Preston Beauty salons thrive during testing times

PRESTON beauty salons are still busy despite the credit crunch.

Many beauty salons and sun bed shops remain unaffected by the current economic downturn across Central Lancashire, even though people are cutting-back on spending.

Salons have even reported a surge in clients over the last quarter.

Linda Robinson, 48, proprietor of Beauty Basixs, Health and Beauty Centre, Freckleton reported an increase in the number of clients coming through her door during the last few months and said she is "mad busy."

The beauty therapist provides treatments for an array of clients from age seven to 98.

APPEARANCE MATTERS

Ms Robinson likens the current surge in clients to the effects of the World War. She said:

“During the war when rationing was on, hairdressers saw a surge in clients. They were exceptionally busy.”

A salon in Preston

Women needed something to feel good about, and it was inevitable that their attention turned to their appearance, according to Ms Robinson. This applies to the latest crisis affecting the country.

Beauty Basixs manager explains the current trend:

“Appearance matters to men and women. People want to look good and feel good about themselves.”

Salon workers in Preston said beauty treatments are a necessity for some women.

Ms Robinson believes the smoking ban has deterred people from having nights out. Staying in means they save money and therefore feel the need to treat themselves.

DISPOSEABLE INCOME

People are budgeting during the credit crunch as they have less disposable income. Despite the media scaremongering people into thinking they should not part with their hard earned cash, many people continue to spend with deliberate caution.

Karen Thornton, 40, salon supervisor of Re-Aqua, Aston-on-Ribble, reported a steady business during the last business quarter. She said: “People are watching what they spend but they find the money if they need to.”

They are prepared to scrimp on certain aspects so they can have “essential” treatments at salons.

Cora Fennel, 21, Supervisor of Sunseekers Sunbeds, Preston said sales are up on last year. The salon has had a steady trade, and will become busier in the run up to Christmas.

Rising Awareness of Skin Cancer in Preston

PEOPLE are becoming more aware of skin cancer according to beauty salons in Preston.

Salons have seen an increase in demand for tanning treatments as clients have become alert to the damage of UV rays.

Julie Simpson, 31, therapist at Clarelle Beauty, Penwortham said:

“The demand for spray tan is ongoing, they are really popular. People are aware of the damage the sun and sunbeds can cause. Spray tan is a safer way of getting a tan than these tanning injections on the market at the moment.”

Photo courtesy of Flickr

MELANOTAN

Beauty salons have offered a stern warning about the tanning injections, not just for the health hazard but also as it could affect their business.

The increasing popularity of the injections may affect the turnover of clients receiving tanning treatments.

Ms Simpson said the injections could be seen as a quick fix way to achieve a lasting tan. She added:

“Some clients can’t be bothered to prepare their skin for a spray tan. They have to exfoliate and this seems like a chore. The spray tan fades whereas the injections give a permanent tan and are quicker to use than fake tan."

SKIN CANCER

Linda Robinson, proprietor of Beauty Basixs salon, Freckleton said sunbeds are beneficial for some people if used within set guidelines. UVA and UVB rays are said to improve psoriasis but also increase the risk of skin cancer.

Two hundred new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed daily in the UK. Every 4 hours, a person dies from skin cancer.

Rebecca Russell, manager of Cancer Research UK SunSmart Campaign Manager said: “Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK.”

Statistics show an increased risk of skin cancer with the number of diagnoses doubling in twenty years.

More than 8,000 people have malignant melanoma each year in the UK. Four out of five cases are preventable according to the British Skin Foundation but around 1,800 people die every year.

Skin cancer scares have led to a rise in the demand for tanning and bronzing treatments. Consumers in the UK spend £41million annually.

A spokesman for Famous Dave’s Tanner said: “Our sale figures for self-tanning products continue to increase annually.”

REACTION IN PRESTON

Rachael Stopes, 18 , Ashton, uses fake tan before a girl's night out. She said: "I wouldn't put my health at risk by using sunbeds. It's too artificial and not worth the risk."


