But the good news is, you don’t have to let stress get under your skin (both physically and metaphorically.) 

In this article, we’ll explain the connection between the mind and the body, how stress can negatively impact good skin health, and what you can do to keep anxiety at bay before it wreaks havoc on your skin.

The Mind-Skin Connection

There is a strong correlation between the body and the mind and the way the body responds to changes in our psychological state. And it all starts before we are born.

When we’re small, as in just after conception, we’re just a mass of cells that divide, develop, split, and stretch. From a single layer of embryonic tissue, two separate but inherently interconnected systems are born—the brain and the skin. And they are bound for life.

When the brain senses embarrassment, the skin blushes; when the skin senses pain,  the brain processes it; and when the brain gets anxious about events like political unrest, global warming, or a highly contagious virus, the skin shows it—with a zit, an eczema outbreak, or a psoriasis flare-up, depending on the individual.

There are two different types of stress—acute and chronic. A sudden surge of stress, the kind that comes and goes, can be a good thing. It can enhance mental clarity, heighten senses, and create wound-repairing collagen.  But it’s the chronic stress—the ongoing and continuous kind—that can take a serious toll on the skin.

The last two-plus years have been that kind of stressful for most of us. Between the pandemic, political unrest, riots, and war, it’s no wonder we’re all feeling stress, and it’s written all over our collective faces.

Cortisol

Conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress can cause new skin problems to develop or existing issues to worsen. And much of this is caused by the overproduction of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, and its effect on the skin barrier, the barrier that traps moisture in and keeps allergens, irritants and pollutants out. 

During times of stress, cortisol slows the production of beneficial oils, which causes the skin to get dry, rough, and irritated. Without adequate lipids to seal in hydration, the skin starts to leak water in a process known as transepidermal water loss.

At the same time, cortisol stimulates the overproduction of sebum, which is why our skin seems oilier when we’re under stress, leaving it open to acne breakouts. 

All of this alters the skin’s pH and creates a hostile environment for the trillions of symbiotic microorganisms that exist on and in the microbiome, also known as the skin barrier.

Some microbes feed off sebum, which helps sustain healthy oil levels; others feed off dead skin cells, nature’s exfoliation; some produce peptides and ceramides that keep skin firm and moisturized; and still other microbes offer protection from pollution, sunlight, and pathogens.

Stress also prompts the body to produce free radicals, which target various cells in the body. When free radicals target DNA, it can lead to skin cancer. When They target collagen, it can lead to wrinkles. And when free radicals target lipids, it can lead to dehydration and acne.

Long-term exposure to cortisol can also inhibit the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen, the chemicals that keep skin plump and youthful.  

Oddly enough, skin-care products containing hyaluronic acid and collagen are actually not meant for people under stress. They are really meant for people who have healthy skin. That’s because most topical ingredients can’t penetrate deep down to the lower layer of the dermis. Exposing a broken barrier to too many topical agents can, in fact, exacerbate existing issues.

Ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol  are very ineffective on stressed-out skin because they deplete the normal, healthy barrier function, so it’s best to remove them from your skincare routine when you’re under stress.

Inflammation

Psychological conditions like stress and anxiety can also cause internal inflammation because when your brain perceives a threat, the immune system sends out a response to protect and heal the body. A body under stress causes the immune system to go hog wild, sending out an inflammatory response. And the same response happens in the skin, which can cause conditions like cystic acne.

On top of all of that, stress can also cause inflammation in the gut, causing another reaction that affects the skin. This gut-skin connection impacts the balance of bacteria in your gut, which leads to a release of inflammation that can work to magnify chronic inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis,  which can flare up when a person is stressed.

Managing stress

Managing stress may seem nearly impossible these days with so many stressful factors bombarding us every day. But a majority of our stress-induced issues do not actually come from the stressors themselves. Instead, they come from the way we deal with the stressors.

