If you are searching for a chemical peel in Leyton, there is a good chance you are interested in improving something specific about your skin, but you may also be wondering whether a peel is too strong, whether your face will visibly shed afterwards, or whether you should be doing something to prepare first. These are sensible questions. I would much rather you understand a treatment before booking it than choose one because you have seen a dramatic before and after online. At Saiqs in Leyton, I offer different strengths of chemical peel because there is no single peel that is right for everybody. My approach is to look at your skin, your current routine and what you actually want to improve, then decide whether a peel is the right next step. What does a chemical peel actually do? A chemical peel is a professional resurfacing treatment. In simple terms, it uses carefully selected exfoliating ingredients to work on the surface of the skin and encourage fresher-looking skin to come through. Peels can be used when we want to work on concerns such as dullness, uneven texture, uneven-looking tone, breakouts or visible signs of ageing. But the important word there is “can”. I do not think a peel should be treated as a cure-all or something everybody needs. Different strengths and formulations do different jobs. This is why I would not recommend choosing a peel based on the strongest option available. Stronger does not automatically mean better for your skin. Will my skin actually peel afterwards? The word “peel” makes many first-time clients imagine sheets of skin coming away for a week. That is not the experience with every chemical peel. How your skin looks and feels afterwards depends on the type and strength of treatment, your individual skin and the plan we have chosen. Some treatments can involve little visible flaking, while others may involve more noticeable shedding. Before treatment, I will explain what is realistic for the peel we are considering. I never want you discovering the aftercare requirements after the treatment has already happened. This is particularly important if you have work, an event or something else coming up. Tell me what is in your diary so we can make sensible decisions around timing. Why skin preparation matters before a chemical peel One of my main messages this autumn is that the treatment itself is only part of the picture. What you are doing at home matters too. If your skin is already irritated, if you are using lots of active products without really knowing what is doing what, or if your basic routine is inconsistent, the best first step may be getting things calmer and simpler before having a peel. That does not mean I am going to give you a huge shopping list. Often I am trying to do the opposite. I want to know what you cleanse with, how you moisturise, what active skincare you use and whether you are protecting your skin properly. From there, I can tell you if anything needs adjusting before treatment. Preparing properly means we are making a decision based on your skin rather than rushing towards a treatment because you want a quick change. Is autumn a good time for a chemical peel? Autumn is often when people start noticing that their skin looks different after summer. Dullness may be more obvious, texture may feel rougher and uneven-looking tone can become more noticeable. It is also a time when many clients naturally start reviewing their skincare as the weather gets cooler. That makes autumn a useful time to have a conversation about professional treatments, but I would never say that the calendar alone decides whether you should have a peel. Your skin still needs to be suitable, and aftercare remains important. A seasonal treatment plan should be based on what your skin needs now, not on a rule that everybody should have the same treatment in October. How do I know which peel to book? You do not need to know. This is probably the most reassuring thing I can tell you if you are looking through treatment menus and wondering what all the different names mean. Tell me the problem instead. Maybe your skin looks tired even though you are using good skincare. Perhaps the texture feels rough, you are bothered by breakouts, or your skin tone looks less even than you would like. Those are much more useful starting points than trying to diagnose yourself. At Saiqs, I currently offer ProPower Peel treatments in Leyton, with different treatment options depending on what we are trying to achieve. If I think your skin needs preparation first, or another facial would make more sense, I will tell you that too. What I want you to know before booking A chemical peel should feel like part of a plan, not a leap into the unknown. Ask questions. Tell me what you use at home. Tell me if you have never had a peel before. Tell me if you are nervous about downtime. My job is to give you honest guidance and help you understand what is appropriate for your skin. If you are considering a chemical peel in Leyton or East London, you can book with me online or send me a message first if you are unsure which treatment to choose. There is no pressure to start with the strongest option. The right starting point is the one that makes sense for your skin.
Which facial is right for me?
