Categories
Beauty

Collagen Benefits: A Guide to Rejuvenated Skin

In the realm of skincare, one term often reigns supreme: collagen. Widely recognised as a vital component for maintaining youthful, supple skin, collagen benefits have garnered immense attention in the beauty industry.

But what exactly is collagen, what are the health benefits of collagen for skin, and why is it revered for its transformative effects on the skin? With the help of our medispa team in Sydney, let’s take a closer look at this protein and uncover the many benefits it bestows upon our skin.

What is Collagen?

At its core, collagen is a structural protein that serves as the foundation of our skin, providing it with strength, elasticity, and resilience. Think of collagen as the scaffolding that supports the skin’s structure and connective tissue, ensuring it remains firm and smooth. However, as we age, our body’s natural collagen production begins to decline, leading to visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

What are the Top Collagen Benefits for Skin?

Fighting Signs of Ageing

  • Integrating collagen supplements replenishes lost stores, combating ageing signs as natural collagen production declines.
  • Collagen peptides improve elasticity and stimulate collagen fibres, restoring firmness and reducing wrinkles and fine lines for a more youthful complexion.

Skin Hydration

  • Collagen peptides promote skin hydration and moisture retention, crucial for a healthy, radiant appearance.
  • By bolstering the skin’s moisture barrier, collagen supplementation locks in hydration, leaving skin plump, smooth, and luminous.

Improved Skin Texture and Skin Tone

  • Collagen supplements stimulate new collagen production, improving skin texture, tone, and reducing imperfections.
  • Boosting healthy collagen production reduces the visibility of scars, acne marks, and other imperfections, leading to a clearer complexion.

Improved Skin Health

  • Collagen peptides, rich in amino acids, strengthen skin structure, repair damaged tissue, and promote cellular turnover for smoother, resilient skin.
  • Nourishing the skin from within fortifies its defences against environmental aggressors, reducing the risk of premature ageing.

Can Collagen Help with Skin Conditions?

Beyond its cosmetic benefits, collagen also boasts therapeutic properties that can benefit individuals with various health and skin conditions.

  • Collagen supplements promote wound healing and tissue regeneration
  • They are beneficial in treating burns, scars, and other dermatological concerns
  • Collagen has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin and improve wound healing
  • It alleviates symptoms of conditions like eczema and psoriasis
  • Collagen powder and supplements are used to assist with joint pain due to their impact on connective tissue
Add Collagen to Your Skincare Routine | Collagen Supplementation | Collagen Powder | Collagen Creams | Face Plus Aesthetics Sydney

How to Add Collagen to Your Skincare Routine

When it comes to incorporating collagen supplements into your skincare routine, there are numerous options to choose from. Collagen creams, serums, and masks are readily available in the market, offering targeted solutions for specific skin concerns.

Alternatively, you can choose collagen supplements in the form of hydrolysed collagen powders, or capsules and drinks rich in specific collagen peptides that can help boost your body’s collagen production from within and promote skin hydration.

You can also incorporate collagen rich foods into your diet, including fish, beans, chicken, leafy greens, and bone broth.

Ensure You Get High-Quality Collagen Supplements

However, it’s important to note that not all collagen products are created equal and there are a huge range of types of collagen out there. When selecting oral collagen peptide supplements and dietary supplements, look for high-quality formulations that contain bioavailable collagen peptides, which are easily absorbed by the body. Additional ingredients that can be helpful include Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

Additionally, look for products that are free from unnecessary additives and preservatives to ensure optimal efficacy and safety. Generally, it is recommended to take 2.5-15 grams of collagen peptides per day.

Expert Assistance from Face Plus Aesthetics Cosmetic Clinic in Sydney

If you need a high-quality supplement, our skincare specialists can assist you with finding the best products and types of collagen supplements that will help with your specific concerns. We also perform collagen facials as well as subtle skin boosting injections and procedures all performed by highly-qualified personnel at our doctor-led and owned spa.

At Face Plus Aesthetics, we prioritise your confidence and beauty at every stage of life. Our advanced treatments and supplements are tailored to enhance your well-being, ensuring you radiate beauty and confidence effortlessly, regardless of age. Talk to us at our doctor-led spa about physician approved medical grade products, non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedures, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and serves as a crucial building block for skin, bones, muscles, tendons, connective tissue, and ligaments. It provides structure, strength, and elasticity to various tissues, including the skin.

Collagen is essential for maintaining the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and hydration. It helps to combat signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging by supporting the skin’s structure and promoting moisture retention as well as skin elasticity.

Yes, oral collagen supplements can benefit the skin by replenishing lost collagen stores and promoting skin rejuvenation using specific bioactive collagen peptides. Studies have shown that taking a high-quality collagen supplement can improve skin elasticity, texture, and hydration, leading to a more youthful complexion.

Collagen peptides are short chains of amino acids derived from collagen proteins. They are highly bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body, making them an effective ingredient in skincare products, facial injections, collagen facials, and collagen supplements to promote skin health, improve skin hydration, and skin elasticity.

Collagen’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin and alleviate symptoms of conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Additionally, collagen’s ability to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration can aid in the repair of damaged skin.

