Andy Millward - Facialist

Last week I was reminded why I don't like skin analysis cameras and software, after a new client came to me following a "free skin analysis" at an aesthetics clinic (which was actually a dental clinic branching out into skin).

There are probably a few people who can use them ethically (although I'd argue in that case, the client doesn't need to see the images until the end of the treatment plan to show progress. If you're showing the images at the beginning, whether you intend it or not, and whether the client is conscious of it or not, they will be influenced seeing their skin is the worst possible light) but unfortunately that isn't how most clinics use them.

You've probably heard of the placebo effect. Well the nocebo effect is basically the opposite = when negative expectations contribute to real physical symptoms.

Research looking at IBS patients who believed gluten was a trigger, yet still experienced symptoms when assigned to the gluten-free group demonstrates how powerful the negative belief of consuming something can be. It was the negative thought, not the gluten that triggered the IBS symptoms. PMID: 38040019

We also see evidence of nocebo responses in dermatology and itch research, where negative expectations can worsen perceived skin symptoms. PMID: 26280659

This doesn’t mean symptoms are “all in your head.” It highlights how the brain, gut, skin and immune system are deeply interconnected and are capable of creating very real symptoms!

This is also why fear-based wellness content has consequences. Because they spread misinformation and fear around all sorts of foods, including those that are most beneficial for us such as legumes and fruits for example.
Its also why we need to be careful with inaccurate forms of allergy testing, such as hair analysis or any forms of electronic/vega testing, even IgE blood testing is not 100% accurate and has potential for flagging false positives. This can result in unnecessary anxiety and restriction, which ironically has more of a negative impact on the gut.

New Product Alert!

Recently I was sent an unexpected PR sample from and after trialing it for a couple of days, I immediately saw a space for it in clinic so I decided to stock them!

By far the number one selling cleanser in clinic is the milk cleanser because of how gentle and nourishing it is, even for reactive skins. But its strength, can come at the cost of being too gentle for some of my clients who wear heavy-duty make-up....so they end up looking for a heavy-duty cleanser, which doesn't always end well if they have reactive skin!

That's where The Face Washr steps in because it's effectively a reusable face wipe which you simply activate with water, similar to a microfiber cloth, but without the drying effect that you can get from microfiber.

Plus, its antibacterial/antimicrobial so it can't harbour any germs. You simply wash it, hang it dry and by the next morning it's ready to use again.

It can also be reused and doesn’t need replacing for between 3-6 months, depending on usage and how well you care for it. So for £16.50 per cloth, it's also great value (not to mention the money you'll be saving by not having to double cleanse with the cleansing milk).

They're available in clinic now.

If only I worked a 4 day week🤦🏼‍♂️