July 2013 Newsletter

Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin problems we see at MAHC. Often kicking off in the teenage years when hormones are running wild, acne is the result of increased oil production, dead skin cells, and bacterial build up, all of which work to block pores and lead to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and cysts. But it isn’t solely a teenage problem; some studies have shown that up to 20% of people suffer from acne during their adult life too.

Painful and unsightly, the physical effects of acne are well known. Most of us have fretted over an angry red lump, inflamed pustule or a swathe of unattractive blackheads. If we’re lucky, they subside quickly, and our complexion returns to normal. But what if they don’t go away?

As well as the physical effects of acne, long-term sufferers are susceptible to the psychological impacts of this troubling skin condition. Depression, poor self-esteem, social anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts are among the psychological effects experienced by long-term acne sufferers. Even after the condition itself has subsided, sufferers can be left with serious scarring.

Treatment

 At MAHC, we take the treatment of acne seriously. We work with clients to assess their skin and formulate a treatment plan to suit the client’s skin type and condition, age, lifestyle, and budget. Treatment will vary for each client but can include:

• Chemicalpeeling treatments
• LaserGenesis Skin Therapy
• MAHCSignature Luminescence Treatment
• An effectivehomecare routine

Tips

Aside from visiting us here at MAHC, what else can you do to help your skin cope with blackheads and blemishes?

Don’t pick!

Yes, your mother was right—picking a blemish does make it worse! Aside from placing further stress on the skin, squeezing a spot can push bacteria further into the skin, increasing the chance of more breakouts.

Stay hydrated

It’s a common misconception that moisturisers aggravate acne-prone skin. On the contrary, poor hydration can actually make acne worse. Moisturiser is very important for acne-prone skin—just make sure it’s the right type.

How can we help you?

Acne is certainly a challenging skin condition but it doesn’t need to be a life sentence. If you suffer from acne, the team at MAHC would love to help you take control and restore your skin to health. Give us a call on 03 9533 2019 or drop us a line <<hyperlink: http://melbaesthetics.com/contact/>> for your FREE initial consultation.

June 2013 Newsletter

Do you have any of these?

Freckles, sunspots, dark patches, melasma… If you can identify with any of these, you are one of the many people who suffer from hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin—or pigment—in the epidermis, causing areas of darkened skin that create a patchy, uneven complexion. In many cases, these patches are small and unobtrusive—as with freckles—but sometimes, hyperpigmentation can produce large, noticeable areas of discolouration or contribute to a prematurely aged appearance.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Overproduction of melanin can be induced by:

·        Ultraviolet radiation exposure – Such as spending time in the sun.

·        Hormonal changes – Such as those occurring during pregnancy or caused by contraceptive pills.

·        Skin trauma – Such as wounds, surgical scars or picking blemishes.

Evening things out

The good news is that hyperpigmentation can be removed or significantly reduced using a variety of techniques. However, even though initial treatments may appear to dispel the condition, recurrence is common and a long-term treatment plan is the most effective approach.

Treatment for hyperpigmentation can include:

·        IPL

·        Superficial to medium-depth chemical peeling treatments

·        Skin needling

·        The MAHC Signature Luminescence Treatment

The importance of homecare

As well as in-clinic procedures, a tailored homecare routine is a vital part of long-term hyperpigmentation treatment plans. Using products that contain pigment inhibiting technologies, a homecare routine designed specifically for hyperpigmented skin acts like a daily dose of medicine, helping to support the skin between treatments and maintain a smooth, even complexion.

Sun sense

Sun exposure is a major cause of hyperpigmentation. Reduce your risk of sun-induced hyperpigmentation by:

·      Going mineral – Sunscreens that contain mineral compounds zinc oxide and titanium dioxide create a physical barrier on the skin, reducing the risk of ultraviolet radiation exposure. Like any sunscreen, don’t forget to use it every day and reapply regularly.

·      Wearing sunglasses – Certain filters in the human eye can stimulate pigment production, so use adequately tinted sunglasses to protect your eyes from excess sunlight.

·      Checking your medication – Some medications—even the commonly used ibuprofen—attract sunlight to the skin and cause an increase in pigment production. Read the fine print on your medications and take precautions to avoid too much sun exposure.

20% off pigment blockers

If you’ve been concerned about a patchy complexion, now is the time to even things out. Melbourne Aesthetic Health Care is offering 20% off the price of pigment blockers during June to start you on the road to a smoother complexion. 

Give us a call or send us a message and we’ll be glad to help you establish a personalised treatment plan suitable to your needs.

Special offer

IPL is one of the most effective tools for treating hyperpigmentation. Using light energy, IPL selectively targets melanin chromophores in the skin, converting the light to heat and eliminating the excess pigment.

This month, if you book three IPL sessions with Melbourne Aesthetic Health Care, we’ll give you an extra session free of charge. There’s no need to pay up front to take advantage of this offer, just give us a call and make a booking!

News

Find out why rubbing an orange on your face won’t give you better skin in this month’s issue of Women’s Health & Fitness magazine, featuring our very own James Vivian. We also light up the pages with our Signature Luminescence Treatment in a review by editor, Rebecca Long.

Head on over to the MAHC Facebook page and take a look!

As always, please get in touch with any questions and we look forward to speaking with you soon about how we can help you achieve your skincare goals.

Yours in good skin,

The Melbourne Aesthetic Health Care team