Menopause is not an illness, and it does not mean the end is approaching, you have still got as much as half of your life to go! It’s a fact of life, and every woman will go through menopause, usually in her early to mid-’50s. In addition to triggering symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings, menopause can significantly affect your skin too, causing dryness, adult acne and even thin, translucent skin that is less than elastic.
When menopause occurs, the body experiences a drop in production of the female hormone estrogen. Not only does estrogen affect the whole body, but it also plays an important role in the health of your skin, promoting circulation, the production of collagen and a healthy glow.
A common symptom of menopause is drier than normal skin, due in part to a decline in estrogen which will then decrease collagen. Once hormone levels begin to dip, the oil glands are not stimulated in the same capacity as before, causing less oil to be produced and the skin to become drier. Often with menopause, the cholesterol levels rise, and statins like Lipitor are taken. There is cholesterol in the skin and statins can cause dehydration from the loss of lipids, resulting in very dry and itchy skin.
Dry skin and wrinkles go hand in hand. Since there is a decrease in estrogen and collagen production, which leads to dry and dehydrated skin, it’s no surprise that wrinkles begin to form or get worse around the time of menopause. When skin is dry it, it thins out because collagen levels are depleted and there is less moisture to keep it plump.
Once the skin is less able to retain moisture and produce an adequate amount of skin lubricating oil, the underlying fat layers begin to thin out. As facial fat starts to diminish, thinning of the skin can occur, which may cause it to take on a bluish tint and look translucent, thus calling attention to changes in the midface like dark circles and sunken cheeks. In addition, more mature skin tends to be pale, bruise more easily and may be more prone to allergic reactions and irritations.
It seems counter-intuitive that adult acne can occur as hormone levels taper off. But truth be told, acne is as common, although usually temporary, occurrence among women experiencing menopause. Menopausal acne occurs from increased levels of progesterone, which stimulates the sebaceous glands and results in excess oil, essentially overriding estrogen.
There are easy ways to keep your skin healthy during menopause. Keep your body internally and externally hydrated. Topically applying treatment creams can help hydrate the skin from the outside in, but it’s just as important to hydrate from the inside out. Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in foods like salmon and nuts, are absolutely vital to prevent the skin from becoming dry and itchy. And we all know that at least eight glasses of water a day are also essential.
Topically a retinol serum or cream may be used as it will help to address clogged pores and also stimulate collagen production and thereby increase the thickness of the skin. There are also many serums that may assist the dryness without leaving the skin feeling as if it is covered in axel grease. Collagen stimulating fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane may also assist by giving sunken areas and wrinkles a gentle and natural plumping appearance. This can only be performed by either a doctor or a nurse.
Menopause does not have to be the end of our skin’s health and radiance. Managed both internally and externally with the assistance of key professionals such as aestheticians, naturopaths, dietitians and doctors our skin can still reflect the youth we feel on the inside when we look in the mirror.
Hidden beneath tights, socks, activewear and trousers for the last few months, our legs are about to be unveiled for summer. Dryness, itchiness, an extra dimple or two of cellulite, and a good dose of puffiness around the ankles are often what we are confronted with after having forgotten about our legs during winter. Start with a bit of me-time each day and quite quickly you will revive the tired, lacklustre appearance of your legs. Our legs perform so many daily activities for us, including, walking, standing, bending and simply supporting the trunk of our body. Our leg muscles act as a second heart, and their movement helps blood flow upwards through our veins and heart. By having good blood flow and circulation of our lymphatic system it means we will have a healthy distribution of nutrients, oxygen, stable body temperature, and a balanced pH throughout our body, all of which assist the overall health of our body. To assist in maintaining good leg health and to keep our legs looking good, there are a few simple home care tips and in-clinic treatments we can enjoy. Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time. Take a break, get up, move and improve your circulation with a little physical activity. Climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator, take a short walk, and set your watch to move around the house or office every 20-30 minutes Keep your weight under control. Knees and hips are usually affected with osteoarthritis, which is linked to obesity. Varicose veins may also be a by-product of excess weight Elevate your legs. This can be simply done when you are sitting in the lounge, lying in bed, or using a leg rest under your desk. If your legs are particularly tired and puffy perhaps after an exhausting day, lie on the floor with your legs stretched up the wall for as short a time as 5 minutes. Stretching and exercising. To maintain good health, regular exercise keeps us healthy. To assist with good blood flow stretching after exercise is imperative for healthy legs. Swimming, walking, hiking and running are great exercises to improve both leg and body circulation. Step-ups, squats, lunges and calf raises are good leg sculpting exercises. Enjoy a cool bath or shower. After a long day on your feet or post-exercise, a bath with Epsom salts or a cooler shower will be more beneficial for healthy legs rather than extended exposure in saunas or hot baths which will cause veins to dilate and induce swelling. Wear compression stockings. Particularly when flying compression stockings will assist with compressing and supporting veins which will help to promote normal blood flow. Drink water. Drinking at least one litre of water per day keeps the body hydrated and helps to flush out toxins from the body which can contribute to the appearance of cellulite. Lymphatic Massage. Drainage of the lymph system whether it be manually with a hands-on massage or with the assistance of a pressotherapy system will be extremely beneficial to keeping the legs feeling and appearing more slender, reducing the appearance of cellulite along with the more rapid elimination of lactic acid build-up from exercise. Dry Body Brushing. Each day before showering the addition of dry body brushing over the entire body and not just the legs will help to stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps rid the body of toxins. This, in turn, assists in the reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Dry body brushing will also stimulate the body’s natural oil flow and will reduce some of the superficial dryness of the skin. Topical Nourishment. After dry body brushing and showering the application daily of a rich balm containing ingredients such as glycolic acid and vitamin A will reduce dry, itchy skin and stimulate the cellular turnover giving a hydrated and glowing appearance on the legs. This is also a good time to apply sunscreen when going outdoors or tanning milk. Sixty different bones from your toes to your waist make up the legs. If you are diligent in taking 10,000 steps per day, you will walk 3,000km per year. Our legs perform many important functions every single day. Look after them internally and externally and they, in turn, will look after you.
Over the years, the combination of nature and science has been evolving to improve women’s health and appearances: lasers, radiofrequency, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic fields), Bioptron Light Therapy and other energy devices are helping pave the way for treatments that weren’t available even ten years ago. We seem more and more comfortable talking about treatments for fine lines, wrinkles, scar tissue or stretch marks. Finally, the focus seems to be shifting, and women are having more conversations about vaginal health, function and appearance.
Pregnancy and menopause can wreak havoc on our body, and the vagina is the one area that can bear the brunt of issues. So let’s start a conversation about some of the issues and technologies that can be used to effectively improve post-pregnancy, menopausal as well as cosmetic appearance of the vaginal area — no better place to start than with a gynaecologist, Dr Sonya Jessup. Dr Jessup is a respected leader in her area of medicine and is now working on the Northern Beaches to provide women with intimate health solutions. It is my pleasure to introduce Dr Jessup in this month’s article where she will provide some insight into ways women can lead full and healthy lives with vaginal revitalisation.
Dr Sonya Jessup BHB, MBChB, MReprodMed, FRANZCOG, ESAG
Over the years working as a Gynaecologist and fertility specialist, I have seen first-hand, many women experience incontinence, vaginal laxity and decreased sexual enjoyment following childbirth.
Their pelvic floor muscles have never quite recovered, despite pelvic floor exercises, to the extent that they now leak urine with coughing, sneezing and during exercise or getting up multiple times in the night to go to the toilet. Other women notice some bulging of the vagina and comment that either they or their partners notice that sex doesn’t feel quite the same.
For women going through menopause, these symptoms can be amplified. The decreased oestrogen leads to worsening stress or urgency incontinence and also a feeling of vaginal burning and dryness with sex. Some women develop or underlying conditions such as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) that are unlikely to improve over time without treatment.
Many women, both post-birth and menopausal, simply put up with these symptoms, assuming that it is just something they need to live with – the cost of giving birth or just part of the journey of menopause. Others are unwilling to go to with options such as surgery, vaginal meshes or tapes which have had increasing negative publicity due to a number of cases with severe adverse reactions. So much so that many of these procedures are no longer allowed in Australia. Medication may be an alternative but may not be suitable for all women, such as those that have breast cancer, which is hormonally sensitive.
The good news is that there is now a whole range of non-surgical devices that provide treatment and relief for these issues. Not every method is suitable for every woman. It is essential to see a qualified gynaecologist with traditional and hormonal treatment experience and who is also skilled and practised with the newer laser, radiofrequency and electromagnetic devices.
