Got some dark patches on your face? Did you know you can remove them with a couple of laser treatments? Here’s how you restore your smooth, youthful looks. Roisin Murphy checks out the latest tech.
Pigmentation problems are a b*tch. I had a problem with my liver a few years ago. While I am better now after many surgeries, the end result is a scar across my body and a face full of horrible brown splotches. I hate them so hard. They make me look like I have had mud thrown at my face, especially in photos.
CAUSES
There are other ways you can end up with dark patches on your face. Hormones can cause pigmentation. This is known as melasma (or chloasma when pregnant). Menopause or pregnancy are times where you can get blotches or patches on your face. It’s caused by fluctuations and changes in hormone levels. You can also get patches from oral contraceptives, medications (creating sensitivities to sunlight) and just genetics… if your mother had them, then watch out!
There’s another type too. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is another form of pigmentation that is caused by trauma to the skin. Trauma can include acne, physical trauma (such as an accident or wound), and misuse of skincare (such as chemical peels).
And lastly, ageing is one of the common causes of pigmentation. Those damn liver spots! By the time we are over 50, skin has experienced sun damage, neglect and the impact of environmental stressors. These factors trigger our melanin production into overdrive. Whilst ageing is a fact of life, looking our age is not. The dark patches across your face are all pigmentation problems that can be fixed with lightwave technology.
My brown patches annoyed the heart out of me. So I went to SkinEnergy at Southport, on Ferry Road. Upset at the ‘mud’ on my face, I was hoping that they could help me. They could and did. Phew.
SKINENERGY
The owner of SkinEnergy, Gay Wardle, is Australia’s leading industry expert in skin analysis, anatomy and physiology. This isn’t a beauty expert with a 3-week certificate behind her. Gay has completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Dermal Therapies and has lectured at universities both in Sydney and Brisbane. She is at the science end of the game. And you can tell. Her salon is high tech with a vast array of equipment with blue lights and red flashing things. It’s pretty impressive. She keeps herself at the cutting edge of the tech.
Beauty equipment and product manufacturers regularly seek her advice for the development and delivery of their salon training and education programs. Gay regularly travels the world to attend skin symposiums and medical conferences. In 2015, she was awarded Educator of the Year at the Australian Beauty Industry Awards. This is someone you can trust. So off I went with my stupid blotchy face and pleaded with her to fix it.
IPL SKIN TONE CORRECTION
Gay used an instrument called Intense Pulse Light, known as IPL. Pretty much, it’s an intense lightbeam that is shot into your face. First, a conductive gel is applied. Then your face gets the going over by the light wand. When the light is shot at your face, the pigmentation absorbs the light and heats it to the point of destruction. The skin then renews itself with healthy, regenerated cells to replace the pigmented skin. This parts hurts a little, I am not going to lie. But it’s like pinching. It’s not a big drama of tears and flailing arms. But it stings a little.
The week after you get light shot into your face, the pigment literally rises to the surface as your skin heals itself. Your face becomes darker and you look like you have had a grated brown crayon thrown at you. A good concealer covers it though. And you can’t get any sun on your face for two weeks after the treatment.
But after the two weeks? The pigmentation was all gone… And my skin had the baby butt feel that we all long for – It. Was. Amazing. I literally had a clear face again, like before my liver decided to have a tantrum and cause brown blotches on my face. I was so happy, and I am not even vain, particularly.
AFTER CARE
Gay gave me a lightening cream to put on to keep the patches at bay. And, a few weeks later, I got a follow-up treatment in case any new patches were even thinking of appearing.
I have never done beauty treatments before. Never been botoxed, never had a facelift, I only barely get my brows waxed. But I got this treatment because I knew it would make me feel better. And it did. The price isn’t in the thousands of dollars. It’s in the low hundreds. I am a lifelong fan and I can’t wait to see what else Gay can do for me.
TREATING PIGMENTATION
If you want to get rid of pigmentation, call SkinEnergy. They will have an initial meeting with you to work out what is causing the pigmentation, and then tailor the treatment to the cause. To book your consultation, dial (07) 5528 3100 or email reception@skinenergy.net.au, or call into 232 Ferry Road, Southport
At SkinEnergy, we change lives by changing skin. Every skin tells a unique story. That’s why we begin every treatment journey with our famous professional skin analysis. After discovering your true health, we develop tailored and transformative treatment programs to achieve your individual goals.
DMK home enzyme
PIGMENTATION
There are different names for pigmentation spots (sun spots, age spots, liver spots). Also, when it comes to combatting unwanted pigmentation, it is important to understand the underlying cause and the different types that are present. The condition requires a unique treatment plan.
pigmentation
We are currently offering a 6-Month Skin Gym Membership. Sign up for the Goodbye Pigment pack. This will target pigmentation and uneven tone. we find these are very common concerns for many of our clients. The treatment plan begins with an in-depth skin health assessment and lifestyle consultation using our state-of-the-art skin diagnostic tools. You will learn about the internal and external factors contributing to pigmentation, and how we can work together to remove and prevent it from occurring in the future.
The course will be a combination of IPL, LED, Skin Needling and a Peel each month (therapist[1]chosen and customised to your unique skin needs) plus a DMK starter skincare pack on your first visit to keep you achieving incredible results at home. Hence, you can enjoy two in-clinic treatments a month at an incredibly affordable $145 a fortnight, which is direct debited, so you can set it and forget it!
CRYOPEN THERAPY
Cryopen therapy is a procedure that involves using nitrous oxide gas under high pressure on the face. The gas is very cold which helps to freeze and destroy any benign lesions.
