Skincare is not created equal, and neither
are the ingredients 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 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.
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. Our 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
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.
Our staff will have the COVID safe app
downloaded to their phones, it is not a requirement of you our clients but if
you have it, it will allow for ease of contact tracing if necessary.
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.
I’m excited to announce new LED treatments
to the clinic! My choice of LED is Celluma Pro.
About Celluma
Celluma is quite unlike any other low-level
light therapy device available today. It is widely used by chiropractors,
acupuncturists, wellness practitioners and skin specialists to treat a variety
of musculoskeletal and skin conditions. Based on scientific research pioneered
by NASA, the Celluma is a specialized light energy device FDA Cleared to treat:
Diminished Local Blood Circulation, Muscle & Joint Stiffness, Muscle Tissue
Tension, Muscle & Joint Pain, Muscle Spasm, Arthritis, Wrinkles and
Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris. Celluma is also CE Certified in the European Union
as a Dermal Wound Healing device.
Patented, pulsed-wave technology controlled
by proprietary software algorithms add to the applicability of the
Celluma. It is a polychromatic
device that delivers blue (465nm), red (640nm) and infrared (880nm) light
energy simultaneously to safely treat a wide variety of conditions easily and
affordably, both in a professional setting and at home. Each wavelength is
absorbed by different molecules that act as a signaling mechanism for different
cellular processes. For example, some reduce inflammation and some kill
bacteria, while others enhance localized circulation.
Its unique flexible design and extra-large light panel (over 15” x 8”), facilitates effective energy absorption by tissue and molds closely to the body to enhance energy delivery. Its flexibility affords previously considered “awkward” areas such as elbows, shoulders or ankles to be treated with ease. In addition, Celluma’s portable, affordable, lightweight design permits easy and frequent use.
What does Red LED do?
Red LED stimulates collagen and elastin production and tissue repair
which can reduce and even reverse the effects of aging and damage to skin and
other bodily tissues. It does this by activating the cellular renewal process,
while restoring and protecting the surface of the skin. The effectiveness of
using red and infrared light therapy to stimulate rejuvenation in damaged
tissues has been documented in more than 2,500 research papers, and
approximately 100 double blind studies.
Are Red LED treatments safe?
Red Light Emitting Diode (LED) treatments are completely non-invasive
and do not produce any thermal damage or pain. Treatments times are
approximately 30 minutes and are generally perceived as pleasant and relaxing.
How does Red LED work?
The Red LED treatment is a gentle and natural procedure much like the process of photosynthesis, also known as photo bio-stimulation, the stimulation of life processes with light. The Celluma system uses both visible red and infrared light energy to stimulate your body’s own regenerative metabolism at the cellular level. By stimulating the body’s tissues to convert light energy into cellular energy (ATP), a Celluma treatment provides the energy your cells can use to:
– accelerate the production of collagen and elastin
– increase cellular permeability, allowing for increased cellular
nutrient intake
– increase the removal of excess fluid and waste products from the cells
– increase the production of macrophage (scavenger) cells for the removal
of toxins/excess pigment/scar tissue
– increase lymphatic drainage
– increase vascularization (blood flow) to the surface of the skin
Who needs and can benefit from Red LED?
As we all age, our skin loses some its ability to heal and reconstruct
itself, components such as collagen and elastin, necessary in maintaining the
physical appearance and vitality of skin, decreases in production; scar tissue,
toxins and waste build-up (acne, wrinkles, sunspots, hyper-pigmentation, etc.)
increases the appearance of physical flaws. Varying frequencies of low-level
infrared and visible red light give the skin the necessary aid to reduce these,
and many other, signs of aging. These wavelengths of light can also help with
pain management, wound healing, and scar reduction.
How is LED light therapy different from laser treatment?
LED light therapy is a skin rejuvenation treatment using non invasive,
non ablative Red light therapy, Blue light therapy and Infrared light treatment
for anti aging skin care, facial wrinkles, acne treatment, stretch marks and
more. LED is a safer, more effective and affordable alternative to laser
treatment.
ACNE BLUE LIGHT or LED BLUE LIGHT
Acne Blue Light (or LED Blue Light) is the latest FDA-approved treatment for inflammatory acne (acne vulgaris). This state-of-the-art acne treatment utilizes non-UV light which kills acne bacteria in the skin and repairs cells which were damaged by inflammation.
How Does Blue Light Destroy Acne Bacteria?
