15 Oct 2014

How Does the Cost of Diode Laser Hair Removal Compare to Other Hair Removal Methods?



Have you ever really thought of the true cost of your hair removal regime? Often, people come to us focused on the cost of our treatments, and although we always offer great value, some people mention that they can’t afford treatments. Diode laser hair removal treatments pay for themselves in no time – saving you money (not to mention time!) in the long run.

Waxing:
Are you a waxer? How often do you wax? How much is each treatment? 

Most waxers have appointments once a month. At an average cost of $35 for a bikini/Brazzie, that’s $420 a year, which is $4,200 over 10 years!

Not to mention the embarrassment of letting hair grow in between treatments and the ingrown hairs that most people get (yes, diode laser hair removal fixes that too!).

Shaving:
You may think a razor doesn’t cost much, but how many razors do you use in a year? Using a decent razor and shaving every few days will cost you about $100 a year. Over 10 years that’s $1000.

And how much extra time, effort and money do you spend in the shower (plus water costs) and dealing with cuts and shaving rashes?

IPL:
Many salons/clinics still sell IPL as a form of permanent hair reduction. Whilst great for treatments such as facial rejuvenation, it is less effective for hair removal. Comparing prices between IPL and diode laser cannot be done just by comparing the costs per session as you will need far more treatments with IPL (usually around double), plus a lot of ongoing maintenance, which is not so much required with diode laser.

So, whilst the initial cost of diode laser hair removal might seem higher than other hair removal treatments, it more than pays for itself considering the long term benefits of being hair free!


6 Oct 2014

5 Tips: Get Glowing Skin for the Spring Racing Carnival



The winter blues are over and it is time to get your skin looking radiant for a spring full of races, weddings and other special occasions. Get flawless skin with these easy tips:

  1. Stick to a healthy eating plan. Diet has such a large impact on your skin and general well-being – replace sugary and processed foods with fruit and vegetables before the big day. 
  2.  Drink plenty of water. Hydrate your skin from the inside and flush out nasty toxins. The recommended daily intake is around two litres – start your day with a large glass of water and you will be well on your way! 
  3.  Exfoliating is a must. Give your pores a chance to breathe by removing dead cells and surface impurities and encourage skin renewal. 
  4. Review your skincare routine. The changing seasons means changing needs for your skin. Assess how your skin is reacting to the changing weather and the impact this has on your choice of products. Get expert help as a few small changes can have a huge impact on your skin. 
  5. Have a series of hydrodermabrasion treatments or facial peels. To even skin tone, hydrate, repair and get your skin glowing!

 

22 Sept 2014

Busting the Chemical Peel Myths



Chemical peels have had a bit of a bad reputation, enhanced by that famous episode of Sex and the City when Samantha looked as though she had severe burns and sheets of skin falling off her face after having a chemical peel. The truth is that there are significant benefits to chemical peels and if performed by experienced therapists, are a great way to improve a number of skin issues ranging from ageing to pigmentation to acne.

Myth #1 – Chemical peels result in a lot of downtime
Very deep chemical peels (like the one Samantha had) are not performed any more as there are now laser treatments to help resolve deep skin issues. There are a variety of other peels now available and their depth and strength will dictate any downtime, however many chemical peels have no downtime, particularly if the skin is well prepared with the appropriate products. Your clinician will advise you on what to expect prior to any treatment.

Myth #2 – Chemical peels can be done at home
Chemical peels sold over-the-counter or online will not give the same results as stronger ones performed in-clinic by experienced professionals who tailor the peel according to your skin condition. Chemical peels can cause side effects such as hyper or hypo-pigmentation and an experienced therapist undertakes a thorough consultation prior to advising on a treatment plan and peel to ensure the best outcome. Many people who purchase peels online find they spend more money trying to reverse the damage!

Myth #3 – Chemicals are bad for you
Not all chemicals are bad and often people are scared off by this word. Chemical peels do contain chemicals as do other everyday products such as paracetamol and hair dye. Actually, the active acids in most chemical peels are natural. Glycolic acid comes from sugar cane, lactic acid from sour milk and salicylic acid from wintergreen. These products are safe to use as long as all risks and possible contraindications are assessed before the treatment.

Myth #4 – Chemical peels are only used to treat specific skin issues
Chemical peels can be beneficial for most skin types including sensitive skin. Chemical peels not only treat problem prone skin, but they can also be preventative as well. The normal rate of skin cell turnover is between 21-28 days. Depending on the amount of damage in our skin, this rate tends to slow down dramatically usually starting in our late 20's. Even receiving very mild skin peels such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids will help to increase this cellular turnover to stimulate healthy cell growth while exfoliating dead cells. Prevention for the skin will only be effective if proper skincare products are used along with proper sun protection. 

Myth #5 – Chemical peels are a once-off solution
Whilst most people will experience visible results after one chemical peel, often the best outcome will be achieved after a series of peels or in combination with other treatments. An experienced therapist will be able to advise you on the best treatment plan based on your skin and expectations. As always, results will be enhanced with the correct pre-and post- skin care regime, as advised by your clinician.