Belinda Hughes

Organic skincare in South Yarra has made its home on Davis Ave. Organic skincare is what makes Belinda Hughes Skin, a boutique skin clinic so special.

Their flagship brand Organic Spa is a professional certified organic product made in the hinterland of Byron Bay. Organic Spa has a strong environmental focus, with all of its products either made out of recycled materials or easily broken down and recycled. Having a strong environmental policy is also an important value at Belinda Hughes Skin. All of the brands stocked have some level of recycling or reforesting policy.

Belinda Hughes Skin has a clean green philosophy across all its brands. Brands range from certified organic to natural. The corrective brand Osmosis Beauty is a ‘clean cosmeceutical’ using powerful activities and antioxidants. All of the Osmosis Beauty antioxidants are plant-derived in a clean formulation. Their powerful patented formulas are extremely effective in treating skin conditions without damaging the skin. The MD Collection is their most potent, clinically-approved range of skincare, and is only available through a licensed Osmosis Professional.

A variety of brands

AWE Cosmeceuticals is another Australian brand using its organic philosophy with an Ayurvedic theme. Using cosmeceutical ingredients makes AWE cosmeceuticals extremely effective at treating skin conditions. Ayurveda balances the skin while the formula gets to work. Acne, sensitive skin and dry skin show great improvement after using AWE.

Organic skincare in South Yarra will also extend to a spa menu coming soon. Eminence Organic Skincare is a premium brand from Canada. Certified organic in Europe and the USA this luxury spa brand uses the power of plants to achieve its results. Eminence has a very green policy, using recycled materials for all its packaging and planting a tree for every product sold. Organic peels, HOT facial masks and a wide range of serums and moisturisers keep skin in top health.

Lifestyle and body brands including Eco Tan, Three Warriors Tan, Byron Bay Skincare and Simple As That are also available.

How to find organic skincare in South Yarra

All these natural and organic skincare brands are available to purchase in our online store. Belinda Hughes Skin also offers skin consultations via Zoom or FaceTime. You can find the clinic on Davis Ave and facials are available once we are able to open again.

A skincare consultation is key to making the right choice for your skin. Large beauty counters can give you the highlights of different products they’ve been briefed on, but they can’t tell you your skin type or condition and match ingredients in products to get you the results you’re after. It’s a bit like buying blind and hoping for the best.

Getting recommendations from friends can be hand as well, but you end up having the same problems. It’s extremely frustrating at the moment not being able to get to see your local beauty professional, but we’re still here to help! Using tools like FaceTime and Zoom we are able to have a chat and ask key questions about your skin and see you through the screen. This gives our trained eyes a really good idea of what’s going on without having to see you in person.

What to expect during a skincare consultation

We offer free skin chats as our skincare consultation at the clinic to help you find the correct products for your skin. You will find a wide range of skincare products to suit nearly all skin conditions and budgets. We even offer Afterpay to get you started.

At the clinic, we are passionate about helping you get the best skin of your life. When you’re on a call with us we will ask you about your skin and what you are currently using. We also dive into your lifestyle habits to make sure we cover all bases. Don’t worry, we won’t bombard you with a million products, we believe less is more. Most of our clients are on a highly curated routine with only 3-4 products.

We can’t wait to hear from you and help you with your skin! Get in touch on our contact form to book a skincare consultation with us today. Follow Belinda on Instagram for daily skincare tips and product advice.

We are online! Taking the salon to you with our range of professional skin care at home. Everyone has their routines but I constantly hear from clients, ‘what more can I do at home while the salon is closed?’

There are plenty of products I covet out there, even in the brands I currently stock. So I’ve gone deeper and bought in those products that are going to benefit you the most. One of those brands is a long time favourite of mine, Eminence Organics. Today I have increased and adjusted the brand offering. Here’s my guide to beautiful skin at home;

Eminence Almond & Mineral Home Treatment

Eminence Almond & Mineral Treatment 60ml (HOT) contains finely crushed almonds in a treatment cream that gently exfoliate to uncover soft, smooth looking skin. Combine that with paprika and ground ivy to oxygentate the skin and refine the appearance of pores, for a more radiant complexion.