Blue Light produces singlet oxygen in the skin, a bactericide that is
deadly to P. acnes bacteria which causes acne. The chemical changes inside acne
bacteria cause its self-destruction. This eradicates the bacterial colonization
in the sebaceous glands. The gland’s sebum production slowly normalizes which
reduces body’s immune response. With bacteria absent, skin’s inflammation
gradually subsides which is followed by reduction in skin’s redness and pigmentation.
What Else Is Blue Light Used For?
Blue Light Treatment is extremely effective in stimulating the body’s
immune response which encourages our own healing processes. Therefore, the
treatment can be effectively used by itself or in combination with red light, and/or
topical products. Blue light can be used on any part of the body including
face, back, chest and buttocks. It is also incorporated in treatment protocols
for collagen stimulation, pigmentation, wrinkle reduction and rosacea treatments.
Is Blue Light (LED) Treatment Safe?
Because acne blue light therapy does not emit ultraviolet (UV) rays,
unlike other light therapies used in the past for treatment of acne and acne
related conditions, it is extremely safe and can be administered in series of
multiple treatments.
How Light Energy Works
Specific wavelengths of light energy, when properly absorbed, up-regulates compromised cells. The light (photons) energy is absorbed by photoacceptors in the mitochondria and used to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The ATP produced then stimulates various metabolic processes, which can result in the repair and regeneration of cell and tissue components. In an article, “Therapeutic Light” – by Chukuka S. Enwemeka, PT, PhD, FACSM , he wrote “other reported mechanisms of light-induced beneficial effects include modulation of prostaglandin levels, alteration of somatosensory evoked potential and nerve conduction velocity, and hyperemia of treated tissues. The resultant clinical benefits include pain relief in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, ankle sprain, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, shoulder and neck pain, arthritis, and post-herpetic neuralgia, as well as tissue repair in cases of diabetic ulcer, venous ulcer, mouth ulcer, fractures, tendon rupture, ligamentous, tear, torn cartilage, and nerve injury.”
LED in Treatment
Blue, red
and near infrared are the most commonly used wavelengths in LED phototherapy.
These specific wavelengths are well researched and scientifically proven to
produce therapeutic benefits. Blue penetrates through the epidermis and is
known to kill P.acnes bacteria. Red penetrates into the dermal layer and has
been shown to enhance collagen and elastin production through photobiostimulation
of fibroblasts. Near infrared penetrates deepest and increases
micro-circulation (tissue repair), decreases inflammation and attenuates pain.
When treating a client, select the wavelength or program most appropriate for
the condition being treated.
You can choose from
our 30minute LED lounge treatments or go for a more in-depth facial treatment
that includes a light peel. LED
can also be added to most facials as a boost.
The contraindications
to LED are:
Do not perform LED therapy on someone who is Pregnant or Nursing (unless the client has written consent from her doctor).
Do not perform LED therapy on someone with a seizure disorder (unless you have consent from the client’s doctor).
Do not perform LED therapy when the application of “heat” or increased warmth to the skin is a contraindication to that skin type.
Do not perform LED therapy if client is “photo-sensitive” Some disorders and medications can cause photosensitivity (unless you have consent from the client’s doctor). Do not perform LED therapy over known metastasis.
Do not perform LED therapy if client is on steroidal medications.
If you’re unsure which
treatment is suited to you please get in touch at the clinic and we will guide
you on which treatments suits your skin and skin concerns best.
These three categories of products seem
pretty straightforward right? But I actually hear heaps of confusion about how
to use them properly. With the explosion of Instagram beauty enthusiasts a lot
of mis-information is out there on what is what and how they should be used. Here’s
my professional breakdown for you.
Serums
Serums are classified as lightweight gel or fluid that easily penetrates into the skin. If they are oily, they’re not a serum, they’re an oil. The light texture allows the serum to carry active ingredients deep into the skin. These are active ingredients you’re familiar with like vitamin c, vitamin a, plant extracts and peptides. Serums are the ‘cure’ for your skin conditions to help correct and balance your skin. Because of their texture we always apply these first before anything else after cleansing. You can find our serums here.
Oils
Oils are pure lipids, which help to replenish the lipids in your skin when you’re extra dry and flaky. Most people, especially under 40s are more dehydrated than dry and will need to reach for serums before oils. If you’re not dry and flaky than you’re most likely dehydrated and a hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid would be a better fit for your skin.
The best way to use oils is with your
moisturizer. Skin needs water, oil and ceramides to be properly hydrated and
balanced. When oils are used alone on the skin, it can cause low inflammation,
which can cause the skin to become sensitized over time. So during those dry
months when you’re feeling extra dry and flaky adding a few drops of oil into
your moisturizer can really help. I recommend only doing this at night because excess
oil on the skin during the day can be problematic with keeping makeup in place.
