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Monday 8:30am - 10pm Tuesday 8:30am - 10pm Wednesday 8:30am - 10pm Thursday 8:30am - 10pm

Kirsten Steward Beauty Therapy

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Kirsten Steward Beauty Therapy

A boutique salon suite specialising in science backed skin treatments, electrolysis & blemish removal

May 30th 2022
Covid hasn't gone away and whilst I will still be 100% vigilant with my hygiene protocols, I have finally decided to relax the covid mask rules in the salon. As of this week I no longer require clients to wear masks (unless you have a cold/cough) and I have decided that I will now only wear a mask when carrying out facial treatments, electrolysis, lash/brow services UNLESS you would

prefer me to wear one whilst doing your nails/ pedicure/ waxing, I will always ask you on arrival as to your preference. Covid prescreen forms will still be sent out to new clients purely as a tool to prompt thought about how you're feeling/ if you've been in contact with anyone with symptoms, thus question whether it's appropriate to keep your appointment.
* On-the-day lateral flow testing is no longer a prerequisite but is still very much appreciated pre facials. Remember I still always have the Air Purifier on and continue to use a screen at the nail desk.

*I had a formal two-year full-time training ‘86-88 gaining C&G and IHBC in beauty therapy & electrical epilation and have continued to update my knowledge over the last 35years. I also gained my level 3 C&G in Artificial Nail Techniques in 1997. I am now undertaking my hardest challenge yet by embarking on the equivalent of a degree course (level 4/5/6) in Advanced Aesthetic Practise and Advanced Skin Science. This is a CIBTAC training through Sally Durant/ Skin Group International and the ONLY OFQUAL certified course of it's kind.
*My product ranges are indicative of quality; did you know that EVERY product used in a salon should have a Safety Data Sheet? Therefore professionals MUST purchase from registered suppliers or their insurance is invalid. Absolutely no cheap, generic ebay purchases here AND LED nail lamps match my gels to ensure correct curing thus preventing allergies.
*All treatments carried out with pride, passion, knowledge and expertise.
*Full range of ekseption, Fusion, Eve Taylor, Dadi oil & Synergy Collagen/ supplements for home care/ maintenance in stock.
*Skin Consultations are multi layered looking at lifestyle/ gut health , are approximately 45mins-1hr and are £40, paid in advance however this is fully redeemable against subsequent purchase of product bundles over £180.
*Advanced aesthetic facial treatments including fractional & no needle mesotherapy, Fractional Radio Frequency for face and body, chemical peels, advanced electrolysis for red vein, milia/tag removal. Luxurious Holistic facials including aromatherapy & TCM Gua Sha, plus electrical facials, brows, lash lifts, ear piercing, sculptured acrylics, gel manicure, waxing, Footlogix spa pedicure...

* Put your trust in me and I will give you the best possible customer satisfaction- results and relaxation guaranteed!
* nb; there is no on-line booking system- I prefer to speak to you first but pls see website for prices, policies, covid protocols, FAQ BEFORE making contact and understand that all new clients are required to pay in full to secure their first appointment, this is NON REFUNDABLE/TRANSFERABLE (unless Covid related )
* future cancellation policy requires full price of treatment booked if you give less than 24hrs notice and 50% if less than 48hrs notice.
* If you test positive for Covid you will need to repatch test 2 weeks post a negative result.

*ALL DECEMBER APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO FULL PRICE CANCELLATION FEE REGARDLESS OF NOTICE- DO NOT BOOK APPOINTMENTS UNLESS YOU KNOW YOU CAN ATTEND.

*trans ally ~warmly welcoming cis guys, gals & all members of LGBTQIA2S+ community.��

www.kirstenstewardbeautytherapy.co.uk

13/08/2026

Peptide Series
Counter A.G.E.: When Sugar Ages Your Skin

So far we’ve looked at peptides that signal the skin to support collagen production, and peptides that help soften the appearance of expression lines, but peptides can have another interesting role: helping protect the proteins we already have.

This brings us to Circadia Counter A.G.E.
The ‘A.G.E.’ refers to Advanced Glycation End Products which are compounds that form through a process called glycation.

Glycation happens when sugars react with proteins within our tissues. In the skin, this can affect important structural proteins including collagen and elastin, causing them to become stiffer and less flexible. Over time, glycation contributes to loss of elasticity, firmness and that healthy ‘bounce’ we associate with younger skin.