For women today, no matter what your age is, you can now be proactive with your intimate health. There is no need to put up with incontinence, laxity or dryness. With the availability of new technologies and the advances in medical knowledge, problems that have prevented you from leading full lives with everyday activities can be overcome. By leading by example and being strong role models, we can make a difference in our own lives and those of our mothers, sisters, daughters and girlfriends. It is time to enjoy full, healthy lives and celebrate being a woman!
We all know men are different from women, physically, emotionally and mentally. Men are also slightly different from women when it comes to their skin. There are many similarities but the differences include the epidermis and dermis being thicker, higher sensitivity, increased production of oil or sebum, larger pores, more facial hair and of course a different hormonal structure.
Skin issues specifically related to shaving, such as ingrown hairs, dryness and razor burn also challenge men.
Studies have also shown a difference in men’s acid mantle, a combination of oil and perspiration which serves as an important protective barrier. The acid mantle can be disrupted when the pH level fluctuates. This can be affected by the use of incorrect product use – those with a higher pH – diet, sleep, environment and medication. Testosterone will also create significant differences in a man’s skin compared to that of a woman. In the epidermis and dermis, testosterone increases the number of granular cells, collagen and blood flow. It will also stimulate the production of sebum and toughen the hair in the follicle. Testosterone will fluctuate with age and while there is no magic cure for what ails men, with correct product use and treatment selection, skin challenges can be solved throughout their life.
Largely due to the internet, Australian men see global stories about men having different types of aesthetic treatments and actually using products in order to look good for their age. The difference here with women is the fact that women want to look younger than their age. While every man will come with his own set of skin challenges, there are a few fundamental steps each man should know and use in order to achieve healthy skin. Three very simple elements – cleanse, exfoliate and protect – will help abate acne, ingrown hairs, hyperpigmentation and ageing.
Cleansing or washing the skin correctly will allow corrective ingredients to penetrate the cells and actually go to work. Washing the face with a pH-balanced face wash can be a two in one step, cleansing and wet shaving at the same time. This is then followed by a lotion applied with gauze to the face to give the skin further exfoliation and refinement.
Correct exfoliation will stimulate cell turnover by lifting dead cells and in the process initiate the regenerating process. This step requires balance, particularly with granular scrubs. Too much exfoliation for anyone is detrimental to the acid mantle and can create further problems.
Skin protection is absolutely essential but is often a forgotten part of the daily regimen for men. Not only is it important to shield the skin from UV rays, but also other damageing elements like wind and pollutants. A good zinc and antioxidant-based protection formula will guard against free radical damage, nourish the skin and prevent sun-induced premature ageing.
Clinical treatments for men are gaining in popularity. These are consisting of non-surgical body sculpting such as fat freezing, which will help to eliminate the stubborn areas of fat that the gym will not budge. Another treatment men are learning about and enjoying is the use of injectables which can reduce heavy wrinkles and volumize the areas that have become hollow.
Australian men have the stereotype of macho male. In days gone by, the typical Aussie bloke wouldn’t be seen to be using skincare, but things have changed. Men want to look good for their age and now not only use a male fragrance but are using skincare and are entering into clinics where they can enjoy treatments and their benefits. Perhaps the gap is closing between Mars and Venus? We all know men are different from women, physically, emotionally and mentally. Men are also slightly different from women when it comes to their skin. There are many similarities but the differences include the epidermis and dermis being thicker, higher sensitivity, increased production of oil or sebum, larger pores, more facial hair and of course a different hormonal structure. Skin issues specifically related to shaving, such as ingrown hairs, dryness and razor burn also challenge men.
Studies have also shown a difference in men’s acid mantle, a combination of oil and perspiration which serves as an important protective barrier. The acid mantle can be disrupted when the pH level fluctuates. This can be affected by the use of incorrect product use – those with a higher pH – diet, sleep, environment and medication. Testosterone will also create significant differences in a man’s skin compared to that of a woman. In the epidermis and dermis, testosterone increases the number of granular cells, collagen and blood flow. It will also stimulate the production of sebum and toughens the hair in the follicle. Testosterone will fluctuate with age and while there is no magic cure for what ails men, with correct product use and treatment selection, skin challenges can be solved throughout their life. Largely due to the internet, Australian men see global stories about men having different types of aesthetic treatments and actually using products in order to look good for their age.