Moisturisers
Lock it in! Moisturisers are our heaviest skincare product and it locks in everything else underneath like our serums. It also gives us adequate hydration, and in professional skincare we can easily balance oily or combination skin.
Day moisturizers that contain and SPF are
best used in the morning. I prefer the Eminence SPF moisturizers as they
disappear into the skin beautifully and still allow makeup to sit well. You don’t
want anything to greasy under your makeup!
Night moisturisers I prefer to be a bit heavier and I love to add a few drops of oil to ‘embalm’ myself at night. When I woke up in the morning my skin is always very soft and glowy. Discover our moistuisers here.
If you’re still confused about what you
should be using at home we’re always available for a free skin chat.
Unlock your skin’s hidden potential by maintaining your new routine for at least three skin cycles.
The key to great skin is consistency with your skincare. Our skin takes 28 days to turn over at a healthy rate. We recommend three skin cycles to begin to see the full effects of skincare in your skin. Dropping your routine before 28 days is throwing away money. There’s no way you can possibly see how a product can transform your skin in under the first month.
So let’s break it down. A skin cycle is when new cells form at the base of the epidermis and then makes its way to the surface of the skin. If there’s any congestion or deep dehydration we need to wait for the skin to turn itself over to begin to heal. Three cycles of this helps us to see how the skin’s health is changing, gaining more vitality and strength.
Switching from pharmacy products to professional strength skin care will make the biggest difference in your skin. Naturally professional products have been formulated to make the biggest changes in the skin, helping to effectively heal skin conditions and balance out oil flow and dehydration. Clients can be impatient and excited to see their new skin, but patience is still needed. Although you will possibly start to see some improvements immediately, the full benefits won’t be reaped for three months. This is because professional skin care works deeper than the epidermis and it will take time for the full benefits to appear.
Cult sunscreen from Simple As That has an SPF of 30. Many people get confused by how sunscreen is calculated and what it means for their skin.
In their latest blog the founder of Simple As That, Danielle Glover explains everything from SPF ratings to the best way to use sunscreen. Danielle is a compounding pharmacist with many years experience in cosmetic chemistry. Her brand Simple As That is hugely successful because of it’s simple formulas, making skincare easy and affordable.
What does SPF really mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and the number beside it indicates how well the sunscreen protects skin from sunburn. In other words, it’s an indicator of how much longer it takes untanned skin to begin to redden…
The Simple As That Natural
Sunscreen has been pharmacist-formulated to safely provide
broad-spectrum protection from the suns rays using Zinc Oxide as its
active ingredient. This SPF 30 natural sunscreen lotion also contains
Green Tea and Rosehip Oil (well known for their antioxidant properties)
as well as their signature ingredient, Red Raspberry Seed Oil (known for
its natural protection against UVA and UVB rays).
This light-weight mineral, natural sunscreen is pure vegan-friendly,
non-greasy and, preservative-free perfect for both face and body and
able to protect the whole family.
There’s been a huge surge in interest in
microcurrent lately. Boasting effects like instantly lifting and sculpting the
face has women flocking for treatments as an alternative to more invasive
measures.
I often get asked ‘what is microcurrent?’
and ‘how does it work?’
What is microcurrent?
Basically microcurrent is a low-level current, to give instant and
long-lasting anti-aging results. The application is soothing as it works
sub-sensory and helps attain and maintain healthy skin with quick lift results.
I often tell clients it’s perfect before an event!
Originating from medical practitioners in the 1970s, it has been approved by the FDA since the 1980s as a muscle simulator. Microcurrent was discovered when doctors were looking for a solution to Bells Palsy nerve-paralysis and sagging facial muscles. Microcurrent was perfect for retraining skin muscles to lift the skin.
How does microcurrent work?
So, how does it work? Gentle
waves move through the skin tissue down to the muscles, stimulating ATP
(Adenosine triphosphate) production. This ATP production drives creation of
elastin and collagen to repair skin. When the ATP is increased in the skin it
energizes the muscle, giving a lifted, firmed appearance.
In more technical
terms microcurrent works on Pulsed Monophasic Waveform, which means the shape
of the waves is Modulated Square. Studies show the enhancing effect of
micro-amps on wound healing and muscle recovery as well as amino acid transport
and protein synthesis. The ideal current range is 4 – 300 uA/cm, high currents
over 1000 uA are counter productive and can inhibit protein synthesis. So
technically you want to stay in the range of the ideal current rather than
going higher. This means there is no such thing as ‘strong is better’ when it
comes to microcurrent.
