Why are so many people afraid of speaking about and receiving Anti-Aging & Volume Enhancement treatments? We are all familiar with numerous reasons, mainly the horror stories we have heard and seen. Don’t be afraid any longer. Let me help with providing some possible answers to allay your fears. Injectable treatments are a great potential solution for smoothing your skin and helping you be the best version of yourself.
Collagen and elastin give skin a plump, youthful appearance. Unfortunately, starting in our late 20s and moving into our 30s, our skin loses its ability to protect and regenerate itself. As we age, we lose the ability to produce collagen and elastin, leading to a loss of volume in the face and creases in the skin. Lines that form with various facial expressions also begin to leave their mark.
Considering both Anti-Aging & Volume Enhancement treatments may assist with reducing and even removing the tell-tale signs of age. Your injection choice will depend on several factors such as your age, skin type, the severity of the wrinkle and the cause of the crease. It will also depend on whether you have the injection as a preventative measure or to treat an existing condition. I always think it is not about looking different but being the best version of yourself, and with the right professional injector, this is achievable.
Anti-Aging treatments contain natural purified toxins as protein to temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles and lines of expression. The treatment involves a fine needle injecting the toxin into the area you wish to smooth. The treatment requires no downtime; effects occur within 7-10 days and can last for 2-3 months or longer depending on the area treated, lifestyle and the amount of exercise you do.
Anti-Aging & Volume Enhancements can also be used for crows feet near the eyes, a lip flip, forehead wrinkles, bunny lines in the nose, smokers lines, neckband reduction, sagging brows, gummy smiles, hyperhidrosis -excessive sweating, migraines, teeth grinding and clenching, and marionette lines at the sides of the mouth.
Volume Enhancement treamtents can last up to a year and are most commonly used for:
Nose correction (reshaping the nose to give it a straighter, larger or more symmetrical appearance)
Providing gentle fullness to the forehead, which represents youth. As we age, the temple area often recesses and filler will gently add a youthful fullness.
Sunken tear troughs represent a tired appearance to the face and dermal filler can fill the recess which stems from the inner corner of the eye and out to the cheek instantly
Lips can lose volume with age and we can also be born with thin lips.
Cheeks are the most popular area to enhance as with aging, it is one of the first areas to lose volume
Chin augmentation can improve the appearance of a recessed chin and align it with the nose and forehead.
Hand rejuvenation is very popular as a filler that will plump the depleted volume and remove the bony appearance.
Ear lobes are gaining popularity with filler as the combination of age and earrings has often dragged the skin down and needs increased volume.
When having in-clinic treatments, Anti-Aging & Volume Enhancement treatments can be like the icing on the cake for the final aesthetic result. However, facial treatments such as facials or skin resurfacing treatments are best performed after Anti-Aging & Volume Enhancement treatments. Individuals must confirm with their cosmetic injector the recommended delay times as it can vary from 24 hours to two weeks. The delay is because the administered solution is best not moved and has a better chance to do the intended work.
When used in conjunction with a good skin care programme at home, in-clinic treatments, and professionally administered registered injectables, you can be the best version YOU.
The sun may be a source of warmth and light, but it can also cause significant harm to our skin if we don’t take the necessary precautions. While many people are diligent about applying sun protection during the summer months, sun damage can occur all year round. Whether it’s a bright winter morning, a crisp autumn day, or the blazing summer sun, the risk of skin damage from UV rays remains ever-present. Protecting our skin from sun exposure is a year-long commitment, and understanding the factors that can reduce the effectiveness of sun protection products is key to staying safe.
Basic Sun Protection Tips
We’ve all heard about the basic sun protection strategies, but it’s important to revisit these principles to ensure we’re following them correctly.
Choose a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Your sunscreen should offer broad-spectrum protection with a minimum SPF of 30, ensuring that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for skin ageing, while UVB rays cause sunburn. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection, but anything above 50 SPF offers marginally increased protection.
Seek Shade: The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Staying in the shade during these hours can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful UV radiation. If you’re outdoors, consider using an umbrella or finding cover under trees to limit direct sun exposure.