Due to the highly stimulating effect created by the herbs, a tingling, hot sensation will definitely be felt for a short time. This is not an allergic reaction! This sensation will calm down and decrease to normal in 5-30 minutes. Depending on the skin type, the face will be rosy or red during the stimulating process diminishing into a very healthy glow after an hour. The complexion will be refined, smoother and healthier looking for days. Use of a Masque or a Serum is recommended after removal of this product.

Eminence Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Professional Home Peel

Eminence Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel is a firming peel solution with cotton round pads for normal to dry or mature skin types. Hydrate your skin deeply and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with this active, exfoliating peel solution. Packed with antioxidants sourced from acai berry, grapefruit and goji, the peel also includes lactic and glycolic acids which result in firmer looking skin. Regular use of this peel will visibly increase skin’s firmness, restore its elasticity and reveal a smoother, softer, younger looking complexion.

Eminence Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Professional Home Peel

Eminence Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel is a deep-cleansing, clarifying peel solution with cotton round pads for problem skin types. Clarify and refine the complexion without irritation while reducing the appearance of problem skin. Gentle salicylic acid removes surface impurities and dirt from the skin, allowing the synergistic action of biosulphur and tomato extract to help balance sebum. Willow bark calms the look of skin while lilac and azelaic acid help to reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation. The peel reduces pore size and skin is left feeling clear, smooth and revitalised.

Eminence Bamboo Age Corrective Masque

Eminence Bamboo Age Corrective Masque is an ultra-rich age repairing masque using the most powerful anti-ageing technology in natural and organic skin care. Natural Retinol Alternative boosts collagen and elastin while Swiss Green Apple Stem Cells promote elasticity and delay the visible signs of ageing.

Eminence Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment

Eminence Lotus Detoxifying Overnight Treatment is infused with hydrating lotus, potent microgreens and moisturising melt-in jojoba oil spheres, this lightweight gel cream prevents water loss, supercharges the skin and defends against drying environmental stressors overnight. Suitable for all skin types, this luxurious treatment seals in moisture to reveal a perfectly dewy complexion by morning. Wake up to revitalised and radiant looking skin.

Eminence Coconut Age Corrective Moisturiser

Eminence Coconut Age Corrective Moisturiser is a rich cream moisturiser for normal to dry skin types especially mature. With each application of our Coconut Age Corrective Moisturiser, you’ll feel your skin instantly tighten and lift. Coconut, shea butter and grape seed oil deeply hydrate and nourish while green apple stem cell technology offers lasting age correction.

Eminence Snow Mushroom Moisture Cloud Eye Cream

Eminence Snow Mushroom Moisture Cloud Eye Cream revitalises the delicate eye area with this luxuriously fluffy textured eye cream. Super-hydrating snow mushroom provides intense hydration while powerful botanical peptides smooth roughness, decrease puffiness and diminish under eye bags to reveal a refreshed appearance.

If you need help with choosing your professional skin care at home, please get in touch for a virtual skin consultation. Fill in our contact form to book your appointment today.

If there’s one trend that’s bigger than natural beauty right now, it’s Australian beauty. Our unique easy going lifestyle shifts the way we use beauty products here compared to the rest of the world, and the rest of the world is starting to pay attention. I don’t know if it’s our laid back style by the water but everyone wants a piece of what we’re having.

Australian beauty brands understand what our skin needs in this harsh climate. Everything from lots of SPF to different texture moisturizers that are better suited to our skin. A Beauty is really taking off.

I feel like it was only a matter of time before we ditched the 10 step K Beauty routines, admit it, we’re too lazy to stick to it. We like easy and effective to match our attitudes and way of life. We have a natural glow from the surf and the sun that wants enhancement, not always ‘correcting’.

