Although the symptoms overlap, there are distinct differences:

• Dry skin feels rough, appears flaky, and may itch or crack.
• Dehydrated skin looks dull, feels tight, and shows accelerated signs of aging, such as fine lines and sagging.

The Pinch Test: Lightly pinch a small area of your skin (cheek or back of the hand). If it doesn’t bounce back within three seconds, your skin is likely dehydrated.

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more water than it takes in. To prioritise essential functions, your body diverts water to vital organs which is beneficial for overall health but can negatively impact your skin.

The most common cause of dehydration is insufficient water intake. However, other factors like excessive sweating during exercise or in hot weather can also contribute. Prolonged sun exposure is another culprit, as UVA rays increase oxidants and free radicals in the skin, accelerating the aging process. Conditions like sunburn, heatstroke, fevers and diarrhea can further deplete your hydration levels.

Certain medications, such as antihistamines and laxatives, can also lead to dehydration. In some cases, underlying medical conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or diabetes may be responsible. If your symptoms persist despite increasing hydration, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor for further evaluation.

The primary cause of dry skin is often environmental factors. Low humidity, frequent or prolonged bathing, and the use of abrasive products can strip your skin of its natural oils.

It’s also important to review the ingredients in the soaps and detergents you use, as these may contribute to dryness. Additionally, your overall health can play a significant role. Conditions such as malnutrition, sudden weight loss, dermatitis or even chronic kidney disease can lead to skin dryness. Identifying and addressing these factors is key to restoring your skin’s moisture balance.

• There are several simple remedies you can try at home to improve your skin’s condition. For dehydrated skin, ensure you’re drinking plenty of water and incorporating electrolyte drinks into your routine. The added sodium, potassium, and magnesium can give your hydration levels a much-needed boost. For dry skin, investing in high-quality moisturizers, serums, or lotions is essential. Just be sure to select products tailored to your skin type. Our expert team is always available to guide you in making the best choices.
• For more intensive care, I recommend indulging in a professional beauty treatment to rejuvenate your skin. At Oblique, our HydraFacial is one of the most popular bespoke facials for deep hydration and a plump, radiant complexion. Clients love how it detoxifies, cleanses and delivers intense moisture, leaving their skin with an instant glow. Others enjoy the celebrity-favourite IS Clinical red carpet facial for immediate hydration and luminosity, or our Biologique Recherche facial which harnesses pure, raw and active ingredients to regenerate the skin at the cellular level.

• Cellulite is a condition that primarily affects women and typically shows as bumps, dimples and lumps on the surface of the skin in the buttocks, thighs and stomach. It’s caused by the herniation of subcutaneous fat, and the factors that trigger it range from metabolism, genetics, exercise habits, obesity, hormonal factors or diet. Age also plays an essential role in the appearance of cellulite. It usually starts affecting women after puberty, but it’s more common to appear later in life. Because of its nature, cellulite can affect all kinds of people at different weights and sizes. However, if you suffer from weight problems (if you’re overweight or you’re skin’s fat tends to accumulate in certain areas), you’re more prone to experience it.

• Massaging is actually one of the most effective methods to combat cellulite, and it’s not hard to see why. It energises the body, stimulating different organs, which leads to easing constipation, for example, while helping destress and unwind. But most importantly, anti-cellulite massages target the three main issues that help cellulite appear and stay. These kinds of massages target the fat deposit’s excess fat by breaking it down in the affected areas, strengthening the connective tissue to avoid the stretching that leads to dimples and lumps, helping increase circulation and detoxifying the body. The key is to make them a regular part of your routine, integrating tools and creams at home and booking a fully qualified massage therapist on a weekly/fortnightly basis.
• One of our best treatments at Oblique, and one that we’re extremely proud of for its astounding results, is our Manual Anti-Cellulite Massage. Its effectiveness relies on the combination of western and eastern techniques, delivered by our experienced aestheticians, using expert hands and different cupping techniques. A massage like this stimulates the lymphatic system, activates the elimination of fat and enhances weight loss, providing exceptional results for body sculpting and visibly diminishing cellulite. The skin is firmer and smoother, and the fatty deposits are back to their regular size.