If you have ever opened a facial treatment menu and immediately felt more confused than when you started, you are not alone. One of the questions I hear most is, “Which treatment would you recommend for me?”. Treatment names can tell you very little about what will actually suit your skin, especially if you are new to facials. If you are searching for which facial is right for me, the first thing I want you to know is that you do not need to work it all out yourself. You only need to know what you are noticing about your skin and what you would like to improve. Instead of choosing a facial because the name sounds impressive, start with the problem you can actually see or feel. Maybe your skin looks dull even though you are using good skincare. Perhaps your pores look more noticeable, your face feels congested or you have started breaking out when you never used to. You might be noticing changes in texture, firmness or simply feel that your skin does not look as fresh as it once did. Those are useful starting points. I can then look at your skin, ask about your routine and work out what type of treatment makes sense. If your skin feels clogged or needs a reset For skin that feels congested, rough or in need of a really good refresh, I may look at a cleanse-focused treatment such as Cleanse and Glow, which I can customise according to your skin. I also pay close attention to what is happening at home. Cleansing is one of the things I talk about constantly because it is so often rushed. Giving your cleanse around 30 seconds morning and night can make a noticeable difference to how clean and fresh your skin feels. There is very little point buying more and more serums if SPF, makeup, oil and everyday dirt are not being removed properly first. A professional treatment can support your skin, but the basics you repeat every day still matter. If your skin looks dull, tired or less smooth Sometimes a client is already doing the basics well. She is cleansing, using decent products and trying to be consistent, but her skin still looks tired. This is where I may consider my Rejuvenating SkinStorm facial. SkinStorm allows me to use professional methods including micro-needling, peels, cleansing handsets and microdermabrasion, depending on what I feel is appropriate for the individual client. I look at this type of facial when somebody wants a more focused treatment for concerns such as dullness, uneven texture or skin that seems to have lost some of its freshness. The aim is not to make you look overdone. I prefer skin to look healthy, fresh and naturally polished. If you have suddenly started breaking out A sudden change in your skin does not automatically mean you need the strongest facial available. When someone tells me, “I never used to break out,” I want to understand what else has changed. That might include stress, hormones, products, cleansing habits or changes to their usual routine. The temptation is to attack a breakout with lots of new products at once. That can make it even harder to understand what your skin is responding to. I would rather slow things down, look at the bigger picture and decide whether a facial, a simpler home routine or a combination of the two is the sensible next step. How often should you have a facial? There is no schedule that suits everybody, and time interval between facials will depend on what type of facial you are having done. However as general rule 4-6 weeks is usually the optimal time frame. Someone working on a particular concern may need a different approach from someone who simply wants to maintain healthy-looking skin. What I do believe in is consistency. Waiting until a holiday, wedding or special occasion and then trying to rescue the skin at the last minute is rarely the best approach. Regular maintenance gives us more opportunity to understand your skin and make sensible adjustments over time. That does not mean constantly being in the salon. Your treatment plan should fit your life, your skin and the level of maintenance you actually want. You do not need to choose the most expensive facial This is important to me. I will not recommend a treatment simply because it is the most advanced or most expensive option available. Sometimes SkinStorm will make sense. Sometimes Cleanse and Glow will be a better choice. Sometimes I may tell you to concentrate on something at home first. Good advice should make skincare feel clearer, not leave you with more things to buy and more treatments to worry about. If you are new to facials, or you already come into the salon for other beauty treatments but have never had a skin treatment with me, you are welcome to start by asking questions. A simple first step You do not need to know your exact skin type or arrive knowing the names of ingredients and treatments. Tell me what is bothering you, what you are using now and what you would like your skin to feel or look like. From there, I can help you decide what is worth doing. For many women, that conversation is far more useful than trying to choose a facial from a list on their own. A quiet next step Not sure what to book? You can start with a free skin consultation with me at the salon in Leyton. I will look at what is going on and help you choose a sensible next step without pressure.
Can a facial actually help with clogged pores or is it just temporary?