Reapply Sunscreen Regularly: Even if your sunscreen is water-resistant, it’s important to reapply it every two hours, and more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. A common mistake is applying too little sunscreen. Make sure to use a generous amount for thorough coverage.
Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, trousers, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses provide an additional barrier against UV rays. Look for clothing made from tightly woven fabrics that offer more protection than lighter, looser materials.
Be Aware of Reflective Surfaces: Surfaces like snow, water, sand, and even asphalt can reflect UV rays, amplifying their intensity. Even on cloudy days, or when you’re in shaded areas, reflected UV rays can cause skin damage.
Hydrate Regularly: Sun exposure can lead to dehydration, especially during hot weather. Keeping your body hydrated helps maintain healthy skin and prevents sun-related issues such as heatstroke and sunburn.
Hidden Factors That Affect Sun Protection
While the above guidelines are commonly known, there are some lesser-known factors that can reduce the effectiveness of your sun protection strategy. Being aware of these factors can make all the difference when it comes to safeguarding your skin.
Anti-Ageing Skincare Products: Active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), retinol, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are often used in anti-ageing products. However, these ingredients can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, making you more prone to sunburn and irritation. Additionally, exposure to sunlight can degrade the efficacy of these ingredients, reducing their benefits over time. To minimise the risk, use products containing these ingredients at night and always follow up with daily sunscreen.
Medications That Cause Photosensitivity: Certain medications, including antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can increase sensitivity to sunlight. This condition, known as photosensitivity, can result in an increased risk of sunburn or rashes. Medications that cause photosensitivity can also become less effective when exposed to UV radiation. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about the potential effects of sun exposure on your medication.
Antibiotics and UV Exposure: Similar to medications, certain antibiotics are vulnerable to photo-degradation, where exposure to UV rays alters their chemical structure and reduces their effectiveness. To prevent this, store medications in opaque containers and avoid direct sunlight during the course of treatment. If you are prescribed antibiotics, it’s wise to ask your healthcare provider whether sun exposure could affect your medication.
Perfumes, Essential Oils, and Aftershave: Many scented products contain ingredients that can cause skin reactions when exposed to sunlight, a condition known as photo-toxicity or photo-allergy. These reactions often result in hyperpigmentation, irritation, or even severe sunburn. Be cautious when applying perfumes or essential oils to sun-exposed areas of your skin, especially on sunny days.
Foods and Drinks That Increase Sun Sensitivity: Did you know that certain foods and beverages can make your skin more sensitive to the sun? Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, contain psoralens and furocoumarins that can increase your risk of sunburn. Alcohol, on the other hand, dilates blood vessels and dehydrates the body, which can exacerbate sunburn. Spicy foods, high-glycemic snacks, and fried or processed foods can all contribute to inflammation, making sunburn more severe and delaying recovery.
The Importance of Year-Round Sun Protection
In the areas, where overcast days are frequent, many people may assume that sun protection is only necessary during the summer months. However, UV rays can penetrate clouds and still damage the skin. Moreover, cold climates with snow can increase UV exposure due to reflection.
Australia, often referred to as having one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, offers a stark reminder that sun safety is a year-long issue. Sun damage is cumulative, which means that even brief periods of exposure throughout the year can add up over time, leading to premature skin ageing, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Investing in a good sunscreen and practising sun safety, regardless of the season, can help ensure your skin remains healthy for years to come.
This is deeply personal. You’ve affected my skin, my mood, and my confidence. Now, it’s time to part ways.
There are a few new treatments on the horizon that might help with acne and oily skin. But first, let’s delve into what acne is all about.
Identifying the exact cause of acne can be challenging. Multiple factors contribute, including hormonal imbalances, psychological stress, nutritional deficiencies, and genetics. Other influences can include stress, face-picking, excessive scrubbing, cosmetics, and skin irritants. Stress triggers the adrenal glands, and fluctuating testosterone levels can lead to breakouts. Improper extractions can rupture follicles and spread bacteria while touching your face irritates the skin and promotes bacterial growth. Additionally, soaps, cosmetics, hair products, and fabric softeners can be problematic, so it’s best to opt for fragrance-free, dye-free, and preservative-free products.
