The Influence of Facials

by Sue Carroll | Nov 1, 2025 | Uncategorized

The Influence of Facials on Clinical Practice

When compared to high-tech cosmetic procedures that target deeper layers of the skin, facials are frequently considered as being fluffy and significantly less effective to get the desired results. In all honesty, I am of the opinion that they play a significant part in the process of preparing the skin for more extensive and deeper treatments by hydrating the skin and improving the circulation of the skin. The procedures of washing, extraction, and absorption that are utilised in facial treatments contribute to the re-calibration of the environment of the skin. As a result, the outcomes of other treatments are significantly more successful and the effects endure for a longer period of time. When you get a facial treatment from a professional, you will experience an elevated degree of relaxation that is unrivalled.

Traditional facials are the subject of a great deal of misunderstanding. Among these misunderstandings is the notion that conventional facials are incompatible with high-tech medical treatments, that they do not provide any benefits that can be quantified, and that they are just performed for the purpose of leisure. Your skin’s health and the duration of your other clinical treatments are both going to benefit tremendously from the union of high technology and high touch, which is a marriage made in heaven.

Relaxation is not the only purpose for which facials should be reserved. During high-touch facial treatments, the primary objectives are to exfoliate the skin, perform a thorough cleansing that may include extractions, reestablish the protective barrier of the skin, and thoroughly hydrate the face. In the event that this is carried out, not only will the skin be able to undergo high-tech beauty treatments more successfully, but it will also mend a great deal more quickly. When the epidermal layers of the skin are renewed through the use of enzymes or acid peels, the pores have the potential to be cleaned out in a manner that is significantly more effective. It is possible to add either the high-tech microdermabrasion or the Jet Peel exfoliation at this stage of the high-touch facial treatment in order to provide the skin with the platinum cleansing sensation.

Following the completion of the appropriate preparation of the skin, the subsequent step in your facial treatment is often to hydrate the skin. Serums and ampoules, which are concentrated active ingredients that will improve the health of the skin, are two methods that can be utilised to accomplish this. These will be rubbed into the skin all over the face and décolletage using the hands of the therapist in a precise manner. Additionally, this session will release tension in muscles that are tight, which will automatically give the impression that you have been away for a relaxing weekend in a destination.
Electroporation with warm and cold massage applicators, the addition of microcurrent to boost circulation and muscle health, and/or JetPeel infusion with a cooling mist of a high-concentrate serum that has been specifically selected for your skin on the day of your treatment are some examples of high-tech modalities that may be utilised in the event that the serums are infused even further into the skin when they are applied.

There are two ways to get a facial treatment: as part of a series of sessions or as a one-time treatment for a particular occasion. The protective barrier of the skin has been rebalanced, the hydration level has been increased, and the final result of the more intensive clinical treatments will be enhanced, and the effects will be maintained for a longer length of time when the skin is healthy prior to the application of more intensive treatments.

You can think of a facial treatment as being similar to going to the gym for your face. You get to skip the heat and the agony, and someone else does the work for you. It is truly a blissful experience. On the basis of this consideration, it is recommended that the facial be conducted on a consistent basis. When you have the time, you can perform this procedure as frequently as once per week; nevertheless, it is typically done once per month in accordance with the cellular turnover of the skin.

The question of when to get a face treatment is one that we are asked quite frequently, particularly when injectable fillers or muscle relaxants are being discussed. It is possible to execute a facial treatment a couple of days before injectables, and depending on the type of injection that is being administered, it may be a week or two after the procedure. This is true regardless of whether or not the facial treatment includes the use of high-tech modalities.

Remember that the skin is a living and breathing organ, and when it is in good health on both the inside and the exterior after receiving a high-touch facial treatment, the healing and radiance, together with your relaxation, will be noticed in your appearance. This is because the skin is a living organ.

Rosacea Awareness Month

by Sue Carroll | Mar 26, 2025 | Uncategorized

Rosacea Awareness Month: Understanding and Managing Rosacea Flare-Ups

Rosacea Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of this common but often misunderstood skin condition. For many who experience acne rosacea, flare-ups can strike at any time of the year. One month, the skin may be relatively clear; the next, redness, irritation, and pustules can return without warning. Seasonal changes—particularly the transition to cooler months—can significantly impact rosacea-prone skin. Indoor heating, environmental stressors, and dietary shifts are all contributing factors that can aggravate symptoms.

