What’s the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens?

There are two main types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. Both have their own unique properties and benefits, and both help protect our skin from UV rays.

The benefits of physical sunscreen

Physical sunscreen, also called mineral sunscreen, sits on top of skin. Most physical sunscreens leave a white or tinted residue on skin, but newer formulas like Invisible Physical Defense 30+ and Porescreen 40+ have been made ultra-sheer to help prevent a chalky effect. To identify this type of sunscreen, look for the words “mineral,” or “physical,” as well as active ingredients like Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide.

Physical sunscreen:

  • Helps protect against UVA and UVB rays
  • Protects as soon as it’s applied – there’s no need to wait before exposing skin to daylight
  • Is generally comfortable for all skin types and conditions, particularly sensitive skin
  • Is applied over the top of your skin care as all other products can’t penetrate through a physical sunscreen.
  • Generally a physical SPF will not be combined with a moisturiser

The benefits of chemical sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens use ingredients that absorb into skin and transform UV rays into heat. This type of sunscreen tends to be popular because it feels light and looks unnoticeable.

Chemical sunscreen:

  • Helps protect against UVA and UVB rays
  • Needs time to absorb – 15 to 30 minutes – before exposing skin to daylight
  • Is generally comfortable for most skin types and conditions
  • Tends to be more water- and sweat-resistant
  • Moisturisers with SPF in them is generally a chemical SPF as this allows the moisturising factors to absorb into your skin

What sunscreen to use

It all comes down to which formula you like wearing the most. We believe any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen to help protect your skin from UV damage. That’s why we love that Dermalogica offer a broad range of SPF moisturizers and sunscreens that suit different preferences and lifestyles. To find out which formula is right for you, come in for a chat. Dermalogica have EIGHT different SPF’s to choose from so there is something for every skin and every season.

Plus, with the launch of the NEW Dermalogica Porescreen40+ on September 4th, for all of September 2023, Tranquility is giving you 10% off all SPF purchases. So stock up and protect your skin this Summer season.

Skin Needling aka Microneedling

You’ve no doubt heard of this by now but do you know the benefits of this advanced Skin Treatment?
Keep reading as we list our top 5 reasons why we love this treatment here at Tranquility…. plus wait til the end for a sneaky little discount available for a short time 😉

For starters, what is it you might ask??

Skin Needling is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that improves the appearance of a range of skin concerns by boosting the body’s natural collagen production. It’s used to treat everything from acne scars and sunspots to enlarged pores and visible signs of ageing. There’s also minimal downtime, so you don’t need to hide away for a week post-procedure. 
Our Top 5 Benefits of Skin Needling


1. REDUCES THE APPEARANCE OF LINES AND WRINKLES
No one wants to look older than they are. But premature aging that presents as fine lines and wrinkles does just that. The tiny injuries from a microneedling session boost collagen and elastin production to fight lines and wrinkles. Collagen and elastin are compounds in your skin that add structure and strength, lending a youthful quality. The wound-healing mechanisms also stimulate your body to produce new skin cells, making fine lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles less apparent.

2. SCAR TREATMENT
Because microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production, it’s also super effective in addressing acne and other scars on your skin. The only type of scar not possible to treat is keloid, or raised, scars.

3. SUN DAMAGE
Microneedling is effective in reducing the appearance of sun damage, particularly hyperpigmentation and age spots. If you have a blotchy, brownish complexion, which is probably a result of too many days of sunning, microneedling and its ability to stimulate new collagen and skin cells can reinvigorate your look and even out your tone.

4. ANTI-AGING
Aging doesn’t just show up as wrinkles and discoloration. As you get older, your skin loses its elasticity, so it appears lax. Aging skin may also look dull and lack a lustrous glow. Microneedling can change this.The buildup of collagen that occurs in response to the tiny wounds can improve skin structure to fight sagging. Plus, just 24 hours following a session, you experience a radiant, fresh glow.

5. SHRINKS PORES
Despite the fact that microneedling involves punching holes in your skin, it doesn’t increase the size of your pores. In fact, it helps your pores appear much smaller. When the collagen around your pores is stimulated, the area around each pore plumps, making the pore itself almost disappear.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your skin treatment, then be sure to book in your Skin Needling session… and when you do, enjoy $50 off when you present the below voucher to reception – just take a screen shot of the below voucher and show us – easy peasey!

Give us a call 33761144 to book or simply tap the link https://home.shortcutssoftware.com/tranquilitybeautysalon#/_h/sites/39800/details

Night Time Beauty Routine

Our skin undergoes several changes with new habits and I truly believe that having a good night time routine can set you up to having the best amount of rest that your body and skin will thank you for.

If you are suffering from dull, devitilised skin or have constant battles with breakouts or dry flaky skin patches, chances are your skin hasn’t received the love it needs before it hits the pillow.

 Here are some tips to remember that may do wonders for your skin overnight:

  •  Cleanse Your Skin

Your Skin has worked so hard to fight so many free radicals from damaging your skin during the day. Air-Conditioning, Traffic Pollutants, Passive Smoke that may have wafted in your face as you walked past someone. I mean seriously the skin is screaming “Give me a good clean!” when you are jumping in the shower after a big day.  However unfortunately just a quick rinse with water wont do the job. Heat and exposure to ultraviolet rays deregulate the glands responsible for oil production, so  deeper cleaning is necessary before bed so that the pores are unobstructed during the hours of sleep. Power Cleansing is a must which is done by using an water soluable oil over your skin to get rid of all the dirt, makeup and excess sunscreen. Then using a cleanser that has been prescribed for YOUR SKIN TYPE to remove all the traces of any impurities that are present within your skin, preventing any makeup build-up and any break-outs that had a chance of occurring.

  • Exfoliation Before Bed Prevents Skin Sensitization

It is also important to increase the frequency of exfoliation as sweat, dead cells and dirt accumulated throughout the day are guaranteed for comedones and other types of infections. However, it is very important to remember that exfoliation should only be done at night, since the practice can leave the skin more sensitive to sun damage.

  • Night Moisturizers with Antioxidants Are Important

When choosing a night moisturizer, it is worth 100% completely worth going in to your professional skin therapist and aksing what is best for your skin. When the body is in its resting state your skin is recharging and absorbing the most nutrients, and I’m sure you would agree that it would be better to have something that can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and work on your skin goals than sit on top and basically just lubricate the surface. You need to replenish the vitamins and minerals that have been lost after a hard days work and no amount of clean eating and green smoothies will make that skin glow more than letting it soak up the goodness of Vitamin A, C and E, which in the correct % levels can protect and renew your skin dramatically,  along with adding in a cocktail of peptides that in a nutshell slow down the collagen and elastin from depleting in the skin.

  • Keep A Hydramist On The Side Of the Bed to Prevent Dryness

If you have a habit of sleeping with the air conditioner switched on in the summer, it is important to double your care with hydration of the skin, since the electrical devices manage to cause the water present in the dermis to evaporate at a much higher speed. To avoid dryness of the skin at night, it is best to leave your hydramist on the side of the bed and spray it a little on the face every time you wake up with a feeling of pulled skin. My Favourite is Dermalogica’s Antioxidant Hydramist from their AgeSmart line. It actually has Magnesium Ascorbyl Acid, which can be transformed by the skins enzymes into Vitamin C. The abbreviated MAP15 ingredient can last in the skin for up to 5 days which gives me even more pleasure every time I spritz my face with it.

  • Sleep Well Always

A good night’s sleep lasting 8 hours at least allows you an almost complete recovery from the workday and stress. Plus sleeping well prevents wrinkles and dark circles! Oh, if you want to avoid marks on your face after sleep, just choose silk pillowcases which will save your skin from the harsh cotton fibers.

These small beauty tips are an essential part of my beauty routine before going to bed, try some of these and let us know the difference you feel. If you know any beauty tips for the night time, do share it with us in the comments below so we can inspire each other and ensure that a little extra effort can make a huge difference to our skin long term!

5 Benefits Of Vitamin C For The Skin

The effects of Vitamin C on the skin are almost like a magic trick. Having tons of benefits, Vitamin C is a secret to healthy skin and a strong immune system.

 Vitamin C is able to:

  • Increase collagen production,
  • Lighten skin blemishes,
  • Protect against sun damage,
  • Heal wounds
  • Minimize the harmful effects of free radicals.

 Yes, that means firmer, radiant skin with fewer lines of expression and wrinkles. There is no contraindication: the substance can be used as a preventive effect on all skin types. Topical vitamin C, found in creams, lotions and gels, maintains a higher concentration in the skin than when ingested orally. We have listed some reasons why you should include vitamin C formulations in your cosmetic care.