If your skin always feels congested, makeup never sits properly, or those tiny bumps across your forehead and nose keep coming back, you are not alone. Many women invest in good skincare but still feel frustrated because their skin never quite looks clear or bright for long. It is easy to wonder whether having a facial is worth it, or if the results disappear after a few days. So, can a facial actually help with clogged pores, or is it only a temporary fix? What causes clogged pores? Clogged pores happen when oil, dead skin cells, makeup residue and environmental pollutants build up inside the skin. For many women in their 30s, 40s and beyond, factors such as stress, hormonal changes, inconsistent skincare, dehydration and slower skin cell turnover can make congestion more noticeable. Common signs include: Often, home skincare alone struggles to remove this build-up completely. Can a facial really help? Yes, but the type of facial matters. A professional facial does much more than cleanse the surface of the skin. Treatments designed to target congestion use professional products and techniques to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and remove build-up safely. A thorough treatment can: Many clients notice their skin feels smoother, looks clearer and appears more radiant after just one treatment. Why do clogged pores often come back? The reason congestion returns is simple: your skin never stops producing oil and shedding dead skin cells. Think of a facial like seeing a dental hygienist. One appointment helps remove existing build-up, but ongoing care keeps things healthy long term. Lifestyle factors such as stress, hormones, makeup, diet and inconsistent skincare can all contribute to pores becoming blocked again. This does not mean the facial has failed. It simply means your skin needs ongoing maintenance. What do I see in clinic? Many women tell me: “I’ve bought so many products but my skin still feels bumpy.” Very often, they are either over-exfoliating, using products that are not right for their skin, or simply trying to manage deeper congestion at home. Professional treatments combined with simple, personalised skincare advice usually create far more consistent results than constantly changing products. How often should you have a facial for congestion? This depends on your skin, but many clients benefit from: Consistency tends to deliver the best long-term improvements. The bottom line A facial is not a temporary quick fix, but neither is it a one-off cure. Professional treatments help clear existing congestion, improve skin health and support clearer, brighter skin over time. When combined with the right home care and regular maintenance, many clients see lasting improvements in both the look and feel of their skin. If your skin constantly feels congested despite using good skincare, it may be time for professional guidance. Considering a Cleanse & Brighten Facial in Leyton? I’d be happy to assess your skin and help you understand what it really needs.
Why does my skin still look tired even when I’m using good skincare?
Why does my skin still look tired even when I’m using good skincare? Are you investing in good skincare but still feeling like your skin looks tired every time you look in the mirror? It can be frustrating when you’re cleansing, moisturising, and using products that promise results, yet your skin still looks dull, flat, or lacking energy. Many women assume they need stronger products, but that’s not always the answer. The reality is that tired-looking skin is often influenced by factors that skincare alone cannot fully address. Good skincare can’t always fix what’s happening beneath the surface Even the best skincare products work mainly on the surface of the skin. If you’re dealing with stress, poor sleep, dehydration, or a busy lifestyle, these factors can affect how your skin looks regardless of what products you’re using. Many women notice their skin starts looking more tired during periods of high stress. The complexion may appear dull, less vibrant, or more uneven, even when their skincare routine hasn’t changed. As we get older, the skin’s natural renewal process also slows down. Dead skin cells can build up more easily, leaving the skin looking less fresh and radiant than it once did. Why more products don’t always mean better skin When results aren’t appearing, it’s tempting to buy another serum, try a trending ingredient, or add extra steps to your routine. The problem is that too many products can sometimes make it harder to understand what your skin actually needs. Layering multiple active ingredients may leave the skin feeling sensitised rather than healthy and balanced. Many people spend years switching between products, hoping to find the perfect solution. In reality, a simpler routine tailored to your skin concerns is often more effective than constantly chasing new skincare trends. A professional skin assessment can help identify whether your concerns are caused by dehydration, congestion, skin texture, age-related changes, or something else entirely. What professional facials can do alongside your home routine Home skincare and professional treatments often work best together rather than replacing one another. Professional facials provide deeper cleansing and exfoliation than most home products can achieve. This helps remove the build-up of dead skin cells that can leave the complexion looking tired and dull. Treatments can also help clear congestion, remove blackheads, and improve overall skin texture. When the skin is functioning well, products are often able to perform more effectively too. Many clients are surprised to discover that their tired-looking skin isn’t caused by a lack of skincare at all. Sometimes it simply needs the right treatment approach and a clearer understanding of what the skin is asking for. How to help your skin look fresher and more rested Healthy-looking skin doesn’t usually come from having the most expensive products or the longest routine. Consistent habits such as cleansing properly (for at least 30-60 seconds), protecting your skin from the sun (using SPF and hats), drinking enough water, and prioritising sleep all play an important role. Small daily actions often have a bigger impact than people realise. It’s also worth paying attention to how your skin changes over time. What worked five years ago may no longer be giving your skin what it needs today. If your skin continues to look tired despite your efforts, seeking professional advice can help you stop guessing and start focusing on the factors that are actually affecting your complexion. Conclusion If your skin still looks tired even though you’re using good skincare, the issue may not be your products at all. Factors such as stress, dehydration, congestion, and natural skin changes often play a bigger role than people realise. If you’re based in East London, booking a skin consultation or Cleanse & Brighten Facial can help uncover what’s making your skin look tired and create a simple plan that works for your skin and lifestyle. Click here to book a skin consultation