• These kinds of massages are specifically designed to treat cellulite and burn fat, all throughout continued treatment. It’s important to know that the technique used is not like the one that you would find in a typical relaxing massage: the main focus is to target the fatty deposits and increase circulation, and that means a faster pace and firmer movements. Due to this, the client can sometimes experience some discomfort, as any areas with cellulite can sometimes be sore and sensitive. If this is your case, it’s essential that you communicate it to your massage therapist, that will adjust the movements accordingly.
• Remembering that results will show over a period of time, it’s also crucial. At Oblique we recommend a session per week, as the treatment is intense, and the skin and muscles need to rest. Long-lasting results will be visible after a few weeks, but the skin looks firmer, smoother and sculpted from the first session.
• Anti-cellulite massages are a great way to eliminate fat and cellulite, sculpt the body and aid circulation, and they’re an essential part of anyone’s fat-loss journey. At Oblique, we offer a 40′ trial session and different kinds of anti-cellulite massages that target different areas specifically, like the arms, legs, or lower body. Contact us for a quote on any of our massages or with any inquiries you may have. You can find all the details about our anti-cellulite massages and more here.

• The treatment works through an innovative technology that performs what’s called Multi Micro Alveolar Stimulation, which means, essentially, the mobilization of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue to the deepest layers. This movement and activation mean a boost in circulation, faster liquid drainage and the reduction of fat deposits. The unique technology provides up to 21.600 microsimulations per minute and incorporates LED and Laser light sources that help enhance results.
• Moreover, the treatment isn’t only for the body: it can help lift and drain the lymphatic tissue of the face, also being an excellent tool for anti-ageing purposes that don’t involve needles or Anaesthesia.

• If you’ve decided to try Icoone and are booking your first session, there are some simple steps that both us and you should bear in mind to maximize your treatment and start seeing results faster. When combined with proper care of your body, all the results from the Icoone body contouring treatment are enhanced and achieved without any extra sessions.
• Before starting, we always recommend having a goal or an idea of how you want your body to look and feel and what areas are most important to treat in your opinion. This will help your aesthetician, and yourself understand how many sessions it will require for you to achieve that comfortably. Once you start, some tips and steps are essential to follow.
• First, umping your overall water intake is essential. This is not only beneficial for staying hydrated and for your overall health but to aid your body get rid of unwanted toxins, and as a result, seeing quicker and better results on your sessions. Try carrying a water bottle around to help you keep score of how much water your drink daily and adding morning and nighttime infusions or teas of your choice. Milk Thistle, Peppermint and Dandelion are great herbal teas to reduce water retention and amp up your diuretic activity. Second, avoiding inflammatory foods or ingredients that cause you bloating is important. Tracking down what causes discomfort and swelling in your body will help you maintain results and improve your long-term health.
• Another great way to help maximize results is by preparing the skin before any Icoone session. At Oblique, we do this by massaging the skin before starting, as it ensures that the tissues are elastic and soft to amplify the drainage results. And finally (and probably the most important tip) is to continue with more than just one session. Most clients already see results and leave the treatment there after the first time. We highly recommend keeping up the treatment, as it is the only way to achieve better and more long-lasting results: most of us need five to ten sessions to accomplish a more sculpted physique.
• Weight loss is a painful and oftentimes very time-consuming journey, but integrating technology and scientifically approved tools that work will help make it easier. If you’re ready to accelerate your weight loss journey and start seeing the changes you’ve been working for, we would love to be part of your journey and accompany you in your Icoone treatment. Contact us for a quote on all our Icoone treatments, for both body and face, or with any inquiries you may have.

• Back acne (or bacne) is a widespread skin condition that can appear as cysts, bumps, whiteheads, or blackheads on one’s back. It can occur anywhere, from the neck to the lower back, but it’s usually located on the upper back and shoulders, as it’s in these areas where most sebaceous glands can be found. It’s usually caused by excess sebum production, an accumulation of oil, and dead skin cells.