Types of Acne
Acne Vulgaris: This type usually involves a variety of lesions, such as comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, and sometimes scars. Propionibacterium acnes bacteria cause Acne Vulgaris.
Acne Cosmetica: Triggered by comedogenic ingredients in topical products, this type typically presents as small, slightly raised red lesions, whiteheads, and occasional pustules. It’s usually non-inflammatory.
Acne Mechanica: Caused by friction or pressure, this type occurs when rubbing or manipulation of microcomedones ruptures follicles. Constant friction from materials like hats can worsen this acne.
Acne Rosacea: More common in women than men, Acne Rosacea is characterised by erythema and telangiectasia. Lesions typically form in the centre of the face, especially on the cheeks and chin.
New Treatments for Acne and Oily Skin
Three treatments that may help reduce acne and oily skin include Tixel, Venus AC Dual, and AviClear. These treatments use heat, laser, and/or red and blue light therapy. People with acne and oily skin are optimistic about these options because they don’t involve systemic medications, potential side effects, or ongoing blood tests.
Tixel: This treatment uses controlled thermal energy to treat sebaceous glands and rejuvenate the skin’s surface. A heated metallic plate delivers short bursts of energy to the skin, constricting sebaceous glands (which produce oil) and triggering a natural healing response, collagen production, and reduction in scar tissue.
Venus Concept AC Dual: This laser uses dual light technology. Blue light targets porphyrin produced by P. acnes bacteria, reducing these bacteria, while red light promotes faster healing and decreases inflammation. However, this treatment might not be suitable for individuals with darker Fitzpatrick skin types.
AviClear: Like the other treatments, AviClear uses laser technology to send a light beam of energy to the sebaceous glands. This reduces oil production, resulting in fewer pimples, less oil, and fewer blackheads.
These treatments can be somewhat uncomfortable, and the skin may remain warm for a few hours post-treatment. Depending on the treatment, sessions may occur every 2-4 weeks or monthly, with results visible in as little as two weeks.
Complementary Care
It’s crucial to maintain a good home care routine before, during, and after these treatments. Collaborating with your doctor, nutritionist, naturopath, or homeopath can help identify if gut or hormonal issues are contributing to your acne. By addressing these factors and making lifestyle changes, significant improvements can be achieved.
With the right approach, saying goodbye to acne can be more than just a wish—it can become your reality.
There is always something new and exciting happening in the aesthetic profession. Some innovations are a fad whilst others are beneficial and can add value to our skin, hair and health. Here are just a few this month that I hope you find interesting.
Ozempic Face & Body: Ozempic is close to being a household name globally. This semaglutide medication is used for those who have diabetes but has won notoriety for its other benefit of assisting with weight loss. In the realm of aesthetics, the semaglutide medications will continue to grow in popularity alongside their effects such as skin laxity and the need for target volume replacement. Often when weight loss is rapid there can be muscle loss, hair thinning and loss, a decrease in volume in the face and loss of skin elasticity. Hence the phrase Ozempic Face and Body. Plastic surgeons have a saying, as we get older choose your face or your body. I believe you can have both when you work simultaneously with correct nutrition and skin care both at home and in the clinic. Semaglutide medications assist with decreasing your appetite, so ensure you are receiving adequate and correct nutrients for your lifestyle and body requirements with the assistance of a nutritionist. When it comes to your skin, volume loss can be assisted with skin boosters and volume enhancement treatments. Skin laxity can be improved from the start of your journey with radio frequency in-clinic treatments, at-home dry body brushing and a prescribed homecare routine with the most active products for use morning and night.
Exosomes: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes are gaining popularity in the skincare arena due to their regenerative properties. These exosomes contain different types of growth factors and proteins that can enhance collagen production, reduce inflammation and improve the overall health of the skin. Exosomes enhance the skin’s regenerative processes and this in turn can reduce fine lines and signs of aging resulting in a smoother texture and more youthful appearance. Overseas the exosomes may be injected into the skin or used with skin needling, with promising results. At the moment in Australia, the TGA has not approved the use of exosomes. To date, exosomes are proving to have a better result for rejuvenation when compared to PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). It is thought that PRP is limited because as you age the growth factors are reduced, but with the use of exosomes age does not limit their beneficial results.