Counter A.G.E. contains L-carnosine, a small peptide made from two amino acids, which is used specifically for its anti-glycation activity.
It also contains decarboxy carnosine, another carnosine derivative, alongside Tripeptide-9 Citrulline (dGlyage®), which Circadia describes as helping reduce DNA damage associated with glycation reactions and helping reduce the formation of metal-mediated A.G.E.s.

But, as always with Circadia, it isn’t relying on one ingredient.
The formula combines its peptides with Osmanthus fragrans flower extract, antioxidants and a complex containing bamboo, pea extract and glucosamine, designed to support collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid synthesis.

So Counter A.G.E. demonstrates another reason why saying “this product contains peptides” really doesn’t tell us enough.
Some peptides send signals, some influence muscle contraction & some, like the carnosine peptides in Counter A.G.E., are used to help protect our existing proteins from damaging processes such as glycation.

Different peptides, different jobs & that’s exactly why I’m spending so much time talking about them!

This serum is the perfect partner to our Glyco-Guard moisturiser, come back tomorrow to learn all about it!

12/08/2026

Peptide Series
PhiTo-Pep 1.6: Matrixyl® synthe’6® Isn’t Just in Myo-Cyte Plus…

We’ve already looked at Matrixyl® synthe’6® (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38), the signal peptide found in our Myo-Cyte Plus serum.

But Myo-Cyte isn’t the only Circadia product to contain it.

You’ll also find Matrixyl® synthe’6® in PhiTo-Pep 1.6, one of Circadia’s anti-ageing moisturisers and this is a lovely example of how the same peptide can be incorporated into a completely different formulation.

Matrixyl® synthe’6® is a signal peptide. Rather than simply sitting on the surface and making skin feel smoother, it is designed to support the skin’s extracellular matrix, the structural network surrounding our cells.

According to Circadia, it supports the synthesis of six important components of that matrix and the dermal-epidermal junction, including collagen I and III, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and laminin-5.

But PhiTo-Pep 1.6 isn’t simply a peptide cream, it also contains BV-OSC (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate), a stable oil-soluble form of vitamin C; panthenol to soothe and support the skin; superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme that helps defend against free-radical damage; and marine/botanical extracts including Phormidium persicinum and Vibrio alginolyticus ferment filtrate!

So while Myo-Cyte Plus combines Matrixyl® synthe’6® with neurotransmitter peptides to particularly target the appearance of expression lines, PhiTo-Pep 1.6 uses the same Matrixyl® peptide within a moisturising, antioxidant-rich formula designed to support the skin more broadly.

And this is exactly why looking at the whole formulation matters. Seeing the word peptide on a label tells us very little. We need to know which peptide it is, what message it delivers, and what other ingredients have been formulated alongside it.

Tomorrow I’ll continue looking at where Circadia uses different peptides — and why they’re definitely not all doing the same job.

10/08/2026

Focus on our super Peptide Serum-
Myo-Cyte Plus…

Every time we smile, laugh, squint or frown, tiny facial muscles contract beneath the skin.
When we’re young, the skin simply bounces back.
Over time, however, those same repeated movements begin to leave a mark. Expression lines start as temporary creases, but as collagen declines and the skin becomes less elastic, those lines gradually become permanent.

That’s where Myo-Cyte Plus takes a two-pronged approach.

Firstly, it contains two advanced neuropeptides, SNAP-8® and Inyline®, which work by helping reduce the intensity of facial muscle contraction. They don’t stop your expressions or “freeze” your face; instead they help soften the repetitive micro-tension that contributes to expression lines over time.

Think of it as encouraging the muscles to relax rather than forcing them not to move.
But that’s only half the story…

Whilst those peptides are helping reduce repetitive muscle tension, Matrixyl® and Matrixyl® 3000 are sending signals to fibroblasts to stimulate collagen production and support repair within the dermis.

The formula also contains:

• L-Proline and L-Glycine – two amino acids that are essential building blocks of collagen.

• L-Carnosine – a powerful anti-glycation dipeptide that helps protect collagen from becoming stiff and damaged by excess sugar, something we know accelerates skin ageing.

• Hyaluronic Acid – providing immediate hydration so fine dehydration lines appear softer whilst supporting barrier function.

• Passion Flower Extract – naturally rich in compounds that complement the peptide technology by helping ease muscular tension.

What I love about this serum is that it doesn’t rely on one mechanism; it addresses the cause of many expression lines by reducing repetitive muscle contraction, whilst simultaneously supporting the skin’s own ability to repair and rebuild collagen.

That means you’re not just softening today’s wrinkles, you’re helping reduce tomorrow’s as well.

