MENOPAUSE MATTERS

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, marking the end of her reproductive abilities. While many women are happy to bid farewell to that time of the month, menopause — including perimenopause, which can last years — is not just a simple biological event. Instead, it’s a complex journey that comes with a myriad of physical and emotional changes. For many women, the transition can be challenging, impacting their overall well-being and quality of life.

One of the primary struggles women face during menopause is hormonal imbalance. Estrogen levels decline and seemingly all hell breaks loose. Some of it, you might be prepared for: 

• Decreased libido

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Mood swings

• Vaginal dryness

But there’s a lot more they don’t tell you about, and these symptoms can also wreak havoc: 

• Acne

• Allergies

• Bloating

• Brain fog

• Breast soreness

• Depression

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Irregular periods

• Joint pain

• Migraines

• Osteoporosis

• Panic attacks

• Racing heart

• Thinning hair

• Tinnitus

• Urinary tract infections

• Vaginal itching

• Weight gain

Menopause is no day at the beach. Symptoms can (and often do) disrupt daily life, affecting work, relationships, and self-esteem. There can also be limited understanding of and empathy for the massive changes women undergo, which can make the challenges of menopause even more difficult to shoulder.   

Fortunately, there’s help. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can replenish estrogen levels and alleviate symptoms, but since some HRT treatments have been linked to a higher incidence of certain cancers, you should consult your doctor to determine whether the risks outweigh the benefits. Estrogen creams are one form of HRT, applied topically to the skin to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort. They often have anti-ageing benefits as well, improving skin elasticity and hydration.

One innovative treatment we offer is Candela’s CO2RE Intima therapy. It’s really proven to be a game changer! Minimally invasive and designed specifically for gynaecological applications, the treatment uses laser technology to rejuvenate vaginal tissue, addressing issues like vaginal laxity, dryness, and urinary incontinence. By stimulating collagen production, the CO2 Intima core treatments can improve vaginal health and enhance sexual satisfaction for menopausal women.

Smart and simple lifestyle changes can also help women navigate menopause more smoothly: 

• Adequate sleep

• Healthy, balanced diet (avoiding alcohol, smoking, spicy foods and caffeine have been said to help with hot flashes, a common symptom) 

• Mindfulness and meditation techniques (yoga, breath exercises)

• Regular exercise (helps with weight management, stress relief and mood stability) 

• Stress management (nature, hobbies, down time) 

• Support from friends and family, or even a professional if needed  

Armed with the right information, you can redefine menopause, use it an an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, and come out the other side stronger, wiser, and more empowered.

TIK TOK SKIN TRENDS — WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT

As a platform for sharing skincare tips and tricks, TikTok has emerged as a go-to channel, especially for tweens, teens and young adults. Every day, there are new influencers promoting new techniques, products, and routines — but are these DIY remedies actually hurting or helping your skin? Let's delve into the fact or fallacy of #skintok…

Do it yourself (DIY) skincare — Hot and Not 

We’re all for self-advocacy, because you know your skin best — but there’s a caveat. While some DIY approaches may be useful (assuming you are using safe, effective ingredients), you shouldn’t trust any and every piece of advice. Some products, even supposedly natural ones, can contain irritants and allergens that can be harmful to skin. Additionally, mixing certain ingredients can have adverse reactions. Some people, especially those with darker skin tones or sensitive skin, can react differently to products that peel and strip skin with the promise of “renewing” it or making it look younger.

Serpentine Tip: DIY skincare can be cost-effective, but if the products and processes aren’t trustworthy or compatible with your skin, you’ll end up spending twice as much to correct the damage done. Do your research and make sure that any products you use are dermatologist recommended. 

Skin cycling — Hot

After New York-based dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe talked about the benefits of switching out your skin care products to give your skin a boost, it became a beloved TikTok trend. As dermatologists, we believe in intermittently rotating skin care products, because it shakes things up and makes room for your skin barrier to recover. 

Serpentine Tip: We love this so much we reiterated how to go about it, here. 

Skin slugging — Not 

Here’s the theory: by applying petroleum jelly to your face at night after you complete your skincare routine, your skin can better retain moisture. Please do not do this, especially if you have sensitive skin, pores that are easily clogged, or are prone to acne. Additionally, if you are using products with alpha hydroxy acids or retinols, petroleum jelly seals in and intensifies their effects, so you’re treading on dangerous ground. We have seen far more harm than good come from this TikTok trend. 

Serpentine Tip: There are much safer and more effective ways to keep skin hydrated; read more about them here. 

Pimple popping — Not

We get it: there’s something really satisfying about seeing all that gunk ooze out of a pimple, but as dermatologists, we do not recommend it! Picking at acne can cause scarring and infections. This is something best left to the professionals. 