Watching the beauty landscape evolve over almost the past 2 decades I’m loving the explosion of Australian beauty brands happening now. It’s more than a conversation, it’s a movement. I’m so proud to say 80% of the brands we stock at the clinic are Australian made, and honestly, they’re some of our best performing brands. Skin and body care, tanning and sunscreens, they’re all amazing and made right here. Brands get it and are making amazing products to suit our skins needs naturally.

Australian beauty we love!

One of my most in demand brands Organic Spa is a professional brand that clients can’t get enough of. Made in the hinterland of Byron Bay, this brand is not only Australian, but certified organic and sustainable. Clients skin just glows on it, no wonder I struggle to keep it on my shelves!

Other notable cult brands are Eco Tan, Simple As That, Three Warriors, Byron Bay Skincare, Vita-Sol, Dermalist, MSKIN and Alexami. I’m so proud to stock all these amazing brands that have such a positive impact on clients skin.

For your A beauty fix we offer these products in our clinic treatments and our online store. You can get in touch with us to find out which products suit your skin best, via free online consultations. Get in touch here.

For a while now the anti anti-aging way has been growing. Women are turning their backs on the ‘anti-aging’ phrase in favour of more empowering words like pro aging. Women have been embracing their natural grey hair and life lines. This does not mean we have given up or let ourselves go, it’s more of a ‘being comfortable in your own skin’ phase. Personally I love it and am all for it. There’s nothing more empowering than a woman who is confident and comfortable in her own skin.

Don’t get me wrong if those ’11’ lines in the middle of your forehead really bother you then Botox away, this isn’t a judgemental place. What I’m taking about is women really embracing who they are unapologetically and not trying to be someone they’re not. For example my favourite Instagram page on this topic is “Goodbye Crop Top‘, it’s about moving through the older phases of life 40+ comfortably and not trying to hold onto the past of your 20s and 30s. Women really shine when they own who they are now what ever phase in life they are in. This is what the anti anti-aging way is about.

Releasing ourselves from the shackles of expectation (hello patriarchy) and living our lives to the fullest is the best way to get that glow. So what’s this got to do with the skin clinic? Everything! At the clinic there is not one ‘anti-aging’ treatment listed on purpose. We’re all about healthy, glowing skin. Our treatments reflect this philosophy, this is why we don’t offer highly inflammatory treatments that bully the skin into submission but rather work with your living external organ.

The best thing you can do for glowing skin is love yourself, really love yourself healthy. By this I mean, nourishing your body with beautiful healthy food, moving your body, allowing yourself to rest and being really happy in your own skin. That’s where the glow happens. Combine that with a little assistance to get your skin functioning correctly in the clinic and through beautiful home care and it looks effortless.

In the clinic

So, what are my recommendations for anti anti-aging in the clinic? Treatments that build up your skin and help to lift and firm, like Micro Current, Gua Sha and LED. As we age our cells need a little waking up and assistance to function on their natural 28 day cycle. Retinal is also essential to this and our non inflammatory version is amazing for helping skin regulate, with damage or side effects. Our Vitamin A infusion is our professional treatment, containing a potent 2.5% Retinaldehyde, 1,3 Beta Glucan, Niacinimide and Willow Herb. These calming, antibacterial and dermal remodeling ingredients offer the most effective peel on the market. Putting more ingredients into the skin rather than simply removing skin. Read more about that here.

Pro aging treatments are available at South Yarra daily, for the anti anti-aging woman.

When it comes to treating acne, I’ve personally found (after decades of experience) that a holistic approach works best. Sure you can peel your face off and it’ll go away for about 6 weeks, but if you’re not treating the root cause (HINT: it’s not on your face) the battle will just continue. The same goes for A-bombing your system with medications, the underlying condition will continue.