Look after your skin and stay sun-safe this Summer:
Summer is a time for sunshine, but with all that extra time outdoors comes an increased need to protect your skin. Sun exposure may feel good in the moment, but it can cause long-term damage if you’re not careful. Repeated sun exposure without protection speeds up skin aging and significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma—the deadliest form. According to dermatologists, consistent use of sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to reduce your lifetime risk. Even when you’re not sunbathing, activities like walking the dog, driving, or sitting by a window expose your skin to UV rays. So make sun protection a daily habit. Protecting your skin with the right sunscreen helps: Understanding the types of UV radiation and how to choose the right sunscreen is the first step toward keeping your skin healthy and glowing. UVA and UVB rays: what’s the difference? The sun emits two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays that affect the skin: Both UVA and UVB rays can damage your skin’s DNA, leading to aging, sunburn, and increased cancer risk. That’s why consistent sun protection is essential—even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors near windows. Choosing the right sunscreen Here’s what to look for when selecting a sunscreen this summer: 1. Broad-Spectrum Protection – choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to ensure protection from both UVA and UVB rays. If it’s not labelled broad-spectrum, it’s not offering complete defence. 2. SPF 30 or Higher – SPF (Sun Protection Factor) refers to protection against UVB rays. An SPF of 30 blocks about 97% of UVB radiation. While higher SPFs offer marginally more protection, SPF 30 or above is the minimum recommended, especially during extended sun exposure. 3. Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens – physical sunscreens – also known as mineral sunscreens—use natural active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These work by reflecting UV rays off the skin rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens are: great for sensitive or acne-prone skin, effective immediately upon application, less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions How to apply for maximum protection Final thoughts Enjoy the summer sun, but do it safely. With the right sunscreen—broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and preferably mineral-based—you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. Prevention today means healthier, more youthful skin tomorrow. Dermalogica sunscreen recommendation.Dynamic Skin Recovery Spf50 Moisturiser – hydrating, firming age defense – skin type, Hydrates, Reduces signs of skin ageing, Evens skin tone and dark spots.Biolumin-c heat aging protector spf50 – turn down heat ageing, turn up radiance, great for all skin types. Clearing Defense spf30 – Shine-reducing SPF moisturiser helps protect breakout-prone skin from environmental stress. Ideal for Oily/acne prone skin.Powerbright Moisturizer SPF 50 – dark spot defence, ideal for skin with hyperpigmentation.Prisma Protect Spf30 Moisturiser – light-activated skin defense. Ideal for Oily/acne prone skin. Invisible Physical Defense Mineral Sunscreen Spf30 – weightless physical sunscreen. Ideal for all skin types. All Dermalogica SPF are available at Saiqs. If you would like help in finding the right SPF then book a skin consultation with Saiqa via our booking link
Keeping your skin hydrated during Ramadan
During Ramadan, it’s important to maintain a skincare routine that focuses on hydration, calming, and using gentle products. Here are some tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing: Hydration: Drink plenty of water during Suhoor and Iftar to stay hydrated. This helps maintain your skin’s moisture levels throughout the day. Avoid drinks which contain a lot of processed sugar Use a hydrating moisturiser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceremides or glycerin after cleansing to lock in moisture. We love the Dermalogica Calm Water Gel and also the Circular Hydration Serum Calming Skincare: Avoid strong exfoliators or strong active ingredients (like retinol or AHAs) during the day, as fasting can make the skin more sensitive. Opt for gentle cleansers, soothing masks, and calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or calendula. Less Actives: Reduce the use of potent actives like Vitamin C, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide during Ramadan to prevent irritation, due to the lack of water and food for many hours which can lead to the skin feeling drier. Stay Away from Oily & Sugary Foods: Oily and sugary foods can trigger breakouts and inflammation, so aim for a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Focus on eating foods that are rich in antioxidants, like berries, nuts, and leafy greens, to support your skin from the inside out. Rest and Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential during Ramadan to allow your skin to repair and rejuvenate. Lack of sleep can lead to dull skin and dark circles. I know this is probably the hardest step to do as needing to wake before sunrise can disturb the sleep pattern. Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen when going out during the day to protect your skin from UV damage. Opt for a gentle, non-comedogenic sunscreen. this is actually an all year around tip – sun rays are the biggest cause of skin ageing. These tips should help keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and calm throughout the month of Ramadan.