The difference here with women is the fact that women want to look younger than their age. While every man will come with his own set of skin challenges, there are a few fundamental steps each man should know and use in order to achieve healthy skin. Three very simple elements – cleanse, exfoliate and protect – will help abate acne, ingrown hairs, hyperpigmentation and ageing. Cleansing or washing the skin correctly will allow corrective ingredients to penetrate the cells and actually go to work. Washing the face with a pH-balanced face wash can be a two in one step, cleansing and wet shaving at the same time. This is then followed by a lotion applied with gauze to the face to give the skin a further exfoliation and refinement. Correct exfoliation will stimulate cell turnover by lifting dead cells and in the process initiate the regenerating process. This step requires balance, particularly with granular scrubs. Too much exfoliation for anyone is detrimental to the acid mantle and can create further problems.
Skin protection is absolutely essential but is often a forgotten part of the daily regimen for men. Not only is it important to shield the skin from UV rays, but also other damageing elements like wind and pollutants. A good zinc and antioxidant-based protection formula will guard against free radical damage, nourish the skin and prevent sun-induced premature ageing. Clinical treatments for men are gaining in popularity. These are consisting of non-surgical body sculpting such as fat freezing, which will help to eliminate the stubborn areas of fat that the gym will not budge. Another treatment men are learning about and enjoying is the use of injectables which can reduce heavy wrinkles and volumize the areas that have become hollow.
Australian men have the stereotype of macho male. In days gone by, the typical Aussie bloke wouldn’t be seen to be using skincare, but things have changed. Men want to look good for their age and now not only use a male fragrance but are using skincare and are entering into clinics where they can enjoy treatments and their benefits. Perhaps the gap is closing between Mars and Venus?
As humans, we are complex creatures, and there is never a straightforward answer for our skin and body concerns. When we work with what I call the health jigsaw puzzle, putting all of the pieces (mental, emotional and physical) together our outcome is more holistic, positive and sustainable. This is a great way to start 2019, working on being the best version of YOU that you can be. Upon waking start your day with positive thinking. Think of one or more things that are positive for your day rather than thinking you are tired or thinking about your checklist for the day. After cleansing your skin with the appropriate cleanser, the use of a toning lotion is a real game-changer for your skin tone and texture, no matter what your skin type. A toning lotion will adjust the pH of the skin and remove any remaining cleanser. They can help with exfoliation, as they bind moisture to the skin for better desquamation. They prep the skin for serums, moisturisers and anti-ageing treatments. Think of your toning lotion as an appetiser before the main course! They add a layer of protection, as they tighten cell gaps reducing penetration of impurities, protecting the skin against environmental contaminants. Toning lotions are best used with a gauze square rather than a cotton pad which will soak up too much of the lotion. Perform an exercise routine a few times a week; this may include gentle stretching to maintain flexibility. Increase your heart rate, breathe profoundly and sweat a little. Two thousand eighteen saw the start of less is more when it comes to injectables, and the trend for 2019 is the same perhaps even more so. For instance, microdoses of anti-wrinkle injection or dermal filler are now performed more often rather than massive doses which may create the startled deer in headlights appearance. This will keep you looking more natural, with softened lines and wrinkles, while still having movement. 2019 also sees the reduction of droopy earlobes with the addition of a small amount of filler. When you have inner peace, you are automatically more beautiful on the outside. Knowing who you are and what you are here for, assists with attaining inner peace, confidence, strength and harmony. This may be a mix of both intuitive and rational concepts. Starting the new year with a refreshed wardrobe and aspiring towards new goals, we should be adding skin cancer checks to our to-do list for healthy skin. It is best to have a qualified dermatologist review your skin. They will be looking at the body skin but will also check your eyelids, in between the webbing of fingers and toes, the soles and palms of feet and hands, under swimwear lines along with your scalp and inside your ears. A skin cancer check can be a favourable learning opportunity. Early detection is proactive rather than having to be reactive later down the track. Staying hydrated with water will not only assist the body to function more efficiently, but it will also provide a healthy radiance to the skin. Being hydrated also prevents feelings of fatigue, which may make focusing on tasks at hand quite tricky. It may be tempting to drink more caffeine when you are tired, but remember caffeine can be extremely dehydrating. For a long time now we have been searching for treatments that will assist with skin rejuvenation with limited downtime. RF skin needling is designed to resurface the skin and will help reduce the appearance of acne scars, striae (stretch marks), dyschromia (pigmentation), deep wrinkles, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture for all skin types. Beauty is not an intrinsic factor, but a goal to be achieved day by day. Taking small steps each day combining various techniques, is often more achievable and can be maintained for longer. The result will give a more radiant and flawless glow inside and out.
