neoSKiN - Skin Treatments and Laser Hair Removal

Spring is here. You can feel it when you turn your face to the sun or at night when you kick the extra blanket to the bottom of the bed. Thoughts turn to the Spring Racing Carnival, to the perfect headpiece, to strapless dresses, to bare legs, to hair removal, too, so let’s talk about it.

Laser hair reduction, which is what we do at neoSKiN, is like anything – you can get it done - wham-bam, or in this case, zap-zap - or you can get it done well. It’s important to stop and think about who you are letting put thermal energy and heat against your skin. Sometimes in very sensitive areas!

We take laser hair reduction seriously. We take our staff training seriously and we take our equipment seriously.

 All neoSKiN therapists have laser training certificates neoSKiN founder Yasmin Najjar explains:

“All of our therapists undertake a laser safety certificate which involves a full day on understanding the science of laser and light. Then they undergo training with an educator from Candela, the laser machine company that we use. Usually it takes a good few months before any of our therapists start treating clients – in that time they’re shadowing, assisting, they’re treating friends and family. We have to make sure that the therapist is 100 per cent comfortable before we are comfortable. No one touches a client until they really feel like they know what they’re doing.

“When I’ve interviewed therapists over the years I’ve heard stories about salons where staff have, literally, three hours of training in the morning and in the afternoon they’re  told, ‘Off you go,’ and they walk into a room with a client. Can you imagine being that client? It gives me anxiety just thinking about it.”

 neoSKiN is a Certified Candela Laser Practitioner. We use Candela machines because they are considered, globally, the best on the market for laser hair reduction. They have clinical white papers on the effectiveness of the treatment and are constantly educating, retraining, and reviewing the technology.

 To get the best results from laser hair reduction there are a lot of factors that need to be taken into account; it’s not just zap-zap and out the door. All of our therapists ask a series of questions as part of the consultation before each session.

Do you have any hormonal issues that may affect hair growth?What medications are you taking? Strong antibiotics, heart medications, blood pressure medications and even some anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication cause sun sensitivity so you’re more prone to burning, even if you’re just out in the sun. Sometimes medications mean that treatment may have to be delayed or perhaps the machine settings will need to be modified, but it’s important information for us to know.

 Do you sunbake, do you use fake tan? If you’re a regular fake tan user, for instance, we will need to time treatments around your fake tan use and you’ll need to know, too, when to tan pre and post treatment so that laser results aren’t compromised.

 “People do talk about ‘horror stories’,” Yasmin says, “and you do hear about people being burnt or hurt when hair reduction is performed by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing, but another kind of horror story is when people have paid thousands of dollars and had absolutely no result!”

At neoSKiN, on average a successful course of treatment entails 8 – 10 laser hair reduction sessions, one every six weeks. After each treatment you’ll see a change; the hair becomes thinner, finer and patchier.

 Yasmin explains: “We don’t say the hair will be 100 per cent gone because laser is attracted to the colour of the hair, so if the hair is grey or blonde or slightly ginger the laser cannot ‘see’ it and cannot treat it. But for some people who have a few greys or a few blonde hairs in the mix, we say to them in the beginning, ‘It’s your decision, have a treatment, see what falls out. If you get a 90 per cent fall out, 80 per cent, 70 per cent, you decide where the line is that makes it worthwhile for you.’ We have some patients who might get a 50 – 60 per cent drop out because they’re so fair, but for them that’s worth it, and that’s their call.”

Sick and tired (literally) of feeling exhausted and bearing the brunt of what a lack of sleep does to your skin? Well, it’s time to take charge of your sleep and your skin with these three beauty sleep tips…

3 beauty sleep tips:

Long before creams and serums were on the market there were oils, and they were the secret to achieving youthful skin (Cleopatra swore by them). Today, oils are making a comeback with celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Miranda Kerr and Emma Stone swearing by these slippery superstars.

“Why?” you might ask? While we have long been taught to think oils are the bad guys when it comes to skincare, the opposite is actually true. When we over cleanse and strip our skin of its natural sebum (oil), the sebum glands go into overdrive, actually producing more oil than we need and leaving us with dreaded greasy skin! By nourishing our skin with natural oils, we leave our skin hydrated and balanced. 

Benefits to the skin include boosted collagen production, softening and plumping of the skin and increased moisture levels.

Here are three of neoSKiN’s favourite oils that will leave your skin looking flawless!

Almond oil – Known for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties

In the skincare industry almond oil is one of the most commonly used natural oils because the nut contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E which help to generate healthy, supple skin. What’s more, this oil is light and extremely versatile. You can wipe it over eyes to remove makeup or massage it into the skin as a moisturiser.