1. Fight wrinkles

Vitamin C is one of the essential factors for the production and stabilization of collagen, explains the dermatologist Tiago Recena, especially the collagens I and III, the main ones of our body. Collagen keeps more water and elasticity in its fibers, preventing the appearance of wrinkles. In addition to the skin, collagen also helps make hair and nails look more beautiful.

2. Reduces Sun Damage

The antioxidant action of vitamin C protects the skin from the sun’s rays and reduces the effects caused by the sun, explains the dermatologist Juliana Source:

– This occurs for both aging and the appearance of skin cancer, acting in partnership with sunscreens.

This is not to say that vitamin C is a substitute for sunscreen because it works for other purposes.

– Vitamin C does not protect against sunburn, but the release of free radicals by ultraviolet rays – clarifies Tiago Recena.

3. It is a powerful antioxidant

Free radicals are toxic substances produced by the body itself or by external factors like sun, cigarette, stress and pollution – which, under normal conditions, our body is in charge of neutralizing naturally. Antioxidant substances are responsible for reacting and neutralizing the levels of free radicals in the body. And the good news? Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and neutralizes free radicals by chemical reactions.In addition, vitamin C has a whitening effect and improves immunity.

4. Healing powers

It is fundamental in the healing process and production of collagen, it prevents diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, cataract, improves male fertility and the absorption of iron – explains Juliana Fonte.

5 .Want more? Reset your daily reservation

Vitamin C is present in many foods, especially in citrus fruits like kiwi, acerola, cashew and strawberry. Dark-green vegetables are rich in vitamin C: broccoli, kale and watercress, for example. It can also be found in some foods of animal origin, such as cow’s milk and goat’s milk and livers, both beef and pork or chicken.

– The body usually works with a reserve of 1500mg of vitamin C, which quickly degrades before the sun and oxygen, so we need to replenish daily. In some cases, you need to supplement with vitamin C as supplements in capsules – explains the dermatologist Tiago Recena.

End Your Showers Right

Reap Amazing Benefits from the Last 30 Seconds of Your Shower

Are you fond of cold showers? If your answer is no, then you are one with the majority. We do not blame you, either. Not many people enjoy getting shocked, especially not during the first thing in the morning. But what if we tell you that there are several health benefits to ending your shower cold?

No, we are not kidding. There are scientific studies that back up our claim. Read on to find out more about cold outs. You might find yourself wanting to give it another chance when you do (and enjoy it this time around).

What is Cold Out?

Imagine yourself taking a hot, steamy shower. Just as you are about to finish, you turn down the heat to the coldest temperature while still on full blast at the last minute or 30 seconds. That is what we call a cold out. You should do it even in winter, too. Before you hightail out of here, hear us out. It is not as dreadful as it seems, and it is far more beneficial than you realize.

We get that some like taking scalding showers, though it might be high time to cool off the habit. Super hot showers are not suitable for you anyway (unless you want to risk drying out and irritating your skin). But here is something that will do you a lot of good.

What Makes a Cold Out Great?

Doing a cold out presents you with these great health benefits:

Morning Alertness

Remember that initial shock you may be dreading when the cold spray hits you? It serves to increase the following:

  • oxygen intake
  • heart rate
  • alertness

It is precisely what you need to start your morning right. You will not have to go about the early hours shuffling about like the walking dead. It may also just be enough to lessen your caffeine intake.

Smoother Skin, Shinier Hair

Your hair and scalp have an affinity for cold water.

After the hot or warm water temperature, the cold out will soothe the stress the heat may have caused your skin. You will find yours to be softer and more supple, especially if it has been dry or flaky (which is common around winter time). It will even give it a healthier glow as it tightens and constricts your blood flow.

You also might have already heard that it closes your pores (but FYI, your pores never close off entirely), which is true. The pores will take on a smoother, tighter appearance after the rush of cold water. And if you have been experiencing itchy skin, a cold out will ease that itchiness, too.

A cold out presents a similar effect on your hair. The cold water closes and strengthens your hair cuticles while giving them a nice, natural shine. It will not dry out your sebum layer, either, which is essential for your scalp and hair’s protection from environmental stressors. Now you know why your senior stylist washes your hair with cool water.

Calorie Burn

Are you looking to increase your metabolism and burn some calories? Yes, a cold out can help you with that, too. During that initial cold water shock, your body will work to protect you by keeping your temperature stable. This effort increases your heart rate and causes calorie burn. Exposure to cold temperatures will have some fat cells (like brown fat) generate heat and burn off your fat. What a great way to boost the metabolism with hardly any effort!

And if you decide to work out, cold water has regenerative properties that will help ease and repair those muscles after a strenuous exercise.

Improve Circulation

If experts were to choose the top benefit of cold outs, it would be its capacity to increase circulation. Since cold water constricts circulation on your body’s surface, the blood in your deep tissues will circulate faster to regulate your temperature.

Good blood circulation enables the proper and better flow of oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. Those suffering from hypertension or cardiovascular disease will significantly benefit from the improved circulation as it will reduce inflammation.

Better Mood

Now, you might think you will come out of your shower cranky after being shocked. However, a cold will do the opposite and boost your mood. Studies suggest that a cold shower will stimulate your sympathetic nervous system. The activation causes an increase in your neurotransmitters (namely norepinephrine and endorphins), giving you an excellent high. Again, your mornings will be looking better and brighter.

Are you an evening shower person? No worries! While the initial shock will wake you, a cold out will cool your core body temperature. You will be able to fall asleep quicker and enjoy a good night’s rest.

Immunity Boost

And if all the above benefits are not good enough for you, a cold out will give you an immunity boost against the cold and flu seasons. Studies say this extra protection is most likely due to improved circulation, particularly lymphatic drainage.

When you stimulate the lymphatic system, toxin and waste buildup are easily flushed out of your system. If you have been having problems with facial and abdominal bloatedness, bodily discomfort, illness, acne, or poor sleep, then consider these issues solved! It will also help produce lactic acid, which aids in your recovery faster from illness or injuries.

How To End Your Showers Right

Now that we have you convinced of the cold out benefits, here is how to do it right:

  • All it takes is at least 30 seconds.
  • Try it. It is not as long as you believe. Thirty seconds is enough to expose every body part to the cold water (including hard to reach areas like your hair, face, and underarms).
  • Ease into it.
  • If you are still scared of the initial shock, you can ease onto it by stepping back as you turn the water cold. As the temperature drops, you can test it out with your foot or hand.
  • Then get into it fully.
  • When you are ready, expose yourself to the cold water, starting with your legs, torso, then face.
  • Afterward, turn around and let it hit your back. Lift your arms, saturate your hair. And do not forget your neck and lower back.

And voila, enjoy the rush of endorphins!Soon enough, you will find yourself positively hooked on cold outs.

The Secret To Happiness Lies In Chemicals

No, we are not talking about harmful or illegal substances. We are referring to the naturally occurring chemicals we already have in our bodies. While we always associate this heightened state with our personal and spiritual well-being, we tend to overlook the biological factors that are affected that help us get to a happy state.

By learning how these happy chemicals work and how to produce them naturally, you can finally declare that your happiness is definitely under your control. Let us hop on the excitement and meet these four hormones better.

Endorphins

These feel-good chemicals are often associated with the well-known “runner’s high,” which helps many people fall in love with the long and enduring exercise. Produced in the hypothalamus, the pituitary glands, and other parts of the body, boosting these endorphins is one way to live healthier and happier.

Increase your overall well-being by engaging in these endorphin-inducing activities:

  • Giving
  • They say one never loses anything by giving. Such is true when our endorphins are improved when we participate in volunteer activities and donation drives.
  • Yoga and Meditation
  • The stress-relieving and relaxing effects after a good yoga session or a few minutes of meditation can be attributed to endorphins.
  • Spicy Foods
  • Eating your favorite spicy dishes triggers pain responses in our mouths. The sensations prompt an increase in these feel-good chemicals. No wonder we can keep on eating!
  • Dark Chocolate
  • As if we needed another reason to eat dark chocolate – these goodies contain chemicals called flavonoids, which positively affect the brain. Just go for those that have at least 70% cocoa, and be sure not to binge!
  • Laughing
  • Laughter is indeed the best medicine, as several studies correlate laughter with an increase in endorphins.

Serotonin

Also known as the happy chemical, serotonin plays a contribution to our overall well-being and happiness. Some experts consider it a hormone due to its ability to send messages between our nerve cells and how it can affect our mood, emotions, appetite, and digestion. It also helps regulate our sleep cycles and body clock.

If you are looking to boost these happy hormones, here are some natural remedies that may help:

  • Regular exercise
  • Studies show that that exercise can similarly improve symptoms of depression as antidepressants do.
  • Light Treatment
  • Insufficient sun exposure leads to lower serotonin levels. Make sure you get adequate sunshine by letting light in your space or taking a stroll outside. Light therapy is also available for those who suffer from Seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
  • Consuming Tryptophan-rich Foods
  • Tryptophan is an amino acid that is linked to more positive mood scores. Foods rich in tryptophan include turkey, eggs, cheese, soy products, and salmon. Supplements are also available, but be sure to check these with your doctor first.