As the body’s largest organ, our skin often reflects internal health. When inflammation is present, the skin may respond with visible signs such as redness, swelling, or breakouts. For rosacea sufferers, these symptoms are more than just surface-level—they are the outward manifestation of deeper imbalances that require careful attention.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by centralised facial redness, dilated blood vessels (capillaries), swelling, and acne-like breakouts (papules and pustules). It typically progresses through the following three stages:

• Stage One – Occasional flushing and blushing, often triggered by skincare products, spicy foods, or heat. This stage may involve mild stinging or burning.
• Stage Two – Persistent redness, visible broken capillaries, and the appearance of bumps and pimples.
• Stage Three – Intensified redness, thickened skin, enlarged pores, and more pronounced blood vessels, especially around the nose.

Though rosacea can affect anyone, it is most common among fair-skinned individuals aged 30 to 50. Without proper management, symptoms can worsen over time.

Common Causes and Triggers

Rosacea is believed to stem from a combination of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. Key contributors include:

• Circulatory issues – Poor blood flow can lead to increased redness and inflammation.
• Gut health – Imbalances such as H. pylori infection or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) are linked to rosacea flare-ups.
• Demodex mites – Microscopic skin mites found in greater numbers on rosacea-prone skin may trigger immune responses.
• Emotional stress – Stress impacts hormones, gut health, and immune function, all of which can worsen symptoms.

Triggers That Worsen Rosacea

While triggers vary between individuals, some common ones include:

• Climate conditions – Sun exposure, cold weather, wind, and humidity can all provoke flare-ups.
• Dietary choices – Alcohol (particularly red wine, beer, and gin), spicy foods, hot drinks, and histamine-rich foods like cheese, citrus fruits, chocolate, tomatoes, and yeast extract can trigger symptoms.
• Skincare products – Fragrances, dyes, harsh exfoliants, preservatives, and certain sunscreens may irritate sensitive skin.
• Lifestyle habits – Saunas, hot baths, and excessive use of topical corticosteroids can inflame the skin further.
• Medical conditions – Menopause, chronic coughing, and even caffeine withdrawal have all been identified as potential rosacea triggers.

How to Manage and Treat Rosacea

Effective rosacea management requires a holistic, inside-out approach. Start by identifying and avoiding individual triggers—keeping a symptom diary can help. For persistent or worsening symptoms, consider consulting a skincare professional or naturopath for support, including gut health testing.

Internally, an anti-inflammatory diet that supports gut health can be beneficial. Reducing alcohol, processed foods, and histamine-rich items may help decrease flare-ups.

Soothing Skincare for Rosacea-Prone Skin

Although there is no one-size-fits-all treatment, many skincare ingredients have been shown to calm inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce sensitivity. Look for products containing:

• Mandelic arginine
• Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)
• Sea buckthorn oil
• Omega fatty acids
• Hibiscus acid
• Chamomile and other calming botanical extracts

It’s best to avoid scrubbing or using harsh treatments on the affected areas. Gentle, consistent skincare and lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve the skin’s appearance and resilience over time.

When to Seek Help

If rosacea symptoms interfere with your confidence or quality of life, it’s worth seeking professional advice. At Skin Inspiration, we offer personalised skin assessments and a range of treatments tailored for rosacea-prone skin. Whether you’re looking for topical relief, dietary advice, or advanced therapies, our team can help you manage your symptoms and restore your skin’s natural balance.

7 Frequently Asked Questions About Rosacea

How Young is Too Young?

by Sue Carroll | Feb 26, 2025 | Uncategorized

A good skincare routine is essential for maintaining a healthy complexion and managing breakouts, but is there such a thing as starting too early? With social media bombarding teenagers and even younger children with beauty trends, many are experimenting with products designed for adult skin—often without understanding the potential risks.

Exposure to harsh or unnecessary skincare products at a young age can lead to irritation, breakouts, and long-term damage to the skin’s natural barrier. Since skin is a living organ, it needs to be nurtured appropriately. But at what point does an early skincare routine become harmful rather than beneficial? And what happens when we misuse products before we truly need them?