Avocado oil – Great for relieving dry and itchy skin

Avocados are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, including A, D and E, providing the skin with much needed moisture. This powerful oil also contains natural steroids which can be helpful to boost collagen production. But it doesn’t stop there, this oil has also been proven to reduce itching and inflammation of the skin and can help to soften rough and cracked skin.

Argan Oil – For fine lines and wrinkles

If asked to recite our skincare routine and anti-ageing arsenal for our face, most ladies would be able to list a long repertoire of treatments, techniques and products – but could you say the same for your hands?

In the skincare world, your face ends at your décolletage, which is why we at neoSKiN know how important it is to extend your skincare routine south of the jawline. It would be a shame to focus all of your anti-ageing attention on your face, only for your chest to look older and out of place – and the same can be said for our hands.

An old adage of ‘mother’s wisdom’ is that you can always tell a lady’s age by her hands – and there’s no hiding from showing our hands from the world!

The skin on our hands is thinner than the skin on our face, and produces less naturally hydrating and protecting sebum, much like the skin around our eyes.

Wrinkles, ‘sun spots’ and uneven skin tone are all hazards our hands have to face when exposed to the elements; damaging UV rays while outside or driving (maybe there’s a case for bringing back driving gloves?), dehydrating hot water from chores and rough conditions when gardening all take their toll on the delicate skin on your hands.

As with all skin, UV rays are the key culprits when it comes to premature ageing so SPF protection should extend to your hands too.

Some of our favourite ways to win the battle of keeping your hands youthful are;

·      Hand cream is Clinique’s Even Better Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream hydrates the hands and protects with SPF 15 while working to reverse the appearance of dark sun spots.

·      If you’re wanting to step up your defences and keep your hands looking fresh and youthful for longer, neoSKiN offer two targeted hand treatments to counteract ageing and environmental damage.

When you think about combating ageing, the most common concern is no doubt wrinkles – but did know there’s another factor to consider when it comes to the perception of your skin’s age? Those with even skin tone have been shown to appear more youthful than with uneven skin tone, even if they’re sporting more fine lines! Think: Kate Bosworth’s even and radiant complexion!

Sunspots or hyper-pigmentation is a build up of melanin (the pigment or colour occurring naturally in your skin) that can cause your complexion to look patchy and dull, contributing to an overall appearance of an aged visage.

While sun damage is the main culprit behind pesky pigmentation, genetics can play a part, as well as damage from acne scarring, and changes in hormones from pregnancy or oral contraceptives. Pigmentation caused by pregnancy – called melasma – can be the appearance of new spots and patches, or even the darkening of existing freckles.

As we head out of summer, it’s time to assess any damage from fun in the sun resulting in pigmentation – as the cooler months are the perfect time to begin your quest for clear and even skin. At neoSKiN, we have a range of targeted treatments and products for home use – read on to find out what should be in your anti-pigmentation regime!

How to power punch your pigmentation

How to fight it and what to use… Now that you’ve received all the information in Pigmentation 101 we’re ready to tackle how you can fight those unwanted uneven spots standing in the way of your crystal clear skin tone. Hyper-pigmentation and photo-ageing caused by sun damage can be easier to treat than hormone driven pregnancy melasma, but there are options in both products and treatments. neoSKiN’s skin experts have broken down the best treatments and products to pack a punch to your pigmentation – whatever the cause:

Sun Damage Pigmentation: When it comes to sunspots and photo-ageing pigmentation, IPL is the treatment of choice. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a clinically proven method of treating pigmentation and refreshing skin texture, and is most effective on pigmentation caused by sun damage. A highly effective combination of treatments would include skin peels, IPL and microdermabrasion for the best possible results. At-home care can continue with a high quality vitamin C serum, such as SkinCeuticals Serum 10, which contain tyrosinase inhibitors that help to minimise the appearance of discolouration, while encouraging the skin to regenerate and heal.

Among the stocking fillers this year consider giving the gift of an inner glow this Christmas; a meditation app.

Stress is described as “a beauty burglar”. It makes us release all sorts of hormones which can then trigger the body to decide that skin circulation is not a priority, channelling blood away from the skin toward muscles and other organs. Not only is the skin then deprived of oxygen and nutrients but it becomes so sensitive that pre-existing issues – such as acne and eczema - are exacerbated. We’ve all been there; what is in our mind is reflected on our face.

Meditation helps. It can help a lot. And what better time to try it than over summer holidays.