Dopamine

For every moment where the reward, motivation, memory, and body movement regulation are involved, you can bet that dopamine has had its say on these. It is a vital chemical messenger that creates feelings of pleasure and reward when released in large amounts. When this happens, we are given the motivation to repeat the behaviors that trigger these chemicals.

While our bodies help regulate our dopamine levels, we can help it along and feel good by doing the following:

  • Eat Protein
  • You can also get dopamine from the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine, present in protein-rich foods.
  • Consume Probiotics
  • While more research is needed, probiotic supplements have been seen to improve mood in humans and animals.
  • Eat Velvet Beans
  • Velvet beans are natural sources of L-dopa, a precursor molecule to dopamine.
  • Get Enough Sleep
  • When we deprive ourselves of sleep, our dopamine sensitivity in the brain is reduced. Always try to achieve eight hours of quality sleep to help regulate your body’s natural dopamine rhythms.
  • Listen to Music
  • Research shows that listening to your favorite instrumental music may boost your dopamine levels.
  • Consider Supplements
  • Adequate levels of iron, niacin, folate, and vitamin B6 are a must for dopamine production.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin has earned the reputation of being the love hormone, and for a good reason. This chemical comes from the pituitary gland and is released when people cuddle up or engage in social activities.

Here are some of the natural ways to get smitten by this happy love bug:

  • Get or Give Massages
  • Massages always help anyone relax. It also helps relieve pain, stress, anxiety, and increases oxytocin levels. Studies also note that its benefits even reach the person giving the massage. You do not need to be pro either to reap the results.
  • Express Your Feelings
  • Strengthen your connection with others by telling them how you feel. Expressing these sentiments with a loved one increases the prosocial feelings for you both. More often than not, they will also reply to you in kind and appreciate your openness.
  • Spend Time with Your Friends
  • Friends are the family you choose, and establishing strong ties with them will do wonders for your emotional well-being. They are the ones who help you feel supported and less alone.
  • Focus on Your Conversations
  • When you practice active or empathic listening in your interactions, both parties will feel increased feelings of connection and trust. It also conveys how much you care when you drop whatever you are doing just to lend an ear.
  • Make Love
  • Sexual intimacy is another excellent way of showing your affection for someone and raise your oxytocin levels, especially if you achieve orgasm. It helps you feel closer and more connected to your partner. And bonus, this activity benefits you both.
  • Cuddle or Hug Someone
  • You do not need to engage in sex to get the love hormone. Even simple physical gestures such as cuddling, hugging, hand-holding, or even playing with your pet are surefire ways to boost your oxytocin levels.

The Takeaway

Learn to take control of your mood and your happiness by engaging in activities that naturally boost your happy hormones. When you apply these techniques to your daily life, you will be amazed just how much the quality of your life will improve.

The Anti-Ageing Power of Sleep

The positive effects of sleep on our bodies and minds are huge — and scientists are discovering new benefits all the time.

A study by the Australian Sleep Health Foundation found that more than 1.5 million Australian adults (that’s a staggering 9% of the population) suffer from sleep disorders. And this isn’t good, because getting enough good quality sleep is crucial for our physical and mental health.

To help motivate you to take care of your sleep routine and strive for solid hours of Zzz’s every night, I wanted to share a little known, but clinically proven, discovery:

Getting enough sleep improves the health and appearance of your skin, and reduces the effects of ageing.

A clinical study commissioned by beauty giant Estée Lauder found that the quality and duration of a person’s sleep has an impact on the skin’s function, and its visible signs of ageing.

People who don’t sleep well, or who don’t sleep for long enough, showed increased signs of ageing including wrinkles and blemishes. Their skin also took longer to recover from stressors in their environment, such as UV radiation or chemicals passing through the skin barrier.

In contrast, those who sleep well and have a regular sleep routine are more likely to have healthy skin that bounces back quickly from environmental stressors.

If you’re noticing lots of new wrinkles, or your skin feels more sensitive than it used to be, take a look at your sleep habits.

Signs that you’re not sleeping enough could include:

  • Feeling very tired (of course!) or fatigued
  • Being irritable, moody, or very low
  • Frequent yawning
  • Poor memory, or difficulty concentrating and learning new concepts or skills
  • Lack of motivation
  • Increased appetite or cravings for high-carb, high-sugar foods
  • Being clumsy
  • Low or reduced sex drive

But a few simple lifestyle changes could drastically improve your sleep — and your skin.

The Sleep Foundation has studied sleep habits and sleep quality in detail. It recommends that establishing a regular evening routine will help to improve your sleep, and prevent unnecessary waking during the night.

Start building your own sleep routine with five tips:

  1. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. A consistent sleep schedule helps your body to establish a rhythm, so it’ll be easier for you to fall asleep quickly and then stay asleep.
  2. Switch off from all screens at least one hour before bed every night. The light from screens affects your body’s ability to produce the relaxing hormones you need to feel sleepy; and the content we consume on-screen is usually highly stimulating, too.
  3. Opt for relaxing activities in the evening. Try to build simple, relaxing elements into your evenings — such as reading, having a bath, chatting with a family member, or enjoying a hot cup of herbal tea.
  4. Make your bedroom a place of relaxation and comfort. Ensure that you feel calm when you go in there — minimise mess, get a comfortable mattress and pillows, and paint your bedroom with colours that inspire a peaceful mind.
  5. Don’t force it. If you can’t sleep, don’t lie there beating yourself up about it. Get up and go into another room for 15 minutes, where you can engage in a relaxing activity or sit quietly in meditation. Then try again.

 

Sleep well, friends!

Social Media and Staying Well: Boundaries, Comparison and Digital Detox

Social media is a part of our lives, now. Most of us use it — whether it’s for personal or business use, and whether we love sharing our stories on Facebook, or posting our photos on Instagram, or outlining our most important opinions on Twitter.

But we’re also learning more and more about the impact of social media and mental health. Studies show that frequent use of social networking sites is linked to depression and anxiety, and social media is highly addictive.

I love social media. It allows me to connect with clients and with friends; to share my passion and find out what others in my industry are up to. But I firmly believe that boundaries are vital if we want to stay healthy and protect our self-esteem.

Comparing Yourself to Others

Social media allows us to see what others are doing, what they look like, and how great their lives are all the time. Inevitably, we compare ourselves to them — we wonder why we’re less beautiful, less successful, less joyful than the people we see online.

We know that social media offers a curated, ideal version of any given person’s life. And yet…we’re still drawn in. We still compare. We still feel less than them if our lives aren’t matching up to theirs.

So, I recommend doing these two simple things to protect your wellbeing. You can make the most of the fabulous aspects of social media without being harmed by its downsides.

  1. Set Boundaries

You don’t have to keep looking at that Instagram account that makes you feel terrible. You don’t have to consume content that puts you in a bad mood. And you don’t have to scroll through social media thirty times a day.

Unfollow accounts that don’t bring genuine value or positive emotions into your life. You can do it — just click that button! If they make you feel bad, they’re not worth your time. It doesn’t mean that the owner of that account isn’t a good person; it simply means that their content isn’t right for you.

And make a decision about what time of day you’ll check social media, and how long for. Setting time limits means you’ll be more aware of how long you’re online, and less likely to scroll all day long.

  1. Schedule a Regular Digital Detox

Aim to have a day off from social media at least once a month — and ideally, make it a day off from screens altogether. Get outside, spend focused time with family and friends, and do things that make you feel healthy and alive.

Including digital detox days as part of your monthly, or even weekly routine, will help you keep on top of your relationship with your smartphone. You’ll notice when it feels uncomfortable to be away from social media; and feeling unsettled by that is a good sign that you need to give yourself a longer break, and recalibrate your perspective.

It’s not easy to set and stick to boundaries when our online lives are so important to our social and professional existence. But you can do it; and with commitment, you’ll reap the rewards. You’ll feel more present, more creative, less anxious, and more confident.

5 Ways to Shift into a Positive Mindset

When we think about beauty, we often start with our external appearance. But staying fit, healthy, and beautiful has a lot to do with how our heads are doing.

 A 2018 study published in the journal Brain Science found that your mindset directly affects how motivated you are to follow through with your goals. If you want to exercise more regularly, commit to a consistent skincare routine, change your diet or drink more water every day — all of which help to cultivate a gorgeous natural glow — then you’ve got to start with the way you think.

The key is to have a growth mindset, rather than a fixed mindset. When you’re working from a growth mindset you have a tendency to believe that you’re capable of change; that you are able to achieve your goals, and that failure is in fact an opportunity to learn more.

 So, here are five tips to help you cultivate a growth mindset and feel more positive every day.  