That said, if you’re absolutely unable to resist, here’s how to pop a zit properly. Don’t interfere with it unless the spot has an obvious, pus-filled head and is not deep-rooted; otherwise, the scarring will be permanent. Clean the area first. Do not, under any circumstances, pop the pimple with your bare hands; either put on gloves or use a clean tissue between your fingers. Once the deed is done, apply an anti-inflammatory like tea tree oil to the area. Something as simple as a dab of petroleum jelly can also help the spot close more quickly and stop environmental toxins from getting in. Better yet? Commit to a skincare routine that prevents you from getting acne in the first place.

Serpentine Tip: If you suffer from serious breakouts, we recommend that you come in and see us — we’ll figure out the cause and put you on a programme that deals with it safely and effectively. 

Gua Sha — Not 

It’s promoted as an ancient Chinese practice for beautiful skin, but does it work? We don’t think so. This is not to say that the practice isn’t rooted in something, but the way they’re doing it on TikTok is not data-driven. There’s simply not enough information on it for us to be able to say that it creates much of a difference. When it originated in China, it is believed that people would drag the jade stone across their face to the point of bruising, and the healing process is supposedly what would rejuvenate the skin.  

Serpentine Tip: The Gua Sha stone is reportedly useful for draining your lymph nodes, which can help reduce puffiness, but this is not a tool we’re going to be using in our skincare arsenal.  

Veganism — Not 

If you want to embrace a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, we’re all for it, but do it for the right reasons. While there is definitely a link between diet and skin health, it’s not the only thing. Do you drink? Smoke? Exercise? Get enough sleep? All these are factors too; it’s very rarely a case where diet alone impacts how your skin looks. We therefore recommend not only a balanced diet (vegan or not), but a balanced lifestyle for your skin to be at its best. 

Serpentine Tip: The most common food-based culprits when it comes to skin are dairy and sugar. 

Lube before makeup — Not 

TikTok would have you believe that it’s a good idea to prime your face with a lubricant prior to applying makeup, in order for the foundation to be applied more easily and the overall finish to look smoother and sleeker. This is a big NO from us as it’s a recipe for irritating and clogging skin, leaving you prone to breakouts and other issues.  

Serpentine Tip: Skin that is well hydrated with tried and tested products will naturally be a good base for makeup application. 

Any kind of at-home tech gadget  — Not 

Hyaluron pens, plasma pens, microneedling…we could go on, but the bottom line is this: if an “at home” treatment involves needles, chemicals, light treatments, microcurrents, or any kind of safety risk the gadget claims to circumvent, skip it. Treatments like these come with a level of risk that requires professional training — no exceptions.  

Serpentine Tip: Seriously…we’re cringing just thinking about you doing this at home and all the things that could go wrong. Make an appointment with us instead. 

Animal secretions  — Not 

Korean beauty routines, popular on TikTok, extoll the virtues of everything from snail mucin to salmon sperm to heal and restore skin disorders. As such, some TikTokers have been seen allowing snails to crawl on their face. In a word, eww. Please..just don’t. There is no scientific data at this point to prove that these things have any positive effects, though we are on board with K-beauty’s overall gentle approach to skincare. 

Serpentine Tip: We’re all about empirical evidence and will continue to deliver skincare products and treatments that are scientifically sound and proven to work in extensive clinical trials. You and your skin should not be a guinea pig.

Sunscreen as a non-negotiable  — Hot 

As you well know, we’ve been singing the sunscreen song forever! Recognising its value in protecting skin from the harmful effects of premature ageing and skin cancers, TikTok has also got on board, promoting sun safety awareness and encouraging consistent sun protection habits.  

Serpentine Tip: Sunscreens don’t have to be a bother if you make it part of your skincare routine. We have a host of effective, lightweight sunscreens that will do the job, without you even being conscious that you’re wearing it — win/win!

THE SECRET TO UNLOCKING RADIANT SKIN

A glowing complexion revolves around one fundamental principle: hydration. It stands to reason that the body's largest organ needs good hydration to maintain its health, resilience, and youthful radiance. (That’s just one reason we tell you to drink a lot of water, especially in tropical climates like ours.) Sometimes, however, drinking H20 simply isn’t enough to maintain your skin’s optimal hydration levels, which is where targeted skincare approaches like Oxygeneo facials come in.

Understanding hydration 

When the delicate balance of water content within the skin's layers is disrupted, whether due to environmental factors, ageing, or ineffective skincare routines, it can cause everything from dryness and dullness to fine lines and wrinkles. It can also exacerbate conditions like acne and eczema, which further irritate skin. 

By strengthening its natural barrier function, crucial for defending against external aggressors like pollution and UV rays, proper hydration keeps skin supple and plump. Well-hydrated skin is also better equipped to absorb and retain beneficial ingredients from skincare products, maximising their effectiveness.

Oxygeneo brings out your skin’s underlying potential

Designed to rejuvenate skin from within, Oxygeneo facials combine exfoliation, infusion, and oxygenation for a holistic approach to skincare:

• Exfoliation: The first step in the process gently removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores, allowing for better product penetration and absorption. Unlike harsh chemical peels or abrasive scrubs, Oxygeneo facials use a unique Capsugen tablet that releases CO2 bubbles upon contact with the skin, resulting in a gentle yet effective exfoliating action.