What do we use in the clinic?
This brings me to the point of the device we use at the clinic, NuFace Trinity Professional. Yes it is a hand held device available commercially, but that doesn’t mean it’s ‘not as strong’ or ‘less effective’ than larger machines. The NuFace device provides perfect range of amps output to skin, with a max output of 383uA, and a pulse width 119 ms. The device sends waves effectively into deep layers to stimulate muscles, giving you the optimum results of microcurrent. During application you can experience a mild sensation feeling or no sensation at all.
I recommend the use of this device as part of a professional treatment because I have been trained by the American company and have been shown the best techniques, which I’ve been using for the past 8 years. In the treatment room you get a professional enzyme, antioxidant mask, as well as my European style firming massage, which amplifies the results of the microcurrent. To take it one step further we also offer a treatment that includes the use of Gua Sha first to give a really excellent lift. Our two microcurrent facials, the Hollywood and Gua Sha + Microcurrent facials are perfect for anyone who wants to work on ageing well. These treatments are particularly good for people who suffer from fluid retention in the face and puffiness. They also assist to prolong the effects of fillers and Botox in the face.
What’s the best treatment plan?
Finally microcurrent
is a cumulative treatment, meaning you get best results when getting them
regularly. My clients who receive them monthly still gain the amazing results
of ATP production for skin health, but if you feel like you really need to work
on lifting your skin, we also offer a 10 week course. This involves one express
treatment a week for 10 weeks. The express treatment is cleansing, a quick skin
buff and the 15-20 mins of microcurrent. This gives lasting results of the lift
for around 6 months. As a bonus you also get 2 full Hollywood hour facials when
you pre-pay and book in advance.
These treatments are perfectly suited to all skin types, the only contraindications being pregnancy, pace-makers or metal plates in the body. For more information please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the clinic and we can answer any further questions.
Any of my clients on an anti-acne program will know, that changing their makeup is a crucial step towards clear skin success. There is no point in applying all those wonderful products to heal your skin, only to cover it with heavy makeup that makes you break out.
This is a serious concern for my clients, which is why we provide an acne-safe cosmetics list after their initial consultation. And, why we continue to stock the acne-safe makeup brand Adorn Cosmetics.
Growing demand for anti-acne makeup
According to an article on anti-acne makeup in Professional Beauty, the global anti-acne makeup market is expected to reach US#3.24 billion in the next six years! The reason behind this growth is simply the demand for acne-safe, or anti-acne, makeup products as more people are affected by this problem.
Other key findings in the report include:
Women are the largest section of anti-acne makeup consumers accounting for about 64.3% of the market
65% of the revenue in the anti-acne makeup is earned from products which contain salicylic acid
Asia-Pacific is currently the largest consumer of anti-acne makeup products with 40.2% market share
The largest volume of anti-acne makeup sales (30%) take place in department stores and supermarkets
The truth is, acne is a HUGE market. It’s a skin condition that only seems to be getting worse and more prevalent. This is why we have such big growth figures in the above report.
So why is acne becoming such an issue? Because our busy, stressful lifestyles, hormonal imbalances and gut issues all seem to be at epidemic levels and are all are drivers of acne.
All of these factors are making anti-acne make up the biggest segment of the skincare market. And it is set to overtake anti-ageing skincare, including fillers and botox. Because many of us know there’s no point in having advanced treatments if your skin isn’t smooth and calm.
At the clinic, we stock many brands that target acne, including the new cult Australian brand Roccoco Botanicals. So, if nothing is healing your acne get in touch and talk to a professional. We will help you get your hands on our safe cosmetics list and stop sabotaging your skin!
Retinaldehyde is my preferred choice of Retinal in the clinic because of the vast benefits it has in the skin. There’s no disputing the benefits of Retinol but I’ve been watching for years, not entirely convinced. Mostly because I have never liked the side effects, redness, sun sensitively and thinning of the skin, all things, in my professional opinion do not contribute to building healthy skin.
The Science
In the body, we
convert Beta Carotene into Retinol, Retinol into Retinaldehyde, and
Retinaldehyde into Retinoic Acid, a very detailed process! All of these Vitamin
A derivatives serve an important job to the skin but the strongest, most active
form is Retinoic Acid. Retinoic Acid is the only ingredient that requires a
prescription even though Retinaldehyde has a similar activity level. Both
Retinaldehyde and Retinoic acid are 500 times more active than their Vitamin A
counterparts! This means you can use small amounts that give big results
without irritating the skin.