Diagnosis

So what do I look for when treating acne? Firstly I work out exactly what’s going on with you, inside and out. We do a thorough consultation and go through diet, lifestyle, how your acne is presenting on your skin, this gives me enough information to work out where to begin. There could be several things going on with severe acne or, a client could be really concerned about their one pimple a month. I treat all accordingly and there’s no cookie cutter one size fits all solution. You’re definitely not just directed to the products marked ‘for acne’ on my shelf. I stock a range of products for this reason, depending on your acne, sensitivity and oil flow, each person will require a different treatment.

Treating Acne Holistically

Then we talk about skin supplements. At the clinic we also have a range of supplements that are available over the counter for treating skin conditions. Training is provided by the various Drs and Nutritionists that make these products and my Diploma in Beauty Therapy qualifies me to discuss these basic lifestyle tweaks and recommend over the counter products. Over the years additional training has made me aware of how different things effect and trigger our hormones and also our sebaceous glands that can make acne worse. These supplements are designed to specifically bring these back into balance in relation to your skin. Approaching skin from internal as well as topical is where the magic happens, giving us more long term results for our clients.

Finally we delve deep into cosmetic chemistry. This is key to treating acne topically. All ingredients have a comedogenic scale from 0-5, 0 being totally non pore clogging and 5 being an acne nightmare. Basically we want everything you’re using to only add up to a 2 at the most, I work this out by reading each ingredient and emulsifier in each product and selecting products that we deem ‘acne safe’. Getting rid of the pore cloggers is sometimes half the battle. Then of course we want to pick out the active ingredients that are going to treat the condition. Ingredients that oxygenate the skin, exfoliate (gently) the skin and assist with cell turn over are preferred. More is not better! This delicate balance gets us the results you’re looking for in your skin.

In The Clinic

Our acne facial in the clinic is the ideal treatment to give you monthly boosts, which includes bacteria killing blue light LED. The Osmosis Vitamin A peel is also fantastic once we have settled down the breakouts.

We are treating acne daily at our South Yarra clinic.

2020 ended up being the year of change, dare I say it, for the better?

We ‘pivoted’ (sorry I will never use that word again) to Zoom consultations, bought all our skincare online and somehow I ended up being a sought after beauty writer. All previous dreams came true in that respect. I also technically expanded the business with a new NSW location on the coast and more brands joining the clinic.

So it wasn’t all that bad. Everyone is loving the new zoom consultation format and it allows me to reach potential clients further than just our local area, next year I will be expanding and formalizing the program. This we stayed home and traded online, this was your top 5 you were loving this year;

Roccoco Pore Cleansing Oil

Organic Spa Cream Cleanser

Organic Spa Intense Moisture

Organic Spa Day Moisturiser

Zilch Acne Formula

Organic Spa was a hit this year; I seriously couldn’t keep it on the shelf, which is amazing. It’s understandable why, a product that is so gentle yet effective deserves the top spots. Not to mention it’s certified organic as well as sustainable, it ticks all the boxes. It kind of fit into the theme of the year with our need for nurturing.

That was briefly the year that was, now for next year.

Predictions for 2021, because this is really why you’re reading this.

I think at home beauty will still be big and our homes will continue to be our sanctuaries.

Self-care at home, people will want their bathrooms kitted out for that luxury time at home. Bath and body products along with candles will continue to grow, as ‘at home culture’ is here to stay for a while.

Sustainability will continue to be big and just as important as ever. Not just sustainable products but packaging that gives back to the earth as well. Whether it’s through plantable seed cards or biodegradable packaging that takes care of the earth. I see it evolving that way.

‘Natural’ products will just become products and the norm. We’ve come so far with more natural formulations; they’re more and more potent and active than ever. Even the cosmeceutical skincare in the salon is free from the nasty fillers and preservatives people no longer want. This is how it should be.

