Norfolk


<p>Late nights, indulgent food, cocktails and fizz. What&#8217;s not to love? Well, ummm, your lacklustre skin afterwards. If recent excesses, cold winter days and dry central heating are playing havoc with your skin, read on for our expert skin SOS.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-common-problems-at-the-moment"><strong>What are common problems at the moment?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare1.jpg" alt="Woman in fur hat with snow, red nose and cheeks." class="wp-image-37940" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The excesses of the Christmas and new year party season can potentially have a negative impact on our health.&nbsp;Add to that the cold weather and winter walks, and our skin is really up against it during January.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>After weeks of high-sugar snacking, it’s all too easy to carry on the festive eating regime into the new year with the festive leftovers and choc selection boxes still enticing us.&nbsp;Sugar breaks down collagen and elastin &#8211; the  proteins that give skin shape, structure and firmness &#8211; and in excess can result in lined, saggy, dry and lacklustre skin.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Right now, your skin needs nourishment, so balance out treats with wholesome, raw foods. And drink plenty of alkaline bottled water.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Should you change your skincare with the seasons? </strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare-vit-c-orange.jpg" alt="Woman's face in bath with orange and lemon slices" class="wp-image-37947" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare-vit-c-orange.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare-vit-c-orange-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare-vit-c-orange-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare-vit-c-orange-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Personally, I think your skincare regime should always support the lipid barrier and feed the epidermal microbiome. Those two factors are crucial, whatever the season.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When your skin presents with external problems, it’s a sign of internal imbalances. As seasons change, so does our wellbeing, and this is where I turn to the five elements of traditional Chinese Medicine for support. Focus on your seasonal diet.&nbsp;For example, mid-late winter is governed by water and metal elements; the kidneys and lungs sit in these houses so incorporate foods that are supportive such as black rice, fermented foods and chia seeds.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>And if you’ve indulged in lots of sugary treats at Christmas, counterbalance this by introducing a Vitamin C based product in your winter skincare routine.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What’s the key thing you can do for your skin?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="360" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/04/pablo-65-720x360.png" alt="water being poured into a glass" class="wp-image-17024" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/04/pablo-65-720x360.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/04/pablo-65-300x150.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/04/pablo-65-768x384.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/04/pablo-65.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<p>Drink plenty of alkaline bottled water &#8211; and never sleep in your make-up! Remember, your skin isn’t separate from the rest of your body &#8211; it’s your biggest organ.&nbsp;The best thing you can do for your skin is to keep it hydrated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I suggest alkaline bottled water to my clients because it has a higher pH level than that of plain tap water and can therefore neutralise acid in your bloodstream.&nbsp;I recommend aiming to drink eight half-pint glasses of water a day. More if you’re having a busy social period. On a night out, have water in between alcoholic drinks and always drink plenty of water before bed. Instead of always going for an alcoholic drink, try opting for an alternative such as Kombucha, which is also good for your gut health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Drinking plenty of water keeps our internal extra cellular matrix healthy – a matrix of fibres that connects every single system in the body (our bones, muscles, circulator system, nervous system and organs).&nbsp;It’s the complete biological fabric that supports and communicates with the internal and external body. And it is entirely dependent on hydration!&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dehydration can cause hunger, tiredness, congested skin, mood swings, headaches. All things we can do without as we start a new year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And &#8211; never <em>ever</em> sleep in your make-up. I remember watching my mother take her make-up off at night, using her cold creams and saying to me: ”ALWAYS take your make up off when you grow up, never ever sleep in make-up. Look after your skin!” I’ve lived with that great advice.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is application as important as the product?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/skincare1-1.jpg" alt="Women in towel turban looking into mirror" class="wp-image-37937" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/skincare1-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/skincare1-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/skincare1-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/skincare1-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The way you apply skincare products is important, because the wrong techniques and tools can cause unnecessary damage to the skin. Always gently use the ring fingers for applying eye creams, or the MRL eye-balls which can be cooled in the fridge. A good quality microfibre mitt is great for cleansing and gently resurfacing the skin.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>When you are using a range of products for different purposes, working out in what order to use them can be confusing.&nbsp; But think of them as different layers of treatment and protection:&nbsp;work from the thinnest to thickest product in texture and spend time gently massaging each layer into the skin.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What skincare crimes should we put an end to this year?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare2.jpg" alt="Woman's face surrounded by petals" class="wp-image-37941" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Skincare2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Stop using disposable wipes now. They are horrendous for the environment and no good for the skin either.&nbsp;Over exfoliation is a bone of contention for me too. Using harsh, acid-based products is simply not necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>It’s not true that we have ‘dead’ skin cells. What we do have is mature skin cells that are slower at desquamation (sloughing off). Use a cleansing cloth to encourage mature cells to shed. I then mix my Restore and Anoint products (both are rich in phytonutrients, pre and probiotics and essential fatty acids) to nourish and protect the skin.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>This mixology skincare products encourages gentle desquamation of mature cells while feeding the skin at the same time. Go gentle on your skin. <em> </em>&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is less more?</strong><em> </em>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>When it comes to skincare, less is definitely more.&nbsp;Skincare really doesn’t need to be complicated. I developed my range of products to be simple, flexible and effective.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I also believe what you put in your body is more important than how you treat your skin with topical products.&nbsp;Fundamentally, it is the internal influences within our bodies that create imbalances shown on the surface of the skin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The body is incredible. If you work with it, instead of against it, you will get amazing results.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Anything that really works on wrinkles?&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="479" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/non-surgical-facelift-720x479.jpg" alt="Woman smiling" class="wp-image-26658" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/non-surgical-facelift-720x479.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/non-surgical-facelift-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/non-surgical-facelift-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/non-surgical-facelift-789x525.jpg 789w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/12/non-surgical-facelift.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<p>Wrinkles are the reminders of a life lived; of laughter, smiles and our human ability to show emotion and expression. Why we attach such stigma to wrinkles is a mystery to me.&nbsp;Mature skin is beautiful.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>I believe that, rather than trying to remove or hide wrinkles, we should celebrate healthy ageing and entering another chapter of our lives.&nbsp;Of course, diet, lifestyle, sleep and stress all play a part in quickening the aging process, so eating well, sleeping well and de-stressing will help greatly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Embrace the little creases and lines. I encourage all my clients to love the skin they’re in.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the three most important products? </strong></h2>