💙

09/08/2026

Peptide Series – Part 4

Signal Peptides – Encouraging Your Skin to Make More Collagen,

The first group of peptides I’d like to look at are signal peptides, because they’re some of the best researched and are found in many of Circadia’s anti-ageing products.

Throughout our lives, collagen is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. Whenever collagen is degraded, tiny peptide fragments are released. These fragments act as natural biological signals, telling fibroblasts that repair is needed and encouraging them to produce new collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix.

Scientists realised that if these naturally occurring signals could be identified and reproduced, they might encourage ageing skin to behave more like younger skin. This led to the development of a group of ingredients known as biomimetic signal peptides.

Rather than forcing the skin to do something unnatural, these peptides mimic messages that healthy skin already uses. Fibroblasts recognise those signals and respond by increasing the production of collagen and other structural proteins that help maintain firmness and resilience.

Some of the best-known examples include Matrixyl®, Matrixyl 3000® and Matrixyl Synthe’6®, all of which are used in different Circadia formulations because they each influence collagen production in slightly different ways.

This is one of the reasons I like Circadia’s approach. Rather than relying on a single peptide, different signal peptides are selected according to the needs of the product and the skin concern being treated.

08/08/2026

Peptides post 3.

When someone tells me they want “a peptide serum”, my first question is why?”

By now you’ll know that peptides are little messenger molecules but they don’t all send the same message.

Some encourage collagen production, helping improve firmness over time.
Others help calm inflammation and support a healthier skin barrier.
Some are designed to reduce the appearance of expression lines by interrupting the chemical signals involved in repeated muscle movement. They’re often described as “Botox-like”, although they work very differently and much more subtly.

This is why two products can both say “contains peptides” and deliver completely different results.

For example, Circadia Myo-Cyte Plus contains peptides chosen specifically to soften the appearance of expression lines.

Cyto-Comm, on the other hand, contains peptides that support cellular communication and collagen production, making it a completely different product with a completely different purpose.

The same is true throughout the Circadia range. The peptides in Chrono-Calm aren’t there for wrinkles. They’re there to calm inflammation and reduce redness. The peptides in Daytime Control help support the skin’s natural defence against acne bacteria.

So rather than asking whether a product contains peptides, ask what those peptides have actually been chosen to do.
That’s when ingredient lists start to make sense.

07/08/2026

Peptide Series – Part 2

Last time we looked at what peptides are. This time, let’s look at why not all peptides do the same job.

Peptides are tiny chains of amino acids, but changing their sequence changes the message they send to the skin.

Some encourage collagen production, others calm inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, regulate excess oil or support the skin’s natural defence against acne-causing bacteria.

That’s why saying a product “contains peptides” tells us very little. The important questions are:

• Which peptides?
• Why were they chosen?
• Is there evidence they actually work?

Unlike growth factors, exosomes or PDRN, peptides don’t deliver a whole package of biological signals. Instead, each peptide gives the skin one very specific instruction.

One of the reasons I like Circadia is that peptides aren’t included because they’re fashionable. Every formulation contains carefully selected peptides chosen for the specific job that product is designed to do.

Over the next few posts we’ll explore the main peptide families and why understanding them makes ingredient lists much less confusing.

The right peptide for the right job.

06/08/2026

Peptide Series – Part 1: What Are Peptides… and Why Does Your Skin Need Them?

Over the past few months we’ve explored ingredients such as growth factors, exosomes, stem cell extracts and PDRN. Although they all support healthier-looking skin, they each work in different ways.

Now it’s time to look at another fascinating group of ingredients found throughout the Circadia range; peptides.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that occur naturally in healthy skin. They act as signalling molecules, allowing skin cells to communicate with one another and helping to regulate collagen production, wound healing, barrier repair, hydration, inflammation and pigmentation.

As we age, these natural signals become less efficient. Skin repairs more slowly, collagen production declines and the visible signs of ageing gradually appear.

Unlike growth factors, exosomes or PDRN, peptides are highly targeted. Each peptide has a specific job; some encourage collagen production, others help calm inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, soften expression lines or support clearer skin.

That’s why saying a product “contains peptides” doesn’t tell you very much. There are hundreds of different peptides in skincare, each chosen for a particular purpose.

Over the next few posts, we’ll explore the main peptide families, how they work and why Circadia uses different peptides in different products.

05/08/2026

Vitamin A Q&A – Your Most Frequently Asked Questions…

We’ve covered a lot over the past 10 days, so here’s a quick recap of the questions I’m asked most often in clinic.

