Cypress Quay

✨ Retinol: the gold standard for skin renewal ✨

If you're looking to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and achieve a brighter, more even complexion, retinol is one of the most effective skincare ingredients available.

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that works by encouraging skin cell turnover. As new skin cells are brought to the surface more quickly, the skin can appear smoother, fresher, and more radiant over time.

✨ Helps Reduce the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

As we age, collagen production naturally slows down. Retinol helps support collagen production, which can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and contribute to firmer-looking skin with consistent use.

🌟 Helps Improve Skin Texture and Tone

Uneven texture, roughness, and dullness can make skin appear tired. By promoting skin renewal, retinol helps refine the skin's surface, leaving it looking smoother, brighter, and more even.

🤍 Helps Fade the Appearance of Post-Blemish Marks

Retinol can help improve the appearance of pigmentation and post-acne marks by encouraging the turnover of older skin cells. Over time, this can help reveal a more balanced and uniform complexion.

🌿 Helps Support Clearer-Looking Skin

Because retinol helps prevent pores from becoming clogged with dead skin cells, it can be beneficial for those prone to breakouts and congestion. Regular use can contribute to smoother, clearer-looking skin.

💡 Start Slowly

Retinol is a powerful ingredient, so it's important to introduce it gradually. Begin with a lower strength a few times per week and always follow with moisturiser. Daily SPF is essential, as retinol can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.

Like many skincare ingredients, consistency is key. Results take time, but with regular use, retinol can become one of the most transformative products in your skincare routine.

Have you incorporated retinol into your routine yet? Tell us about your experience below. 👇

what a time to be alive 🥲🥲🥲

Skincare product of the week - Ultimate Boost Serum 🚀

Give your skin the ultimate boost! A hydrating, skin-strengthening serum infused with a clinically proven peptide that unveils a smoother, firmer, and more youthful complexion.

Rejuvenate your complexion with the hydration powerhouse, revitalising your skin for a resilient, youthful appearance.

Bid farewell to fine lines and wrinkles as it restores your skin's natural moisture barrier, leaving you with a smooth, luminous complexion.

All products are:

- Dye Free
- Paraben Free
- Sulfate Free
- Phthalate Free
- Animal Cruelty Free
- Artificial Fragrance Free
- Chemical Sunscreen Filter Free

Not sure which serum is best for you? Book a skin consultation with one of our specialists for a full skin analysis + homecare recommendations ✨

Cypress Quay is proud to be the leading independent skin clinic in Manchester, find us just outside of MediaCity in Salford Quays 🐝

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✨ What is the best hair removal method for transgender people? ✨

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer depends on your hair type, skin type, and your long-term goals.

For most transgender clients, there are two main options for long-term hair removal:

⚡ Laser Hair Removal
Laser targets the pigment within the hair follicle, making it particularly effective for dark, coarse hair. It can significantly reduce hair growth and is often the fastest way to tackle larger areas such as the face, chest, back, or legs.

💡 However, laser doesn't work well on blonde, red, grey, or white hairs because these hairs contain little to no pigment.

✨Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal and can treat all hair colours and skin types. Each hair follicle is treated individually, making it ideal for lighter hairs that laser cannot target.

💡 Because it treats one follicle at a time, electrolysis is often a longer process than laser, but it offers permanent results.

🤝 For many transgender clients, the most effective approach is a combination of both treatments.

A common treatment plan is:
✔️ Start with laser to reduce the bulk of dark hair
✔️ Follow with electrolysis to permanently remove any remaining hairs, including lighter or stubborn hairs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. The best treatment plan is the one tailored to your unique hair growth, skin type, and transition goals.

🌈 Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to complete your hair removal treatment, a consultation can help determine the best path for you.

Testimonial Tuesday 🌟 have you visited the clinic recently? We always love hearing your feedback, head to the link in our bio to leave a review 🫶

💧 Hyaluronic Acid: The hydration hero that your skin loves 💧

If your skin feels dry, tight, dull, or dehydrated, hyaluronic acid could be the ingredient your routine is missing.

Despite its name, hyaluronic acid isn't an exfoliating acid. It's actually a powerful hydrating ingredient that helps your skin attract and retain moisture, leaving it looking plumper, smoother, and more radiant.

💦 Helps Deeply Hydrate the Skin

Hyaluronic acid acts like a moisture magnet, drawing water into the skin and helping to keep it there. This boost in hydration can leave skin feeling softer, more comfortable, and visibly refreshed.

✨ Helps Plump the Appearance of Fine Lines

When skin lacks moisture, fine lines can become more noticeable. By improving hydration levels, hyaluronic acid helps plump the skin, making fine lines appear softer and the complexion look smoother and healthier.

🌿 Helps Support a Healthy Skin Barrier

A strong skin barrier is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Hyaluronic acid helps support the skin's natural barrier by keeping it hydrated, which can improve softness, smoothness, and overall skin resilience.

🤍 Suitable for All Skin Types

One of the reasons hyaluronic acid is so popular is that it's suitable for almost everyone. Whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or mature, it can help boost hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.

Healthy, glowing skin starts with hydration. Adding hyaluronic acid to your routine can help your skin look fresher, feel more comfortable, and maintain the moisture it needs to thrive. ✨

Have you tried hyaluronic acid yet? Let us know your favourite hydrating skincare product in the comments below! 👇

Come rain or shine! SPF will always be your skin's best friend

Skincare product of the week - Bright & Clear Solution ✨

A worldwide best-seller, this exfoliating and conditioning solution invigorates the complexion for a smoother, brighter, and clearer appearance.

The incredible Bright & Clear Solution smooths and revitalises your complexion, providing natural balance and cell renewal.

Infused with Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and one of the richest sources of Vitamin C, this hard-working hybrid formula encourages cell turnover and deeply exfoliates in and around the pores and the skin's surface, leaving your skin brighter, clearer, and ultra-smooth.

Not sure if you're a chemical or mechanical exfoliator stan? Book a skin consultation with one of our specialists for a full skin analysis + homecare recommendations ✨

Cypress Quay is proud to be the leading independent skin clinic in Manchester, find us just outside of MediaCity in Salford Quays 🐝

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✨ Can I start hair removal before hormones? Absolutely! ✨

One of the biggest misconceptions about gender-affirming hair removal is that you need to wait until you've started hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The truth? Many transgender clients begin laser hair removal or electrolysis before starting hormones, and in many cases, starting earlier can be beneficial.

💡 Why start before HRT?

Hormones can help slow down new hair growth over time, but they don't remove the hair follicles that already exist. Facial and body hair that has already developed typically requires laser hair removal, electrolysis, or a combination of both to achieve long-term reduction or permanent removal.

Starting treatment sooner means:

✔️ Reducing facial hair and shadow earlier in your transition
✔️ Easing any gender dysphoria
✔️ Giving yourself a head start, as hair removal is a gradual process that takes multiple sessions
✔️ Building confidence while waiting for other aspects of your transition

⏳ It's important to remember that hair removal is a journey, not an overnight transformation. Whether you're planning to start hormones soon, currently exploring your options, or know that HRT isn't right for you, you don't need to wait to begin your hair removal journey.

Every transition is unique, and your treatment plan should be too. 🌈

Happy birthday to our social media queen Heather! 🥳🎉