Taking collagen supplements or collagen powder is generally considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses, generally 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen peptides per day. However, some individuals may experience minor side effects such as digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking a collagen supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

While most collagen supplements and collagen powder products contain animal collagen, there are vegan or vegetarian collagen supplements available. Vegan or vegetarian collagen powder, facials, and supplements may contain plant-based ingredients that support collagen synthesis and production in the body, such as vitamin C, amino acids, and antioxidants.

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Advanced Medi Facials Anti Wrinkle Beauty Corrective Peels Dehydration, Redness & Sensitivity Dermal Filler Injectables Injectables Rejuvenation Facials Signature Injectables Skin Boosters Sun Damage & Pigmentation Treatment Uncategorized Volume Loss Wellness Wrinkles

Face Plus Medispa’s Top 5 Skin Recommendations for Spring

As the blossoms start to bloom and the sun graces us with its warmth, it’s the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate your skin for the vibrant season ahead. At Face Plus Medispa, we’re thrilled to share our top 5 skin recommendations to help you achieve that radiant springtime glow.

Here’s what we have in store for you:

1.Bioremodeller

 We have said it once and we will say it again…this treatment is GAME-CHANGER!

With one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market, this injectable treatment is used on the face, neck, decolletage, hands and body to treat skin laxity. The results we are seeing are remarkable with significant lifting and tightening of the skin.

Bio-remodeller is the treatment that stimulates the body’s natural processes to rejuvenate and remodel the skin, involving collagen production and tissue regeneration.

You can read more here.

2. Herbal Hydration Peel

With only natural herbs it delivers results akin to a strong micro-dermabrasion procedure without any damage to your skin. This peel is regenerative and corrective to suit most skin conditions. Perfect for fine lines and pigmentation.

Herbal Aktiv Beauty Peel is a natural peeling procedure for skin regeneration based on a mixture of natural herbs. It provides immediate glowing plumped skin with no down time or visible peeling.

If you are looking for something a bit stronger we recommend leveling up to our Herbal Phyto Peel.

3. Collagen Plumping facial

The supreme performance of the Dr Spiller Collagen Fleece Mask will improve skin elasticity and restructure damaged skin. This facial will smooth lines and wrinkles while it soothes and hydrates the skin. You’ll get an incredible “WOW” result.

This treatment causes the induction of collagen directly into the skin, providing an instant glow and phenomenal results. We love this treatment all year-round.

4. Dermapen

A micro-needling treatment that targets the deeper layers of your skin to repair and reprogram damaged skin cells. A popular anti-ageing treatment to treat wrinkles, acne, rosacea and pigment to bring back that youthful glowing skin.

The Dermapen microneedling pen provides an unparalleled response through the segmented delivery of microneedles, creating micro injuries to the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and dermis (the inner layer of skin). As a result, the micro injuries encourage the body’s innate ability to repair itself.

5. Skin Refresh Package

Suitable for skin concerned with ageing, acne and uneven skin tone, this skin refresh package retexturizes the skin resulting in a smooth plump and refined complexion whilst offering collagen induction therapy.

Includes

2x Cosmedical Peels

3x Dermapen with LED

We recommend this package all year-round, however, especially at this time of the year. It offers a great way to get your skin on track towards the warmer months and clear up any underlying congestion and pigmentation.

 

Don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 437 758, or DM us on Instagram at @faceplus.aesthetics for any further recommendations or questions. 

To book head here, we look forward to seeing you soon xx

Spring Skin at Face Plus Medispa
Categories
Beauty Products Treatment Wellness

Collagen Supplements – Are They Worth The Hype?

Collagen, often referred to as the body’s “building blocks,” is a remarkable protein that holds a vital role in maintaining the structure and health of various tissues and organs. With its abundance in the body, collagen supports everything from skin elasticity to joint flexibility. In recent years, collagen supplements have gained significant attention for their potential to boost collagen levels and enhance skin, hair, joint, and bone health. In this article, we’ll delve into the different types of collagen and their benefits, helping you make informed decisions about choosing the right collagen supplement for your needs.

Understanding the Types of Collagen

Collagen comes in various types, each with specific roles and functions within the body. The most prevalent types of collagen are types I, II, and III, each catering to different areas of wellness.

Type I Collagen

Type I collagen is the most abundant in the body and plays a significant role in maintaining the integrity of the skin, tendons, bones, ligaments, and connective tissues. This collagen type is often derived from cows and can be found in both grass-fed bovine and marine collagen supplements. Its presence in the skin is particularly crucial, as it contributes to the skin’s pliability and youthful appearance.

Studies have shown that oral supplementation with hydrolysed type I collagen can lead to smoother facial lines and wrinkles, as well as improved skin moisture levels. While the benefits of ingesting collagen type I are clear for skin health, its impact on wound healing when taken orally requires further investigation.

Type II Collagen

Type II collagen is primarily found in cartilage, bones, and other connective tissues. This type of collagen is sourced from animals like chickens and cows and is utilized to support joint health. Though it may not have a pronounced impact on skin health, type II collagen could potentially help manage pain and swelling, particularly related to joint conditions like osteoarthritis.

Type II collagen is less prevalent in collagen supplements compared to type I, making it an option for those specifically seeking joint support. It’s important to note that type II collagen is present in marine collagen but not in grass-fed bovine collagen supplements.