Tips for Keeping Your Skin (and Your Head) Stress-Free 

• Maintain a healthy skincare routine: A consistent and thorough skincare routine every day, even on days when you feel tired or stressed, is critical to quell the effects of stress on the skin. Never forget to take off your makeup and wash your face before bed, no matter how crummy you might feel, because neglecting your skin worsens existing skin issues or can cause new ones, creating a vicious cycle. 
• Exercise regularly: Exercise releases feel-good hormones that can boost energy, mood, and outlook. Exercise also increases antioxidants and lowers cortisol levels, meaning fewer breakouts and a stronger skin barrier. 
• Maintain a healthy diet: To prevent free radical damage, fill your plate with antioxidants, which stabilize unstable molecules to leave skin clearer, calmer, and brighter. Vitamins A and C, lycopene, astaxanthin, and polyphenols are all great options that can be obtained from eating a healthy, well-balanced diet with whole foods.  Equally important, avoiding processed and sugar-laden foods that trigger more inflammation inside your body is essential.
• Get plenty of rest: Sleep gives your body the time it needs to heal. It also improves your mood, boosts energy levels, and aids in cognition.
• Take time for self-care: Find time to relax and participate in re-energizing activities that make you happy. Take a bath, read a book, get a massage, listen to music, meditate, practice yoga, pet a dog, hold a baby, or do whatever it takes to make you feel good.
• Spend time with nature: Simply getting outside and witnessing the strength of a tree, the scent of flowers,  or the songs of birds has been proven to lower inflammation in the body. 
• Have a good cry: Crying is a stress reliever that helps decrease cortisol levels,  which can result in fewer breakouts. 

Sadly, no matter how hard you try, stress can leave lasting damage to your skin. And we’re here to help. Specialist Skin Solutions offers a variety of treatments that are effective in restoring skin health that’s been impacted by stress. Give us a call @ (02) 4934 1700 if you have any questions or contact us today to set up a consultation. Our team is waiting to help you love the skin you’re in!

In conclusion,  we can’t stop stressful situations in the world from occurring. They’ve been happening since the beginning of time. But you don’t have to let stress show on your face. There are ways we can deal with stressors, things we can do for our skin,  and ways we can treat ourselves that can prevent stress from getting under our skin.  
Contact us to book an appointment today!

The post Written All Over Your Face: How Stress Affects Skin appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Laser Genesis is the latest in technological innovations for skin rejuvenation, a medical procedure effective for softening wrinkles, reducing dark spots, healing acne scars, making large pores appear less visible,  and reducing fine lines around the delicate eye area.

Let’s take a deeper look at Laser Genesis.

What are the Benefits of Laser Genesis?

Laser Genesis effectively heals scarring caused by acne, surgery, or burns and redness and broken blood vessels caused by rosacea and simultaneously erases fine lines, reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles, evens texture, reduces pores, and eliminates age spots. The icing on the cake is the boost of radiance and firmness Laser Genesis gives the skin by stimulating collagen production. Laser Genesis can be used to treat any part of the body; however, it is predominantly used on the face, neck, chest, and hands.

How Does Laser Genesis Work?

Laser Genesis is a non-ablative laser used to treat the dermis – the middle layer of skin. The basic difference between ablative and non-ablative treatments is that ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin, while non-ablative lasers work by heating the underlying skin tissue without harming the surface, allowing the body to naturally produce new collagen  And Laser Genesis does not wound the skin. Instead, it works by penetrating the top layer of skin and delivering thousands of micro-pulses of light to the dermis. The warming action shrinks blood vessels, breaks down scar tissue, and stimulates collagen production, leaving skin free of scars, broken blood vessels, and redness.

What to Expect on the Day of Treatment 

On the day of treatment,  you can expect an easy, pain-free, and surprisingly relaxing hour at the doctor’s office. The treatment area will be cleaned to ensure your skin is free of any lotions or makeup, and eye protection will be placed over your eyes to protect them from the laser.  

An experienced technician will move the Laser Genesis wand over the affected area in a continuous and repetitive motion. While the wand is moving over your skin, you may feel a slight warming sensation. Some patients say it feels like a relaxing massage. After 20-30 minutes, your treatment is complete. Sunscreen will be applied to protect the newly treated skin from the sun. Now you are free to return to your busy schedule with zero downtime!

What are the Benefits of Laser Genesis?

Laser Genesis simultaneously restores and rejuvenates the skin with results that include:

• Removal of scars – Laser Genesis gives new hope to patients who thought they would have to live with their scars forever.
• Relief from severe redness (also known as rosacea) – For patients that have tried to conceal their rosacea with topical treatments and makeup for years without success, Laser Genesis makes the worries, embarrassment, and stress go away by eliminating the constant need to cover up, decreasing redness, eliminating broken blood vessels, and restoring an even coloration to the skin.
• Rejuvenating boost of collagen – As we age, our skin begins to decrease its production of collagen. The lack of collagen gives our skin a lackluster, saggy, aging appearance. But Laser Genesis counteracts the aging process by stimulating the body’s natural ability to produce collagen and promoting cell renewal within the dermis. The result is a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, and irregular texture.