<ol><li>Cleanser. I have never, ever not cleansed my skin at the end of the day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="2"><li>I don’t use a moisturiser. Instead I use a facial spritz to maintain hydration throughout the day. Keep one in your bag or on your desk.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="3"><li>I wouldn’t be without a daily facial oil.&nbsp;The MRL Elixir is a blend of Apricot &amp; Marula Oil, which has four times as much Vitamin C as oranges, omega 9 fatty acids and Vitamin E to nourish and repair the skin&nbsp;</li></ol>



<ol start="4"><li>Eye treatment or cream. OK, I’m cheating slightly here by picking a fourth, but I would add an eye treatment, because skin around the eyes is thinner and more fragile than other areas of the face and body, and the most unforgiving.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How long do you need to spend on your skin each day?</strong><em>&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Not long at all. Cleanse, spritz and apply a good hydrator – it takes minutes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Having said that, if you’re prepared to spend some extra time applying your products &#8211; to really work them into the skin, encouraging blood and lymph flow &#8211; you will see the benefits.&nbsp;Make it part of your wind down routine at night, helping you to destress and calm the mind.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the must-have skin sensation for 2023?</strong></h2>



<p>I’m not a fan of skincare fads and trends. However natural ingredients really interest me and there are some amazing combinations to try. I really like Buruiti Oil which is a natural form of Vitamin A. With my MRL range, I developed a base core  range which can be mixed with our supplements to take it on a whole other level.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Our mixology cards show how to combine supplements and product, for example, mixing a mushroom blend (Fungi Fusion) into a FACVE night oil will infuse the oil with Vitamin D, polysaccharides and beta glucans that super boost the skin with anti-oxidants. Or, adding in a Calmeric capsule to a Goji Mallow Cleanser will create a Turmeric Flash mask.&nbsp;It&#8217;s exciting to combine ingredients and release their natural power.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Skin therapy is about getting the right personalised advice, selecting the right products and being prepared to commit to a regime for the longterm health of your skin. Instead of the next big thing, invest in a personalised consultation, unique to you, and focus on results-driven skin care for the long-term, not just for 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>An intro to Marie Reynolds London products</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<ol><li><strong>Cleanser</strong>&nbsp;</li></ol>



<p>MRL Goji Mallow Cleanser is a hydrating and nourishing facial wash resembling the light texture of marshmallow. Enriched with a natural super antioxidant blend of Goji Berries, Acai Berries and Oat Silk it boosts skin health, is an antioxidant, reduces inflammation and increases Elasticity.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="2"><li><strong>Facial mist</strong>&nbsp;</li></ol>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="769" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Marie-Reynolds2-769x1000.jpg" alt="Marie Reynolds Hydr8 Misting Veil" class="wp-image-37943" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Marie-Reynolds2-769x1000.jpg 769w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Marie-Reynolds2-615x800.jpg 615w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Marie-Reynolds2-768x998.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Marie-Reynolds2-404x525.jpg 404w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Marie-Reynolds2.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px" /></figure>



<p>MRL Hydr8 Misting Veil has an Oat silk and hyaluronic acid so is really cooling, refreshing and hydrating, and can be used throughout the day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="3"><li><strong>Elixir</strong>&nbsp;</li></ol>



<p>MRL Elixir is beautiful Marula Oil, rich in Vitamin C with Frankincense, Rose and Neroli. The blend of Apricot and Marula Oil has four times as much Vitamin C as oranges, contains omega 9 fatty acids and Vitamin E too.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="769" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Marie-Reynolds5-769x1000.jpg" alt="Marie Reynolds Eye Spa" class="wp-image-37946" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Marie-Reynolds5-769x1000.jpg 769w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Marie-Reynolds5-615x800.jpg 615w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Marie-Reynolds5-768x998.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Marie-Reynolds5-404x525.jpg 404w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Marie-Reynolds5.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px" /></figure>



<ol start="4"><li><strong>Eye treatment</strong>&nbsp;</li></ol>



<p>The ergonomic and cooling MRL Eyeballs are used to apply the MRL Eye-Drate, a rich soufflé, hydrogel, whilst supporting drainage of stagnant lymph and blood flow as well as stimulating specific meridians that surround the eyes. Soothe and calm the skin around your eyes, focusing on key acupressure points to stimulate the meridians associated with eye strain, migraines, and tension.  For an added cooling affect, store the balls in the refrigerator overnight. &nbsp;</p>



<p><em><a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/marie-reynolds-skincare-reepham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marie Reynolds</a> practices from her purpose-built clinic in Norfolk. She is also a visiting clinician at Fortnum &amp; Mason in Piccadilly, London.&nbsp;</em></p>


Your best skin ever in 2023 – guaranteed!

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