently with a clean mascara wand. Be gentle with your eyelash extensions. 

Innovated in 1916, the history of eyelash extensions started in Hollywood movies. These early lash extensions were made of human hair woven through fine gauze by a local wig maker. 

Throughout the following years, eyelash extensions have continued for advancement. Moving into old Hollywood of the 1940’s and 50’s, we began to see improvised breakthroughs in eyelash extension enhancement. Though, older designs of lash extensions became degenerate, artificial lashes intervened to transpire, as did the cutting-edge, advanced designs of lash application that enabled only a couple of carefully  assembled hairs, furthermore referred to as flares or clusters.

Following into the 1960’s they came in a broad range of various options, elaborate and overemphasized lashes were latest craze. Twiggy, famous actress and model in this period was idolized for her voluptuous, bold lashes and made this known as her “signature look”. Simulated lashes were in all fashion trends, fabricated with human hair or artificial products. They were soon the talk of the town, requested by women in nearly every beauty establishment, and used in clusters of lashes or customised individually; both were glued to the individuals lash line on the eyelids. Women’s main concern then was not how “fake” they looked, but just the simple fact of having such a fierce, magnified appearance to the eyes.

Originally innovated in Asia at the beginning of the millennium, eyelash extensions became favoured in 2004. For over the past century false lashes and individual lash extensions have been innovated, regenerated and modified for quality and performance and are now a very common beauty enhancement.

Why Beauty Therapy
 
A beauty therapist offers specialist services, treatments and advice for the skin, body care, massage and make-up of individual clients. There is a direct relationship between the nature and quality of the service required, and the payment made by the client. Therefore the beauty therapist has a continuing responsibility to work professionally and interactively with the client in order to give satisfaction and thus maintain and grow the business. Beauty therapy is closely associated with other parts of the service sector, such as hairdressing, fashion, and media and with the many products and services that support it. Nik at Mojo Beauty is also involved in Reiki, mobile treatments and massage, couples massage, and pamper parties.

Beauty therapy also has an important therapeutic role in supporting individual’s self-esteem and confidence and this is an area Nik is especially interested in following on from her 10 year experience in social work and work in partnership with families to help improve their lives.  Beauty therapy also helps to ameliorate the effects of illness, and can aid recovery.

The beauty therapist works in diverse environments, including large or small salons within leisure and health related organisations. The specialist services and treatments offered by the beauty therapist relate to the: face, body, feet, hands and nails. The beauty therapist may specialise in different treatments e.g. eyelash extensions, professional skincare and massage. A professional attitude, client care and relationships are the universal attributes of the outstanding beauty therapist.
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The beauty therapist works in a 1:1 relationship with clients and can be part of a wider team. Whatever the structure of the work, the trained and experienced beauty therapist takes on a high level of personal responsibility and autonomy. From safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the client through scrupulous attention to safe working, to achieving exceptional make-up effects for special occasions, every treatment matters and mistakes are largely irreversible.
With the growing worldwide demand for beauty therapy services and associated products, and the international mobility of people, the beauty therapist faces rapidly expanding opportunities and challenges. For the talented beauty therapist there are many commercial and international opportunities; however, these carry with them the need to understand and work with diverse cultures and trends. The diversity of skills associated with beauty therapy is therefore likely to expand.

THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY
There are tremendous benefits to be achieved through regular massage therapy treatments.  Whether your need is to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension or attain relief from chronic pain, a therapeutic massage can enhance your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being.
Massage therapy can be an important part of your health maintenance plan by: 

• Reducing or eliminating pain.
• Improving joint mobility. 
• Improving circulation. 
• Improving lymphatic drainage. 
• Reducing muscular tension. 

Massage therapy can be used for the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions. Massage can work for a wide variety of patients, of all ages, in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation and disability.
Massage Therapists today use their knowledge of physiology and anatomy to combine traditional Swedish and modern massage therapy techniques with other therapies to treat their clients. There has been a wide variety of research, published in peer reviewed journals, proving the benefits of massage therapy for various conditions. 
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Massage Therapy can also be used as part of a preventative care program. This includes sports training, injury prevention, ongoing stress management, and more! Together, you and your therapist will develop a treatment plan based on your needs. The treatment plan can be changed at any time and you have no obligation to undergo any part of treatment. Your treatment begins after you've given your informed consent.  
What is Swedish Massage Therapy?
Swedish massage therapy is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
 
A study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.
 
Swedish Massage TechniquesSwedish massage techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Before and during your Swedish massage session, communication is encouraged with your professional massage therapist, so that your massage is customized to your specific needs.
 
Couples Massage
 
Couples massage is a popular service where two people are massaged in the same room, at the same time, by two different therapists.  The couple can be romantic partners, moms and daughters, or best friends.  It is a great way to introduce a partner or friend who has never gotten a massage before in a way that makes them feel more comfortable the first time.
 
In terms of building a connection through a massage session, people are almost instinctually driven to let go of the past and the future and turn their attention to the present moment. This practice of being fully engaged in an activity together that can help couples reconnect, and with a little effort, they can bring that same level of mindful awareness to their time outside of their shared couples massage.
 
Pregnancy Massage
 
Prenatal massage shares many of the goals of regular massage ­– to relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and just make you feel good. But it's also tailored specifically to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies. Prenatal massage, also known as pregnancy massage, promotes relaxation, soothes nerves, and relieves strained back and leg muscles in expectant mothers. Prenatal massage is especially benefical in the second and third trimesters, when the extra weight in your belly puts a strain on your back.
 
Prenatal massage provides relaxation by relieving stress on joints. It eases neck and back pain, helps you to keep good posture and relaxes and provides flexibility to birthing muscles. Prenatal massage aids the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which keeps blood flowing to both the mother and the baby.
It stimulates different glands in the body, which help to stabilize hormone levels, and relieves nervous tension throughout the body. And the nurturing touch during pregnancy massage promotes relaxation and provides emotional support. 
Don't stop getting massage once the baby comes along.  Post-partum massage (also called post-natal massage)  can help restore your body to its pre-pregnancy condition. It helps to realign your body weight, and tones the over-stretched skin over the belly. It also relieves muscle tension and stress from mothering duties.