I feel like ‘wellness’ will evolve (again). But in a good way, wellness took a dark turn down conspiracy theory lane this year and the more extreme ends have broken away. We don’t have to ‘mourn’ the loss of ‘wellness’ how we saw it, rather I think it’s having an evolution that was much needed. A more scientific and practical approach melded into our everyday lives, rather than something fridge that was hard and made you think about your values. This makes it more accessible now and much easier for people to integrate with, and sets you up to succeed. Beauty wellness supplements will continue to grow and expand becoming a natural part of our routines.

Of course I could be completely wrong and we could be in for more of a sh*t show, but for now perhaps we can at least try to take our lessons from 2020 and turn our lives into something better, more evolved. May the force be with you.

I am back after what feels like most the year! In the rush for re-booking beauty treatments or ‘catching up for lost beauty time’ I’ve noticed a trend in requests for more invasive treatments. Treatments like microdermabrasion and skin needling. Asking people why they are seeking out these treatments I find a general trend in opinion that anything short of abrasive or needle treatments are a waste of time. This is your reminder that that is absolutely not true.

As a skin therapist who has been staring at skin for over 15 years, treatments that don’t wreck havoc on your delicate acid mantle consistently yield far better results in the long run. Trading inflammation for a quick fix will catch up with skin and often start to reverse the results you’re seeking.  Pigmentation will come back with a vengeance, your skin will suddenly be sensitive to ‘everything’ and those fine lines will make a re-appearance. Don’t get me wrong, treatments like skin needling have their place especially for scar revision, but they are not an everyday beauty treatment. Don’t even get me started on therapists that draw blood. At the clinic we have a talented surgical nurse that performs these treatments, and the benefits are, she is highly trained, has better numbing cream (bonus!) and can look after your health while performing a more invasive treatment.

My point is, the whole point of skincare and treatments is to REDUCE inflammation in the skin, not increase it. Inflammation is whole root of skin conditions we’re trying to fix, balanced happy skin doesn’t breakout, flush or age as quickly. It also heals better when things go wrong. The key to younger looking skin is sustainable care for your skin. Skin treatments that add value to the skin like LED or microcurrent, intense ampules infused that deliver vitamins to treat conditions we’re combating. I guarantee you will have much better skin in the long run if you step away from abrasive treatments that trash your acid mantle.

Repeat after me – stronger is not better

My tips for getting and keeping amazing skin;

Find a skin expert who will discuss your concerns and do a thorough skin consultation, including lifestyle and diet.

Get a treatment plan and home care plan – 70% of skincare is home care!

Be consistent with your monthly skin treatments, this is important for ongoing care and tweaking of your skincare as we improve your skin.

Do your skincare routine morning and night, that’s where the gold is.

Adjust supplements and lifestyle factors to keep your body in optimal health for glowing skin inside and out!

Skincare is not created equal, and neither are the ingredients in skincare that make it up.  A common misconception that comes up in the clinic constantly is the fact that a client is ‘already using’ a Vitamin C, A, Hyaluronic Acid etc when this is recommended to them. That might be true, and I’m not just trying to sell you something more but which Vitamin C is that? L-ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Phosphate or AA2G? Or is it a plant-based antioxidant like Kakadu Plum or Strawberry? There are many variations across different vitamin categories and knowing you’re using the correct ingredient for your skin is key. One version might be better for sensitive skin and another would be better to treat your acne.

Part of my role as a skin therapist is to match the right product and ingredients to your skin, to address your skin concerns. So if you’ve been ‘self diagnosing’ and buying online with educated guesses but not really getting anywhere, it’s time to turn to a professional therapist. Your concerns will be listened to, skin examined, lifestyle discussed, as well as eating habits and medications or supplements taken, and then after a full consultation we can make our recommendations.

My philosophy is natural and organic skincare is better on the skin. I believe that the power of plants, especially combined with potent cosmeceutical ingredients in skincare can really work wonders on the skin. It’s like comparing a fruit and vegetable rich healthy diet to a white food diet. You get so much more nutrients from plants with a broader scope of antioxidants and vitamins.  There’s so much more out there than just Vitamins A, B, C and Hyaluronic Acid (to name the bog 4 lots of people just focus on).