When Will I See the Results?

While a minimum of three sessions is typically recommended, with optimal results being achieved after ten visits, treatment plans vary by patient based on the size of the treatment area and severity of their skin concerns. Most patients notice gradual, cumulative results over the course of their treatment plan. At your consultation, Dr. Beldholm or one of his trained Laser Genesis skin experts will assess your skin and determine the number of treatments that will give you the results you desire.

Once your treatment plan is determined, you will return every four weeks. While results for the treatment of scars are considered permanent, yearly follow-up treatments are recommended yearly for patients with rosacea and broken blood vessels to maintain optimal benefits. As with most treatments, the long-term results of Laser Genesis vary by patient, the extent of the skin’s damage, and how well the patient cares for their skin. Wearing sunscreen, following a daily skin care regimen, exercising, eating well, consuming minimal alcohol, and avoiding exposure to pollution and cigarette smoke (both first and second-hand) will help with the treatment’s long-term effectiveness and allow for the amount of time between treatments to be extended.

Are There Side Effects?

Unlike traditional laser treatments, Laser Genesis treats and rejuvenates the skin from beneath the surface, which means that the top layer, or epidermis, is not injured during the procedure. The most commonly reported side effect is mild, temporary redness of the treatment area, but this will resolve as your skin begins to heal.

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of Laser Genesis varies by patient, depending on the size, severity, and the number of areas affected. Doctor Beldholm and his experienced staff will assess your skin, make a recommendation on the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired results, and advise you on the cost of your treatment plan at your consultation.

Is Laser Genesis Right For Me?

Just about anyone is a good candidate for Laser Genesis. Most patients choose Laser Genesis to eliminate acne scars, burns, enlarged pores, rosacea, or broken capillaries. We must caution that people with autoimmune diseases, active cystic acne, or who have used or are currently using certain medications to treat acne may want to consider alternative treatments. 

If you want to refresh, repair and rejuvenate damaged or problem skin, call Specialist Skin Solutions today to schedule a consultation. You’re just a few sessions away from having scar-free, rosacea-free, glowing skin at last!

Want to know more about how Laser Genesis compares to similar treatments? Contact us today!

The post Laser Focused: Scientifically Proven Laser Genesis Targets Rosacea, Broken Capillaries, Wrinkles, and Acne Scars Painlessly, Permanently, and Safely appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Curious about whether HydraFacials live up to all the hype?  In this week’s blog, we’ll explain all about how HydraFacials work, potential results you can expect, and how they compare to and complement other treatments.

According to Allure magazine, a HydraFacial is performed every 15 seconds in the world, which amounts to essentially 2 million treatments given globally in just one year. That’s more than twice the total number of muscle relaxant injections.

Taking the aesthetic world by storm because of its versatility, safety and the results, hydrafacials use a medical-grade hydradermabrasion.Rather than blasting the skin with grit, like traditional dermabrasion,  hydradermabrasion takes a gentler approach. Instead of using crystals to blast the top layer of your skin off, it uses water (hence the name) for a gentler experience.  Using an all-in-one handpiece that holds patented spiralized treatment tips equipped with vortex technology, a whirling force simultaneously gives, adding potent serums that moisturize the skin and takes away, removing dirt from the pores to brighten, plump, and protect the skin. From teen and adult acne to wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, HydraFacials work to address a wide variety of concerns. Beyond the standard three steps, there are also  targeted add-ons that take aim at unique skin concerns like brown spots or fine lines.

HydraFacials Step-by-Step

Step One: Cleanse, Peel, Exfoliate

The first step is manually cleansing the  skin. This ensures the facial begins on a clean and smooth slate. Next, the Vortex machine delivers a stream of water to break up the top layer of dead skin cells. The same nozzle will lift those cells and any debris away from the skin.

A chemical peel solution is then delivered. This exfoliates on a deeper level without the stinging and redness usually associated with a chemical peel. Once your skin is clean and exfoliated and the chemical peel has been delivered,  your pores are clean and your skin is already softer.

Step Two: Extract & Hydrate

Everyone loves the feeling of ridding our pores of all the gook and dirt that builds up over time, but noone likes the pain that is associated with the process. The good news is,  extractions made with the Vortex-Extraction tool are painless and made easier by a debris-loosening formula delivered during the process. 

Now that your pores are clean and softened, the Vortex technology infuses your skin with intense moisturizer delivered deep into the epidermis.