1. Exercise.

 We all know that exercise is good for us, and it really must be top of any list of positive mindset tips. Exercise releases hormones into your body that make you feel energised and light, and produces brain chemicals that make you feel happy and motivated. Moving your body interrupts low moods and promotes positive emotions — and it increases confidence, too.

2. Journal positive affirmations.

 Commit to writing in a journal for just five minutes a day. Instead of writing down your complaints, use this as your opportunity to focus on your positive intentions. Write down your goals as if you’ve already achieved them; for example, if one of your goals is to eat a healthy, balanced diet, you might write “I eat nourishing, delicious food every day that supports my health and makes my skin glow.”

3. Make gratitude a fixture in your day.

 Set up a system to ensure you practice gratitude at least once a day. You can do this on your own or with your family; it’s a wonderful thing to do with kids! For example, you might start a gratitude jar, and write down one thing you’re grateful for every day. Put that piece of paper in the jar, and then when you need a reminder of the good things in life, pick out some of your notes and read them to yourself.

 4. Learn a new skill.

 Learning something new feels good. It’s not just an illusion; learning new skills actually creates new neural pathways in your brain, and teaches you that change is possible. This is great when it comes to creating a growth mindset! Choose something you’re interested in, or you’ve always wanted to try. It doesn’t matter what it is; just get out there, try a class or start practicing on your own.

5. Reconnect with a friend.

 We all have those people in our lives who we love but never seem to find the time to chat with. Call up a friend, or even an acquaintance who you have warm feelings towards, and arrange a coffee date. As humans, we’re wired to thrive on social connection, and caring for our friendships inspires hope and positivity in our minds.

You deserve to feel good, so take the time to care for your mind!

 

Beauty Sleep and Screen Time

OK, so you know that sleep is important. You’ve heard that good sleep improves your memory, concentration, and motivation. It makes you healthier, helps you lose weight or get fit, reduces anxiety and increases positive hormones in your body. It protects against depression and other mental illness — and it even makes your skin look younger.

You’re in. You want to sleep better and look after your health.

But did you know that one of the biggest challenges for good quality sleep in our modern lives are those things that we carry with us everywhere we go…our screens?

Your phone, tablet, laptop, and even your TV all reduce your chances of getting a good night’s sleep.

Why do screens affect sleep so much?

Research published by the American National Sleep Foundation shows that screen time before bed has a number of worrying effects:

  • it delays your internal body clock, or your circadian rhythm, so your body doesn’t know it’s time for sleep and you don’t get natural feelings of sleepiness.
  • it suppresses the release of hormones that are vital for getting sleepy and falling asleep. In particular, it reduces the release of melatonin, a vital hormone for creating physiological feelings of sleepiness.
  • the blue light emitted by screens increases your body’s alertness, making you feel awake or wired.
  • the content you’re exposed to via your screens stimulates your brain — making your mind race, and triggering anxiety in those who are susceptible to it.

So the more you look at electronic devices in the evening, the more likely that you won’t fall asleep easily, or will wake up unnecessarily during the night. This is no big deal for one night, or even a few nights in a row; but over time, the impact of regular evening screen exposure can creative chronic sleep disorders.

So, what to do?

Lots of us look for a solution to the negative effects of evening screen time that will allow us to keep on using our devices. We try fitting coloured filters on our screens, or apps that reduce blue light emission.

But the reality is that the only solution is the one that is healthiest for you: turn off your screens for at least one hour before bed, and more if possible.

Opt for reading a physical book instead, or practicing a gentle stretching routine, or simply talking face-to-face with a housemate, partner, or relative. The final hours of the day are the perfect time to ground yourself in your body and arrive calmly in the present moment. Switch of, let go of those digital demands that weigh on your life, and be right here, right now.

You’ll fall asleep quicker and sleep more deeply. And you’ll wake up feeling refreshed, energised, and ready to take on the challenges of a new day.

Beauty Hacks For Busy Mums

Being a Mum is fulfilling, but it can also drain your energy, especially if you are trying to juggle work, family, and time for yourself. Of course, despite being busy, you still NEED to have some quality time alone to renew and rejuvenate yourself. There is no doubt you are beautiful—but sometimes it’s so easy to neglect sprucing yourself up because your job, children, and family are your top priority

STOP.

Take a deep breath.

There is no need for you to compromise your beauty and taking care of yourself just because you are busy and that the demands of your very active lifestyle is demanding a lot of your time.

Wondering what is the answer for this?

It is simple. Here are my top Beauty hacks.

Taking some time off to take care of yourself is not a bad thing, and allowing at least twenty minutes in the morning to get yourself ready for the day should be on the priority list as you will feel better for it. You know you can actually multi-task and you are a professional when it comes to that game.

We have come up with a series of beauty hacks which you can enjoy and do despite a very busy schedule.

Check them out below.

Use A Tinted Moisturiser

If you do not have the luxury to go for a full faced make-up or apply foundation, a tinted moisturiser can be your bestfriend. A tinted moisturiser gives you an instant glow and evens your skin tone without accentuating your fine lines and dry patches, if you have any.

Choose A Lipstick Shade That Provides A Fresh Look In An Instant

For days that you find yourself running out of time but still want to look effortlessly presentable, splash some color on your lips for a fresh pick me up. Choose a shade that complements your skintone for an instant fresher look despite lacking sleep from running errands all day!

Mascara Is Your Bestfriend

Eyes are the windows to the soul—and that is very true. Invest on a good quality, waterproof mascara and brush them up on your lashes to make your eyes appear wider and awake. It is the perfect ammunition you could ever have to have brighter peepers and make you look less tired.

A Relaxing Bath

When the kids are in bed, you can sneak in a 20 minute relaxing bath. Take time to indulge in a tub of warm water infused with some essential oils and relaxing scent of magnesium soak. Play some relaxing tunes and sip on a glass of wine to help your whole body relax and feel as if you are in paradise. This is a great way to rejuvenate and re-energise yourself after a long and tiring day at work and home.

 

 

 

 

 

Use An Eye Cream

 

Invest in a good eye cream that is packed with collagen and some essential nutrients that help get rid or improve the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles. Collagen infused eye creams are usually the best option as they promote the regeneration of cells and production of protein inside the body for a more elastic and even textured skin.

 

Apply A Flesh Colored Or White Eyeliner On Your Lower Lash Line Or Corner Of Your Eyes

 

Use a flesh colored eyeliner to line your lower lash line for  bigger eyes, then a lightly colored one should be  applied in the inner corners of your eyes. Doing so can make your eyes pop and you will not be leaving any evidence that you are up all night with an unsettled child!

Healthy skin starts from within

If you get your skincare advice from cosmetics brands alone, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the single most important way to look after your skin is by applying creams and lotions to it.

And don’t get me wrong — high quality cleansers, moisturisers and toners are great for getting that radiant glow. Especially when you choose the right products for your unique skin type and lifestyle.

But skincare doesn’t start on the outside. It starts from within; with the food you choose to put in your body.

Countless studies have shown that nutrition is key to healthy skin. If you eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and healthy fats, your skin will be clearer, less dry, and…well, glowing. And it goes further than just the way your skin looks, too. Good diet has been linked to a much lower chance of serious skin disease, and slows down the signs of ageing.

How to eat for glowing skin

Nutritional studies have found that eating a diet high in antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamins A, E, and C, is important for skin health. That doesn’t mean you should run for the supplements right away; because actually, your body absorbs vitamins more effectively when consumed along with all of the other nutrients in food.

So instead of the pharmacy, hit the grocery store. Fill your kitchen with fresh vegetables and fruits, and aim to build your meals with plants as the foundation — rather than something you add on the side.

Start including these delicious foods in your daily diet:

  • Avocados; rich in healthy fats and vitamins E and C
  • Sunflower seeds; packed with vitamin E and other vital skin-boosting nutrients, including selenium and zinc
  • Sweet potatoes; full of beta-carotene
  • Broccoli; a vitamin power house of a vegetable, rich in vitamins A and C, zing, lutein (which works similarly to beta-carotene), and an immune-boosting compound called sulforaphane
  • Walnuts; packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as zinc and small amounts of vitamins C, E and selenium

All of the above are delicious, and can add taste as well as essential goodness to your meals.

Try sprinkling sunflower seeds and crushed walnuts onto salads; have a baked sweet potato with olive oil, spinach and feta cheese; and enjoy an avocado as a healthy and filling snack, with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of lemon juice.

And of course, don’t forget to drink fresh, clean water. Lots of it.

Skincare starts with nutrition 

It’s not what everyone wants to hear — because it’s not a quick fix. But the reality is that no matter how many moisturisers you buy, your skin won’t look and feel nourished and healthy if you’re not eating well. The skin is an organ which reflects your overall health; if you don’t care for your body, you’re not caring for your skin.

