Skin deep
The actress, Audrey Hepburn, once said, “True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.” If you are happy with your appearance, that’s great. If you’re not, sometimes we need a little extra help.
Even the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, used a peel by applying sour milk to exfoliate her skin. Off-milk contains lactic acid, a gentle exfoliant that is still used in facial peels today to improve the skin’s texture.
A facial peel is a treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove one or more layers. It can cause new collagen to form which improves skin imperfections. Peels can be helpful in softening wrinkles, treating acne scars, and reducing the dark patches of pigmentation.
A peel is often used to treat sun-damaged skin, but can generally be repeated only once every few months if it has been more than light, or superficial. At-home peels can be bought from pharmacies or department stores but do not have the same effect as a salon treatment.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein produced in the body but its production can decrease with age. Collagen can be slowly lost from the mid-20s and decrease further with factors such as menopause. It is now a popular supplement and product ingredient, with claims for reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.
Under the knife
Cosmetic surgery reshapes features of the body or face and includes facelifts, breast enlargement, eyelid surgery and tummy tucks. Surgery costs can vary depending on hospital fees, and the fees of the qualified surgeon, anaesthetist and assistants. In New Zealand, prices can range from $9,000 to $45,000 plus. An initial consultation should outline what is included in the quotation.
Many clinics also offer cheaper procedures such as dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections and facial vein laser treatments.
Personal recommendations and research can assist in finding an experienced, qualified practitioner. The New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine (NZSCM) is the recognised benchmark for procedures in New Zealand. Their accredited doctors are considered the “gold standard” in cosmetic medicine: https://nzscm.co.nz/members-directory
Non-surgical “tweakments”
“Tweakments” is a buzz word in beauty. They’re the middle step between using products and having cosmetic surgery. So, what is considered a “tweakment?” They include:
Botox: Botox injections can block chemical signals that cause muscles to contract. With Botox, the facial muscles relax, reducing wrinkles such as frown lines. It’s a quick procedure and usually lasts for around three to six months.
IPL: Intense Pulsed Light therapy is non-invasive and is achieved with a hand-held device that uses high-energy pulses of light for pigment issues. These include rosy cheeks, freckles, facial lines, wrinkles and acne. IPL can also remove unwanted hair. Again, ensure the technician is trained and experienced in IPL. The treatment usually takes around 20 minutes and can feel like a light pinch. Many salons advise a course of four to six sessions at least a month apart.
Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are a gel-like substance injected under the skin. They can plump up and tighten your skin and smooth lines and wrinkles. They should also add fullness to areas such as the lips.
Salons may offer fillers to etch jawlines and define cheek bones. Side effects can include redness, swelling at the site and bruising. The treatments should be carried out by a qualified dermatologist.
Project Physique offers Age Jet cutting-edge technology, which is revolutionising the world of skincare. This advanced treatment uses ionized gas to create a plasma field that can effectively target and address a wide range of skin concerns. It’s non-invasive with minimal pain, making it an ideal solution to improve the appearance and health of our skin without undergoing surgery or other invasive procedures.
One of the key benefits of Age Jet is its ability to stimulate the production of collagen, fibroblast and elastin, creating a rejuvenation and improvement in the structure of skin. It can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, droopy eyelids, baggy under-eyes, as well as minimising the appearance of sun damage, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. Age Jet can reduce inflammation and redness, making it an effective treatment for acne.
Winter can have a drying effect on our skin. Including flaxseed oil and fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet may give your skin a boost. Look out for serums that hydrate and add one before applying a rich moisturiser. It’s recommended we drink more water in winter and still use sunscreen, even if the sun is not visible!
June is Acne Awareness Month. Acne can affect both adolescents and adults. There are many products that can help with this condition in consultation with a doctor or pharmacist.
Facials
The choice is yours when booking a facial, whether you need to focus on results or relaxation. A popular facial is the classic, which aims to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate. An anti-aging facial is especially beneficial for mature skin. A brightening facial often uses masks and face peels to give your face a glow, whilst a hydrating facial is good for dry skin.
If none of the above sounds like you, treating yourself to a therapeutic massage could be just the thing to help your wellbeing this winter and boost your immune system. If you like the way you look, that’s all that matters. After all, “laughter” lines appear on our face due to enjoyment and happiness. “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection." Buddha
-Gill Towle
