Dark spots and sun damage dulling your skin’s radiance? Discover the power of Vitamin C. This powerhouse ingredient is a summer skincare secret capable of revitalising your skin from dull to brighter and more youthful. See how to incorporate Vitamin C in your routine.
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.
Winter is here, and more than likely, you’ve noticed your skin respond to the cold change. In this post, our expert skin therapists share four skincare tips to help you prevent dry skin during the winter months. Dry July, be gone!
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.
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey that brings joy, but it can also come with aches and unexpected pains, including pregnancy pigmentation. We breakdown how to safely minimise the mask of pregnancy, known as melasma, during your pregnancy as well as postpartum.
A next-generation professional anti-aging system inspired by the most advanced medical aesthetic technology that incorporates the [meso]epigen system™ complex coupled with near infrared light technology.
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. Chiza 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.
Cosmelan® by mesoestetic: the world’s most effective depigmentation treatment. There’s no doubt that cosmelan® delivers phenomenal results, but one of the biggest questions I receive about cosmelan® is how it feels after, so I documented my cosmelan® journey in real-time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Medik8 has over 70 different products: including cleansers, direct acids, toners, serums, creams and sunscreens. They give you the choice to tailor your skincare specifically to your needs. But with so many products, and only one face, where do you even start?
Understanding your skin is the first step to a fully developed skincare routine. Consider the skin concern you want to address – is it fine lines and wrinkles you want to target, or a set of blemishes which need to be calmed? Medik8 Regimes are specifically designed to cater to any skincare concern – you can find these here.
However, if you want to build your own skincare regime bespoke to your skin’s needs or need help on how to use your existing products, keep reading.
Medik8 believe every skincare regime should be based on CSA; vitamin C and sunscreen by day (C + S), and vitamin A by night (A). Start with CSA, and you can build from there.
Here’s how to build a typical morning and evening routine:
In the morning, a light cleanser will gently wash away oils produced overnight, leaving your skin prepared for morning skincare. We recommend a foam, mousse or gel cleanser for the most refreshing morning cleanse. See the Medik8 range of cleansers we recommend here.
A light sweep of a direct acid and/or hydrating toner will help active ingredients in your regime to penetrate better into the skin. See the Medik8 range of Toners we recommend here.
This could be a peptide or a booster serum to target a specific skincare concern. Depending on whether your target serum is oil, water or emulsion based, it may layer before or after your vitamin C. See the range of Peptides here.
Vitamin C, an exceptionally powerful antioxidant, is vital to apply in the morning to protect your delicate skin from environmental damage throughout the day. See the range of Vitamin C serums here.
Keep your skin protected from damaging UV rays and sun damage, which can cause premature ageing. UV rays are responsible for 80% of visible facial ageing, so keeping skin protected from the sun is the key to looking youthful for longer. Medik8 Physical Sunscreen is a high-performance SPF 50 sunscreen that provides powerful broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. We highly recommend you go check it out here.
Start with a gentle eye make-up remover before moving onto cleansing. Double Cleansing is ideal to remove all traces of makeup, sunscreen and daily pollutants, particularly if you wear heavier make up. Start with massaging in an oil or cream cleanser, to lift make up and oil from the skin, then using a lighter foam, mousse, or gel cleanser with for a thorough cleanse.
For heavy makeup wearers, our recommended double cleanse regime begins with Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil, followed by Micellar Mousse.
For Congested/Blemish Prone Skins, our recommended double cleanse regime begins with Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil, followed by Clarifying Foam.
For Dry/Sensitive Skins, our recommended double cleanse regime begins with Cream Cleanse, followed by Gentle Cleanse.
A light sweep of a direct acid can gently exfoliate the complexion, while helping other active ingredients in your regime to penetrate better into the skin. See the range of Toners here.
This could be a peptide or a booster serum to target a specific skincare concern. Depending on the base of your target serum, it may layer before or after your vitamin A (check the table for layering guidance!). Our recommendation is Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense for a supercharged hyaluronic acid serum.
The skin is most active at night as skin cell regeneration becomes supercharged while we sleep. This makes it the ideal time to use vitamin A serums which also speed up skin cell renewal. Most forms of vitamin A are deactivated by sunlight, so always incorporate your retinol or retinal serum into your night-time routine. See the Medik8 range of Vitamin A serums here.
Overnight is also the ideal time to rehydrate, richer moisturisers have time to sink deeper into your skin. Opt for a heavier moisturiser than what you would use in the daytime to truly nourish and rejuvenate skin as you sleep. See the Medik8 range of Moisturisers here.
Apply up to twice a week to give your skin a boost, we have a range of masks and treatments which are perfect for some skin indulgence. For a real boost, you can double mask! Start with applying Medik8 Natural Clay Mask for 10 minutes to refine the skin, remove, then apply Medik8 Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask to plump and hydrate! Sleep Glycolic is a perfect at-home peel for a once per week treat.
So, you’ve chosen the products you want in your bespoke skincare regime, now it’s time to understand how to layer them onto the face, in the morning or evening.
When layering skincare, these are our general recommendations:
1) Apply in the order; Cleanse, Toner/Direct Acid, Eye Serum, Face Serum, Oil, Face Moisturiser/Cream, Sunscreen.
2) When layering multiple serums apply in the order; Water-based serums then oil-based serums then emulsion-based serums (milky lotion consistency). If unsure what base your Medik8 serum is, refer to the table below or consult the exhaustive table found on the Medik8 website here.
3) Apply any serums of the same base in order lightest to heaviest in texture.
Click here for the exhaustive table of layering skincare, which includes every product in the Medik8 range, listed in order of application in a regime. Alongside the products are helpful notes to help tailor your regime further and get the very best out of each product.
If you are unsure about any of this or have any questions about building a bespoke regime for you, please do not hesitate to book in for a phone or in-person skin consult with our Dermal Therapist, which can be booked online.
This article originally appeared on the Medik8 website as ‘How to Build a Bespoke Skincare Regime’.