Step Three: Fuse & Protect

This is the really nourishing step. After removing all the dirt, sucking out the debris, and exfoliating the dead skin cells, your skin will be bombarded with antioxidants and peptides that heal, soothe and protect it. 

An infusion of hyaluronic acid, a sugar your body naturally produces to keep the skin hydrated, attracts and retains moisture. The infusion during this step works to keep your results lasting for a good  long time.

Benefits of a HydraFacial 

There are a lot of reasons to give your skin the gift of a HydraFacial. It’s The most versatile facial available, hydrafacials are perfect for early twenty-somethings, and premenopausal, perimenopausal, and post-menopausals.

The key benefits of HydraFacial are:

• Gently exfoliates dead skin cells
• Gently peels to reveal brighter skin without damage
• Hydrates
• Gently extracts pores
• Infuses nourishing serums to soothe and protect skin
• Addresses specific concerns, including:
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Uneven tone and texture
  • Dull complexion
  • Brown spots
  • Oily and acne-prone skin
  • Enlarged pores and blackheads
  • Mild skin laxity

More Reasons to Try a HydraFacial Today!

Lasting results

How long you enjoy your results depends on how well you take care of your skin after the treatment. You will immediately notice a brighter and clearer complexion. Other results, like firmer skin and a softening of fine lines, will appear gradually, with most people reaping the rewards for close to a month. 

We recommended getting a HydraFacial every six to eight weeks to keep your results seamless, but our team of skin care specialists will recommend the best schedule for you.

Consistent and reliable

Whether you get Hydra-ed at a fancy NYC plastic surgeon’s office or at suburban strip-mall medspa, the experience and results are super-consistent. 

Not as technician-dependent as other kinds of facials, HydraFacials can be relied upon to deliver consistent results time and time again.  

Side-effect free

Have you ever asked the facialist to skip the extractions for fear of next-day eruptions or pain?  HydraFacials are much gentler than traditional facials, another reason for their popularity.  Combining the best of both worlds, from highly effective power treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels with a relaxing, feel-good experience, hydrafacials are never painful and highly effective. By combining vortex pressure with a clog-purging solution of salicylic acid, willow bark extract, and anti-inflammatory Tasmanian pepper, the device suctions soot and gook from the pores  (no squeezing required).  

Instant gratification with zero downtime

HydraFacials are more than a basic  facial, but less than a laser treatment, with little to no-downtime, the payoff is immediately apparent. Hydrafacials improve texture and tone and help conditions like acne, without any residual irritation or peeling. Even better is the tool’s unparalleled radiance-imparting properties that produce a healthy glow, which is what makes it so highly requested before red-carpet events and weddings.

Plays Well With Others

Another bonus to this treatment is  how personalized you can make it. There are add-ons available, each one coming with its own set of  benefits. If you’d like to know more about combining treatments, contact Specialist Skin Solutions today for a consultation.

Muscle Relaxing Injections

If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of expression lines or dynamic wrinkles, Muscle Relaxing Injections are  the number one cosmetic treatment in the world because they work! Made from a purified protein, muscle relaxing injections are neuromodulators, meaning they work by blocking the signal from a nerve from reaching a muscle.

See our blog post, Muscle Relaxant Injections for Excessive Sweating in the Armpits, Palms, and Feet for detailed information about this treatment.

Dermal Therapy

Dermal Therapy is a branch of health services that focuses on the aesthetic improvement of skin concerns and conditions such as ageing, rosacea, melasma, sun damage, open pores, scarring, hormonal or adult acne and barrier impairment. A group of injectables that give instant volume to areas of the face, including lips, Dermal Fillers can address concerns from fine lines to deep wrinkles. Extremely versatile, dermal fillers can address: 

• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Chin wrinkles
• Vertical lines around lips
• Areas of lost volume
• Thinning lips
• Crow’s feet
• Asymmetry in nose and chin
• Jowls

If you’re struggling with a dull complexion and are ready to see brighter, clearer and more youthful skin when you look in the mirror, don’t hesitate any longer. Call Specialist Skin Solutions to book an appointment. We’re dedicated to helping each of our clients feel their best by bringing out  your natural beauty and love the skin you’re in. We look forward to speaking with you!

If you have specific questions, call us 02-4934-1700. We look forward to hearing from you!

The post Experience the Magic of the HydraFacial Wand: Non-invasive Professional Treatment that Deep-cleans, Exfoliates, and Hydrates appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.