Sugaring: The new hair removal method taking Australia by Storm

What is Body Sugaring?

Alexandria Professional Body Sugaring

 The first time I heard that term I thought they would cover you with sugar just like a mud wrap or spa treatment. Then I was told it was used to remove hairs... really?

How can sugar remove hairs? Not possible!

Somebody told me of the benefits: it was less painful than waxing, etc. etc. Still, not really interested, the hairs were being pulled, hence it must hurt. I had waxed my legs a couple of times in the past and found it way too painful.

I asked all my friends if they knew what sugaring was... nobody did. I told myself, why bother with sugaring if waxing does the job and nobody will be asking for it?

But our Senior Therapist, that had been doing sugaring in the past, insisted we should offer it, so our salon contacted Alexandria Professional and bought the required products and we encouraged our waxing clients to try it. Well, they all loved it. They said it was much less painful than waxing, their skin felt smoother, it took longer to grow back, and their ingrowns started to disappear. That did it! I had and in-depth look into it and I did the training. Now I love it too!

For the therapist, sugaring is harder than waxing, but the results in your clients are worth the effort. Sugaring is a bit like an art form, you need to master the technique, and need manual ability to do so. It can take longer than waxing because if you don't pull in the direction of growth the hair won't come out, the good thing is that it won't break as it does with waxing. Sometimes you have to go over the same area several times because hair tends to grow in different directions, however the sugar paste is so gentle that it will not irritate your skin.

Even though it is slightly more expensive than waxing and it takes a bit longer, none of our clients have gone back to waxing. Our waxing pot sits in a corner and has not been used in ages. Any new client that asks for waxing we ask them to try sugaring instead and they get converted.

So, why is sugaring better than waxing?

Firstly the sugar paste is all natural: just sugar, water and lemon. It is gentler on the skin, it can be removed with water, it can be used over varicose veins and eczema, and doesn't cause allergic reactions.

Sugaring is applied against hair growth and is removed in the direction of growth. The sugar paste gets inside the mouth of the follicle lubricating the hair and easing off the extraction, hence you get less breakage and less ingrowns.

The sugar paste also exfoliate your skin, picking up dead cells and debris and doesn't get attached to live cells.

So, next time you go in for a waxing ask for a sugaring instead. If you live in the area visit our salon and have sugaring at waxing prices on your first visit.

Is Teeth Whitening Dangerous?

Teeth whitening is now the in thing, with at least 70% of the population having tried one form or another of teeth whitening from toothpastes and strips to laser.

Teeth whitening procedures use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide after a few hours). These bleaching agents are available in different strengths from 5% up to 40%.

In the majority of cases the only side effects are increased sensitivity with hot and cold foods and mild pain that tends to disappear within 2-3 weeks.

Teeth Whitening Kits

Most teeth whitening kits bought over the counter contain less than 10% bleaching agent and they need to be used everyday for 2 weeks. In Australia, regulations require that they contain less than 6% peroxide. It is possible to obtain higher concentrations online and you should be aware of the risks associated with using them.

Whitening kits comprise a bleaching gel and a tray. You put a small amount of the gel on the tray and fit the tray over your teeth leaving it there for half an hour to all night depending on strength of the gel. The safest ones are those kits supplied by your dentist because the trays are made to match the exact shape of your teeth and there is less risk of the gel burning your gums or irritating your throat.

The major risk is side effects due to the condition of your teeth before using one of these kits. It is important that you consult your dentist before buying an over the counter teeth whitening kit.

If you have any cracks or cavities the bleaching gel can access the tooth nerve and cause severe pain and even kill it.

Another risk is the overuse of these teeth whitening products. Prolonged use can cause pain, irritated gums, receding of the gums, irritation to the gastrointestinal track, the wearing away of the teeth close to the gums, and a bluish translucent tint that can be permanent. Make sure that you follow the product's instructions and don not use for longer than recommended with a touch up every 6 months or once a year.

Laser Teeth Whitening Treatments

These procedures are usually carried out by a dentist and use up to 40% hydrogen peroxide gel. They deliver up to 8 shades whiter in an hour or two. The bleaching agent is so strong that it can burn any soft tissue in the mouth.

To avoid harm to the gums and tongue the dentist first apply a protective layer of a plastic-like gel to the gums. He also uses a dental retractor to pull back the lips. He then paints the bleaching gel on the surface of the teeth and applies a light to accelerate the whitening effect.

This procedure can also cause sensitivity and pain even if performed by a dentist. These side effects have been known to continue for up to 3 months after the treatment.

