RAISE YOUR GLASS!

To the bride and groom, sure — but also, to your own amazing skin! Is it possible to achieve that super-hydrated, perfect-to-the-touch, IG-ready skin without filters or Photoshop? Definitely! As we always say, beautiful skin starts from the inside, out. Here’s how to get your skin that glassy, classy look… 

Double Cleanse

Gentle cleansers are the first step to achieving this flawless look — and you need to do it twice — after all, healthy skin begins with a clean canvas. Avoid harsh cleansers that strip skin, leaving it dry and susceptible to breakouts and dullness. Instead, choose products like SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel, which clears pores and smoothes skin, or SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser, which gently exfoliates while deep cleaning, moisturising and brightening. Finish up your cleanse with SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser or similar foaming wash, and check out the cleansers we recommend for various ages and skin types, here.

Exfoliate 

Next, exfoliate. Consider this something of a spring cleaning to get rid of all the unwanted excess (in this case, dead skin cells and other debris). You should exfoliate at least two to three times a week with a gentle product like SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, which effectively cleans pores and softens skin without robbing it of moisture.

Tone

Toners actually set the tone for your skin, helping to maintain the correct pH balance. Be sure to avoid harsh toners that strip skin of the natural oils it needs to stay in balance. SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner gently refreshes skin and restores its even texture while removing excess residue. 

Search for serums  

These are usually rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from the effects of free radicals — which most commonly manifest as premature ageing. Serums like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, which contain ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, offer skin much needed hydration, making it plump, firm and radiant, and the oil-free SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator exfoliates while it moisturises.

Apply essences  

A term that covers a range of toners, facial mists and light serums, essences have the ability to penetrate the skin more deeply than say, moisturisers can. Light but power-packed botanicals like SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist strengthen the skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation. Just spritz on throughout the day — even over makeup — for all-day hydration. You will feel so pampered! SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3, a lightweight emulsion that contains niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 that prevents flushing), is also a great choice. Remember: the more moisture your skin retains, the closer you will be to achieving that glassy look. 

Moisturise 

To seal in the hydration, pick moisturisers that are lightweight, rich, and easily absorbent. We’ve got great suggestions for different brands depending on what stage of life your skin is at. Adding value to your routine is SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight, which exfoliates and promotes natural cell turnover as you sleep.

Protect 

There’s no way around the sunscreen if you want to get skin as smooth as glass. We’ve got a range of choices that protect brilliantly while moisturising, and don’t feel heavy on your skin, including the broad spectrum SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen, which has the added benefits of correcting discolouration and hydrating skin even as it protects you from harmful UV rays. EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40, which contains hyaluronic acid and gives you the coverage you need while moisturising skin, is also a fantastic option. 

Develop supportive habits 

Skin health is naturally tied to overall health, so make good nutrition choices. Healthy fats found in foods like avocados and salmon help maintain skin’s moisture balance, while a daily serving of fruits and vegetables brings more antioxidant power into the mix. Drinking enough water also goes without saying (skin loves moisture!) — and getting enough beauty sleep greatly benefits your skin.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET THAT WEDDING GLOW

Love takes time — and so does perfect wedding day skin! For three to six months before you say, “I do”, rotate any of the following facial treatments in order to get your skin to peak on the big day! (We’re also happy to recommend an optimal schedule based on your particular skin type.) 

Oxygeneo Hydrate facial 

This rejuvenating facial gently exfoliates skin to achieve a smoother texture, and nourishes it by providing the oxygen it needs to generate new cells. The use of pressurised oxygen to the skin’s epidermis results in a noticeable reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin looks softer and more seamless, with a healthful, rosy look. Enhanced collagen production will do that — it’s the perfect way to train your skin for that blissful wedding day glow. 

Collagen facial 

The effects of collagen facials are built into our Oxygeneo treatments, which are big on building structural proteins and elastin in the skin, and use all sorts of wonderful ingredients — including infusions of pure gold flakes — to take skin to the next level. Gold, believe it or not, is an antioxidant, and works hard to protect skin against the negative effects of free radicals. Skin moves from dull to vibrant, leaving it looking plump and youthful on your special day. 

Radiofrequency Facial

We integrate this amazing, rejuvenating aspect with our Oxygeneo facials. The use of a heat-generating electromagnetic device helps stimulate collagen and elastin production and gives your skin a beautiful boost, leaving it firmer, fuller and younger-looking. 