Photo of Cryotherapy
The cryo pen will get rid of:
■ Tags
■ Solar Keratosis (rough, scaly patches on sun‑exposed areas such as the head) and face, and
■ Milia (small white bumps that appear on the skin)
The Cryo Pen also gets rid of:
■ Cherry angioma or commonly known as red moles
■ Viral verrucae (warts)
Also,
■ Solar lentigo (sun spots)
■ Any other pigmentation
RADIO FREQUENCY
This is a procedure commonly used for the treatment of skin laxity. Therefore, the goal is to induce thermal damage to thus stimulate neocollagenesis (wound repair) in deep layers. Clinical studies have shown this to be an incredibly safe procedure. The treatment induces a powerful, natural healing response that stimulates skin tightening, cell regeneration and collagen production. Targeting fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, stretch marks and open pores, Fractional RF offers visible results.
radio frequency
IPL (INTENSE PULSE LIGHT)
IPL skin rejuvenation works by stimulating collagen growth. It also helps to reduce excessive capillaries in the skin and reduce inflammation. It does this by using wavelengths of light. The body’s natural processes then work on the results of the interaction between the light and the tissue to make it look better.
INJECTABLES
Anti-wrinkle injections are the non-surgical way to fill lines and smooth wrinkles with dramatic results. The injections boost volume and hydration to your face and lips, restoring a more youthful appearance. They can be used to shape lips and lift cheeks, fill and firm deep folds and lines. Evidently, the condition and appearance of our skin because it is the key to our overall wellbeing. Is it time you gave your skin some TLC? ■
Injectables
Gay Wardle
Gay Wardle is Australia’s leading industry expert in skin analysis, anatomy and physiology. She has completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Dermal Therapies. Moreover, she has lectured at universities both in Sydney and Brisbane. She is highly experienced in the use of IPL and LED light therapy in beauty and advises therapists on how to develop dermatology treatment programs that utilise the benefits of modern-day beauty technologies.
Australia’s leading beauty equipment and product manufacturers regularly seek her advice for the development. Delivery of their salon training and education programs. Gay regularly travels the world to attend skin symposiums and medical conferences to ensure she remains up to date with the latest treatment techniques. In 2015, she was awarded Educator of the Year at the Australian Beauty Industry Awards. Her work as an educator and practitioner was celebrated in 2014 when she was inducted into the ABIA Hall of Fame in addition to the Reed Exhibition Hall of Fame.
Did you know that Pacific Fair hosts a number of activities available to Gold Coast seniors?
Head over to Pacific Fair Caffe Cherry Beans on the first Tuesday of every month at 9.30am for a FREE senior’s morning tea and games! Enjoy a social morning out with old and new friends and catch up over a free coffee, cake and games.
Looking for something a little more active? A weekly walking club in partnership with the Heart Foundation walks every Thursday morning. Be there at 7.30am – participants meet at the Concierge Desk near Coffee Club. Walk throughout the centre taking steps to a healthier lifestyle while making friendships along the way. You’ll even receive a FREE coffee afterwards! This walking club is open to all ages and walkers are encouraged to walk at their own pace.
Whether you are new to physical activity, bringing your pram or are recovering from a health issue, this club is for you. Why not stay back on Thursdays after the walking club and take advantage of Event Cinemas new seniors’ screenings? This happens every Thursday at 11.15am. There are dedicated sessions for Cinebuzz senior members to enjoy a $10 movie ticket (including a Parlour Lane choc top!) Visit pacificfair.com.au/community for more details of senior activities incentre at Pacific Fair.
Senior Guide to a Daycation at Pacific Fair!
Valet Parking– Just $5 for seniors!
Hand over the keys and Pacific Fair will take care of the rest with their Valet Parking service. This premium service gives customers the opportunity to enjoy convenient, personalised parking for quick and easy access to the centre.
The Valet Parking team have increased hygiene procedures to ensure your shopping experience is as safe as possible. Contactless parking is also available on request. You can self-park within Valet Parking at a reduced rate, while the team keep an eye on your prized possession.
Coffee
Caffeinate yourself for a day of retail therapy at any one of more than 20 coffee shops including local brewer Foster & Black (located outside Kmart).
If you are after a sweet treat we suggest heading to the newly opened French patisserie and café Le Bon Choix, located on Level 1 next to David Jones.
Shop ‘til you drop!
Pacific Fair offers the largest collection of designer and luxury brands in the one location in Queensland. Among the unmissables are Uniqlo, David Jones, Myer, RM Williams, Midas, Seed, Witchery, Country Road, Blue Illusion and over 350 more!
Lunch Break
Once you’ve shopped up a storm, the next decision will be which one of the many fab Pacific Fair eateries you’ll choose. Some of our suggestions include Outback Steakhouse, Betty’s Burgers, Yum Cha Cuisine, Chong Co Thai, Bin 232, Wild Fish & Chips, Max Mex and more!
Pamper Yourself
When you put your feet up after a days’ shopping, you’ll want those toes to be perfectly painted! Indulge in the beauty services at Pacific Fair and finish the day with a glow. From skincare products to facials and pedicures, be sure to visit Rationale or Jurlique to fill your beauty basket or select from the pampering menu at Ella Bache or Massage Aroma to name a few.
Personal Styling
Imagine your own fashion expert, a personal stylist just for you – someone who isn’t tied to any one fashion brand and is here to offer you honest advice on how to dress, look and feel your best. Whether you’re short on time, unsure of where to shop, in need of a look for a special occasion or a complete wardrobe overhaul, they will curate looks that are unique and tailored for you plus enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee whilst doing it. It’s never been so simple, with three stylists to choose from.