New Legislation to Protect Young Skin

In California, a new bill introduced by Assemblymember Alex Lee seeks to restrict the sale of certain over-the-counter (OTC) anti-ageing skincare products to minors under 18. The legislation targets ingredients such as retinol, retinoids, glycolic acid, and vitamin C, which, while effective for mature skin, may pose risks to younger, more delicate skin. If these ingredients are necessary for specific skin conditions, they should only be prescribed by a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician who can assess an individual’s needs.

The bill comes in response to a concerning trend: children as young as eight are purchasing and using anti-ageing skincare products, influenced by social media and beauty marketing. Dubbed the “Sephora Kids” phenomenon, this movement sees young consumers drawn to products designed to reduce wrinkles, brighten skin, and boost collagen—despite already having naturally youthful, resilient skin.

Research from organisations such as UCLA Health and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center has highlighted the potential risks of using these products too early, including skin irritation, breakouts, heightened sun sensitivity, and long-term damage. Experts warn that these potent formulations, when applied to young skin, can weaken the skin barrier rather than protect it.

Why Young Skin Doesn’t Need Anti-Ageing Products

The simple truth is that children and teens do not need anti-ageing skincare. Their skin is naturally plump, hydrated, and regenerates rapidly without the need for intervention. However, the rise in social media skincare influencers has led to widespread misinformation, with young users adopting multi-step routines designed for older adults.

Key active ingredients found in anti-ageing products, such as retinol and glycolic acid, are formulated to address age-related skin concerns like fine lines, pigmentation, and collagen depletion—issues that do not affect young skin. In fact,children’s skin has a thinner barrier, faster cell turnover, and increased sensitivity, making it far more vulnerable to irritation from harsh ingredients.

Unlike adults, children’s skin also contains a naturally higher concentration of ceramides and hydration factors, meaning it requires far less intervention. Overuse of strong skincare products can strip away these natural defences, leading to redness, flaking, breakouts, and a compromised skin barrier.

Despite these concerns, regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) do not enforce testing of these ingredients on children, leaving asignificant gap in safety regulations. This lack of oversight means that young consumers, often influenced by trends rather than expert advice, are left to navigate an industry that isn’t designed with their skin in mind.

A Global Concern

The debate over young consumers using anti-ageing products isn’t limited to California. In Sweden, pharmacy chain Apotek Hjärtat has implemented age restrictions on the sale of anti-ageing products, ensuring they are not accessible to minors.

Meanwhile, skincare purchases for minors in the U.S. have surged, with a 28.6% increase among teens and a 27.2% increase among tweens in 2023 alone. Similarly, in Australia, the rise of social media-driven skincare trends has led to increased interest in active ingredient-based products among younger consumers, yet there are no formal regulations addressing this issue.

In regions like South Korea and Japan, where skincare is deeply embedded in beauty culture, the trend of young people experimenting with advanced skincare formulas is also growing. While these countries emphasise hydration and barrier protection, some younger consumers are still incorporating high-strength anti-ageing ingredients into their routines, despite expert warnings.

The Consequences of Incorrect Skincare Use

In my clinic, I frequently see teenagers who have self-prescribed skincare products based on social media recommendations. Many of them are using products intended for adult skin, either to prevent premature ageing or to treat acne. However, without professional guidance, they often choose products that are too strong or unnecessary, leading to unintended damage.

When the skin barrier becomes compromised due to excessive exfoliation, harsh ingredients, or overuse of actives, the effects can be severe. The skin can become highly reactive, leading to redness, dryness, itching, peeling, and even chronic inflammation. Instead of achieving healthy, glowing skin, many teens find themselves dealing with irritation and increased sensitivity.

A Smarter Approach to Teen Skincare

Rather than adopting anti-ageing skincare too early, young people should focus on a balanced, protective routinetailored to their skin’s actual needs. A simple, effective skincare regimen should:

• Gently cleanse to remove dirt, oil, and impurities

• Hydrate to maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance

• Protect against environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV exposure

For those experiencing acne or other skin concerns, seeking professional advice is far more effective than following social media trends. A dermatologist or trained aesthetician can recommend appropriate products that support rather than compromise the skin barrier.

Final Thoughts

Trends may come and go, but skin health is for life. Instead of jumping on skincare fads designed for older consumers, young people should focus on nurturing their skin in a way that supports its natural strength. The best skincare routine isn’t about looking younger or older—it’s about keeping your skin healthy and resilient for the future.