These different but complementary elements, integrated into the Oxygeneo treatment, hydrate and brighten skin to achieve that effortless, even glow. 

Chemical Peels 

What? Before a wedding? While you may think of chemical peels as a real commitment with a long and sometimes unpredictable recovery process, medium depth chemical peels, which contain ingredients like vitamin C and salicylic acid, are great at removing dead skin, leaving you with a rejuvenated look. It’s also quite effective in combating acne and hyperpigmentation. We tend to be conservative with chemical peels because skin of colour can sometimes react more harshly — but a properly timed chemical peel can really do a lot for your wedding day-ready skin. 

Dermaplaning Facial

This is a targeted, results-oriented treatment for brides-to-be, though women with sensitive skin, or who battle with breakouts, may want to think twice, as these skin types are more prone to inflammation. A scalpel-like tool quickly and painlessly exfoliates skin and removes dead cells. There is absolutely no downtime, and the results are instant! Bonus: serums are absorbed even better into your skin, yielding even better results.

Custom Facial

We believe in these because your skin is as unique as you are. We can literally offer you a bespoke treatment that takes your specific concerns into consideration, and treats you on the basis of what’s important to you. Naturally, a custom facial will include some of the same steps you’re used to — cleansing, exfoliating, extracting — but we can also mix and match important elements like serums, hydration, micro-currents. and approaches to skin stimulation. Nothing makes you feel as pampered and special as a custom facial closer to the big day! 

Microdermabrasion with LED light therapy

We all know the power of light when it comes to stimulating skin and improving its look, feel and overall health. In this potent facial, we use the power of LED lights to help stimulate and increase cell turnover and collagen production. Apart from more voluminous skin, benefits include the diminishing of fine lines and wrinkles, fewer breakouts, and a more even, seamless complexion.

Come to think of it, you don’t actually need to be the bride to take advantage of these amazing combos. Whether you’re a bridesmaid, a guest, or avoiding wedding season altogether, our fabulous facials will always work hard to get your skin glowing! 

WHAT TO GET THE LADIES IN YOUR LIFE?

We’ve got you covered with some fabulous Mother’s Day bundles!

15% OFF SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel, Phloretin CF Gel, Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment, and Physical Fusion UV Defence Sunscreen (SAVE almost $500). Click here to order Bundle 1 now!

15% OFF  SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser, Resveratrol B E, Retinol 0.3, Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen and Tripeptide-R Neck Repair (SAVE over $600) Click here to order Bundle 2 now!

15% OFF SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser Cream, Phloretin CF, Hydrating B5 Masque, A.G.E. Interrupter, and Light Moisture UV Defence Sunscreen (SAVE $700) Click here to order Bundle 3 now!

And a very special offer for TEENS…

15% OFF SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel, Silymarin CF, Phyto+, Physical Matte UV Defense Sunscreen, and Clarifying Clay Masque (SAVE almost $600) Click here to order Bundle 4 now!

SUPERB SKIN CARE AT EVERY AGE

Need on target, fail-safe skin care guidelines for every decade? Look no further…

TEENS

Challenges

While the teenage years can be fun, acne, blemishes and skin pore issues due to hormonal changes are anything but. 

Solutions

Keep it simple:

1. Protect — This means using a daily SPF as a shield from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. There are many great choices for acne prone skin, including Elta MD UV Clear — one of our favourites! An effective sunscreen that’s transparent, lightweight, and doesn’t clog pores, it makes application feel like a luxury rather than a chore.  

2. Cleanse — Teen skin requires an effective but gentle cleanser to get rid of dirt and excess oil. Products with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid get the job done right. Our picks? CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser or SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser. 

3. Hydrate — A good moisturiser helps reduce the occurrence and intensity of breakouts by keeping the skin’s barrier intact. We love hyaluronic acid-based products like SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel and Daily Moisture.

Once these basics are in place, we can slowly add more active, corrective ingredients to the routine. Retinoids are excellent at stimulating cell turnover, lowering inflammation, and reducing the appearance of acne. Our dermatologists will usually recommend these in lower strengths at the beginning, as everyone’s tolerance level is different. 

20s-40s

Challenges

Believe it or not, in our 20s, our skin has already started to slow down — our youthful glow becomes slightly more elusive, and dark spots or discolouration begin to appear, thanks to everything from hormonal changes to sun damage.