These are three apps we like:

Headspace | headspace.com

Just 10 minutes a day as you begin your practice, it’s described as “a gym membership for the mind”.

1 Giant Mind | 1giantmind.org

Described as being “for anyone who wants to feel happier, less stressed and more energised”, and co-founded by Melbourne meditation teacher Jonni Pollard.

Smiling Mind | smilingmind.com.au

A not for profit focused on bringing balance to young lives in particular, with programs for everyone aged 7 and up.

Summer is all about ease so you don’t really want to be wearing or worrying about a face full of makeup, especially if you’re on holidays.

The thing that changed my summers is “Soft Tap” – having my eyebrows semi-permanently enhanced.  We have an amazing lady, Debbie, who does it.  It’s a soft, light deposit of mineral pigment into the eyebrow area.  Debbie gives your brows an amazing shape first - she is a wizard - and then she deposits mineral pigment into the eyebrow giving a beautiful, soft, natural shape and definition.  It lasts up to six months and absolutely no one would know, unlike tattooing which can be sharp, harsh and can fade to pink or blue.  With Soft Tap, because it’s a mineral pigment, it’s just a very soft shadow of colour.  And you can go for a swim and still have your eyebrows!

This summer I want to do Soft Tap eyeliner.  People can’t sustain eyelash extensions forever but the thing that people often love about those extensions is the definition it gives to the eye.  Soft Tap eyeliner gives you that lovely soft definition.

As neoSKiN celebrates its 10th birthday, neoSKiN founder Yasmin Najjar shares the 10 things she's learned over the last 10 years, in no particular order...

1. Tanned doesn't always equal beautiful. In 2005 we had to literally beg our clients not to put their face in the sun - we used to have to negotiate about how much sun and how much sunscreen to use - now we don't have to have that conversation, it's a given.  Australian women have embraced sunscreen and not "baking"; they're very protective of their face in the sun.

2. Start early. Now we have younger women seeking preventative anti-aging treatments so we're not trying to reverse the aging process, we're trying to slow it.  Subtle, subtle, subtle.  In the last 10 years women have become more proactive.  When we first opened people used to be afraid of microdermabrasion and peels - the Samantha face from Sex in the City - but now it's like, "Oh god, I don't want to have just a facial, I want more."

3. Research, research, research. People are researching treatments more and looking for the best practitioners.  Eight years ago there was this whole discount buying of services - Groupon, Scoopon coupons - but people refuse to do that now.  As more businesses enter the market people become more particular about what they expect from their treatments; people are a lot more educated, not just about the treatments they want but about the kind of practitioner they want.  We appreciate those knowledgeable clients.

4. Change is good. The conversations we had when we first started the business were all about advertising, about paying money for advertising and The Yellow Pages, but our business now is all word-of-mouth and referral and part of that is social media and harnessing people's feedback instead of paying all of this money to put one ad in the paper.

5. Never rest on what's worked in the past. Services, practices, ways of doing things, you have to keep agile, see what's going on overseas, so we can always be updating how we see things and how we do things.

6. Leadership is an action. In life, in business, leadership is a thing you do not a thing you say.

7. Culture club. People's expectations of the culture at work have changed over the last 10 years.  It's a demanding world that we live in and we need to have that balance of work and home . . . and then when they come to work they need to have that fulfilling feeling of being part of a team, of really being part of something.

8.  What brings you here today? In working with clients there are two important things to understand - What brings you here today?  What are your expectations?  But the most important thing is then to listen and absorb what the client is saying and act accordingly.  

9.  Time is life. People are so busy now it does become challenging to get that time to sit down and listen to a clients' expectations.  People are so used to abbreviating their life - they don't even want to fill in forms anymore - they want to be in an out... "My parking meter is about to run out, I have to get to a meeting, I have to pick up my kids."  People want results and they want them in less time.  The challenge is to manage that, to deliver what they want us to deliver and to still get the educational information home with them.

10.  Seek inspiration, seek learning Be inspired by other people and when there are setbacks, which there inevitably are, actively seek to learn from them - make a list or speak to someone who will hold you accountable - make sure you work through the wins and losses from it.  I have this on my desk...

There’s something different about NEO Skincare, what is it?

We conceptualised it a little differently, I wanted to make it work in people’s lives, in their real life.  I’m not trying to say, ‘This is the only product range you should buy and you should buy it all!’

So who is it for, how do they use it?

I think about NEO in three ways - as a bridging skincare range, as a beginning skincare range and as a complementary, supplementary, skincare range.