Type III Collagen

Type III collagen works in tandem with type I collagen to maintain skin health, elasticity, and joint function. Unlike marine collagen, grass-fed bovine collagen contains type III collagen, making it an appealing choice for individuals looking to promote healthy skin and overall vitality. Research suggests that type III collagen may play a significant role in skin aging, as its content decreases with age. This type of collagen is crucial for fibroblast function, which, in turn, contributes to collagen and elastin production, thus supporting wound healing and skin health.

Choosing the Right Collagen Supplement

When selecting a collagen supplement, it’s essential to consider your specific health goals and requirements. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  1. Type of Collagen: Identify the type of collagen that aligns with your needs. For skin health and overall well-being, both type I and type III collagens are essential. For joint support, consider collagen supplements containing type II collagen.
  2. Source: Determine whether you prefer marine collagen (sourced from fish) or grass-fed bovine collagen (sourced from cows). Each source has its benefits, so choose based on your dietary preferences and needs.
  3. Quality: Look for reputable brands that provide high-quality collagen supplements. Opt for products that have undergone testing for purity and potency.
  4. Form: Collagen supplements are available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and gummies. Choose the form that suits your convenience and lifestyle.
  5. Additional Ingredients: Some collagen supplements may include additional ingredients like vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants. Assess whether these additives align with your overall health goals.

In summation, collagen supplements offer a convenient and promising way to support skin, hair, joint, and bone health. With different types of collagen catering to various aspects of wellness, understanding your individual needs is key to selecting the right supplement. Whether you’re looking to enhance skin elasticity, manage joint discomfort, or promote overall vitality, the world of collagen supplements holds a wealth of possibilities to explore and incorporate into your wellness journey. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your supplement regime.

 

Categories
Beauty

How to layer your skincare: A Step-by-Step Daily Skincare Guide

It’s no secret that the beauty industry is a billion-dollar empire.

With countless ads trying to sell you every product under the sun its common to feel overwhelmed and confused about which products you actually need to help you achieve your skin goals.

A consistent skincare routine is a key factor for healthy, glowing skin, so it’s important you understand the following steps:

  1. Only use products that are recommended for your skin concerns/ skin type
  2. Apply the product correctly
  3. Layer the product in the correct order in your skincare routine

Below is a step-by-step guide to your morning and evening routine in order of product application
Morning Routine

  • Cleanser
  • Toner
  • Serum/Booster (optional)
  • Moisturiser
  • Eye Cream
  • SPF
  • Primer (optional)
  • Mineral Makeup (optional)

Evening Routine

  • 1st Cleanse (to remove makeup and environmental debris)
  • 2nd cleanse (to ensure the skin is clean)
  • Exfoliator (twice a week only)
  • Hydrating Mask (once or twice a week)
  • Toner
  • Serum
  • Night Cream
  • Eye Cream

Now let us explain what each step does and why it is necessary

Morning Routine


Throughout the night dust mites, sweat, saliva and other environmental debris piles up onto your face.

Despite going to bed with a clean and lathered complexion, it is vital for clear skin to clean your skin thoroughly when you wake up.

  • Cleanser

If you like to shower first thing in the morning, make sure you cleanse your face with warm not hot water. If the water temperature is too high you can cause inflammation and trauma to the skin which prematurely ages and damages it.

Also, don’t use body wash products on your face. The ingredients that are suitable to clean your underarms won’t be suitable for your face as the ingredients will be too aggressive and stripping.

  • Toner

Tone your face less than 1 minute after cleansing. This will help the product absorb better to hydrate your skin and seal your pores.

To read up on why you need to be using a toner in your daily skincare routine, see our blog post on it here

  • Serum/Booster (optional)

Depending on your age and skincare concerns serums are sometimes recommended to be worn at night time only.

Consult with your dermal therapist before applying as some serums are rich in vitamins and acids that shouldn’t be exposed to sunlight.

  • Moisturiser

Despite the season, keeping your skin hydrated is the most important step to prevent early signs of aging. Your skin is your body’s largest living organ.

When we drink water your skin is the last organ to receive the benefits of this hydration, therefore it’s important to apply topical hydration as well as feeding your body internally.

Hydrated skin will also mean your makeup will go on easily and your skin will have a lovely, plump glow.

If you work in air-conditioning or are travelling, it’s a good idea to carry with you a facial moisturiser to top up your skin throughout the day.

  • Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate of your whole body which is why it is usually the first area where we show signs of aging.

To counter this, use your ring finger to delicately tap eye cream around the orbital bone to help add moisture to plump and smooth the skin.

  • SPF

It doesn’t matter if you work at a desk all day, SPF is an absolutely essential skincare step that you should always remember to apply.

Australia has some of the worlds harshest UV rays which means that even on an overcast day you can be subject to sun damage. The sun is the number one cause of premature aging.

During the warmer months always carry an SPF with you. Just make sure you use an SPF that is oil free and suitable for your face.

  • Primer (optional)

If you like wearing makeup then a primer is a great way to make sure your makeup goes on smoothly and doesn’t move throughout the day. If you’re in a hurry, we recommend blending your SPF, moisturiser, primer and cream makeup together.

If you find your face is a bit too shiny from all of the product try a loose mineral powder to easily set the look.

