TROPICAL THREATS

Outdoorsy Caribbean guys (and gals!) embrace the natural landscapes and coastal beauty of our tropical surroundings to create unforgettable experiences. Unfortunately, many of them end up with unwanted souvenirs in the form of tropical diseases. Here are a few you need you be aware of before getting out there…

Leishmaniasis  

Beach lovers beware! Caused by parasites, leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies. 

It can take several forms:

• Cutaneous, which appears as skin lesions or ulcers in the area of the bite 

• Mucocutaneous, which affects the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and throat, leading to potential disfigurement and other complications if not treated quickly

• Visceral, which attacks vital internal organs like the spleen, liver, and bone marrow, causing fever, weight loss, and anaemia

It’s important to take precautions against sandfly bites, including using insect repellent — especially at beaches or on trails that are sandfly-prone — and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Otherwise, be prepared to take antimony-based drugs, used to treat parasitic infections, some of which may have to be administered intravenously and naturally have side effects. 

Please don’t dismiss symptoms as “just as a sandfly bite” — we have seen a few cases recently after the disease having been dormant for a long time. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for successful recovery and to prevent unwanted progression and complications.

Myiasis 

Be prepared to be grossed out — this disease, also parasitic, is caused by horse flies biting you, then laying their larvae in your skin. The live maggots feed off your tissue, causing localised irritation at the site, as well as broader, systemic pain. 

Should this happen, be on the lookout for signs of itching or swelling. You may also be able to see the maggots in the affected area. These will have to be surgically removed, especially if deeply embedded, as they can infect the surrounding tissue.  

To avoid myiasis, good personal hygiene is a must. Keep wounds clean and covered, and avoid flies like the plague. Prompt treatment is critical in preventing complications and accelerating healing.

Dengue 

Each rainy season we get warned about contracting this viral infection, most commonly transmitted via the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms include the sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a full body rash, though infants often get the rash under the soles of their feet.  

Treatment includes a combination of rest, hydration (coconut water is very effective), and pain relief medications. Intravenous fluids may come into play in severe cases to avoid the condition worsening to haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention. 

Though it can be hard to do in the Caribbean, to avoid dengue fever, you’ve got to avoid mosquito bites. Avoid the collection of stagnant water in your home, as that is a choice breeding ground for mosquito larvae; use an effective insect repellent; wear long-sleeved clothing; and sleep under mosquito nets if necessary.

Caterpillar bites 

We all know the story of caterpillars turning into beautiful butterflies, but in the tropics, we’ve got to think twice about touching them! 

Even fairly common species, like the Pseudosphinx tetrio that frequents frangipani shrubs, are best kept away from. Not only does it bite, but the plumeria it feasts on is toxic can can cause reactions in some people. Interesting side note: it turns into a moth, not a butterfly. 

Many other Caribbean caterpillars are known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, even from a mild brush against their venomous spines or hairs. Contact with these types, colloquially called “shinneys”, can cause redness, itching, swelling, and in some cases, more severe reactions like allergic dermatitis. 

It's therefore best to avoid caterpillars altogether. If you do touch one inadvertently, seek medical attention once any form of skin irritation occurs. 

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS!

The Greenhouse welcomes Mother’s Day with gorgeous bouquets!

Honouring our mothers with the vibrant hues and fragrant scents of flowers is a beloved Mother’s Day tradition. In the Caribbean, tropical flowers have long been used to express love, gratitude, and appreciation — and who better to say “thank you” to than Moms? 

That’s why The Greenhouse, our new, soon-to-be-opened wellness space, is offering amazing deals on beautiful Mother’s Day bouquets, each with their own symbolism and style. Whether you choose roses for love or lilies for devotion; the elegance of orchids or the luxuriousness of heliconias, each bouquet is sure to put a smile on Mum’s face (or brighten up any entertaining space if you’re hosting Mother’s Day lunch)! 

Somehow, the gift of flowers always manages to connect with people and convey the most heartfelt of sentiments — the love and gratitude we have for our mothers that that transcend words. This Mother's Day, let flowers from The Greenhouse show our Mums how remarkable we think they are. 

Call 476-7546 to find out more and to order.

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.