Another thing to be aware of is that bleaching your teeth removes the pellicle. The pellicle is a protective layer that covers your teeth. Without this layer your teeth are more prone to absorb stains, so it is important to avoid coffee, tea, red wine, coke, any dark coloured foods, and smoking for at least 48 hours until the pellicle reforms. Otherwise your teeth will get about two shades darker right away.

Teeth Whitening Toothpastes

Teeth whitening toothpastes work by using abrasives and a chemicals that dissolve surface stains. They take between 2 to 6 weeks to make the teeth appear 2 to 3 shades whiter. Prolonged use can damage the enamel of your teeth.

Whitening toothpastes only remove surface stains, they do not work on deep stains or change the natural colour of your teeth. Some toothpastes use a substance called blue covarine which sticks to the surface of the teeth and makes them appear whiter.

Teeth Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips work in the same way than whitening kits. They contain up to 10% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel on a flexible plastic strip. The strip moulds to the shape of your teeth and bleaches your teeth.

They may be safer than the over-the-counter whitening kits because there is no risk of the bleaching gel spilling over your gums, however if the strips are applied too close to the gums you may still get burns or irritation.

Summary

It is important to consider that whatever method you use, teeth whitening is only temporary and your teeth will start getting stained again right after treatment. In the best of the cases some lightening may be retained for up to 3 years. Avoiding smoking and eating foods that stain; and brushing your teeth after every meal will help prolonging the brightening results.

Most whitening kits or treatments cause sensitivity and sometimes pain to most people. Most at risk are those using over-the-counter kits without first consulting their dentist. Existing cavities and cracks can cause serious problems and you can even losse teeth.

Because the results are temporary people tend to overdo it which will cause a weakening of the enamel. Just like over bleaching your hair your teeth will become porous and brittle, making them susceptible to cavities and causing sensitivity and pain.

Natural Ways for Whitening Your Teeth

Natural whitening methods only remove surface stains giving you up to 3 shades lighter. They can also be used to maintain your teeth white after a bleaching treatment.

• Eat lots of crunchy vegetables. Vegetables such as celery, carrots and apples are great to clean plaque and stains.
  
  
• Mix Baking Soda with your toothpaste and brush your teeth with this once a week for maintenance or once a day for 7 days and then only once a week. You may be tempted to do this more often, don't. Baking Soda is a mild abrasive, use in moderation it removes plaque and stains, abused it will damage the enamel of your teeth.
  
  
• Rub lemon and orange peels on your teeth. The citric acid will break down stains whitening your teeth, however it should not be used more than once a day for a week. Can be repeated every six months. If used more often it will damage the enamel of your teeth and cause sensitivity.
  
  
• Make a paste by mashing strawberries with a fork and brush your teeth with this paste. Strawberries contain malic acid which is very good at breaking down stains and whitening your teeth. You should brush your teeth with toothpaste afterwards because strawberries also have sugar.
• However the best way to whiten your teeth naturally is using Activated Charcoal (Activated Carbon). Activated Charcoal is excellent at absorbing toxins and tannins. Most stains in your teeth are caused by tannins present in everyday foods and tobacco. Activated Charcoal will remove the stains on your teeth without damaging the enamel and you can use it every day. What's more, It will also protect your mouth from plaque and bacterial growth because it balances the PH.
  
  You can buy Activated Charcoal in powder form or capsules at health stores. You must be careful when using it because it can make a mess in your bathroom, although it does not stain, and can be easily removed with water. Take a plate with you to the bathroom and place it next to the sink. Carefully open the capsule in the centre of the plate (or pour a small amount of the powder). Wet your toothbrush (don't use an electric toothbrush) and dip it in the powder. Carefully move the brush over your teeth, only once. Leave the charcoal in your mouth for 5-8 minutes. Rinse your mouth well and brush with your normal toothpaste.

How to avoid lines and wrinkles around the lip area

Have you ever wondered why some people despite being only in their early 30's show a large amount of lines and wrinkles in the skin around the lips?

When you are talking to another person your eyes are drawn to movement and the mouth is one of the main focal points, second only to the eyes. In other words, if you have deep lines around the lips it will be the first thing the other person will notice about you, that is why it is so important to keep your mouth looking it's best.

There are many factors, all avoidable, that contribute to lines around the lips.

1.  The main culprit is smoking. Smoking cigarettes will damage your skin in two ways:
• The actual cigarette smoke contains many toxins that dry and kill the skin cells and the lips are the most exposed area. 
• Puckering the lips when inhaling makes your muscles overwork in the same expression creating wrinkles around the lips.


2. From about two decades ago, we are seeing carrying our water bottles around everywhere we go. Initially confined to the gym and excursions the water bottle has now become our constant companion, with the average person taking a sip every 5-10 minutes.
   