• Infusion: Specialised serums enriched with nourishing ingredients are delivered deeply into the skin via Oxygeneo’s unique technology, hydrating and brightening your skin’s appearance. 

• Oxygenation: The skin is infused with oxygen-rich bubbles to further enhance circulation, promote collagen production, and stimulate cellular regeneration. This oxygen boost leaves skin feeling refreshed, radiant, and visibly rejuvenated.

A cornerstone of skincare 

Incorporating regular hydration practices and Oxygeneo facials into your skincare routine can yield transformative results. By replenishing moisture levels, improving skin texture, and promoting cellular renewal, these treatments will help achieve and maintain a luminous complexion that radiates health and vitality.

Even better, Oxygeneo facials can be customised to address your specific skincare concerns. With consistent care, your skin will not only look beautiful but also feel healthy and resilient — from the inside, out. 

THERE’S NEVER BEEN A SERUM QUITE LIKE THIS!

Introducing SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst, a daily-use, skin renewal accelerating serum that steps up against ageing by making cellular turnover more robust, boosting skin’s vitality at a cellular level, and stimulating barrier renewal by removing dull surface cells.

The results are, in a word, incredible! By combining ingredients that have never before been put together in this way — including 7.7% multi-acid complex and 1% taurine — Cell Cycle Catalyst has changed the game. C.E. Ferulic will always be a go-to staple, but this new serum works completely differently, turning over your skin cells very rapidly so that your skin is constantly fresh and rejuvenated. After all, when your epidermis is full of dead cells, your skin is less receptive to anti-ageing treatments. This serum opens the door to fresher, younger-looking skin!

What it does 

• Its gentle peeling action speeds up cell turnover and renews the skin’s barrier while keeping it optimally hydrated for a healthy, youthful look and feel. 

• Perfect for all skin types, it is a flexible product that can be incorporated into daily skin-care routines; we recommend using it right after cleansing. 

• Cell Cycle Catalyst can be used either alone or in conjunction with other anti-ageing regimens. We love to use it before applying additional antioxidants or prior to skin treatments, as it makes skin feel revitalised! 

Results

• Users saw the appearance of fine lines reduce by 21%, discolouration decrease by 16%, and a 13% improvement in visible  pores.

• Skin was reportedly 15% more radiant, and even acne suffers saw a 16% improvement in the condition of their skin in just two months.

• The serum also leaves the skin wonderfully hydrated. 

It’s amazing, we’re officially in love, and we can’t wait for you to try it yourself. We’ll be having a launch as soon as our stock arrives, so keep watching our online updates and social media channels for updates. 

CHIN UP!

Okay, ladies: let’s get real. We don’t talk about it, but it’s often there for everyone to see — chin hair. Sometimes, it arrives solo. Other times, the dreaded hairs show up in pairs or (gasp!) groups. Either way, they are unwanted — and irritatingly determined. Here are a few surefire ways to get them out of your life.

Determine the cause 

There’s a reason for everything and depending on what it is, we treat the condition differently. A common cause of chin hair in women is hormonal imbalance, which can be caused by everything from polycystic ovary syndrome to thyroid problems or menopause. Sometimes, growth can even be triggered by certain types of medication, so it’s important that we pinpoint what’s causing the issue in the first place. 

Medication 

Certain medications, including birth control pills, can help prevent chin hair growth, but bear in mind that oral medication taken over long periods of time can also have other side effects and therefore requires careful monitoring. Topical prescription creams can be an option, but — depending on how they interact with your skin — can also have contraindications. Over-the-counter creams thin hair to the point where it eventually disappears, but some of them have been known to cause burns, so must be used carefully. 

Plucking, shaving or waxing 

Any of these will get the job done, but they are temporary fixes. Tweezing, while satisfying, can be painful and in some cases, the hair proliferates. Shaving lasts even less time and you run the risk of stubble, and waxing has to be repeated often for it to keep pace with the appearance of facial hair. Other bug bears: the possibility of ingrown hairs, folliculitis, and hyperpigmentation.

Electrolysis

Depending on the type of chin hair issue you’re having — and how much of it there is — this is a good option for a permanent solution. A needle delivers electrical current into the hair follicle, zapping the root and preventing new hair from growing. For large amounts of hair, however, it can be both time consuming and painful, so it’s recommended to start treatment before the hair gets out of hand, and apply a numbing agent over the area to minimise discomfort during the process. 

Laser treatments 

The most modern permanent hair removal solution available, lasers used at special wavelengths destroy the hair follicle by targeting the melanin it needs to grow. They’re fantastic, but people with darker skin may experience hyperpigmentation, and women who are pregnant should not do laser treatments. They are also not recommended for patients who are on certain types of acne medication or have skin that is prone to keloids. 

As always, come in and talk to us and we’ll help you design the best treatment approach for your particular situation.