  • Mineral Makeup (optional)

Don’t undo all your hard skincare work by applying an artificial, chemical filled makeup product on top. Instead, choose a product with natural minerals and organic ingredients that compliments rather than conflicts with your skincare.
Face Plus Medispa recommends the Aevitas Actives BB Finish or The Alex Cosmetics BB Cream

Evening Routine


When you sleep you are giving your body a chance to recharge and reboot. The same goes with your skin which is why you want to feed it all the proper nutrients.

Going to bed with makeup on is like breathing with a plastic bag over your head. You are essentially cutting of the oxygen supply to your skin which leads to dull, dehydrated and a breakout prone complexion.

Get into the habit of indulging in a consistent night time beauty regime and your skin will reward you.
An evening beauty routine should take you no more than 4-5 minutes. Twice a week however, (we usually suggest a Wednesday and a Sunday) indulge your skin by exfoliating dead skin cells and applying an at home face mask.

This DIY spa is a great way to maintain excellent skin health between your regular dermal appointments. It might bump up your night time routine to around 20 minutes (particularly if you need to wait for your mask to absorb/dry) but if the result is great skin, then we say it’s well worth it.

  • 1st Cleanse (to remove makeup and environmental debris)
  • 2nd cleanse (to ensure the skin is clean)

Double cleansing is incredibly important as you need to remove all physical and environmental toxins before re-hydrating the skin with topical products. You need to start with a clean canvas.

For certain skin types it might be necessary to vary the kind of product used in the first and second cleanse. For example, if you like to wear a lot of makeup an oil-based cleanser is great to dissolve the makeup product and to lift to dirt/ residue from the face.

Then you can switch to a milk cleanser for the second cleanse as is a gentle way to now focuses on cleaning the skin itself, as opposed to the product layered onto the skin.

  • Exfoliator (twice a week only)

There are two types of exfoliator products. A manual exfoliation which usually has a granulated, sand like texture or a chemical exfoliator.

A physical exfoliant is any product that requires a rubbing or scrubbing action, hence the term ‘manual exfoliation’. This could be a scrub that you apply with your hands. Or it could be a tool that does the scrubbing action for you, such as a battery-powered facial brush. Be careful not to over-exfoliate your skin as rubbing in the granules too hard can actually tear/ cause trauma and break down the skin’s protective barrier.

A chemical exfoliator is based on mild acids or enzymes. When these ingredients are applied to skin, they gently dissolve the ‘glue’ that cements dead skin cells together. Unlike physical exfoliants, products containing acids or enzymes require no scrubbing and work gradually.

  • Hydrating Face Mask (once or twice a week only)

Whether you prefer a sheet mask, clay mask or overnight mask indulging your skin in a mid-week pamper session is a great way to supercharge your skin with a powerful dose of botanical extracts. We recommend discussing products and applications with your dermal therapist to ensure you’re using a product that’s right for you and your skin concerns.

  • Toner

Morning and night, a toner is a no-brainer way to prime your skin to properly absorb your serums and creams.

  • Serum

A serum is a skincare product you can apply to your skin after cleansing but before moisturising with the intent of delivering powerful ingredients directly into the skin. Serum is particularly suited to this task because it is made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients.

This makes them a great tool for targeting specific skincare concerns, like wrinkles. Serums can be full of moisturising ingredients (hyaluronic acid, ceramides) to help skin retain moisture. But, that doesn’t make them moisturisers in the traditional sense.

Face lotions and creams are richer and create a barrier on top of the skin to keep the serum locked in.

  • Night Cream

Is a night cream the same as your daily moisturiser? It can be but it’s recommended you use a more intense product at night to maximise your results.

It makes sense to swap the products once you realise the different functions of the skin from day to night. During the day, the skin plays a defensive role, protecting itself from UV rays, pollution, weather conditions and bacterial growth.

When you’re asleep, the skin is also active, working to repair the damage caused during the day and regenerating itself.

To help the skin in its regeneration mode, you should apply face cream that is specifically formulated to accelerate tissue repair and promote cell renewal. This type of product is commonly referred to as night cream.

  • Eye Cream

Nurture the most delicate part of your face and wake up without the panda eyes and sleep lines. To read more about why you should use an eye cream, read our blog post here

So, there you have it. Every product type you need to apply, in which order and why.

We hope we didn’t overwhelm you but after all you only get given one of the skin you’re in. It’s your duty to look after it and make it looks the best it can be.

To book a skin consultation: 
Call: 02 8897 0000
Email: [email protected]

Categories
Beauty

5 main triggers of acne


There’s nothing more disappointing than learning the hard way that bad breakouts don’t necessarily end when your teenage years do.

Coming to terms with adult acne is difficult but rest assured, you’re not the only grown woman dealing with zits. Many of our clients at Face Plus are perplexed that they can be worried about wrinkles and pimples at the same time, however, studies have shown that in the last 2 decades, adult acne has increased exponentially.

It begs the questions, what are we doing wrong in our day to day lives to cause this condition to happen.  Here is a list of 5 common triggers of acne and methods we can take to overcome them.

  1. Hormonal imbalance

Do you ever notice that your breakouts seem to be worse right before your menstrual cycle? This isn’t a coincidence. Fluctuation in hormones is one of the leading causes of acne breakouts.

When the androgen hormone levels are elevated (the testosterone hormone predominately seen in males) your bodies response is to produce a sticky wax like sebum (oil) that disrupts the acid mantle and pH balance of your skin.

A spike in the androgen hormone can often present as painful cystic acne particularly around the chin, neck and back area.