But eating well can become a positive part of your life. Shift your intentions from covering up skin issues, to nourishing your skin from within. You’ll look fabulous — and you’ll feel so much better.

Does our wellbeing depend on more touch?

We’re social beings. Interaction and deep connections with others aren’t just a nice thing to have in life — they’re essential for our physical and psychological wellbeing.

And an important part of human connection is touch. Experts from the fields of psychology, sociology, anthropology and neurology have found time and time again that touch allows us to communicate emotion; to empathise with others; to feel good; and to develop trusting, intimate relationships.

 But in the present moment, with the rise of social media, self-service and online shopping, and other experiences now taking place online instead of face-to-face, social touch is becoming a less frequent interaction in our lives. Some thinkers are concerned about the future of wellbeing in a tech-saturated world; and touch could play an important role in whether or not we’re able to thrive.

 But let’s take an optimistic view; let’s create opportunities for social touch

 I could chat for hours about the gap left in our lives by less touch, and more internet; about its impact on loneliness, anxiety, and stress.

But I want to take a positive view. How can we create more opportunities for social touch? And by that I mean non-sexual, positive, and empathetic touch?

There are chances to rebuild our understanding of how to interact with each other through touch in lots of different industries and practices; from dance and yoga to the way we teach our kids. And as a beauty professional, I see the potential in what I do, too.

 In daily beauty practices there are loads of opportunities for positive social touch. Doing someone’s hair or makeup, or a more specialist treatment, involves touch and open communication. When we’re touching someone in this way — whether as a professional working with a client, or a friend helping a friend — we’re in tune with that person. We sense their boundaries, and feel when they need space, or when our touch is welcomed.

 Beauty as community

 So perhaps we could work to build stronger communities around beauty practices. Maybe instead of just going through the motions, we could create new ways for people to interact and be present with one another — with phones switched off.

 Friends and family members could share their beauty routines instead of only ever going about those practices in the privacy of the bathroom. Do that classic thing of getting together for a face mask and a chat. And beauty professionals could teach more; host workshops that facilitate people to help each other with beauty and skincare techniques, and touch each other in a supportive, conscious, empathetic way.

 Do you think the beauty industry could support more positive social touch? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

How to look after your Eyelash Extensions

Anything that helps in lengthening your lashes are great investments. From high-quality mascara, false lashes, and eyelash extensions, these require tender loving care from you to make them last longer.  These additions to beautify your lashes can make your eyes appear bigger, look fuller, and noticeably brighter.

That is why taking care of these delicate enhancements, especially the eyelash extensions, are very critical. In order to keep your lash extensions looking great for longer, we have come up with a series of tips and tricks to maintain its shape and quality.

Normally, lash extensions can last a good 2-4 weeks before you need refills depending on how you take care of them. Fear not, continue reading this article to help you get started with taking care of your lash extensions.

 

Do: Apply a lash growth serum

To maintain the shine and thickness of your lashes, invest in a good lash serum which you should apply on them daily. A good eyelash serum should be packed with nutrients and peptides to make the lash hair follicles grow healthy and strong.

 

Do: Stay away from water

Keep yourself out of the water at least 24 hours after getting your lash extensions done. Avoiding water prevents your lashes from falling out and from turning your look to a total disaster. The lash glue is very strong, but it cures in a layering process and needs that amount of time to properly set before any major changes in the humidity occur. Allowing the adhesive to stay untouched is one way to ensure that the extensions will stay in place too.

 

Do: Avoid touching them

Rubbing your eyes or touching them are the worse things that you can ever do when you just had your lash extensions done. It disrupts the placement of the extensions and chances are that the glue gets rubbed around and clumped too when you touch your eyes. Plus, touching your eyes can be unhygienic and make them prone to infection too.

 

Do: Brush them

Grab a clean spoolie brush and comb them upwards in order to maintain its shape. Brushing your lash extensions regularly keep them from clumping and make them look more maintained when they start to fall out.

 

Do: Shampoo your lashes

It is so important that you keep your lashes clean and healthy. There are specific lash shampoos available that do not contain any oil in them. The eye is a moisture packed area and if you think about it, these gorgeous enhancements are stopping the lashes from their natural cleansing process. You are going to have to step in and make sure they are clean and not holding any bacteria that can lead to eye infections!

 

Don’t: Sleep with your face against the pillow

It is definitely comfortable to sleep sideways or your face resting against your pillows. However, this can be a bad decision when you have lash extensions in place. Sleeping with your face against the pillow can distort the lash shape–especially during the first few hours after the procedure. Sleep on your back for best care of your lashes.

 

Don’t: Let them get in contact with anything that contain some oils as ingredients

Oils can remove the adhesiveness of the lashes, making your extensions prone to falling out. If your face, tends to get oily throughout the day, keep a blotting paper handy or oily face wipes. Having oily skin can have an affect on the longevity of your lash extensions however you can talk to your skin therapist about helping with balancing out your skin with some appropriate treatments and homecare.

 

These are only some tips that you can follow to maintain the look, shape, and quality of your lash extensions. Keep also in mind that lashes shed naturally so do not get surprised when a strand or two falls off to your cheeks.

Refills are generally recommended every 2 weeks to keep them looking full and flawless all year round.

 

Ready to book your new lashes?

Does SPF stop your body absorbing vitamin D?

Why massage helps with anxiety and stress

“I need a massage,” said everyone who felt stressed and tense, ever. Well, maybe not everyone; but most of us have uttered those words in the middle of an anxious moment, or at the end of a very long day.

Because we know a massage can help us relax. We’re familiar with the experience of it; the sensations of calm and peace that flow through us when we lie on the massage table, with the aroma of massage oils and the expert hands of a trained masseuse easing our muscles and our minds.

But how does massage do that? What’s the science behind it? Is it just some kind of social placebo; or is there something going on in our physiology that shifts us from stress to bliss?

Here are 3 scientifically measurable reasons why massage helps with anxiety and stress.

  1. Massage releases endorphins

    Massage increases blood flow in the areas of the body being massaged. And this causes the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. All of these happy hormones flood your body during or after a good massage; which can make you feel on top of the world.

  2.  Massage stimulates lymphatic drainage

    The lymphatic system is a complex network of organs and tissues that carry toxins and waste materials out of the body. A fluid called lymph is transported around the body through the lymphatic system, and this distributes white blood cells to protect against infection and support overall health.

    When we’re injured, have surgery, or use a muscle excessively, the lymphatic system doesn’t work as well — and waste materials and toxins can build up. This can cause pain, tiredness, and make us feel tense and stressed out.

    Massage can help to stimulate lymphatic drainage; flushing those materials out of the system so we feel better.

  3. Massage lowers blood pressure and heart rate

    When you’re stressed or anxious, your blood pressure and your heart rate rise. Over time, if you don’t do anything to help yourself calm down, this can become a serious problem.

    Studies show that massage helps to lower blood pressure. In turn, this lowers your heart rate, as your heart doesn’t have to work so hard to pump blood around the body.

    As well as having important physical benefits, this has an immediate effect on how you feel; stimulating a sense of calm, steadiness, and rest.

And finally, one less-easy-to-measure reason why massage reduces stress

 The act of going for a massage, or even having a partner or friend give you a massage at home, gives you a moment to yourself. A positive experience that’s just for you — with no outcome needed. You just get to be, breathe, and feel pleasurable and positive touch.

Are you ready to book your massage now?

Lashes Ain’t Cheap – What Gives??

One thing we have been asked more than once is ‘Why does Sally Sue down the road charge only $50 for lashes but your prices start at $XX?’ We understand that saving money is important to, well, everyone however there are times when quality, skill, training and care does mean spending that little bit extra. Lash Technicians undergo extra training on top of their diploma which itself is quite costly but that’s not just training on the technique of lash application. These days there are a number of types of techniques e.g. Classic, Volume, Hybrid to name a few but they are also trained in the importance of lash health along with the importance of using quality products around such a delicate area of our body – our eyes.

Scroll through any beauty or lash love groups on Facebook and you’ll see plenty of horror stories of lashes that have been applied at an ‘amazing price’ but have been made in such a mess! From applying 3 sets of fans on each lash which then pulled out/snapped off their natural lashes (some girls having almost bald eye lids!!) to the glue being something funky that should NOT be put near our bodies let alone the eyes which has caused serious infection. It is scary that there isn’t more regulation around Eyelash Extensions presently as almost anyone  unqualified/trained can easily jump online and buy some cheap products, watch a 15 minute YouTube tutorial and then BOOM! They now start offering $50 Lash Full Sets.

Don’t get me wrong as there are some out there that have been trained and use fairly good products and may simply being doing it now as a hobby for friends and family so they charge extremely low prices and that’s totally ok. However in a salon setting, with the cost of training, quality products and consumables and on top of that insurances, rent, council fees etc you can begin to see why it does cost more to perform a service ‘above board’ and at a high standard.

