Tag Archive for: acne

At Bobbie Charles we believe digestive health plays a massive part in your skin health and wellbeing. It’s a minefield of information out there when it comes to gut health. So we asked our Nutritionist and gut health expert, Carissa Mason, to share with you some common digestive signs that you might experience if your gut needs some TLC.

As the seasons shift and we embrace the warmth of Spring, it’s time to give your beauty routine a well-deserved update. So, what do these changes into the warmer Spring months have in store for your skin? In the blog, our skin experts explore five crucial adjustments you should make for your skin this Spring to keep it happy and healthy.

Want to learn about acne and how to best control it from a Dermal Therapist? We don’t like to gatekeep, so here we’re sharing the must-know secrets and our top-rated products you can use in the fight against acne and breakouts, just in time for Acne Awareness Month.

Trying to find a safe and effective solution to acne prone skin can be tiresome and expensive. The acnelan peel journey by mesoestetic is a clinical grade peel specially formulated to target all causes of acne and breakouts.

By Chiza Westcarr

There’s been a lot of focus on gut health and its influence on our overall health in recent times. I am not convinced, however, that we realise the extent to which the health of the gut governs our mental health, weight, bowel regularity, skin health, autoimmune health and so much more. Chronic illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disorders, metabolic diseases and mental illness all have a very strong link to gut health.

The gut is home to an ecosystem of trillions of microbes including yeast, fungi, bacteria and viruses. These microscopic organisms have their own unique gene pool that influence their behaviour and subsequently ours too. We refer to the gut microbes and their genes as the gut microbiome.

Gut microbes are able to not only communicate with each other but also with the brain via neurotransmitters or special signals that they release, such as serotonin, and dopamine, that then travel up a nerve, the vagus nerve, from the gut to the brain stem. 95% of serotonin, our happy hormone, is produced by these gut microbes, influencing our mood and mental health. We often refer to the vagus nerve as a bi-directional superhighway because apart from receiving these signals from gut microbes, in turn the brain is able to transmit messages back to the gut based on the communication it has received.

In Australia, we are the second highest users of anti-depressants in the world. Our diet directly influences both the microbial diversity as well as microbe numbers in the gut. Good microbes are heavily dependent on a fibre-rich diet, acquired from fibrous vegetables, which they break down and ferment to produce short chain fatty acids, which provides energy and nourishment for themselves and for the cells that line the gut. Short chain fatty acids also have an inflammatory effect on the gut.

Apart from these good microbes that reside in the gut, it is also home to opportunistic microbes that are potentially pathogenic, or disease causing. If these pathogenic microbes manage to increase in large numbers, and get out of control, they are associated with gut dysbiosis also termed ‘leaky gut’, with symptoms ranging from stomach cramps, flatulence, abdominal distension, alternating between diarrhoea and constipation, weight gain and weight loss, and so much more.

Unlike the fibre-rich diet good microbes require, the not-so-good pathogenic microbes thrive on a refined, highly processed, sugar-based diet that contains very little, to no fibre. Pathogenic gut microbes also communicate with the brain, releasing their own signals that also travel up the vagus nerve. They are associated with low serotonin levels, constipation, and changes in mood and mental health.

Alcohol consumption, long-term medication use, and chronic stress also impact gut microbe health. Inflammatory skin conditions such as Rosacea, psoriasis and acne all point to gut dysbiosis or ‘leaky gut’.

When the diet is right, the gut microbial mix is right, with the good gut bugs being in the majority, keeping us disease free and healthy on the inside and vibrant and radiant on the outside.

Taking probiotics increases the population and diversity of good microbes.

Eating lots of fibrous vegetables provide the important food for the good microbes.

Reducing refined carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol, managing stress levels and getting adequate sleep all serve to enhance gut function.

What does your skin say about you?