The advantage of using
Retinaldehyde is that smaller amounts (with much higher activity levels) can be
used very effectively when incorporated into a liposome. By doing this, the
penetration is enhanced (an important factor in the use of Retinols because of their
size) and helps prevent oxidation, which also occurs with all Retinols. This means, your skin’s absorption rate
is increased by a clinically proven 600%! So using a less irritating form of
Retinol delivered with a liposome gives much bigger results without the
irritation. When I learnt this was the Osmosis way, I knew it was something I
could get on board with.
Retinaldehyde is so
important to treating skin conditions from acne to texture to ageing. Because
it is the better Retinol, it is safe for everyone to use, even pregnant women.
In the clinic I am stocking a couple of the Osmosis Retinaldehyde serums.
Which serum is right for you?
Calm is the Osmosis
level 2 serum, with a lower percentage of Retinaldehyde to better suit all
skins and the ultra sensitive. You can still get the wonderful cell turnover
benefits of Vitamin A without any irritation. This serum is perfect for someone
starting on a Retinol serum for the first time.
Clarify is the Osmosis Level 4 Retinal serum. Kick acne’s butt with this clearing, anti-aging, healing serum. The perfect balance of Vitamin A to scare acne right off your face all while keeping your youthful, healthy glow. Perfect for very oily and acne skins that want to advance their acne treatment.
Osmosis is a green cosmecutical brand new to the clinic. I chose Osmosis because it has a completely natural formulation while using the best available active cosmecutical ingredients. Using higher quality actives like Retinaldehyde we are able to give our customers the results they’re looking for without compromising the skin and causing inflammation (Inflammation is the kryptonite of healthy skin, making us age faster, read more here). This is the perfect cosmecutical brand for people already using cosmecuticals and wanting a more natural option, clients wanting to try something a bit stronger and for clients with stubborn skin conditions we want to heal faster.
Also introducing our
new Osmosis Pure Infusion Medifacial, a Retinaldehyde infusion treatment suitable for
most skin types to give amazing results in the skin.
Inflamm-aging is the newest buzzword going
around beauty. But what the heck does that mean? Have I finally applied one too
many enzymes to my face and gone mad?! Not yet…
Inflamm-aging refers to low-grade
inflammation in the skin. This can be triggered by internal health conditions
or external factors on the skin.
Internal inflammatory conditions can be
food and gut related, it can often present as Rosacea in the most extreme
conditions. But low-grade inflammation can also play a part in sensitive skin
and histamine responses. Some of the worst cases of stress in clients have
actually triggered a histamine response. I often find people who suffer auto
immune conditions are effected the most by histamine in the skin at times
during stress and auto immune flare ups.
Histamine response presents as red inflammation or hives on the surface
of the skin, most of the time in these cases only a topical steroid will help
bring it down effectively.
Topical inflammation is often caused by environmental or cosmetic reasons. We can do our best to protect our skin from UV damage and environmental pollution with physical sunscreen and antioxidant rich products. Keeping the skin clean is also essential, making sure we are washing off all that makeup and pollution thoroughly at the end of the day can be key to reducing inflamm-aging.
Then we have cosmetic inflammation. I have a lot to say about this. Products and treatments that are very harsh on the skin like cheaper, harsh cosmecuticals, peels, lasers and microdermabrasion all trigger an inflammation response in your skin.
Seriously, put down the retinol/AHA daily combo.
If you are constantly blasting your skin to ‘get better results’ you will end up doing the opposite to it and eventually that smooth, plump look will degrade into a red-hot mess. This will age you faster. I know it’s difficult to pull back in the age of instant gratification but trust me; you want to be thinking about a long-term approach to your skin. My skin motto ‘building healthy skin for life’ means taking care of your skin, nourishing it and not peeling it within an inch of its life.
The best way to avoid inflamm-aging is to look after yourself from the inside out. Try a beauty powder like Vita-Sol to give you plenty of prebiotic gut health. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and healthy fats. Cut out sugars and preservatives. Get a great antioxidant rich skincare routine. One of our favourite brands is Eminence Organic Skincare as it’s packed full of rich antioxidants that will nourish, not strip your skin.
If you feel like you’ve been a bit over
enthusiastic on the skincare and treatments come in and talk to us about how
you can build up healthy, strong skin again. We love helping you build healthy
skin for life.