While we’re on the subject of plant-based ingredients, do you know where it was grown and sourced? Was it just a standard farm, or a certified organic farm? Is it from Australia or overseas? This can also play a huge role in the quality of the ingredient. For instance brands like Organic Spa must source high quality certified organic farmed ingredients to meet their Australian Certified Organic status. So just using cheap non-organic Ylang Ylang oil (for example) in the formula won’t cut it. You really do get what you pay for so if something is cheap but makes a bunch of claims, think about the level of quality of ingredients in that bottle you’re buying. There’s no way companies can make high quality, active products for $20 or less. Just like food there’s also ethics to consider, I really could go on.

Next time you’re out to find new skincare, ask yourself, does it look quality? Does it have certifications if I want Organic or Vegan or Cruelty Free? Then, if you have a concern that you really want to get fixed, speak to a professional with an arsenal of professional skin, knowledge and experience behind them to help get you the results you’re after.

Want to hear more on this topic? Our IGTV features Belinda discussing this and more, link here. We also make professional recommendations for our clients in our South Yarra and Ulladulla clinics.

COVID Safe Compliance is an essential part of our business. This is probably not the most interesting blog I’ve written but is one of the most important at this time. As we start to re-open there are new health regulations to keep you and us safe and healthy and limited the spread of the virus.

Online consultations

We have always been a by appointment only clinic but now this will be strictly enforced with consultations taking place online and via zoom before your first appointment. If you are a current client of the clinic and don’t feel comfortable attending appointments yet for any reason we will continue our free skin chats via zoom as part of our ongoing service.

In clinic hygiene and social distancing

You will also notice changes at the clinic. We strictly can only have the person attending their appointment in the treatment room with a therapist at one time. We can also only have one person in the waiting area at one time. If you are out with a friend they will have to get a coffee while you see us. Parents with teenagers can join us on zoom to discuss skin and treatment plans.

There is hand sanitiser available when you walk into your appointment. Our bed will be made up slightly differently as well to comply with strict hygiene regulations. The menu has also changed to a sleeker higher performing slimmed down version of the old menu to get you the results you need without any unnecessary extra time in the clinic.

Our therapists and myself will be using PPE to keep you safe. The use of masks and gloves protects you while you visit us. There will be extra time allowed in between clients for a thorough clean down of the clinic in between everyone. This will limit the amount of appointments available but we will do the best we can to fit everyone in. If you are late to your appointment and we don’t have enough time to fit everything in you will be re-scheduled. I will also be working limited hours for the rest of the year, please refer to our available slots in our booking system. If you desperately need a new skincare routine simply book a consultation online and we can post you out your products. A fresh consultation will not be necessary when you decided to have a treatment.

Conditions of entry for COVID Safe Compliance

Before your appointment our reminder text will reiterate that you need to disclose if you have been overseas in the past 14 days, have had any contact with someone who has traveled overseas in the past 14 days, or have any cold or flu symptoms. By turning up to your appointment you agree that you have not recently traveled and are symptom free. Please be understanding if we have to re-schedule you because your therapist is feeling unwell.

In clinic testers

All testers will not be available for client use. If you would like to see a product please ask and your therapist will get it for you. Our entire back bar product for your treatment will be decanted fresh from a sanitized back room, minimizing the amount of bottles in the treatment room constantly being touched during treatments.

Payments

All our payments will now be processed online or via our square POS, we no longer accept cash.

Contact tracing

All bookings are required to provide accurate contact information like phone numbers or emails for contact tracing purposes.

As part of our COVID Safe Compliance it will be a requirement that you check in on arrival. The QR code is visible at our entry.

Thank you!

Finally a massive thank you to you all for being amazing during these difficult times. I will continue to strive to give everyone the highest quality of service and I’m looking forward to having everyone back in the clinic enjoying our amazing new treatment menu.