To prevent back acne, it’s crucial to understand what causes it in the first place. The causes are similar to facial acne:

• While you can’t fight our genes and our options with hormonal changes are limited, you can revise some of your lifestyle choices that might be causing bacne. Maybe you’re not washing your sheets and towels enough or wearing tight-fitting t-shirts made of synthetic materials. Perhaps you don’t shower straight out of the gym or use greasy body care products. Even having long hair can affect bacne. The oil from the hair combined with the residue from hair products can be deposited on your back and create the perfect storm for bacteria to thrive.

• Once you determine the factors that might be causing back acne, you can start taking small steps daily to help curb the breakouts and recover your smooth skin. Let’s go through some of them.
• • Exfoliate regularly. Using an exfoliating body scrub or brush is one of the best ways to prevent dead skin cells from building up. You can use it daily if your skin isn’t too sensitive. Pair it with a body wash containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or arctic acid for the best results.
  • Get professional in-clinic treatments. Acne on the back can be very stubborn, and sometimes in-clinic acne treatments are the best way to tackle it. At Oblique we offer a wide range of acne treatments that can be applied both as facial and back treatments. Some of our favourites include skin peels that tackle acne, pigmentation, tone and texture while restoring skin’s health, and the Hydrafacial treatment. The Hydrafacial treatment is a deep cleanser that exfoliates and hydrates the skin improving acne and pores.
  • Choose clothing, bedding and towels made out of cotton or linen. Cotton and linen are both very breathable materials that help the heat pass through and won’t

  • cause sweating (which increases sebum production).This is especially important when choosing clothing and bedding, as we spend most of our days and nights wrapped in them. And not only is the fabric important but also keeping it clean: sweat and oil are the breeding ground for bacteria growth. Change your towels and bed linens at least once a week, t-shirts every day and bras every two/three wears.
  • Shower immediately after working out. Showering daily is essential to keep our bodies clean, but especially important when dealing with bacne. And absolutely crucial after working out. When exercising, the build-up of sweat, oil and dirt can easily trigger breakouts.
  • Stop picking or squeezing. Without professional training, we risk increased inflammation and infections when manipulating spots on the face or on the back. When picked, spots are more likely to leave scarring, especially since you can’t see back there very well.
• Managing back acne is not easy but locating the cause and integrating these small lifestyle changes will help. It can’t be treated overnight. But if you’re still struggling to get on top of your breakouts, have some scarring or want quicker results, we would love to assess your situation and advise you on the best course of action. Contact us for a quote on any of our acne treatments or any inquiries you may have.

• Laser hair removal uses a powerful beam of light that targets the hair’s melanin while destroying the follicle’s root. The technology allows the laser to emit light at a specific wavelength that damages the hair but not the skin surrounding it. The light debilitates the hair follicle, so it won’t produce more hair (or will grow very slowly). This science talk sounds a little daunting, but laser technology is used worldwide and allows for safe and effective hair removal for all skin types and sensitivities.
• At Oblique, our aestheticians will explain the whole process and assess your skin’s needs. Some skin types and areas show results earlier than others and need fewer sessions. Your aesthetician will give you the estimated number of sessions you’ll.
• In every session, the process is the same. After undressing, the aesthetician will ensure the area is properly clean and hand you a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from the light. Then, they will mark the area with a white pen to make sure no parts are missed. After the treatment, your aesthetician will apply a cream or aloe vera gel over the treated surface and will tell you about the aftercare you should be following at home.

• If you’re still debating laser hair removal, here are a few things you might want to consider. There’s a lot to take into account, but laser hair removal definitely presents many advantages. Let’s go through some of them.
• • Long-term hair removal: Laser doesn’t always result in permanent hair removal, but it does provide an important reduction of new hair, which grows much finer and easier to maintain. For most people, it means not having to think of shaving or waxing for months, and it only requires some maintenance with no fuss.
  • Save time: If we could count the hours we spend shaving, waxing or epilating, we would lose it. They’re time-consuming options that require planning ahead and, in the end, are a significant hassle factor. Laser hair removal means not having to worry about missing spots and hopping back into the shower.