-     a bridging skincare range: NEO Skincare was developed as a really good, affordable range using good ingredients for those people who are currently using products from the pharmacy or the supermarket.  NEO allows them to take that next step with their skincare at a price that isn’t prohibitive. 

-     a beginning skincare range:  NEO Skincare is a great way to start for those girls, 16, 17, who are beginning to think about their skincare.  A young skin needs a cleanser, a good exfoliation and a moisturiser and sometimes our NEO Smooth if they’re dealing with breakouts.  And for young skin – for all skin – this range has no parabens, no mineral oils, no nasty ingredients. 

-      a complementary, supplementary, skincare range: NEO Skincare is also for those people who have their $250, $300 vitamin C that they love, who want to spend their money on a key product, but then find they’re forgoing other products – an eye-cream or an exfoliator – so they can afford it.  NEO allows those people to have and use a full range of quality skincare.  Keep using the product that you love . . . and support it with NEO.  We designed the range to work beautifully and synergistically with what people are already doing. 

So the products in the range are…

There are six - NEO Cleanse ($39), NEO Serum ($69), NEO Moisture ($69), NEO Eyes ($49), NEO Scrub ($49) and NEO Smooth ($49).

What was most important to you in the development of the products?

Good quality ingredients that deliver results.  What was most important to me was that people had a good outcome, that they enjoy using the products.  And all the products are Australian made and filled in Sydney. 

Didn’t the manufacturer tell you off for putting in such expensive ingredients?

Yes!  She told me off for having too many expensive ingredients in an affordable product.  I wanted to make it affordable!  She thought I was crazy to price the products as low as I did.

Want to be smooth by summer?  Now the weather is cooler it's the perfect time for laser hair reduction... we use Gentlelase; it is a medically developed and researched laser system for the reduction of unwanted body hair and is the world's most effective laser technology for hair reduction. $70 for 5 minutes - which is enough time for lip, underarms and bikini.

We asked some of our clients to tell us about their experience with laser hair reduction....

Kiara, 20s

“For someone like me who has had a lot of issues with unwanted hair it has really helped my self-esteem, it has really helped my confidence.  I think a lot of people who have a lot of hair think, ‘I’m just always going to be like this, this is always going to be hard’.  But it’s not, it doesn’t have to be.  I’ve never been burnt, I’ve never been treated in a way that made me feel uncomfortable.  neoSKiN is modern, it’s nice – it’s a funky environment – but it’s very genuine as well. I can’t believe I had so much hair to so little now, and it’s so easy to achieve.”

Anastasia, 20s

“I always had really hairy legs - I was always very self-conscious – and I’ve got very sensitive skin.  After having laser, that was the first summer where I’ve been cool about showing my legs.  It’s actually really changed my life and my confidence.  It’s an investment for you and your happiness, it really is.  My mum is really happy for me, too, she says, ‘I’m the Italian one, I’m the one who made you hairy’.”

Nancy, 30s

Most beauty advice will tell you to avoid sunlight for even-toned, youthful skin, but what if we told you there was a certain type of light you should turn your face towards?

LED near-infrared light therapy was originally used to aid with the healing of burns victims’ skin, due to the LED light waves rejuvenating the skin from the deeper layers, accelerating healing and encouraging skin regeneration. These same principles were brought across to the cosmetic industry, as LED light therapy is beneficial in healing acne, uneven skin tone and promoting collagen production.

At neoSKiN, we have developed Light Lab, a specialised room designed to be a calming and relaxing space, featuring a Healite II technology LED lamp – the latest in LED near-infrared light therapy technology.

LED light therapy is a healing and rejuvenating treatment that is completely painless (in fact, it’s so relaxing some people fall asleep), requires no downtime and can even be taken on your lunch break!

15-minutes in the Light Lab’s relaxing environment will leave your skin plump and radiant, with the LED light waves travelling to the deeper layers of the dermis to rejuvenate cells and boost collagen from within. This photo-rejuvenation technology is perfect for healing scars, burns, acne, uneven skin and repairing age-damaged skin. 

Light Lab is the perfect treatment to quickly boost skin before an important event, but even better results will be seen with a series of Light Lab treatments in the lead up.

To celebrate all things ‘light’ this month, we are offering our loyal customers Light Lab LED light therapy sessions for $50, saving you $25. 

Step into the Light Lab’s stylish purpose-built space, and take 15 minutes out for yourself… and your skin! The warm light of the LED may even take your mind to sitting poolside in the tropics, helping to combat any cold-weather blues!

IPL (intense pulsed light) is a miracle worker and the secret behind many youthful looking even-toned visages. Lasers also get to work on permanently removing unwanted hair leaving us smooth (and bikini ready at a moments notice!) without the hassle of frequent waxing.