Laser hair removal
Free yourself from the constant battle of shaving, epilating and waxing unwanted hair on your body. The world has come a long way in terms of getting rid of hair in a quicker and longer lasting way – such as laser hair removal Here are some of the most common questions about laser hair removal: How does it work?Laser hair removal works by selectively heating melanin that is in the hair follicle while leaving the rest of your skin untouched. This then weakens the hair follicle, and hairs that were present in the follicles will fall out over the next couple of weeks and future hair growth will be impaired. What is the average amount of treatments required?The number of sessions depends on various factors, including the area of the body being treated, skin colour, coarseness of hair, hormones and gender etc. Generally: Face: 6 to 12 treatments. Body: 6 to12 treatments. (This may vary) Bear in mind that laser hair removal is a permanent hair reduction, there will be some hair that are left and will require top ups. How often do I get my treatment done?Face every 4 to 6 weeks. Body every 6 to 8 weeks. Why can I only shave when having a laser treatment?In order for the laser to work you need to have hair in the hair follicle. This hair attracts the laser, heats up and weakens the follicle. Do I need a patch test?Yes, a patch test is always required before starting any treatment to ensure your suitability to the laser, along with a full consultation. You can start your treatment 5-7 days after your patch test. What are the most common side-effects and risks? During treatment: slight discomfort. Post treatment: itching, redness, and swelling around the treatment area. These side effects rarely last more than three days. Most people wont even have any side-effects. Like anything beauty related there are always rare side effects and risks. In this context it could be hyper-pigmentation, blistering, scarring, acne, swelling around the hair follicle and scab formation. However, with a through consultation, patch test and following the aftercare instructions these risks are minimised. Preparing for your treatmentAvoid sun exposure at least four weeks before treatment. Avoid fake tanning for at least 2 week before treatment. Do not bleach, pluck or wax 4 to 6 weeks before and stick to shaving. For lighter skin clients wait for tanned skin to fade before beginning treatment. What to expect on the day of treatment24 hours prior to your procedure you should make sure the area being treated is freshly shaven. This will allow for effective energy delivery of the laser device to your hair follicles, thus providing a more effective treatment. During the treatment, the laser specialist will guide the device over the treatment area. As she does, it will deliver light energy and you will feel cold air blowing from our Cryo-6 Skin Cooling unit, for added comfort. It is normal to feel a slight snapping sensation like a rubber band as the energy is being delivered. Does laser work for all skin types? Yes, you just need to make sure that it is the right laser type At Saiqs we use the Cynosure Elite+ laser system, which uses both Alexandrite and the ND:YAG system, which target and destroy hair cells without damaging the surrounding skin resulting in smooth, hair-free skin that lasts. Treating all skin types from the darkest to the lightest. Our system is the safest laser for darker skins as it can penetrate into the skin by passing the melanin in the skin and getting to the root of the hair therefore less risk of burning the skin. At Saiqs you can also pay for your laser hair removal treatment in 4 instalments. Get in touch for the start of your hairless journey: Saiqs (Hair & Beauty) 0208 539 9466