**This post originally featured on Chiza’s Blog over at glowskinandnutrition.com
Chiza is working alongside our Therapists to create a holistic approach to skin health through her nutritional meal plans, targeted directly to your concerns. C
hiza has multiple impressive qualifications under her belt, including a Bachelor of Health Science specialising in Clinical Dermal Therapies, a Masters Degree in Human Nutrition and an Advanced Diploma in Nutritional Medicine. Chiza is also a qualified Health Coach.

Medik8 - Denise Applying Crystal Retinal

Both Crystal retinal and intelligent retinol have amazing anti-aging properties, but why do we favour Crystal?

Vitamin A Conversion

Both retinal and retinol help to increase proliferation (cell turnover), increase collagen and elastin synthesis, decrease melanin production, reduce sebum production, stimulate Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and finally thicken the epidermis for plumper skin. So why not favour both?

Well firstly, let’s get to know the Vitamin A stages of conversion. Retinoic acid is the form of vitamin A used by the cell, however we can’t put retinoic acid directly onto the skin. However we can put retinol and retinaldehyde onto the skin, which the skin then converts to retinoic acid through the stages of conversion.

Vitamin A pathway

Intelligent Retinol

Intelligent Retinol from Medik8 is a classic form of vitamin A. Retinol must go through 2 conversions to get to retinoic acid, the vitamin A form used within the cell. This means it takes longer to ‘work’ in the skin, and the skin has to do a lot more work to get it to retinoic acid, sometimes causing irritation. Medik8 Intelligent Retinol TR also contains vitamin E and Jojoba oil, giving the skin extra antioxidants and nourishment.

Intelligent Retinol is ideal for:

  • Those looking to prevent signs of aging.
  • Those who like a lightweight, fast absorbing oil formulation.

Key benefits:

  • Perfect for those looking to level up from Night Ritual Vitamin A.
  • Great product for those looking for a classic form of Vitamin A.

Crystal Retinal

As the name suggests, Medik8 Crystal Retinal is the retinaldehyde form of vitamin A encapsulated in a cyclodextrin crystal exterior. This has been proven to be 2.8 times more biologically active then retinol and is the only form of vitamin A to have antibacterial properties – meaning it can help to kill the bacteria causing breakouts (p. acne). It also only has to go through 1 conversion to get to retinoic acid, meaning quicker cellular regeneration and less irritation.

Crystal Retinal is also great for people with sensitive skin because of its time release technology, in which the retinal is released into the skin slowly overnight. It also contains multi-weight hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E and glycerin.

Crystal retinal is ideal for:

  • Blemish-prone skin.
  • Prevention of premature aging.
  • Those looking for a vitamin A without irritation.
  • Those looking for a step up from Retinol TR.
  • Those looking for the most powerful of Vitamin A’s.
  • Those who prefer a cream-serum.

Key benefits:

  • Encourages quick cellular regeneration.
  • Stabilised retinal.
  • Available in 5 strengths.
  • Non-irritating.

Both retinal and retinol can cause mild irritation when they’re first introduced to the skin, but these effects are temporary, and they usually occur when vitamin A has been introduced too quickly or in too high a quantity.

Technically speaking, retinol is usually gentler than retinal, but new developments in encapsulation techniques have allowed formulators to create retinal products that are just as kind to the skin as retinol.

Introducing vitamin A into your routine gradually is the best way to avoid irritation. Start with a low percentage. Use it twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for a further 2 weeks and then every night. Once your skin has built-up a tolerance to the ingredient, you can then move on to higher strength products.

If you are unsure what vitamin A is for you, book a phone or in-person skin consult with our Skin Therapists, which can be booked online.

Results from 8 LED Treatments using Healite

At Bobbie Charles we are wholeheartedly committed to helping you feel confident in your own skin, through a combination of effective in-clinic treatment plans and tailored at home products to enhance your results.

Our most popular and well-loved skin treatment would have to be Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) using the Healite II, a world leading LED light treatment for skin rejuvenation and healing. Not all LED devices are created equal; so, it’s important to know you are being treated with the best the industry has to offer.