Hair Stimulation treatments: there are many hair restoration treatments available both medical, in clinic and at home. Hair loss, thinning and colour changes surpass mere aesthetic concerns, deeply affecting an individual’s psychological health. When the hair follicle is not scarred, but is still intact, it can be stimulated with a new serum/treatment called Kojaxin. This is an in-clinic treatment and is used alongside a home care system. The natural hair serum reinforces the structure, fullness, resistance and strength of thin and weak hair in both men and women. Using a combination of 16 highly concentrated and pure active ingredients the hair will increase in volume and density. Hair loss is rarely caused by a single factor. It may include cortisol and stress, medication, hormonal fluctuations, gut issues, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, genetics, thyroid imbalances, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), traction alopecia, chemical hair treatments, heat styling, anemia and high blood sugar levels which rev up your immune system, triggering additional inflammation around hair follicles. The in-clinic treatment may involve skin stamping, LED light therapy, and cold plasma infusion treatments.
Even with new possibilities on the horizon for our well-being and appearance, it is important to see each one as another piece of the health jigsaw puzzle. It is very rare for one treatment, product or food to be the be-all and end-all. If only it were possible, but at this point in time, prioritise your health and lifestyle and your homecare internal and external topicals.
We all desire a clear and consistent skin tone. However, lingering hyperpigmentation is a constant barrier to achieving this. It impacts every skin type at every stage of our lives, especially when sun exposure, heat and prolonged UV damage are factors. The pleasing news is that with the proper homecare regime and in-clinic treatments, the brown spots can be reduced or removed completely. This will be a consistent programme including prevention and treatment.
Hyperpigmentation refers to areas of the skin with an abnormal appearance of pigment, resulting in darker areas of the skin compared to the rest of the complexion. There are 3 main types of hyperpigmentation: epidermal (surface is light brown and not quite as dense), dermal (skin is ashen-grey and a deep brown and appears more solid), and then a mixture (both of the above levels and is usually dark brown).
There are many triggers creating pigmentation (dyschromia) changes, as well as varying depths of damage to the skin. These types of changes in the skin may occur when melanocytes (colour-producing cells) are either over-stimulated resulting in hyperpigmentation, or they may be destroyed, resulting in hypopigmentation. The colour changes may also be an uneven pigmentation from procedures, picking or scratching. Melasma is denoted by more dense larger patches and is normally created with hormonal imbalance with estrogen and progesterone. Other causes may include birth control pills, HRT, PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), long-term sun exposure, razor bumps, heat, humidity, severe sunburn, eczema, chemical irritations, rashes, abrasive scrubs, medications, chicken pox, insect bites, surgical procedures, thyroid, and adrenal disorders.
One thing to keep in mind with most types of hyperpigmentation is our melanocytes are there for a reason, which is to protect the cell initially. We need this to help fight against the impact of the UV rays. After this protection process has taken place, the skin is now left with underlying damage which is seen in the form of pigmentation.
The two main factors stimulating hyperpigmentation are UV exposure and heat. Wearing an SPF of 30+ each day will assist with this protection. The best sunscreens for hyperpigmentation are typically all-mineral formulas. Chemical SPFs neutralize the UVA and UVB rays, while the mineral SPFs, create a barrier on top of the skin, blocking these factors and protecting it from infrared damage. A huge reminder, even when you wear your hat, sun protection and sunglasses and your face is covered, tanning on other parts of your body can still stimulate the melanocytes.
Hydroquinone is a well-known ingredient to treat hyperpigmentation. It is banned in many countries as it has been linked to possibly being carcinogenic. Our skin is very smart and may develop a resistance, or immunity to it, resulting in a very dark hyperpigmentation, which usually takes longer to reduce.