Laser hair removal and in particular IPL face treatments are gaining popularity with our clients and for good reason – hair-free, even toned and radiant skin… let the light in we say!

IPL Skin Treatments – What and how?

IPL is a clinically proven method to reduce the appearance of dark sunspots and pigmentation on the skin’s surface. By targeting melanin (dark pigmentation) in the skin, the laser reduces the darker colouring by destroying the pigment – without damaging any surrounding areas.

And if even toned skin wasn’t great enough, IPL laser treatment also increases the amount of collagen that is produced in your skin. This occurs when the deeper layers of the skin are heated during the IPL process, improving skin texture and fine wrinkles, enhancing your youthful look.

The IPL treatment works superbly with a combination of other treatments offered by neoSKiN, including skin peels, and microdermabrasion. All neoSKiN therapists are trained and qualified in IPL treatments, and a thorough skin consultation will take place prior to ensure safety and effectiveness.

What will it feel like?

At the beginning of each treatment, a cool gel will be placed on the skin area that is being treated. The IPL machine then pulses flashes of light in the targeted areas. There is a small sting, however the cooling gel helps soothe the skin throughout the treatment.

Laser Hair Reduction – What and how? 

Laser has also become increasingly popular for the removal of unwanted body hair, due to its non-invasive and permanence with multiple treatments. The GentleLase machine we use at NeoSKiN incorporates a cooling device which counteracts the heat created in the process, making for a more comfortable treatment.

How does it work?

Light travels through the skin to the hair follicle, heats it, and damages the cells that produce the hair within the follicle. First time clients will need to meet with our qualified laser technicians to determine their suggested treatment plan and their suitability to laser hair removal.

When should I do it?

We all know how vital that extra half hour of sleep can be in the morning, but why does it always have to come at a cost? Either arriving late to work and being frazzled, or, arriving with wet hair and half-smudged mascara – we don’t know which one is worse!

Luckily, we have the solution with our face and hair tricks to speed up your morning routine, without sacrificing your beauty look.

Face

Multitask like you mean it

As females, we have been blessed with the ability to multi-task, so let’s use it! As soon as you wake up, pop on a quick face mask (we love Ultraceuticals Ultra Energising Mask). Let it sink in and reinvigorate your skin whilst you have your breakfast or drink your morning coffee. Simply wash it off in the shower, letting the steam open up your pores, and walk out looking like you’ve just had an hour long facial!

Essentials Only

We all know how addictive it can be buying numerous makeup and beauty products. However you need to pick out your essential products, and separate them from the rest. That way you know exactly what you need and can grab it quickly, minimising your morning mirror time.

Tinting saves time

Tinting is the ultimate time saver! If you get your lashes and brows tinted on the weekends, there’s no need for eyebrow pencils or mascara, and it gives a much more natural look than any product that you apply yourself.

Hair

Microfibre magic

If a celebrity stylist recommends it, we’re on board! Microfibre towels are the new trend for busy women like us. Through osmosis, water is absorbed in half the time of a regular towel and will get you out the door quicker.

Waterless wash

When you’re in a rush, dry shampoo is your new best friend. Sometimes we hardly have time to brush our hair, let alone wash it, so we love this miracle in a can that will refresh dull, greasy hair in between washes. We love Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo.

Texturise with Salt Spray

When you think of powder within your beauty routine, no doubt your first thought is of the selection of pressed powders and blushes in your makeup kit.

But did you know there’s a new wave of edible beauty powder supplements aiming to help you get your glow from within? While taking supplements and vitamins for greater body performance is nothing new, these new superpower skin powders have caught our attention for all the right reasons!

Easily added to your current diet via blending into smoothies, mixing into your porridge or yoghurt, or depending on the powder, even just mixed into your water!

We’ve listed the most popular beauty powders to make your skin sing!

The Beauty Chef – Glow Inner Beauty Powder ($59.95)

Glow is a super tasty berry-flavoured powder supplement that is made with certified organic ingredients. Twenty-three skin loving superfoods are combined in this powder packed with anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, crucial for beautiful skin from within.

Proplenish Marine Collagen Supplement (from $49.95)

Proplenish has been the talk of the beauty bunch in recent months, owing to its fantastic reviews and testimonials of glowing skin, stronger nails and increased hair growth. Proplenish is a marine collagen powder that turns clear and tasteless when dissolved in liquid, and replaces collagen found in the skin, hair and nails that naturally diminish as we age.  

The Super Elixir ($145)