The Healite II, which is a TGA approved medical device backed by proven clinical studies, harnesses the properties of 830/590nm and 415nm light via light emitting diodes (LED) technology. This device works at a subcellular, cellular and tissue level, treating effectively without the possibility of physical trauma or thermal damage. The treatment is pain free, non-invasive and can be used as a stand-alone treatment to improve skin texture, reducing acne and rosacea, wrinkle depth and skin texture issues. Due to its ability to heal the skin, the Healite II is also used as an adjunctive treatment to other cosmetic procedures.

 Why use Healite II LED Light Therapy?

  1. Promotes Skin Rejuvenation

As you age, your body starts producing less collagen. The skin becomes thinner, drier, and experiences a downturn in quality collagen and elastin fibres. The degradation of these fibres leads to wrinkle formation and an inability for the skin to look plump and lifted. With Healite II LED Light Therapy we can wind back the clock and regain skin rejuvenation.

When it comes to skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing, the 830 nm LED light wavelength is the answer. The light triggers a response by the skin’s cells and sets off a cascade of cellular reactions, which results in a release of growth factors, new collagen synthesis and improvements in the microcirculation.

  1. Enhances Your Body’s Natural Cellular Recovery

Healite II LED Light Therapy enhances our body’s natural cellular recovery. But you are probably thinking “what does this actually mean?”. This medical grade device improves your body’s healing time, it aids in pain relief, treats active acne, improves blood flow circulation, and promotes skin rejuvenation for an anti-aging effect.

The near infrared (830nm wavelength) is the setting of choice for post-surgical procedures including breast augmentations, face-lifts, rhinoplasty etc. to calm inflammation, accelerate wound healing and reduce bruising; reducing downtime by half as studies show. The below table shows the healing comparison time post procedure without using Healite II compared to using the Healite II post procedure.

HealiteII-Comparison-Table

  1. Helps Treat Various Skin Conditions & Boosts Immune Function

Healite II LED Light Therapy not only helps rejuvenate your skin, but it has a lot of healing benefits as well. It can be used to help improve inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. The LED light stimulates deep skin cells and boosts your immune function. It helps improve compromised skin and is a great stand-alone treatment, an amazing addition to our results-based facials such as Skin Peels, and complements prescribed at-home products for enhanced results, such as the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 and Medik8 Clarity Peptides.

  1. Helps Improve Acne/Breakouts

When it comes to acne, Healite II has been shown to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, reduce redness and inflammation, and further reduces breakouts.

The blue light (415nm wavelength) is used for the treatment of active acne, blackheads, and congestion. This light is responsible for killing off the acne causing bacteria found on our skin.

The near infrared (830nm wavelength) is best used to calm inflammation and accelerate healing. This is the setting of choice for reducing acne scars and inflamed acne.

Results-3-Months-Using-HealiteII-Medik8-at-home

The results shown above are thanks to a combination of at-home skin care prescribed by our Dermal Clinician, and regular LED treatments under the Healite II in just under 3 months.⁠⁠

  1. No Pain and No Downtime

Our Healite II LED Light Therapy has so many benefits, but what’s the biggest bonus? This skin treatment is completely pain-free and there is no downtime! Most people describe it as a similar sensation to laying under the warm sun (but good for your skin!). Most clients also do not realise you get immediate results as well. Immediately after your treatment, skin will appear plumper, more rejuvenated and will be glowing.

Invest in the skin you’re in!

Let us take you on the journey to your best skin yet. Bobbie Charles Skin & Cosmetic Clinic offer LED Light Facials starting from $69 per treatment, that can be performed in as little time as a half hour lunch break!

Clinical studies show maximum results when using the Healite II Phototherapy treatment twice a week for 4 weeks. For best results and cost saving, grab a LED Package of 10 x LED light facials for $690.

Before doing LED Light Therapy for the first time, head over to the LED Light Facials web page and view the advice & contraindications before booking in your LED Light Facial with us. You can easily book a LED Light Facial online 24/7 on our website or give the friendly team a call in-clinic to purchase the package today.