Other proven ingredients for use in both homecare and clinical treatments include the enzyme papain (from the papaya), and bakuchiol (a retinol alternative supporting the skin’s cellular renewal. When applied topically it encourages sloughing of overly pigmented cells, leaving skin looking renewed and more even),mandelic acid (a water soluble exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid made from bitter almonds and is generally tolerated well by most skin types with its larger molecular size and therefore slowing the absorption resulting in less irritation to the skin),tranexamic acid (will even out hyperpigmentation when melanin density is connected to sun damage. It is also safe to use through pregnancy), pyruvic acid (derived from the hibiscus and is both oil and water soluble and has the capacity to brighten the faster by encouraging the rapid cell regeneration), and niacinamide (a vitamin B3 product impedes the production of melanin as it is happening).
Some of the in-clinic treatments available include IPL(Intense Pulsed Light), Fractional Laser, Tixel, Q Switch Yag and herbal and chemical peels.
Protect the skin you are in; it is yours for a lifetime. Regardless of hyperpigmentation’s cause and its associated uneven tone and dark spots, it is essential in Australia to treat and prevent it on a regular basis. It is not a seasonal call to action, but instead a year-round commitment.
Skin rejuvenation is assisted by so many different treatment modalities such as Fractional Laser, CO2 laser, IPL, Q-Switch Yag, Radio Frequency Needlin and Skin Needling to name just a few. And then there is Tixel®.
Tixel® is not a laser, but an ablative (removing the top layer of skin) and non-ablative fractional skin treatment that will rejuvenate skin by stimulating new collagen to improve skin quality and will also target and treat acne and scarring.
Tixel® uses thermo-mechanical (heat) energy to evaporate tiny channels in the skin. This technology uses a titanium tip which is heated to 400 degrees celsius. The small and large tips contain tiny pyramids that pass over the skin, delivering short bursts of heat energy directly to the skin. This heat energy will firm the skin and refine the texture.
Tixel® can be used on all skin types, including those with a darker skin tone and hyperpigmentation. The energy settings can be reduced depending on your Fitzpatrick skin type, meaning the darker the skin the lower the setting, which in turn will mean a few more treatments.
From addressing fine lines and wrinkles to improving skin texture and tone, to treating active acne and scarring, the Tixel® offers extremely versatile solutions to a myriad of aesthetic concerns. When treating acne, the Tixel® can treat both active clusters of acne and acne scarring. When treating active acne, the heat assists with slowing the sebaceous oil flow and reducing infection. The temperature and the treatment for this particular procedure (treating the active acne) can be a little “spicey” but can be a positive alternative to medications in some cases. Depending on the severity of the acne, 3-4 treatments may be required, spaced about 2 weeks apart.
When treating acne scarring, again, depending on the severity of the scar tissue, a few treatments about 4 weeks apart will be required and must be combined with a clinical home care programme for optimum results.
The Tixel® treatment can also provide a rejuvenation technique by infusing active serums into the skin. Thousands of tiny microchannels are created and stay open for roughly 6 hours. During this time a take-home cocktail of customised serums is massaged into the skin every hour. This procedure is one of my all-time favourite treatments in the Clinic, without downtime. The skin may be superficially dry for a day or two post-treatment and then the skin glows and is well on its way to a more refined appearance. Everything from rosacea to hyperpigmentation can be treated easily. The rosacea has a redness-reducing cocktail massaged into the area and within a few days has begun to reduce in intensity.
Hyperpigmentation has tranexamic acid massaged in to reduce the discolouration of the skin. The infusion treatment has no downtime and no pain, just a radiant complexion.
The Tixel® treatment can treat any area of the body, face, neck, chest, back of hands and eye area. When the ablative settings are used, expect slight crusting for 4-5 days, along with dryness and a light pink colour kissing the skin. There is no peeling or blistering.
The eye area, both upper and lower areas, achieves a truly amazing result. Tixel® is often used with surgical blepharoplasty to refine the texture of the skin in this area. As the Tixel® is not a laser, the skin can be treated close to the lash line and the brow area.
With any Tixel® treatment, some people will see a result after 1 treatment, while others will require 3-5 sessions. The best results will be seen 4-5 weeks post-treatment.
Tixel® can be customised for the individual. When you are seeking a smoother, more revitalised complexion, Tixel® is definitely a treatment worth considering with less downtime than most lasers and clients with dry eye have reported experiencing improvement with this condition after a Tixel® Treatment.