Rachael Stopes prefers getting a tan out of a bottle

Beverley Webster, 47, a receptionist from Fulwood said she had used sunbeds in the past, but stopped because of her age.

"I didn't really think of the skin cancer factor, it was more due to my skin starting to look a bit leathery. I now use tan towels as I don't want to damage my skin."

Paul Darwell, 27, a CCTV engineer from Deepdale said he doesn't worry about the damaging effects of UV rays. He uses a sunbed twice a week to maintain his tan. He said: "I like going on the sunbed. I find it relaxing. It makes me feel good, and I feel better."

PALE TO BRONZE

British popular culture has seen a move away from a pale and interesting English rose, and moved towards glamorising bronze beauties.

A golden tan is synonymous with health and vitality in the UK and yet a suntan is actually a sign of skin damage.

Bronzing contrasts with the trend in Asia where women bleach their skin white. Many women in countries such as Pakistan and the Philippines use a skin-whitening cream to look ‘beautiful’ and ‘healthy’.

View a slide show of the effects of harmful UV Rays.

Tanning Injections onsale in Preston

ILLEGAL tanning injections are allegedly being sold under the counter in beauty salons and gyms across Central Lancashire.

The unlicensed tanning drug, Melanotan is still undergoing clinical trials and has not been tested for safety.

A city centre beauty salon, an Ashton-based sunbed shop, and a gym in Leyland are all reportedly selling Melanoton to their customers.

A 16-year-old girl was offered the product whilst exercising at a gym in Leyland. Her mother rang a Preston beauty salon for advice and asked the manager if the drug was available across Lancashire.

The 49-year-old salon owner said: “I couldn’t give her any information. I would certainly not recommend it to anybody.”

Some salons in Preston have received an A4 glossy leaflet advertising the drug for as little as £25 for a month’s supply. Contact details were given, despite the sellers facing the risk of prosecution for marketing the product.

UK websites continue to advertise the drug. Consumers can also purchase the tanning product online from international websites offering it as Melanotan I and Melanotan II.

EPITAN

EpiTan, the company which developed the drug for the treatment of skin cancer, purports Melanotan offers sun protection for those with fair-skin.

The Australian pharmaceutical company claims Melanin increases the pigment of the skin, therefore protecting skin against sunburn.

Melanotan is sold in powder form which is then diluted with prescription-only bacteriostatic water. After this, it can be self-injected to produce an all-over tan.

Users inject themselves in the stomach daily (usually lasting 10 days) until they have achieved the desired colour. The tan is maintained through a weekly ‘top-up’ boost.

WARNING

The tanning hormone is marketed as ‘safe’ and effective’ and yet the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has not tested the unlicensed drug.

David Carter, head of the Medicines Borderline Section said: “We are warning people not to use this product.”

SIDE EFFECTS

MHRA warns: “The side effects could be extremely serious.” The effects have not been officially documented, but websites and online forums list various reactions.

These include:

• Increased sex drive
• Nausea
  
• Appetite suppression
• Flushing
• Skin pigmentation
• Headaches
  
• Lethargy and dizziness
• Panic attacks
• Increase blood pressure
• New mole appearance and freckles darkening

REACTION

A male worker at Tropical Tanning solarium, Aston-on-Ribble has suggested the injections could cause long-term liver and kidney damage.

He condemned those selling the drugs:

“They are sold under false pretences by unscrupulous people to young girls. Everyone needs be wary of the injections.”

In contrast, Emma who works at the same shop said she used the drug for two years and experienced no side effects. She said:

“I was fine when I took them but the effects will be different for everyone. I saw an immediate effect and developed a deep tan.”

But a beauty therapist from Clarelle Beauty, Penwortham advised those considering using the injections to think carefully before purchasing them.

Julie Simpson, 31 said: “Self-injecting is never a good idea. It’s a dangerous procedure and shouldn’t be done by people who are untrained.”

(Photograph courtesy of Flickr)

NEEDLES

The NHS warns self-injecting the drug risks needle injuries, such as skin and tissue damage.

