Offspring Managing Editor, Kate Durak, reviews thermage skin tightening treatment.

I recently had Thermage on my face at Balabala Laser Clinic in Hay Street, Perth. The results for Thermage are fantastic. In my opinion, it is the best option currently on the market for skin tightening and lifting that does not require surgery.

I am a 45-year-old mother of two, and I am conscious of sagging skin, particularly around my jowls Thermage is fantastic for lifting the skin. There is no downtime, and the results are natural, taking three months to fully manifest. Based on experience, the treatment lasts more than a year.

I discussed my skin aging concerns and options with the knowledgeable and attentive staff at Balabala Laser Clinic. The therapists were very experienced and professional. I immediately felt comfortable and at ease when meeting with my therapist, who listened carefully to my needs and concerns.

My therapist explained that, during ageing, the elastin and collagen in the skin break down faster than the body can rebuild. This causes wrinkles, skin laxity and pockets of loose, sagging skin.

The Thermage treatment takes around 45 minutes, and it is a non-surgical skin treatment that stimulates the production of new connective tissue in the dermis and rebuilds and reinforces the skin from within. There is no downtime.

Thermage uses radiofrequency technology to heat the skin and stimulate collagen renewal in the skin’s deeper layers. The heat energy is focused on a precise depth within the skin, and cooling technology protects the upper epidermal layers. This technique improves the smoothness and texture of the skin’s surface.

The device was applied all over my face in small sections. I could feel slight pressure and a deep warming sensation – this indicates that collagen is reaching an adequate temperature for tightening the skin.

I felt very relaxed in the clinic, and my skin instantly looked brighter and tighter, and I experienced no redness from the treatment.

The Thermage treatment immediately tightens the existing collagen structures and then continues improvement over the next six months as collagen production is activated.

A month following treatment, I am pleased with the results – my skin has tightened and feels smoother and glowing.

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The best hydrating skin peel for anti-aging

By N/A October 14, 2021

Product Review: Offspring Magazine editor, Kate Durack, has Aesthetics Rx anti-aging skin peel

I am a 45-year-old mother of two, and I am becoming conscious of my skin aging, sagging and wrinkling, so I am keen to try various products and treatments that offer possible solutions. I was recently offered to experience an anti-aging rejuvenate skin peel by Aesthetics RX at Silk Laser Clinic in Karrinyup.

For the 10 days prior to the peel treatment, I was encouraged by a skin expert from Aesthetics Rx to form a morning and night step-by-step beauty regime. This regime consisted of eight recommended products by Aesthetics Rx to get my skin in the best condition before the peel.

The eight products included their Revitalising Foaming Cleanser, C serum, B serum, Ultimate Serum, A serum, Spf30 with Zinc, Daily Moisturiser Hydrating and H20 balm. In addition, it was also recommended I cease using hair removal techniques such as electrolysis and wax or laser on the face and not go in the direct sun without SPF30-50. I was also asked to avoid hair colouring, straightening and hair drying treatments.

The Rejuvenate Peel by Aesthetics Rx is a 20-minute treatment designed to activate cell turnover and exfoliate the skin’s surface to reveal a brighter, more hydrated, youthful complexion with reduced congestion and hyperpigmentation. The benefits of this peel include:

Combating skin ageing for the appearance of a youthful complexion.
Improving the cell renewal process.
Reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Assisting and improving the appearance of congestion and acne.

Aesthetics Rx uses skin-reviving ingredients to help renew the dermis of the skin, where two essential proteins live, collagen and elastin, which act as building blocks for your skin. Aesthetics Rx products ingredients include hydroxy acids, vitamins A and C to produce signals to turn on the production of collagen cells. As a result, the damaged dermis is pushed down deeper into the skin with new collagen production, essentially allowing a nicer ‘new’ layer to emerge.

Immediately after my skin treatment by Aesthetics Rx, my skin felt rejuvenated and clean, with a slight sensation of tightness. However, I was left with hydrated and glowing skin. I experienced no downtime, and I was pleased with the results.

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Reviewed: Beauty Aesthetics, Enbacci, skinstitut, We Are Feel Good and ESK

By N/A October 14, 2021

Product Review: Five cosmetic skincare brands that will leave your skin glowing

These skin care products can treat various common skin concerns, such as aging skin, dry skin, dull skin, oily skin, and it even includes skincare suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The types of skincare products include moisturisers, oils, serums, cleansers and SPF. Here is a breakdown of the top five brands that will leave your skin glowing throughout the year.

Enbacci Complete Body Lotion

Enbacci Complete Body Lotion is bursting with skin-loving ingredients that nourish and hydrate your whole body. This body lotion is formulated with the stem cells of the Saponaria Pumila (Dwarf Soapwart) plant, which has the power to protect your skin from daily environmental challenges, renew your skin barrier to promote elasticity and skin firming. Other ingredients include Sunflower Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Macadamia Nut Oil and vitamins A, B and C, which will leave your skin feeling soft and reduce the appearance of fine lines ideal for anti-ageing.