If you notice your breakouts are triggered solely by your menstrual cycle then it’s a good idea to consult your GP to see if there if any medication or supplements that can help regulate your hormone levels.

  1. Poor diet – excessive consumption of sugar, dairy, oily, pre-packaged food

We all know that after a naughty weekend of eating and drinking the wrong foods our punishment is often breakouts and dull, dehydrated skin.

As a living organ, your skin really does feed off the nutrients we put inside and on our body. Foods that are high in fats, sugars and sodium should be eaten in moderation. Sugar in particular should be avoided as it causes your insulin levels to spike.

Insulin triggers a release of androgen which as we now know is the oil producing hormone.

If you suffer from acne and eat a relatively balanced diet, then you might find you are intolerant or even allergic to some of the food groups which is triggering the breakout. Many gluten and dairy intolerants noticed that once they eliminated these food groups their skin also cleared up.

  1. Poor hygiene and cross contamination – ie. picking, squeezing, dirty makeup brushes, facial sponges, insufficient cleansing and cheap generic skin care).

One of the most tempting things to do is touch and pop a pimple that appears on your face. We’ve all done it, but we also know that this almost never results in the pimple going away.

As pimples are a bacteria, by popping them (especially a pimple without a white head) you are essentially spreading the bacteria around your face with the potential to infect more of your pores.

If you suffer from acne do not touch your face. Extractions should only be performed by a trained dermal therapist using sterile and appropriate tools and training.

If you do suffer from acne, ensure your hygiene levels are hospital grade. Wash your make- up brushes between use, change your pillow case every two days (sleep on a fresh side every night). Also, make sure you are washing your face morning and night and immediately after exercise.

While you don’t want to scrub your face dry, clean skin will help to restore the acid mantle to a neutral level.

  1. Stress

Stress results in the fluctuation of your hormone levels. the elevation of the stress producing hormone cortisol causes the sebaceous gland to overproduce oil.

Whether you work full time, are a full-time mum, or juggle both, chances are, your stress levels are high. When you’re stressed, you have an organ called the adrenal glands that makes the stress hormone cortisol, and puts it out into the body to help the body deal with stress. Unfortunately, a tiny bit of testosterone leaks out with it.

For a woman, this male hormone can drive the oil glands to produce more oil—the root cause of breakouts.
Stress and acne are unfortunately inextricably linked. Acne causes serious distress on the mental health of many teenagers and adults. 

The interplay between anxiety and acne is very important to consider as part of your treatment plan. While anxiety alone won’t directly cause acne to develop it certainly plays a part in why it occurs and it plays an even bigger part in the severity of breakouts.

While you might have developed acne because of a hormonal imbalance (common in teenagers and young adults) and/or because of a poor choice in diet, acne is greatly enhanced by the onset of stress related (anxiety) hormones.
Read more about how to manage the stress associated with acne here.

  1. Digestive or immune related disorders – ie IBS, disorders of the colon, food allergy, parasites, intestinal permeability -also known as leaky gut.

Medical professionals commonly refer to your gut as your second brain. What is happening internally is directly related to what is showing externally. One study investigated 13,000 teenagers and young adults. Those with acne were more likely to experience symptoms of gastrointestinal distress like constipation and heartburn.

The study found that abdominal bloating, which is a sure sign of intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation, was 37% more likely to be associated with acne.

If you think you suffer from gut related, digestive issues it is important you visit your GP for testing as you may have a disorder or a parasite. If you have been on courses on anti-biotics for instance it is likely you will need a strong pre and probiotic to help restore the good flora back to your gut.
Bottom line, if you want clear skin you need to start from the inside.

Nurture your gut with probiotic rich, fermented foods and supplements under the strict guidance of your healthcare practitioner.

To book a skin consultation: 
Call: 02 8897 0000
Email: [email protected]

Categories
Beauty

What to avoid & embrace for Rosacea

Understand what you can do to manage Rosacea is key to reducing and minimising flare ups!

Every Rosacea patient is different, and while we know that certain factors trigger rosacea in general, some may find a specific cause. Factors such as Sun, heat, wind, exercise, alcohol and stress are common triggers, but some report that a specific fruit, vegetable, meat or dairy product will cause a flare up.

Doctors still aren’t sure what causes rosacea, but in a lot of people, things that make your face flush also make rosacea worse. When you flush, blood rushes to your face, making it red and warmer. So, avoiding activities, products, or emotions that cause flushing can reduce your rosacea symptoms.

Below is a list of products and factors to avoid and which to embrace.
If you suffer from Rosacea avoid the following:

  • Weather extremities: heat waves and ice-cold temperatures are a Rosacea patients’ worst nightmare avoid excessive sun and winds
  • Alcohol (especially red wine)
  • Spicy Foods
  • Temperature Hot Beverages or Food
  • Refined sugars and white flour (avoid junk food)
  • Hot baths, steam rooms or saunas
  • Excessive exercise (particularly cardio based)
  • Stress and anxiety (feeling embarrassed can trigger an immediate flushed reaction in the skin)
  • Coughing fits
  • Sudden caffeine withdrawals
  • Topical steroids
  • Some blood pressure mediation
  • Active skincare products
  • Skincare products containing alcohol

If you suffer from Rosacea embrace the following:
Eat a natural diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties such as:

  • turmeric
  • leafy vegetables
  • berries
  • omega 3 rich salmon
  • lean poultry meats
  • Cauliflower
  • Asparagus
  • Celery
  • Pumpkin
  • Sweet potato
  • Nuts

It’s also important to nurture your gut with pre and probiotic, fibre rich foods such as:

  • Kombucha
  • Kefir
  • Sauerkraut
  • Pickled fruits and vegetables
  • Leek
  • Lentils
  • Wholegrains

If you do suffer from Rosacea it is important you make lifestyle changes to manage the emotional and physical effects of the skin disorder:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety from your life
  • Protect yourself from extreme weather conditions
  • Exercise in moderation
  • Keep hydrated with water and hydrate your skin topically with appropriate products
  • Regularly consult with your GP and dermal therapist

To book a skin consultation: 
Call: 02 8897 0000
Email: [email protected]

Categories
Beauty

Why happiness results in glowing skin

I’m sure you’ve heard of the bridal glow or new mum glow.

It’s that look that a bride gives her husband as she sees him for the first time at the altar.

Or the look a mum gives her new-born baby as she cradles them in her arms for the first time.

Take away the makeup on the bride and the sweaty red face for the mum and they both have an undeniable glow. It’s happiness in it’s purest form and it’s written all over their face.

At Face Plus Medispa it is common for us to see many distressed clients worrying about their varying skin concerns.

Acne, for instance, is one of the greatest causes of anxiety and distress. With acne being so visible and almost impossible to hide it’s completely understandable that it should cause a client anguish, however, the stress can often trigger and flare even more breakouts.

Research has shown that stress and breakouts are inextricably linked. The body responds to stress by directing blood flow and oxygen to areas vital for fighting dress and withdraws them from other areas like the skin.

The skin is subsequently starved of blood and oxygen making it dehydrated, full lifeless and prone to clogged pores and breakouts.

At Face Plus we encourage our clients to think of skin care from a holistic point of view. Mind body connection is very important. We ensure our clients understand the connection between mood and skin health.

Negativity and stress release cortisol into our body which effects your gut health. With your gut functioning as your bodies second brain and the controller of all of your hormones, it’s natural an unbalance will show up on your face.

When we are feeling happy and relaxed our bodies natural response is to repair and renew itself. A good mood balances your hormones which helps to heal inconsistencies in your skin.

This isn’t to say that happiness is the be all and end all to having a glowing complexion, however, it’s certainly an imperative starting point.
To get the happiness glow we recommend the following things:

  1. Eat food as close to its natural state as possible

Chemically processed food (ie. Fast food or packaged food) takes too long to break down in our body as it’s registered as a foreign object. By eating an organic diet, your body is functioning with ease which leads to a happy gut and therefore happy skin.

  1. Meditate to stay calm & stress free read our blog here
  2. Make sleep a priority. Try and rest for 8 hours a night. A rested body is a happy body
  3. Exercise every day.

Exercise doesn’t have to be a spin class or lifting heavy weights. Exercise can be walking the dog, taking the stairs instead of the lift and walking to the shops instead of driving. It’s vital to move your body for 30 minutes EVERYDAY!

  1. Develop a skincare regime and stick to it

Don’t skip your moisturiser and don’t go to bed with makeup on. Dedicate 5 minutes, morning and night to making your skincare regime a top priority. Consistency is key and the results are glowing, healthy skin.

  1. Go chemical free

Ditch the excessive plastic, the constant microwaved meals, the household chemicals and artificial makeup. Evaluate all of the items you come in contact with on any given day and see if there is a healthier alternative.

  1. Regular Dermal appointments

Face Plus Medispa should be considered your personal trainer for your skin. If you have long standing skincare issues, the key is to have regular appointments to address, assess and resolve them.

While budget can sometimes be of a concern, a deep cleansing facial once a month or every 6 weeks pays dividends when it results in a happy, glowing complexion and attitude.

To book a skin consultation: 
Call: 02 8897 0000
Email: [email protected]

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Beauty

Detox your skin from within

Dry July is a wonderful time to hit the refresh button on your skin.

While you might be working hard and using all the right topical products. Your skin also needs to be receiving the proper nutrients from within to ensure it is performing at it’s peak.

Below is a list of daily habits you can start to incorporate into your routine to get your skin glowing. Remember, this list must be supplemented with a healthy, natural diet and consistent exercise plan in order to yield results.

For food and beverages the rule is to stick to products produced as close to it’s natural source as possible. If it comes in a packet or from a factory plant then remove it from your diet.

  1. Oil Pull

Oil Pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has been around for centuries. I use coconut oil as it’s cost effective and easily accessible.

When you wake up put 1 tablespoon of organic extra virgin coconut oil in your mouth. Swish it around for 10 minutes (build up to 20 minutes over a few weeks) then spit out into the bin.

Do NOT swallow as this mixture will be filled with toxins after this pulling process. Oil Pulling helps to detoxify the body by drawing out all the bacteria in the mouth and throat. It will also help to rid you of bad breath, plaque and cavities as well as naturally whitens your teeth.

  1. Start each day with warm water and lemon

While lemon might taste acidic, in your body it has the reverse, alkalizing effect. It helps to adjust the acid levels in your body and balances your pH.

Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants so not only boosts your immune system but also aids in digestion, cleanses the liver and reduces inflammation which are all great for glowing skin.

  1. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water

Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural miracle product. While it has many topical uses and benefits from cleansing your skin and hair and cleaning your home without chemicals, it should also be taken internally.

While I like to use apple cider vinegar as a salad dressing mixed with extra virgin olive oil, you should also mix a bit in water. Similar to lemons, apple cider is great for detoxing your liver.

It works to breakdown fat in your body so is great for weight loss but most importantly it reduces inflammation in your body which is the leading cause for breakouts and skin sensitivities.

  1. Morning tea with the Beauty Chef Glow powder

GLOW Inner Beauty Powder is your essential daily beauty blend, containing 24 Certified Organic, bio-fermented and probiotic superfoods, for good gut health and healthy, glowing skin.

The award-winning ‘GLOW’ is a bio-fermented formula designed to support gut health, collagen synthesis and beautiful skin, hair and nails from the inside out. In a clinical trial, women observed GLOW enhanced their skin luminosity, clarity, hydration and texture.

  1. Afternoon tea with the Beauty Chef Cleanse Powder

Support the body’s natural detoxification process and cultivate smooth, clear skin with The Beauty Chef’s CLEANSE Inner Beauty Powder.

This advanced super-greens formula contains 45 Certified Organic and bio-fermented fruits, vegetables, seeds, roots, algae, grasses, purifying herbs and digestive enzymes to help alkalise and detoxify your body from the inside out.

A delicious and easy way to enjoy a daily boost of cleansing and alkalising greens in a bio-available form, CLEANSE may also be used to help re-balance your body and gut microbiome.

  1. Sip on bone broth

Avoid this one if you are a vegetarian, however bone broth has amazing gut healing properties. Organic bone broth is rich in collagen which helps to give your skin strength, smoothness, elasticity and a youthful appearance.

  1. Replace coffee for green tea

If you are on a detox then you might want to swap green tea for a natural, caffeine free alternative. However, if you need that energy boost green tea has much more health and skin benefits than coffee.

Green tea rehydrates you better than water and is also an excellent source of antioxidants. Green tea promotes healthy cell growth which is imperative for glowing skin

To book a skin consultation: 

Call: 02 8897 0000
Email: [email protected]

Categories
Beauty

Vacation Skin guide

For any lucky ducks that are escaping the cold for warmer climates, this article is a must read for you.

On holiday’s it’s easy to slip out of your normal routine and replace your workouts for happy hour and clean eating for pasta parties. The one thing that should stay consistent on your holiday, is your beauty regime.

When transitioning from a cool to warm climate, you skin will need a few days to adjust. The excessive plane journey won’t help this setback so make sure to monitor the condition of your skin and adjust your routine to compliment.

Hydration station
In Winter our skin is usually dryer than normal and, on an aeroplane, even dyer again. Keep your skin hydrated by removing your makeup and applying serums and moisturiser regularly.
For some inflight beauty tips read our blog post here

Less is more
When you arrive in warmer climates your skin and body is likely to feel out of whack. The humidity and heat are always a welcome shock so it’s natural your skin will fight to adjust.

Avoid breakouts by regularly cleansing your face and applying minimal creams and makeup. The tip is the let your skin breathe.  There is nothing worse than being on a summer holiday and wearing thick layers of foundation and mascara.

Take a break from your usual glam and adopt the French-girl beauty trend of a touch of cover up, a swipe of lipstick and brushed bushy brows.

Slip Slop Slap
Whatever, you do though, don’t forget sunscreen. Even though the European heat may feel less hard than our Australian sun.

Your skin has avoided contact with strong UV rays for a few months therefore has no tolerance to it….this is why you seem to burn so easily on the first few days of your vaycay.
When picking your sunscreen opt for one with a UV rating of 30 or 50 SPF. Read here

Beat the bloat
Water retention and bloating is common after excessive travel. To de-bloat your face you need to flush your system. It might seem counter-intuitive but drinking lots of water really does help this process.

Add some lemon slices for an extra anti-inflammatory boost.

When applying your serums or sunscreen massage into your face using a few lymphatic drainage techniques.

This will manually aid in the detoxification on your face by draining toxins to your lymph nodes.

The massage will help the increase circulation to flush the fluid build-up.
Lymphatic drainage massage techniques

  • Starting both hands between your eyebrows, push hands to the hairline and slide down to the ears (lymph nodes are here). Repeat the step, so that you have drained top, middle and bottom of forehead and on brow bones.
  • Now under the eyes. Start from inner corner of the eyes and slide hands towards the ears. Repeat the step, covering cheeks, mouth and chin. Always middle and out
  • Last step is the neck, massage up neck and under the jaw towards chin. Then from chin, sweep both hands towards the ears.

Take it off!
On holidays it’s perfectly acceptable to sleep in and drink a glass of wine at lunch, however, it’s not acceptable to go to bed without taking your makeup off.

To avoid skin irritations and breakouts make a point to double cleanse your face morning and night. The build-up of grit and grime clogs your pores throughout the day.

If you are in a particularly warm climate then you will also have a build up sweat particles and potential salt/ chlorinated water residue if you are going swimming.

As it is hot your pores are likely to expand leaving them more vulnerable to bacteria, making it even more important to keep up a regular beauty routine.