Solutions

The key to dealing with dullness and darkness? Prevention and gentle correction: 

1. Cleanse — All cleansers are not created equal. You need one that doesn't strip your skin bur rather, is responsive to your skin’s changing needs.

2. Consider serums — Your 20s are a great time to start incorporating topical antioxidants like Vitamin C into your skincare routine, as these brighten skin and protect it against free radical damage. In our experience, SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic produces the best, most visible results.

3. Moisturise — A must-have for well nourished skin, oil-free moisturisers are preferred (even better if they contain hyaluronic acid). Some options we would recommend are SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier, Metacell Renewal B3, or Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment.   

Regardless of your age or skin type, you should commit to a daily sunscreen — the skin protection it offers will definitely pay off later on, since UV rays are one of the most common contributors to discolouration and hyperpigmentation. To combat dullness and dark spots, our dermatologists may also recommend hydroquinone-based products, which help stabilise the skin’s pigment cells. 

40s-50s

Challenges

This is when most people start to look their age. Wrinkles begin to appear; skin looks and feels less firm, and you wonder where your youthful glow went. 

Solutions

Worry not! Corrective products that work at a cellular level — think retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids — can help revive skin’s tone, plumpness and glow: 

1. Go gentle — Starting with a product like SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3, which has low levels of retinol, allows you to slowly build your tolerance for the nutrient. Alternatively, Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight is both gentle and effective. 

2. Moisturise — Pair such corrective products with the staples. Moisturisers go a long way in preserving the skin’s barrier and keeping it hydrated as we age. Nourishing creams like SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore or A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced really get the job done, while the HA Intensifier has a deeply hydrating effect. 

3. Lock the block — Sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially for ageing skin. Both SkinCeuticals and Elta MD have great choices to suit practically every preference and skin type. Pair with a good Vitamin C antioxidant like CE Ferulic as a preventative measure. 

At this age, you’ve also got to protect areas of the body where the skin is thinner. SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair, for instance, gently improves shortcomings in neck’s tone and texture. As women enter perimenopause and things begin to slow down, the introduction of gentle retinoids like VI Derm Retinol Moisturiser boost cell rejuvenation and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

50+

Challenges

Once you’re past 50, skin is more susceptible to dryness and sagging. This is especially true for women because of hormonal changes, but men’s skin also begins to show its age thanks to decades of environmental exposure. 

Solutions

Consistency and diligence are key:  

1. Cleanse — Ageing skin is naturally drier, so cleanse but do it gently. Avoid harsh products that strip the skin bare; you need to maintain the skin’s barrier with proper hydrating products like SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser and Simply Clean.

2. Apply the sunscreen — You need SPF protection now more than ever, and whichever sunscreen you choose should be at least SPF 30+ and protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to reapply liberally throughout the day. 

3. Moisturise — Go for rich, thick moisturisers like SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore or Renew Overnight Dry to assist with correction and prevention. They seal in hydration and keep skin looking younger and fresher.  

You can also exfoliate once a week in an effort to get rid of dead cells and reveal a fresh layer of skin. SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub is gentle, yet effective. 

THE SPEED OF LIGHT

We’re shining a light on skin issues — literally. Our new Celluma LED light therapy machine improves skin health at a cellular level to do amazing things both quickly and easily: 

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of ageing

• Relieves arthritic symptoms and muscle discomfort, as well as pain from skin conditions like eczema

• Eliminates acne by treating existing blemishes and minimising future breakouts

• Improves the appearance of scars

• Deals with sun damage and hyperpigmentation   

This machine, especially when used in conjunction with some of our other skin care treatments and products, can practically turn back the clock! It’s excellent at treating acne-related skin conditions and other forms of scarring, as well as minimising the visible effects of ageing. 

Light has long been put to effective use in dermatology. A different modality of light — narrow-band UVB — has proven very efficient in treating medical conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) — a rare form of cancer that makes your body's immune system attack the skin. Treatments are shorter and more targeted, getting to the heart of whichever skin condition we’re treating. In cases of skin cancer, light therapy usually results in longer periods of remission. 

Depending on your particular challenge, we may recommend a series of either LED or narrow-band UVB light treatments, but you can rest assured that your skin’s cellular activity will be recharged, and you will definitely see the benefits. 

So follow the light — give us a call or come in for a consultation, and experience the transformative effects for yourself!