  • It allows for a clean-shaven look every day without all the complications.
  • Save money in the long run: Laser hair removal can be a significant investment, but it’s definitely something that future you will appreciate. No more razors, shaving cream or waxing appointments.
  • Eliminates ingrown hairs: Laser hair removal not only helps with unwanted body hair, but it also addresses issues like ingrown hairs. It’s especially great for those skins that are prone to hyperpigmentation due to ingrown hairs (usually deeper skin tones) or for those who have sensitive skin and irritations after shaving or waxing.

• To achieve results faster and ensure the treatment will be comfortable and safe, here are a few practices for you to get ready in the best way possible.
• • No plucking, dyeing or waxing the hair. They change the hair’s growth cycle and complicate the effectiveness of the laser treatment. Shaving is the only option allowed for the whole duration of the treatment.
  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning. Sun exposure can affect the skin’s sensitivity; that’s why we recommend staying away from the sun for a while and making sure you’re applying SPF.

  • It’s quick and not really painful. First-time clients always ask us what’s the feeling of the laser on the skin. We would describe it as a swift and sharp prickle, like a slight sting, not pleasant but not really painful. It usually depends on the area and on each person.
  • Opt for loose clothing. It’s the best option to make sure you’ll feel comfortable when getting dressed after the treatment. Nothing feels worse on your skin than putting on a pair of leggings after getting a laser treatment on your legs.
• Ultimately, laser hair removal is a safe and easy option that will save you money and time while giving you beautiful, long-lasting results. If you’re considering it, we would love to be part of your journey. Contact us for a quote on any of the hair removal treatments we offer or with any inquiries you may have. You can find more information on them here.

• During the laser treatment, the unit produces intense and highly focused light pulses to hit the hair follicle and damage it to significantly slow down hair growth. The pigment in the follicle absorbs light and destroys the hair. Already, after the first procedure, you will get rid of a third of your excess hair. And, following a series of treatments, you can skip hair removal for almost a year. Remember to perform a supporting operation every six months in the future.

• Both procedures have their own pros and cons.

• The main benefits of waxing are:

  • Exemption from excess hair for up to 2-4 weeks at an affordable price for a one-time procedure. Regular depilation significantly lowers the amount of hair. Over time, they brighten and become thinner.
  • Waxing is safe for all skin types and hair types.

  • Wax treatments have a beneficial impact on the skin, also a form of old skin exfoliation.
  • Hair removal with waxing can be carried out at home. Of course, a salon procedure carried out by a professional master is preferable. It’s more effective and painless.

• Disadvantages of this technology:

  • Waxing may cause discomfort and pain in the case of poor-quality depilation.
  • An allergy to the components is possible. You can check this on your first visit to the salon.
  • With poor-quality depilation, the

  • risk of ingrown hair increases significantly.
  • Wax removal should be repeated every 2-4 weeks. With a long-term calculation and payment for several years, the cost of waxing can significantly exceed laser removal.

• Pros of laser hair removal:

  • Modern laser systems have anaesthetic mechanisms that range from micro freeze to contact chilling, blowing, and vacuum.
  • Laser hair removal treatment is a safe treatment. It only affects the hair and follicle, not the surrounding tissues.
  • The procedure is quick. The laser impacts a specific area of the skin at a high rate.

  • It provides a consistent result. To completely get rid of excess hair, it will take 2 to 10 procedures, depending on the area where the hair is removed and individual characteristics.
  • Improves the condition and quality of the skin. To eliminate spider veins, reduces pigmentation and wrinkles in the affected area.

• Cons of laser hair removal:

  • The success of laser treatment largely depends on the colour of the hair and skin. The lighter the hair, the worse it reacts to the laser beam.
  • One procedure is not enough. It will take several sessions to

  • completely get rid of excess vegetation.
  • Laser hair removal should not be performed on a tanned body. After returning from the holidays, wait 3-4 weeks and sign up for the procedure only when the skin brightens.

• In our salon, we have both options: waxing and laser hair removal treatments. If you are looking for a long-term solution, the laser is the way to go. It destroys the roots permanently and gives quick and painless hair removal results.