December usually means the silly season with parties, Christmas and of course the beautiful beaches right here on our northern doorstep.
Regardless of your fast fix, feel-good goal – radiant skin, a smoother silhouette, shiny hair or whiter teeth – there is a beauty solution to address your needs both at home and in the Clinic. It goes without saying, when you combine your home care with Clinic treatments the results are faster and better, revealing a more radiant version of YOU.
When we start the summer unveiling process after the cooler months of hiding, often what we see is not what we thought was there last time we had a good look, how did it get there, where did it come from, and how can I be seen in my summer sleeveless dress? There are a few shapeshifters to help reduce unwanted fat, dry body skin, orange peel dimples and the white pasty colour. At home, the best treatment is every day dry body brushing.
Dry body brushing is recommended as a preventative for dry skin and a way to exfoliate the skin, thus stimulating skin renewal, leaving it smooth to the touch. Other benefits of dry body brushing are: it assists with the reduction of cellulite, cleanses the lymphatic system, removes dead skin layers, strengthens the immune system, stimulates the hormones and oil-producing glands, tightens the skin preventing premature ageing, tones the muscles when used in conjunction with regular exercise, stimulates the circulation, helps aid digestion and it is easy, inexpensive and invigorating. Dry body brushing may be performed every day prior to showering for the optimum results.
To enhance the smooth, rejuvenated body skin, it is the perfect time to massage in a nourishing Vitamin A and Glycolic body balm. This combination of ingredients is one of the best topical skin rejuvenators, improving both the tone and texture of the skin. Body gels containing capsicum and aminophylline will help reduce the cellulite dimples. This should be applied directly after dry body brushing or a body scrub to allow more effective absorption.
When considering the order of application, apply the anti-cellulite gel followed by the hydrating body balm for the best results. A few days diligently following this home care treatment, the skin will be more hydrated and will no longer be looking like a dried out Autumn leaf. As for removal of the white pasty skin, this can be miraculously hidden with a fabulous in Clinic spray tan, or an application of an at home tan accelerator.
Always exfoliate before tanning and moisturise the drier body areas such as the knees, elbows and ankles to help prevent the tandoori chicken appearance.
In Clinic procedures for the body to reduce fat may consist of either fat freezing treatments, radio frequency and cavitation or lymphatic drainage. By undertaking either Radio Frequency (RF) or fat freezing now, the results are not instantaneous but will be achieved and enjoyed while still enjoying summer. Lymphatic drainage pressotherapy treatments are the ideal way to detox during the party season, to reduce the side effects of jet lag and to improve the appearance of cellulite.
While every seasonal period brings with it new sets of challenges for the facial skin, summertime and party time, tend to deplete the skin of hydration and cause hyperpigmentation issues and a even duller complexion. To counteract the damage and to restore the skin’s health and glow in Clinic treatments can be focused on infusing the skin with Vitamin C, oxygen and hyaluronic serum.
The JetPeel or micro-hydrabrasion treatments are the ultimate procedures to gently but effectively exfoliate the skin before an oxygen and vitamin infusion. These treatments are the number one choice when it comes to achieving the best result for a deeply hydrated, rejuvenated and glowing skin, all without having to endure downtime. Add the LED (light emitting diode) treatment to the oxygen infusion and the absolute ultimate in skin health will be shining brightly at every social occasion and will be the envy of all.
LED Skin Care Treatments can also be utilised as a stand-alone procedure for the time poor person who needs the radiant boost for their skin.
Maintaining and boosting homecare is so important even when the party finishes at dawn. It is always easier to keep the skin, rather than making a last ditch effort to retrieve it from the depths of dull and lifeless despair. A simple routine of cleansing, toning (using gauze and a good enzymatic toning lotion), repair (using mandelic arginine serum and vitamin A), hydrating (using a cocktail of hyaluronic, growth factor, vitamin C and grape seed hydrating serum to stimulate cellular regeneration), and protection (sunscreen applied every 3 hours) will always be the staple of a time efficient, healthy skin care routine.
Though this time of the year is filled with merriment and joy, it is also not without its stresses, which may include an endless list of parties and functions. In order to keep your body and skin in optimum health and revealing radiance, indulge yourself with a little holiday decadence both at home and in our Mona Vale Skin Care Clinic, all without the calories.