RTP: $80.00 at www.enbacci.com

ESK Pregnancy Kit

This pregnancy kit is a safe and rejuvenating five products all scientifically crafted for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. With the benefits of the best anti-aging ingredients that scientific evidence has to offer, it excludes chemicals that may be harmful to your baby and is also gentle enough for a period that often sees changes in your skin.

Hydroxy Cleanser – Those with normal to oily skin will appreciate this non-foaming/soap-free cleanser that makes skin look fresh and rejuvenated. Thanks to the key ingredients of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which help cleanse gently and exfoliate the skin leaving it feeling conditioned and smooth.

B Calm – Beyond instant hydration, this facial moisturiser will help calm sensitized, oily or acne prone skin. It contains vitamin B3 5% which play a role in managing the skins natural oil production, and acne and rosacea. This B calm is a great anti-inflammatory agent to add into your beauty regime.

Zinc Shade – Zinc is a critical component to add to your skincare routine if you want to protect your skin from the sun. Zinc shade is a daily moisturiser that gives you all the protection you need from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. In addition, it helps minimise the appearance of skin aging and improve the appearance of photoaged skin.

Smooth Serum – Hydroxy Acid exfoliating serum for use at night. Renews the skin by promoting skin cell turnover. The result: a more balanced and smoother skin and a more even skin tone.

Englighen – Light moisturising cream with niacinamide and a tyrosinase inhibitor depigmenting ingredient. Niacinamide is an effective multipurpose ingredient, having evidence for managing the skin’s natural oil production, acne and rosacea. It also has evidence for improving the skin’s barrier function, reducing hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines, and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent.

RTP: $351.00 at www.eskcare.com

skinstitut Collagen Plus

Collagen Plus, by skinstitut, combines peptides with antioxidants to improve health vitality and appearance. It uses vitamins and botanical extracts to aid absorption and strengthen the skin barrier, reducing free radical damage.

Collagen Plus incorporates the following ingredients:

● Hydrolysed Marine Collagen supplements the body’s natural collagen to help support healthy hair, skin and nails.

● Vitamin C helps with collagen absorption, improving skin texture, fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity.

● Vitamin E is high in antioxidants and helps support cell function and skin health.

● Zinc helps to repair skin due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

● Grape Seed Extracts is high in antioxidants and can help improve collagen synthesis and reduce inflammation.

RTP: $49.00 at skinstitut.com

skinstitut Moisturiser Defence Ultra-Dry

If you’re someone that suffers from dry skin, mild eczema, dermatitis, or premature aging, this skinstitut Moisturiser Defence Ultra-Dry will become a lifesaver. It will leave your skin feeling hydrated and nourished all day whilst revving up the skin’s natural collagen and elastin production, which is ideal for keeping that youthful glow.

$49.00 – 50ml at www.skinstitut.com

We Are Feel Good Coco Milk

The Coco Milk from We Are Feel Good strikes a nice balance of a lushly emollient moisturising experience that leaves skin feeling soft and comfortably hydrated but not greasy. This moisturiser is enriched with natural ingredients like Coconut Oil, Macadamia Oil, Aloe Vera, Shea Butter and Vitamin E to leave your skin feeling silky smooth all day long. Also, you will not get over this delicious smell of coconut.

$24.95 at www.wearefeelgoodinc.com.au

We Are Feel Good Sunscreen Lotion Spf50

We are Feel Good Sunscreen Lotion Spf50 helps temper skin’s oily shine while protecting from UV damage. This sunscreen will last up to 4 hours water resistant to give you maximum coverage without feeling greasy on your skin.

$27.95 – 200ml at www.wearefeelgoodinc.com.au

Revitalising Foaming Cleanser

If you want a gentle cleanser to use twice a day to reduce redness and increase skin elasticity, this cleanser is for you. This gel-type foaming cleanser removes makeup, oil and pollution while soothing and moisturising the skin. Just some of the skin-loving ingredients include Aloe Vera Juice, Panthenol (vitamin B), Grapefruit, Spearmint and Essential Oils to ensure your skin is left feeling moisturised and calmed all day.

$59.00 – 125ml at aestheticsrx.com.au

Daily Moisturiser Hydrating

This light moisturiser is packed with antioxidants that will help protect your skin from day to day environmental and sun damage. It has got all the skin-boosting ingredients from Edelweiss, Kakadu Plum Extract, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and Essential Oils that will make your skin feel smoother than ever.

$99.00 – 50ml at aestheticsrx.com.au

C serum 23%

Aesthetics C serum is cult-favourite for a good reason – it is packed with powerful antioxidants complex of l-ascorbic and ferulic acids to reveal a brighter, firmer, and more-even looking complexion. It will eliminate and repair the visible signs of ageing caused by environmental stressors like the sun. This serum boasts antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid to help brighten skin and fight signs of premature aging.