The type of people we are as Therapists, who have stuck with the industry for a long time, tend to be is caring & nurturing so our clients satisfaction and ensuring they receive the highest quality service each and every time is basically built into our nature. So yes, the price for Lash Extensions may seem a little hefty, especially when it’s something that does have to be maintained with daily cleaning & brushing along with regular infills but for this type of treatment in particular you really do get what you pay for.

Our advice is always to ensure that wherever you go, make sure they give you a thorough consultation going over what the treatment entails, after care and the different types of looks so that you know exactly what you are in for before any lashes are applied.

 

Want to know what styles of Lashes we offer and prices? Click Here to find out.

Eye Cream – Do We Really Need It??

As Skin Therapists, we know we go on about the importance of cleansing, exfoliating, applying serums, sunscreens, moisturisers etc and how overwhelming it can be for our clients especially if they are just starting to get into a skincare regime. We always recommend those new to skincare to start off slow with your basic few products and gradually add to it as you get used to having a skincare routine both morning and night.

One thing we hear a lot from clients is that they don’t need an eye cream because they just use their moisturiser there anyways. This is okay for a short period of time however professional skin companies don’t create eye creams just as a marketing ploy to generate more revenue. A lot of research goes into the skin and the skin in certain areas of the body so that they can create the best potion for those areas and different conditions and concerns that arise.

Most clients concerns for the eye area is dark circles, pigmentation, fine lines and puffiness.  These concerns are different to the rest of our face and body which is one reason eye cream are needed.  The skin around the eye area is much thinner than the skin on the rest of our face. It also gets much more of a workout than most of the skin on our body but it is more fragile which is why eye creams are made to target the orbital area alone.  Normal face moisturisers and serums are too heavy for the eye area which can cause milia over time to form or cause your makeup to run. Aside from that, since the skin is thinner, your normal moisturisers and serums can actually penetrate too far and cause sensitivity such as stinging and watery eyes which isn’t exactly comfortable.  Eye creams still deliver amazing ingredients to where it’s needed however they are formulated at a lower dosage than regulars creams for the rest of the face to avoid irritation.

So essentially, yes! Eye creams are necessary as a part of your daily routine both morning and night. There are soooo many out there available to us which can be overwhelming to try and figure out which is the right one for you so always be sure to go to your trusted Therapists because believe me as we have tried them all!

Let’s Get Lippy – Lip Filler

For quite some time now, women (and men for that matter) have been having different types of lip filler treatments.  With the hype around Kylie Jenner’s revamped look some years back, Lip Filler has become one of the most asked for and talked about cosmetic treatment and it’s popularity is still on the rise. Some are quite turned off by it all especially when you do a quick google search and see all the horror stories and pictures of procedures gone wrong or from seeing others go way over the top with it all causing a very un-natural ‘trout pout’. Others though who have done their research and spoken to the right and qualified professionals know that yes that are risks involved just like any other beauty and cosmetic procedure however it really isn’t just for those wanting to have their lips filled to the brim.

On the market today is a range of different filler products most of which are made from Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid is found in a number of cosmetic topical skin products such as serums and moisturisers (along with a range of other ingredients) because of it’s amazing hydration properties. So let’s delve into what this procedure if about and why….

What is it for?

Lip Filler can be for those wanting a little extra volume added into their lips. But a lot of the time, patients are wanting to fix something they have always been self-conscious of. These concerns can be un-even cupids bow, deep upper like/smokers lines – and yes these lines can form even if you’ve never smoked a day in your life, loss of lip volume, small upper lip just to name a few.

How long does it take?

The entire procedure generally takes up to an hour – this includes filling out your consultation form, having a thorough consultation with our Cosmetic Nurse followed by a second consultation with our Doctor.  Once everything has been checked over and everyone is happy with what the procedure will entail along with what to expect over the coming days, then the actual injections begin.

Does it hurt?

Like anytime a needle is injected into any part of the body, there is always going to be some pinch or sting. Most lip filler products do contain lidocaine which is a type of anaesthetic to help dull any discomfort quite quickly along with options to help numb the area beforehand. However, each and every individual has a completely different pain threshold so to say across the board how it will feel for everyone is quite difficult – but if it was too painful then the trend would have died out very quickly!

How long does it last?

Like most dermal filler, any individual should see results lasts from 12 to 24 months. Some patients do find themselves wanting more filler added after a short amount of time for a more fuller look and this is something that should be discussed at length with your Cosmetic Nurse or Doctor beforehand.

And what about the cost?

Each clinic has their different pricing structure. This is because of different products used for certain types of concerns, the amount of product needed along with the overheads of the clinic itself. But always do your research and have a thorough chat first with the Cosmetic Injector! Cheap doesn’t mean the best as most of the time, cheap is for a reason so make sure you ask all the questions before any needle touches your face.

So what next??

I’m sure there are a range of other questions you’d love answered so for the best information, we always recommend coming in and having a consultation with our qualified and very knowledgeable Cosmetic Nurse Injector Rowena. She will be able to give you all your options and from there you will know exactly what your cost will be and what the entire procedure will entail.

Olive Oil – Where are you putting it?

The latest fads and crazes come and go in every industry and walk of life. The health and fitness industry is arguably one of the biggest catalysts of this phenomenon.  Society loves getting drunk on mob mentality especially when the bandwagon gains a bit of speed.

More often then not some fads are the most basic substances found in nature but have been propelled into the public psyche with very clever marketing, whilst the perpetrator or perpetrators sit back and ride the wave of incoming cash until it hits the beach and dissipates.

Think about some fads and health crazes that you have come across! Some are here to stay and others have come and gone!  Fidget Spinners, YoYo’s, CrossFit, Silicone Wrist Power Bands, Guarana, Pink Himalayan Rock Salt, Morning Celery Juice & Lemon Detox to name a few!

Well in the beauty industry we see our fair share of gimmicks also. Some are legitimate and others not so much.

Let’s take one such substance – Olive Oil.

Let’s face it, Olive Oil is very good for you. Especially Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The reason Extra Virgin is considered a higher quality is because when the olives are pressed they are pressed several times and the first batch that comes out is the extra virgin oil.

It is very high in HDL (high-density lipoproteins, or good cholesterol). Studies show pretty clearly it helps good heart health, it can help fight inflammation, cancer, prevent stomach ulcers and more.

In the ancient Greeks, Romans & Israeli’s time it was an extremely important part of their culture and commerce. The bible has many teachings, parables and historical accounts of olive oil’s benefits and importance but should we really be putting it on our skin or face????

The short answer: is on our hands, feet and hair YES! There are benefits associated to it but on our face? NO!!

Olive oil is naturally high in squalene which is an oil that mimics your skin’s natural sebum oil. Sebum is an essential part of your skin however, too much of it has a comedogenic affect which means it can clog your pores causing those pesky blackheads and breakouts.  So smearing olive oil all over your face may not be the best way to enhance your skins appearance especially when there are so many treatments and lotions specifically designed for your face that won’t give you skin issues.

Us Beauty and Skin Therapists are a very picky bunch!  If there is one thing we value more than most things, it’s our reputation as being the Skin Experts.

The treatments, serums, moisturisers and and other professional Skin Care Products that our Therapists recommend have been extensively studied, used and actually work.   Our Therapists at Tranquility use them ourselves and we don’t recommend something unless it works because we tend to take things personally if our client’s don’t get the results.

So in short, olive oil is one of nature’s very beneficial substances but keep it on your salad – not on your face.

Needle my face you say?!

Acne scars. Pigmentation. Stretching/sagging and tired looking skin.

These conditions sum up the majority of concerns our clients present with.  All of these conditions can be treated with Collagen Induction Therapy aka Skin Needling.

But let’s just dive deeper into the word Collagen for a minute shall we…..

Collagen got its name from the Greek word (kólla) which means glue! It’s not surprising it comes from a word meaning ‘glue’ because it is one of the most abundant protein cells in our body and it holds together things like our bones, ligaments, tendons and a myriad of other structures in our body.

The type 1 collagen however, is what we here at Tranquility are most interested in.

Type 1 collagen is skin collagen and it gives our skin it’s tight, youthful fresh look and it provides your skin with elasticity to help protect against the elements.

Unfortunately as with everything in life it degrades & our bodies decrease the amount produced for the skin as the years tick by.

That is of course unless you can trick your skin into naturally producing more of this miracle substance via Skin Needling.

How does it work?

It works much the same way gym junkies build more muscle! When they train with weights or other types of exercise this causes tiny microscopic tears and damage to the muscles fibres.

Your body then reacts by forcing protein into these microscopic tears to heal the muscles and build more muscle fibres to cope with the extra work.

This is why you feel very sore the day after a training session. D.O.M.S or “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness” kicks in.