To book a skin consultation: 
Call: 02 8897 0000
Email: [email protected]

Categories
Beauty

Bridal Beauty Food

Diet and Skin care together impact your skin.

A very important part of ensuring optimum skin health, is a rigorous and consistent skincare regime.

Many of our clients assume that booking a once a month session at Face Plus is enough to ensure they meet their glowing skin goals.

However, it’s important to adjust your thinking on this.

If you view Face Plus as your skins very own personal trainer, then you are still required to workout outside of your scheduled session times in order to see visible results. 

Great skincare is comprised of three components

  1. regular appointments with a trained dermal therapist
  2. meticulous at home skincare using products that are proven to compliment your skin
  3. a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle

These three components need to work in harmony in order to produce healthy, glowing skin.
As a bride to be, the time in the lead up to your wedding can be extremely stressful.

A bride can often be so focused on the wedding that they forgo proper self-care in the lead up. This stress and tension can often result in breakouts and skin sensitivity.

Many brides also try to lose weight before their big day. It’s important that a bride does this in a healthy way. Starving yourself or eating like a rabbit can often have a negative impact on your skin.

Your skin is after all your largest living organ. It is also the organ that receives all the nutrients from your food last. So, it is crucial that you feed your body vitamin rich foods to help promote glowing skin from the inside out.
Here is a list of food/beverages/supplements that are crucial for glowing skin:

  1. Drink lots of water

While this may sound like a no brainer, skin dehydration is the number one issue we see here at Face Plus. This is particularly relevant to you, if you are a bride that is training heavily before your big day.

Make sure to re-hydrate your body so that it reflects your exercise exertions. During the winter months, feel free to supplement a few glasses of water for cups of herbal tea, such as green tea.

To read about the benefits of herbal tea, read our blog post on it here: Tea-tox drink to your health

  1. Eat Dark leafy greens with every meal (spinach, kale, silverbeet, rocket, chard) 

Dark leafy salads are full of collagen boosting vitamins. Make sure to have a balance of both raw and cooked greens in order to reap all of the health benefits, as overcooking your greens can zap it of all its nutrients.

Leafy Greens are rich in Vitamin A and K, which help to reduce dark circles that may form under your eyes.
To incorporate greens into your diet, blend some in morning smoothie (mix with berries for a tasteless experience),\.

Have a salad with protein for lunch and lightly sauté with some fish, lemon & olive oil for dinner.

  1. Salmon 

Pick Fish that is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. While many people can’t stomach sardines (if you can these are the best for you), wild caught salmon is a good alternative. Try and swap your meat nights for fish nights in the lead up to your wedding. Not only are these lighter meals but the health benefits on your skins membranes makes the swap worth the while.

Just be careful not to ruin the health benefits of fish by covering it in sugary sauces. Try and eat fish on its own, adding a bit of olive oil, lemon, ginger, turmeric or tamari as flavouring.

  1. Berries

While there is a lot of reports that are now saying, not all fruit is good for you, berries remain the superfoods of choice for health professionals. Whether its raspberries, blueberries, strawberries or blackberries; these little gems are rich in antioxidants and low in fructose.

Berries also promote collagen production, for healthy and plump skin. Mix berries in your morning smoothie, snack on them in the afternoon or mix a handful in unsweetened greek yoghurt for a filling and healthy dessert.

  1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a miracle spice. It’s anti-inflammatory, wound healing properties are widely recognized. Added grated fresh turmeric to your stir fries or on top of your salmon for some healthy flavouring.

As turmeric can be expensive, store a fresh knob of it in your freezer and grate finely when needed. While powdered turmeric can also be substituted, it’s best to enjoy fresh produce as close to it’s natural state as possible in order to gain all of the health benefits.

  1. Lemon

Squeeze lemon on everything! Have it in warm water to start the day and alkalize your body, mix it with extra virgin olive oil as a healthy salad dressing, add it to your berry smoothies to balance sweetness or place a slice in your cup of green tea.

Lemons help to improve your digestion and detoxify your body which ultimately results in clearing up your complexion.

  1. The Beauty Chef Glow Powder 

As far as health supplements go, this one is a fridge essential. While its necessary to eat whole foods, our busy lifestyles often leave us time poor to prepare all our meals of the day.

This tasty, probiotic powder helps to deliver your gut a healthy dose of goodness in an easy to prepare and digestible formula.

GLOW Inner Beauty Powder is your essential daily beauty blend, containing 24 Certified Organic, bio-fermented and probiotic superfoods, for good gut health and healthy, glowing skin.
the award-winning ‘GLOW’ by The Beauty chef is a bio-fermented formula designed to support gut health, collagen synthesis and beautiful skin, hair and nails from the inside out.

This powder is a probiotic-rich formula, with a delicious berry flavour, is packed with easily digested, super-charged nutrients that are absorbed quickly and effectively by your cells to promote collagen synthesis and support skin radiance.

Face Plus Medispa are proud to stock The Beauty Chef range. The Glow Powder is available from all three Face Plus Clinics and retails for $59.95
As well as this brief list make sure to eliminate from your diet any heavily processed foods. The rule should be, if it comes in a packet, try and find a whole foods substitute.

By eating clean your skin won’t only look better, but you will feel better too….and what could be better than a healthy, glowing bride to be.

To book a skin consultation: 

Call: 02 8897 0000
Email: [email protected]

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