$109.00 – 30ml at aestheticsrx.com.au

B Serum

If you’re someone who suffers from dry skin, this 48-moisture serum is a must-have! This serum is packed with all the good stuff to revitalise and strengthen your skin. This concentrated serum delivers intense hydration and nourishment while reviving the skin’s natural collagen production and stimulating fibroblast. In addition, it contains all the essential ingredients such as Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium that your skin needs to glow.

$109.00 – 30ml at aestheticsrx.com.au

Ultimate Serum

The ultimate serum is packed with all the good stuff to give tired, dull, pigmentated and ageing skin the boost it needs. This serum includes Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid and Botanical Extracts. Niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) is the main ingredient to reduce the look of pores and appearance of wrinkles and keep your skin hydrated, plumped and glowing.

$109.00 – 30ml at aestheticsrx.com.au

H20 Balm

Protect and replenish the skin with this H2o balm. The H2o balm is a soft, fragrance-free balm formulated to help protect, heal, and regenerate the skin. The key ingredient in the H2o balm is polysaccharides, which assists with scar healing, repair, and restoration. This balm is often recommenced following laser and skin treatments.

$99.00 – 125ml at aestheticsrx.com.au

SPF30 with Zinc

Any good skincare routine should start with an SPF. This Aesthetics RX sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection thanks to the mineral sunscreen zinc oxide without adding extra oils. Ingredients such as zinc will protect your face from UV rays without feeling sticky or heavy on the skin.

$59.00 – 75ml at aestheticsrx.com.au

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The Damaging Effects of Sun Exposure to Your Skin

By Rebecca Frost October 5, 2021

Sun exposure is the number one cause of skin ageing. So how does it happen and what can you do to reverse the damage?

Up to 90% of visible ageing is attributed to sun exposure. This means that the expensive eye cream you treated yourself to last month is useless if you’ve not layered a good amount of SPF underneath. A quarter of a teaspoon is recommended for the face, and another quarter for the neck. Yes, even in the winter.

SPF is the number one anti-wrinkle, anti-dark spot, anti-sagging product available. And research has shown that it’s never too late to start protecting your skin. Even people with significant sun damage who started using a broad-spectrum sunscreen later in life saw a noticeable reduction in every visible sign of ageing.

UVA radiation can penetrate through clouds and glass, so it should be worn even when it’s raining and while inside.

Here’s where it gets a little more scientific.

There are two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reach the surface of the earth from the sun. UVB rays are mostly responsible for producing sunburn, while UVA rays are mostly responsible for premature ageing. It is important to make sure your sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection from both.

Since UVA rays are longer than UVB, they penetrate deeper into the dermis where they damage the collagen fibres. This causes photo-ageing characterised by wrinkling, roughness, dryness, loss of firmness, and pigmentary changes.

Wearing sunscreen everyday can do more than prevent skin cancer. Studies show that it is the most powerful tool against anti-ageing. According to a large study undertaken by Australian researchers, regular use of sunscreen has been shown to prevent photo-damage by 24%. In theory, this would mean that if you wore sunscreen every day, then by the age of 50 you would look 38.

Bill McElligott — Truck driver William McElligott’s face is a graphic example of long-term sun damage. The left-hand side of the truck driver’s face was exposed to the sun through the window, the other shaded in the cab.

SPF 30 is more than twice as effective as SPF 15. Anything over SPF 50 will not provide any extra protection.

To reap these benefits, make sure that your sunscreen offers protection of SPF 30 as a minimum and wear it every single day. SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVA and UVB rays, while SPF 15 blocks 93%. While this may not seem like such a large difference, consider it this way: SPF 15 allows through 7% of UV radiation, while SPF 30 allows just 3%.

This means that SPF 30 is more than twice as effective as SPF 15. Anything over SPF 50, however, will not provide any extra protection.

Remember that UVA radiation is able to penetrate through clouds and glass, so it should be worn even when it’s raining and while inside. And working from home is no excuse. Incidental sun exposure accounts for 80% of lifetime sun exposure, meaning that the days you plan on spending time outside – going to the beach, or a long hike – accounts for just a fraction of total skin damage.

Twin Study Ageing — In a twin study on ageing in America, it was determined that Susan (right) looked 11.25 years older than her sister Jeanne (left). Susan has spent as much time as she could in the sun, averaging 10 hours outside more per week than Jeanne. Jeanne, however, has aimed for “as little sun exposure as possible” over the years.

Regular use of sunscreen has been shown to prevent photo-damage by 24%. Theoretically, this would mean that if you wore sunscreen every day, then by the age of 50 you would look 38.

That is why it is important to get into the habit of applying sunscreen as part of your morning routine. Activities like walking to your post box or hanging out the laundry accumulate damage over time, which all adds up to mean extra wrinkles that could have been avoided.

To increase your sunscreen’s efficacy, layer it over Vitamin C serum in the morning after cleansing. Vitamin C will provide a protective barrier against oxidative stress by slowing the ageing process.

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