Skin Needling by our highly trained therapists also causes tiny microscopic damage within the skin which causes a healing response thus in turn the skin produces more collagen. This very welcome response brightens and thwarts the ageing process and repairs damage to the skin caused by acne or scarring, sun damage or other factors.

We can literally help to reverse the signs of ageing with a series of treatments and correct homecare.

Is it painful?

There are a number of Skin Needling devices along with needling cartridge heads around these days; some are more painful others not so much. Here at Tranquility, from ongoing training and experiencing different cartridge heads on our skin, we have found a less painful yet extremely effective way of performing Needling. Our 36 needle heads deliver the applied serums to the deeper layers of the skin efficiently yet much less painful than other cartridges used in the past. This is perfect for our Therapists to deliver even greater results with far less discomfort to our clients.

How many treatments do I need?

This is entirely dependant on each individual and their skin needs. We do recommend a course of a minimum 3 treatments done every 4 weeks to begin with however some may find they do need more. Through a thorough consultation process, a full skin treatment plan which can even incorporate Skin Peels and Microdermabrasion treatments can be mapped out to suit exactly what you skin goals are.

Click Here for more info on our latest Skin Needling Promotions!!

10 Common Skincare Mistakes to stop now!

AVOID THESE 10 SKINCARE MISTAKES

Tips on where you may be going wrong and how to get your skincare right.

 

USING THE WRONG CLEANSER

Cleansing is the first and most important step in your skincare regime.

Why?

Because it not only cleans the skin of makeup, dirt and debris, but preps the skin for the synergistic affect of the rest of your regime of serums and moisturisers.

Using soap or a foaming cleanser on a dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin can cause further dryness and irritation.

Likewise, using a comedogenic oil cleanser not designed for acne on a problem prone oily skin can make your pimples worse.

If your skin feels dry, tight, and your skin begins to flake then that’s a sure sign that you need to switch your cleanser out to a better suited one.

It’s quite normal to switch your cleanser throughout the year as the seasons change.

When in doubt always ask your skin therapist for professional advice.

 

SLEEPING IN MAKEUP

It’s late. You’re tired. The last thing you feel like doing is cleansing your skin.

Easier just to crash out now and clean your face in the morning, right?

WRONG!

Going to bed without removing your makeup is a recipe for disaster.

When your pores become clogged with unremoved makeup your skin can become irritated, inflamed and form bumps which can eventually lead to acne.

It also accelerates the ageing process as your skin cells can’t regenerate properly at nighttime with makeup left on.

No one would consciously choose to have pimples and wrinkles.

But that’s what can happen if you sleep in your makeup.

Remove your makeup every night.

It’s simply not worth losing a few minutes of sleep to risk damaging your healthy skin.

 

EXCESSIVE SCRUBBING

We all know that exfoliation is key in maintaining fresh, clear, glowing skin.

Gentle exfoliation eliminates excess dead skin cells allowing your skincare products to penetrate better.

But some people take scrubbing  too far and end up impairing the barrier of their skin by removing too many protective layers.

Overuse of an exfoliant on the skin can result in:

  • Tightness
  • Dryness or dehydration
  • Stinging, burning, redness
  • Flakiness

Most skins do not need to be exfoliated more than once or twice a week.

If you experience any of the above symptoms dial back on the scrubbing routine.

If your skincare products contain hydroxy acids, remember that these ingredients exfoliate and hydrate too.

You may be better served by using your hydroxy acid products intermittently rather than every day.

The right amount of exfoliation will only leave you with a healthy glow.

 

YOU DON’T CHANGE YOUR PILLOWCASE REGULARLY

What does my pillowcase have to do with my skincare routine?

A lot, actually.

Your pillowcase stores dust and particles of skin and hair cells which rub off during the night.

So every night when your head hits the pillow you are placing your face against yesterday’s debris, potentially causing cross contamination.

It’s important to change your pillowcase every two days to ensure your skin is kept free of irritants and bacteria.

Silk pillowcases are even better than cotton for preventing wrinkles as the fabric doesn’t create friction or cause abrasion and draws in moisture to the skin.

Beauty sleep is real and it starts with giving your skin a clean fresh pillow case to rest upon nightly.

 

NEGLECTING YOUR NECK
Your skin doesn’t stop at your jawline and nor should your skincare regime.

The skin on your neck is more delicate and has fewer oil glands than your face which means it can dehydrate, sag and age faster than your face.

In order to keep these unwelcome signs of ageing at bay think of your neck as an extension of your face and dedicate a portion of your skincare regime to your neck area twice a day.

Include the neck in your professional skin treatments at the salon too.

Radio frequency, laser, HIFU, and micro current all assist in keeping the neck youthful and firm.

No one wants a youthful face with an aged neck.

 

NOT USING SUNSCREEN
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

Incidental sun exposure, over a lifetime, can contribute to an increased risk of skin cancer, sun damage, and premature ageing.

Summer is not the only time to use sunscreen in your routine.

In fact, it’s necessary to apply sunscreen to your face daily, regardless of the season.

Most skincare lines these days contain a double duty moisturiser with built in sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays which cause DNA damage.

There is really no reason to subject your skin to pigmentation, ageing, and possible skin cancer when the solution is so readily available.

 

NOT WASHING YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES

Your makeup brushes are an investment which form the backbone of your makeup kit.

Dirty makeup brushes can accumulate bacteria and lead to skin irritation, clogged pores and acne.

If you spend a lot of time and money investing in professional skincare and makeup then you are potentially wasting your money by not cleaning your makeup brushes.

Treat your makeup brushes the same way you treat your hair.

Wash them regularly in gentle shampoo until the water runs clear and then dry them out in the sun.

Use a daily brush cleaner as maintenance in between shampoos.

Not only will your brushes last longer but your skin will thank you for it.

 

BUYING YOUR SKINCARE FROM YOUR NEIGHBOUR

There’s no denying that there are countless ways to buy your skincare these days, including from people not professionally trained in the skin industry.

All that’s required is for your neighbour to buy a skincare kit, get excited about it, and then start selling skin products to everyone in the street to earn her commission.

Sounds simple.

The problem with buying your skincare from your neighbour who is not skilled in beauty therapy is that you often end up wasting your money on products that don’t work.

When you buy your skincare products in a professional skin salon, however, you will receive a proper consultation from an expert in skin and beauty therapy who will customise a regime specifically for your individual skin health concerns.

You are in safe hands and your money won’t be wasted with a qualified skin therapist.

By all means, borrow sugar from your neighbour.

But save your hard earned skincare dollars for the true professionals.

 

POPPING YOUR PIMPLES

PLEASE STOP DOING THIS!

When your skin is breaking out it’s so tempting to pick or pop your own pimples, thinking that if you squeeze them out they will go away.

Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Self squeezing often only leads to a war zone on your face causing redness, bleeding, the spread of infection and possible scar formation.

Save the extractions for your professional skin therapist and simply use a spot corrector at home to treat your pesky pimples without traumatising your skin.

There’s no point squeezing your zits and being left with permanent scars.

 

NOT CLEANING YOUR PHONE

Most of us have our phones glued to us 24/7 these days.

But even if you wash your hands thoroughly your phone screen is still a breeding ground for dirt and bacteria.

Try to wipe your phone with a disinfecting wipe several times a day to help prevent cross contamination  because every time you place your phone to your ear you are transferring germs onto your skin.

Wherever possible switch to blue tooth.

It’s simple things like this which can keep your skin fresh, clean, clear and glowing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adult Acne!

WHY DO I HAVE WRINKLES AND PIMPLES?

How hormones can cause acne in your 30’s, 40’s and 50’s and what you can do to combat it.

Perhaps the only thing worse than dealing with teenage acne is battling pimples in midlife.

It can come as quite a shock to affected women.

At a time when they are concerned with fighting the signs of ageing

finding themselves strangely faced with acne also can feel disconcerting.

It creates a twofold problem for women-

fighting the double whammy of pimples and winkles.

Adult hormonal acne can present as mild to severe and is most prominent on the jawline, chin and cheeks but can occur anywhere in the body including the back.

Eruptions can be deep, painful and cyclical.

Or they can be small but persistent watery like vesicles with redness.

Adult acne can accompany other symptoms such as abnormal hair growth, stomach bloating, heavier painful periods or cessation of menstruation altogether with hot flushes.

These symptoms are associated with pregnancy, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Oestrogen Dominance, contraceptive pill, increased androgen levels, menopause, or gut related issues.

Stress and lack of adequate sleep can make the situation worse as it puts pressure on the adrenal glands which produce a hormone caused cortisol.

This cortisol works on the testosterone pathway thus increasing the chances of breakout.

It can be such a difficult and overwhelming time trying to figure out how it started and how to manage it.

Many women feel embarrassed and frustrated by the impact it has on their day to day life which can erode their self esteem.