Do I need to keep increasing the strength?
No. Stronger isn’t always better. Many clients achieve excellent long-term results using the same professionally selected product for years.

Can I use vitamin A around my eyes?
Yes, but only with products designed for the delicate eye area. Circadia’s Full Circle Night Cream is ideal.

Can I use vitamin A during summer?
Absolutely. You don’t need to stop using it, but daily SPF is essential all year round.

At what age should I start?
There’s no magic age. It depends on your skin, not your birthday. As a rough guide, late 20s to early 30s is a sensible time to start. Children should not be using vitamin A products.

Can I stop once my skin looks better?
You can, but the benefits won’t continue. Like exercise, consistency is what gives long-term results.

Will vitamin A thin my skin?
No. Used correctly, it helps strengthen the epidermis over time, although it does increase sun sensitivity.

Do I have to peel for it to work?
No. Peeling isn’t the goal. Comfortable, healthy skin can still be responding beautifully.

Is prescription tretinoin always better?
Not necessarily. Tretinoin has an important role, particularly for acne, but many people achieve excellent results with professionally recommended cosmetic retinoids that are better tolerated.

Can I use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. I recommend Circadia’s Revitacyte Complex instead.

I hope this series has made vitamin A a little less confusing. If you’re unsure which product is right for your skin, don’t guess; ask a professional. The best vitamin A product isn’t the strongest one, it’s the one that’s right for your skin.

04/08/2026

Vitamin A Series – Part 10: Why Retinoids Can Make Fine Lines Look Worse (Temporarily!)

When you first introduce a retinoid, your skin speeds up its natural renewal process. During this adjustment phase, the skin barrier can temporarily lose water more easily (known as transepidermal water loss or TEWL).

This can make fine dehydration lines appear more noticeable. They aren’t new wrinkles, and your retinoid hasn’t aged your skin. It’s simply a temporary phase that is far less likely when you’re using the right product under professional guidance.

This is why a good daytime moisturiser isn’t optional. It helps support the skin barrier, reduces water loss and makes it much easier for your skin to adapt, allowing you to continue using your vitamin A consistently.

Over the following weeks, hydration improves, the barrier strengthens and collagen production increases. Those temporary dehydration lines settle, leaving smoother, firmer, healthier-looking skin.

Before I recommend a Circadia vitamin A product, I’ll already have made sure you’re using the right Circadia moisturiser too. In the unlikely event your skin needs extra support, products such as Moisture on Demand, Hydralox Facial Oil or Post Treatment Balm can be added, but most clients never need them because the correct retinoid is introduced at the right strength and frequency.

One of the things I love about Circadia’s Nighttime Repair range is that, unlike many brands, you don’t need a separate night cream. Your vitamin A and night moisturiser are combined in one product.

Patience is the key with vitamin A. Support your skin barrier first, let your skin adapt, and the long- results will follow.

03/08/2026

Vitamin A Series – Part 9: If Retinol Isn’t An Exfoliant Why Does Skin Peel?

One of the biggest misconceptions about retinol is that it “exfoliates” the skin. It doesn’t!

Unlike alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic or lactic acid, retinoids don’t dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. It’s Chemical exfoliants that work from the outside in by loosening these connections, allowing surface cells to shed more easily.

Retinoids work in a completely different way.
Once your skin has converted retinol into retinoic acid, it begins sending messages to living skin cells deeper within the epidermis. These cells start dividing and maturing more efficiently, so they move upwards through the skin faster than before.

Imagine a moving walkway at an airport. Normally, skin cells take around a month to travel from the deepest layer of the epidermis to the surface. Retinoids speed up that journey. The old, dull cells already sitting on the surface are simply pushed off more quickly by the healthier new cells rising beneath them.

That’s why some people notice flaking or peeling during the first few weeks. The retinol isn’t peeling the skin away; it’s accelerating the skin’s own natural renewal process.

This is also why peeling isn’t the goal.
Some people experience very little visible peeling yet still enjoy all the long-term benefits of vitamin A, including smoother texture, more even pigmentation, improved collagen production and healthier-looking skin. In fact, excessive peeling, redness or soreness usually means the skin barrier is struggling, not that the product is working better.

The aim is never to make your skin peel. The aim is to help your skin function more efficiently, with as little irritation as possible. That’s why introducing the correct strength gradually, under professional guidance, always gives better long-term results than jumping straight in with the strongest product you can find.

Address

79 New Road
Chatteris
PE166BT

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 10pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 10pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 10pm
Thursday	8:30am - 10pm

Website

http://www.kirstenstewardbeautytherapy.co.uk/

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