LOVE YOUR CARNIVAL

From the road to the stage, the friends to the fun, Carnival is ours and we love it — but don’t forget to also #loveyourskin during those two blissful days on the road. Here’s how…

Gyrate, but hydrate

We all know how intense the sun can be, so staying hydrated is crucial — both for your overall well-being, and for the appearance of your skin. Drink plenty of water and opt for hydrating skincare products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to maintain your skin's moisture balance. 

The sunscreen is essential

Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays is non-negotiable. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously to all exposed skin, including often overlooked areas like your ears and the back of your neck. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're sweating. Two non-stop days in the sun can make lips dry and chapped, so a lip balm with SPF is also useful.

Keep it light 

We’re sure your costume is gorgeous, but is the fabric comfortable? Does is allow your skin to breathe? Pay special attention to any areas that feel irritated when you first try it on, and if necessary, get your costume adjusted beforehand in order to reduce the risk of friction on your skin.

Honour the ritual 

Carnival is a ritual — and so is your skincare routine! In the days leading up to Monday and Tuesday, take the time to exfoliate dead skin cells (check out our Top 5 treatments), which helps skin glow and allows for more effective application of moisturisers and sunscreen.

Keep your cool 

The lively energy of Carnival can be contagious, but it also comes with sweating and increased body temperature. Botox treatments are very effective for controlling underarm perspiration. You can also walk with facial mist or refreshing spray to cool down and invigorate your skin throughout the day. This will keep you feeling fresh and prevent your skin from becoming too oily.

Be mindful of your makeup

What would Carnival be without makeup? Whether you’re applying it yourself or using a professional MUA, opt for water-resistant, long-lasting formulas. Your makeup will need to withstand the heat and pace of the festivities without the need for frequent touch-ups that could potentially irritate your skin.

Post-Carnival skincare

Carnival will eventually be over, but your skincare routine shouldn’t be. In fact, it's crucial to pamper your skin to help it recover. No matter how tired you are, take a cool shower to wash away sweat and impurities, and use a gentle cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of essential oils. Follow up with a soothing moisturiser to replenish lost hydration.

Be skin-safe and #loveyourcarnival!

#READYFORTHEROAD SKIN

Choose from an array of super skincare treatments, and get costume-ready for the best Carnival ever! 

The VI Peel

Carnival is about transformation and this amazing treatment certainly does the trick! Not only does it perform well on diverse skin types and tones, it also works wonders in the smoothness department. The exfoliating peel successfully minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reduces hyperpigmentation, making you look youthful, even-toned and dewy. Bonus: Very little discomfort and minimal downtime! 

There are other chemical peels that also yield great results, but make sure to schedule them far enough in advance of Carnival Monday and Tuesday so that your skin has time to bounce back. 

Microdermabrasion

A non-invasive treatment that exfoliates the outer layer of the skin, this process helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and sun damage by stimulating collagen production. The result? A more youthful and radiant skin tone.

Laser treatments 

Approaches like fractional laser resurfacing use focused light energy to stimulate collagen production and promote skin renewal. We generally have great results with reducing the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentation, and scarring, while improving skin tone and texture, not to mention exceptional success at hair removal so you feel completely comfortable in your costume!

Botox and fillers 

It’s common knowledge, but worth repeating: by temporarily relaxing muscles, Botox reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, creating a smoother and more youthful look. Dermal fillers, meanwhile, add volume to skin, enhancing facial contours and restoring a plump, youthful appearance that will have you ready for your Carnival close-up. 

Customised facials

Facials are tried and true for good reason, offering everything from deep cleansing, exfoliation and extraction to the application of certain products to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. We can design a treatment that’s specifically targeted for your skin’s unique needs. 

Sunscreen 

It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: wear a reliable sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, and reapply liberally during the day (ideally, every two hours). We have many lightweight options to choose from that will not feel heavy or interfere with your makeup.  

And the best tip of all? Have fun!

SETTING YOUR 2024 #SKINCAREGOALS

Here’s how to prioritise your skin’s health by setting goals and following up with the action needed to achieve them…

Commit to your routine in 2024; your skin will thank you!

CAN YOUR SKIN SURVIVE CHRISTMAS?

The overindulgence that comes with Christmas celebrations can be challenging for your skin health. From rich holiday treats to late-night parties, your skin definitely requires extra TLC at this time of year — especially if you want to continue the partying into Carnival! Here’s how to help your skin not just survive, but thrive…

Remember, you have to do more than usual in order to get your skin through this hectic time of year  — and seeing your skin glow will be the best Christmas present you can give yourself. 

ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE (RASH)

Pityriasis Rosea — or the "Christmas Tree Rash” as it is commonly called, thanks to its distinctive pattern that resembles fir tree branches — is a common, non-contagious skin condition that typically affects young adults. 

What causes it? Doctors haven’t quite agreed on this yet, but many believe it may be linked to viral infections, such as one of the many variations of the human herpes virus (not the same strains that cause cold sores or genital sores).

Christmas Tree rashes are characterised by an initial large, often scaly patch (usually on the chest or back) that precedes the eruption of smaller, similar rashes across the body. However, they’re usually harmless and resolve on their own within a few weeks to a few months. Most cases occur sporadically, without any known triggers, and don’t come with a whole lot of symptoms, though some people do feel as if they’re coming down with the flu (sore throat, fever, headache) and complain that the rash is itchy.

Treatment, therefore, mainly focuses on relieving discomfort with the use of moisturisers and, in some cases, topical steroids or antihistamines, though maintaining good skin hygiene and avoiding harsh soaps and hot water can also help soothe symptoms, as can staying cool and exposing your body to natural light.  

Many patients get nervous when the rash appears, however, because despite its benign nature, its appearance can look rather serious. It’s therefore best not to assume: come in and see us to get a proper diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions.

Mothers-to-be: getting the rash while pregnant has been linked to a greater change of miscarriage and premature delivery, so it is imperative to advise your Ob/Gyn if you have the condition in order for your physician to be aware and monitor you for potential complications.