 

SO WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO FIX IT?

 

CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL SKIN THERAPIST

Firstly, it’s important that you know that your hormonal acne can be treated and you will eventually have clear smooth skin again.

Your trusted skin therapist is well versed in treating complex skin issues holistically and will work together with you, your GP, and naturopath to resolve your acne issue.

Skin can become less resilient as you age but professional skin therapists will take the guess work out of the equation for you by providing  you with solutions which simultaneously address your acne and wrinkles.

After consultation a treatment plan will be devised for you based on your individual requirements.

In most cases your professional salon treatments will include, but are not limited to, skin peels, LED, microdermabrasion, skin needling, and laser.

The correct products will be prescribed for you to use at home on a daily basis.

Thankfully, many active ingredients designed to fight acne also help to minimise wrinkles.

In most cases you will see an improvement within 3 months provided you comply with your treatment plan.

In the treatment of middle aged women with acne there are certain factors which need to be taken into consideration:

Treatments and at home skincare must be customised for you as an individual.

No two skins are the same, especially when dealing with acne.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding or certain medications may contraindicate you for certain skin treatments.

Your skin therapist will adjust your services accordingly to ensure your safety.

If you have rosacea which accompanies your acne then your treatments and products will have to address your barrier impairment and sensitivity not just your acne and wrinkles.

 

ADJUST YOUR DIET

Its important to look at your diet and nutrition.

Most adult acne sufferers are advised to eliminate sugar, dairy and gluten from their diets as they can be inflammatory to the system.

We know that inflammation causes acne and has been linked to ageing.

Ingest lots of healthy whole foods, fresh vegetables and fruits for optimum nutrition.

Try to make your meals as colourful as possible.

Antioxidants found in berries and green leafy vegetables can help fight your acne and wrinkles from the inside.

A healthy diet creates a healthy gut biome.

A healthy gut biome leads to healthy skin.

Probiotics can also be of assistance, particularly if you have been on antibiotics to treat your acne.

Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies can impede your ability to overcome acne.

Gut testing can reveal if you have deficiencies in iron, zinc, and Essential Fatty Acids, particularly Omega 3 found in fish, flaxseeds and chia seeds.

Deficiencies can be addressed through diet or supplementation.

Drink lots of water.

 

DITCH THE PORE CLOGGING MAKEUP

Using skincare products and makeup which are comedogenic ( pore clogging) will only make your acne worse and will hinder any professional treatments you are having.

Its vital that you eliminate these products from your beauty regime.

Regularly clean your makeup brushes, clean your phone screen twice daily, and replace your pillowcase nightly to avoid cross contamination.

If you are unsure which makeup could be clogging your pores ask your trusted skin therapist to assist you.

It may surprise you to know that 80% of your success in clearing your acne and treating your wrinkles will come from what you do at home, both internally and externally.

So caring for your skin on a twice daily basis under the guidance of your skin therapist is essential in effectively eliminating your pimples and minimising your wrinkles.

 

 

 

WINTERPROOF YOUR SKIN

5 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN IN WINTER

As the leaves change colour and a chill emerges in the air it’s time to think about protecting your skin from the cold Winter conditions.

Cold outdoor temperatures with chilly wind, combined with indoor heating, take a toll on the skin. The harsh elements can leave your skin prone to dryness, redness, tightness, flaking, inflammation and itching.

So how do you maintain a healthy rosy glow without becoming a dry red mess?

 

1-CONSULT A SKIN THERAPIST

It’s important to climate control your skin seasonally.

Seeking out the services of a professional skin therapist makes sense, particularly as the seasons change.

Your skin therapist will consult with you, identify any gaps in your current regime, and devise the best treatment plan with product choices to keep your skin beautifully hydrated and glowing throughout Winter.

When in doubt the experts are there to help you out to stop your skin from drying out.

 

2-BAN SUPER HOT SHOWERS AND BATHS

When the weather is cold it feels so good to stay in the hot shower or bath just that little bit longer to warm up.

But the intense water heat breaks down the lipid barrier in the skin resulting in moisture loss.

Keep your water temperature lukewarm, not hot, and only stay in the water for the required amount of time it takes to bathe.

Avoid soap and use a mild ph balanced shower lotion instead.

Consider using an oil based exfoliator on your body or adding a body oil to your bathwater to prevent moisture loss.

If your skin feels itchy consider having a colloidal oatmeal bath.

Oatmeal contains anti inflammatory and moisture retaining properties which can soothe and calm irritated skin.

Remember to pat your skin dry with your towel rather than rubbing harshly.

Always slather your body with moisturiser and oil after bathing to provide your skin with long-lasting hydration which prevents itching.

Ask your skin therapist for their recommended body products.

 

3- PEEL AWAY THE LAYERS

Gentle exfoliation removes redundant skin cells and other impurities which accumulate on your skin.

It encourages cell turnover and allows your skincare products to penetrate better.

Exfoliation allows your skin to look radiant, dewy and fresh.

At home it is safe to gently exfoliate once or twice a week.

But consider taking things up a notch in Winter by booking in for a deeper peel with your skin therapist.

Suggesting that you have a higher strength professional peel when your skin feels dry and tight may sound counterintuitive.

But because we have less sun exposure Winter is the perfect time to invest in salon strength enzymatic or hydroxy acid skin peels and laser treatments.

Peels will not only keep your skin moist and hydrated but can also specifically target your pigmentation, lines, wrinkles or redness.

Winter is also the season to indulge in more frequent salon facial treatments to feed and nourish your skin at a deeper level.

 

4-MOISTURISE MOISTURISE MOISTURISE

So once you have cleansed and exfoliated your skin the key step in staying hydrated throughout Winter is moisturising.

Take a look at your skincare products and review whether they are adequate for the harsher Winter months.

You may need to switch out your cleanser and moisturiser to more nourishing ones.

The most effective Winter moisturisers are enriched with ceramides, Natural Moisturising Factor, vitamins and minerals, and lipids to leave your skin feeling smooth, soft, hydrated and protected.

It can be beneficial to layer an oil or hydrating serum before your moisturiser for added long lasting Winter hydration.

Traditional cream masks or peptide sheet masks are like hydration bombs for the skin.

You can apply a mask for 20mins twice a week after exfoliating and prior to moisturising

to drench your skin with intense hydration providing you with a radiant glow.

Daily sunscreen is still a must in Winter to prevent sun damage, pigmentation and skin cancer.

 

5-NOURISH FROM WITHIN
Just like your skin on the outside your body needs nourishment from within to remain healthy.

Studies suggest that 80% of your immune system is located in the gut.

Eating good healthy fats rich in omega 3’s helps to reduce inflammation, resist viruses and feeds the skin and brain.

Eat plenty of colour rich foods to provide your skin and body with antioxidants preventing free radical damage.

Limit alcohol and caffeine ingestion as they can be dehydrating.

Drink lots of water

This will keep you looking and feeling younger for longer and glowing healthily all through Winter

Skin Fitness Inside & Out

With Christmas fast approaching we all want our skin looking great for those family pictures and getting onto a Skin Fitness program is the best way to do it.
 
Something that quite often isn’t understood by people is the importance of, not just treatments we use to make your skin glow but also what your skin is being fed internally!
 
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it is what is on display to the world.
 
Our highly qualified and experienced therapists have seen every skin type imaginable.
 
Tranquility also has two nurses who are also highly qualified therapists who due to their medical training know only too well the importance of sun protection as well as a healthy diet and exercise.
 
A good analogy of what we are saying is that of a very nice car! If the car has been exposed to the elements without the protection of paint and rust protection it will rust as it has no way of repairing itself!
 
We as humans however, do have numerous ways of protecting ourselves from “rusting” some of which can occur without us lifting a finger.
 
Let me explain.
 
Personal fitness trainers are well aware of the two different types of recovery athletes have at their disposal in order for their bodies to recover from a heavy workout. They are PASSIVE & ACTIVE.
 
Passive recovery is basically relying on your own bodies biological systems to do their job whilst you sleep or rest.
 
Active recovery however, is where you give your system a kick along by things like massage, stretching and eating foods high in protein, vitamins and anti-oxidants in order to speed up and encourage blood flow and give your body everything it needs to do its job and recover quicker and more efficiently.
 
Well our skin repairs just as athletes muscles do.
 
– So doing some light physical training in order to temporarily increase your blood pressure will create more reach for your capillaries to get that nourishing blood supply to the skin.
 
– Eating foods high in anti-oxidants and protein gives your blood the essential “rust” killers your body needs to repair the damage done to the skin by everyday living.
 
– And finally, enlisting our skilled therapists to analyse and treat your skin will not only increase blood supply to the extremities of your skin but depending on the treatment, it will feel great, add highly beneficial nutrients to your skin and be akin to a nice car having a professional work hard in order to get it ready for a big show.