Users risk contracting viruses and infection through using dirty needles. Friends have been injecting each other with Melanotan, leading to a problem in cross-contamination.

The MHRA warned: “Needles used to inject could also carry bodily fluids, which can pass infections such as HIV and hepatitis on to other people.”

Anyone who has used the injections should contact their GP immediately.

Links: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fDZmNFqcmQw

Listen here to an interview with a 49-year-old beauty salon manager, based in Preston.

Conjoined twins

Did the mother make the right decision? Read the story: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3536524/Mother-describes-joy-at-giving-birth-to-conjoined-twins.html

Laura Williams became the world's youngest mum to give birth to conjoined twins. During her pregnancy, she was advised to consider an abortion.

As it stands, doctors will decide on Tuesday if the two girls should undergo an operation to separate them. They share only a liver.

The twins may not survive the risky operation. Some surgeons certainly seem to enjoy the challenge.

Did Mrs Williams make the 'best' choice?

Stop calling Doris 'Dearie'!

Peruse this story if you wish: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7748164.stm

A load of drivel? I think so. I believe that 'love' and 'dearie' are terms of endearment for ALL patients, not just the older generation (when used in the right context of course).

Older people should not be patronised but political correctness is so tedious. Nurses often build up a rapport with their patients, and should therefore be permitted to use these specific terms.

Any comments?

'Top up' ban lifted

Thank goodness the Government has announced that people will not be penalised for choosing to buy drugs that are not available on the cough NATIONAL cough Health Service. If those suffering with illnesses can afford to buy the life-extending drugs, then of course they should be allowed to do so without losing the right to free NHS care - we all pay taxes after all. The Government needs to work extremely hard to make more drugs available on the NHS especially during the current economic downturn, and for all those who simply cannot afford private treatments.

Lottery funding for research into 'gay' drug abuse

Readers from the LEP have commented on this issue:

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Lottery-cash-for-gay-drug.4648578.jp

UCLAN has been awarded nearly half-a-million pounds for research into drug abuse among gays, lesbians and bisexuals.

The International School for Communities, Rights and Inclusion has been granted the funding, in partnership with the Lesbian and Gay Foundation under the Big Lottery Research Programme. The five year study will examine confidential questionnaires to discover levels of drug and alcohol abuse in gay communities across England.

MPs and religious groups have criticised the funding as they believe it should help all drug users rather than focusing on the sexuality of specific communities. Reverend Timothy Lipscomb (a Preston vicar) supported this point. He said: "I think this money needs to take in a broad cross-section of society to tackle what is a terribly important issue." I agree with this.

The gay community is synonymous with hedonism and recreational drug taking but this does not mean that they should be singled out as fervent drug users more than any other community. Indeed, there is a high rate of substance abuse but as a comment in today's LEP states, I didn't realise there was a difference between gay or straight drug users. Does anyone want to comment?

The law on assisted suicide

Good evening. A top story from today's news revealed that a Bradford woman suffering from multiple sclerosis lost her High Court case to prevent her husband from prosecution if he assisted with her suicide. I realise that this is not a Preston story but it should resonate with people nationally.

Ms Debbie Purdy does want to risk her husband facing a jail sentence if he helps her die by taking her to a Swiss clinic. Omar Puente could face up to 14 years in prison on his return to Britain if he accompanies his wife.

Does this sound fair? Surely a woman suffering in pain should be allowed to have her husband by her deathbed without having to worry about him being condemned by British law? I understood the moral uncertainties that surround assisted suicide but in this particular case, the husband's involvement should be exempt from punishment. Ms Purdy needs her husband's support to end her suffering. He should not become a criminal because of his altruistic actions.

Welcome to the Blog

Why hello. Welcome to my blog. It's new, uncertain and in need of confidence, but it shall improve.
My name is Victoria and I am a student at UCLAN - a university in Preston, Lancashire, where I am studying for a Post Graduate Diploma in Newspaper Journalism.

Please feel free to comment, question, raise issues that are relevant to the subject area of Health and Social Services in Preston, or otherwise divert my attention.
Thanking you.