   You should be aware that this health icon is one of the worst habits that cause lines and wrinkles around the mouth. The constant puckering of the lips, dozens of times a day, cause deep lines over time. So, next time, when you sit at your desk with a water bottle, also grab a cup and drink from the cup instead.
   
   If you are out and about you can try squirting the water into your mouth or drinking with the whole lid off, rather than sucking it.


3.  Avoiding the sun whenever your can or using a broad spectrum sunscreen will prevent the formation of fine lines around the mouth. The sun causes premature aging causing the collagen in our skin to break down and the cells to dry increasing deep lines in the lip area and our face in general.
   


4. Drinking alcohol dehydrates our skin contributing to wrinkles around the mouth, so minimise alcohol intake.


5. Clean and moisturise your skin twice daily: morning and night. Don't use soap. Use a cleaning lotion that is gentle to the skin and will balance your PH. Follow it by applying a good moisturising cream that will hydrate your skin diminishing fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and the whole face in general.


6. Drink plenty of water, specially during the summer months. Water will hydrate your skin keeping it supple thus diminishing unsightly deep lines.
   
   
   

REMEDIAL MASSAGE

I have suffered from lower back pain for years and have been to heaps of beauty spas and massage parlours for massage. I kept searching for someone that could help ease away my lower back pain without much success. I have tried many types of massage and different massage therapist but still not much help on my pain. I felt good for about two to three hours after the massage but later my pain would return. Two months ago, I went to a remedial massage and it totally changed my life even after the one treatment. I could feel a huge difference immediately after the treatment, it not only eased my pain but I was pain free for a week. After 4 treatment sessions, I am thrilled to say that 80% of my pain is gone!

Remedial massage is greatly beneficial and can reduce symptoms by relaxing the tension in the muscles, stimulating the flow of blood through the muscles, breaking down and eliminating toxins, enhancing the oxygenation of the brain and relaxing the nervous system and mind. Remedial massage holistically treats the whole body and traces the discomfort as far as possible back to the original cause, healing both the causes of the disorder as well as the symptoms. The healing treatment can be gentle or strong, deep or shallow and usually using a lubricating medium (oil) directly to the skin to ensure that the muscles associated with the disorder and mobilisation of the joint are deeply treated. Passive stretching moves are also used.

Many remedial massage therapist have attained additional training, which usually includes more in-depth study and qualifications in anatomy and physiology. This extra knowledge and understanding will enable the massage therapist to carry out an assessment and provide appropriate treatments. The remedial massage therapist uses skilled manipulation combined with thorough knowledge to bring about pain relief, correcting and normalising the body's muscles and soft tissues.

The accredited remedial massage therapist honours the professional practice protocol to bring about the specific individualised therapeutic change with clinical reasoning. During treatment there is tenderness in areas that are being treated, which indicates what muscle and tendons are injured. The therapist uses the patient's feedback to pinpoint the damaged tissue and regulate pressure. The results are usually immediate, certainly within three sessions a big improvement will be seen with a skilful practitioner. Most patients feel a difference after one session.

Some common conditions that can be successfully treated by a remedial massage therapist are Achilles Tendon, Tendinitis, Shin Splints, Groin Strain, Hamstring Injuries, Plantar Fasciitis, Scar Tissues, Whiplash, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Strain Injury.

What is Rosacea? and ... Is it affecting you?

www.rosacea.org

Most people don't know what Rosacea is. Many people even have it without knowing. So what is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that affects mainly people of north-western European descent, however it is found on all segments of the population. It usually starts with sporadic blushing or flushing of the face. Overtime the redness becomes more persistent and intensifies. Red bumps like pimples and broken capillaries may develop. In severe cases the eyes can get irritated and bloodshot and the nose may grow swollen and bulbous from excess tissue.

Regrettably there is no cure for Rosacea and its causes are unknown. There are, however a number of treatments to reduce the symptoms and keep the condition in check. Early diagnosis is recommended because if left untreated it worsens over time.

Rosacea develops primarily on people between the ages of 30 and 60 and affects more women than men.

There are 4 subtypes and most people develops symptoms of more than one subtype:

Rosacea Subtype 1 - Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea

This subtype is characterised by permanent redness, the skin can become dry and flaky, there is frequent blushing and there can be a burning sensation. Often capillaries close to the surface of the skin dilate and become visible.

Rosacea Subtype 2 - Papulopustular rosacea

Characterised by permanent redness and transient red bumps, sometimes with pus. It is often confused with acne.

Rosacea Subtype 3 - Phymatous rosacea

In this subtype the skin thickens, specially in the area of the nose, although it also appear in the forehead, chin, cheeks, ears and eyelids. There can be some nodularities and enlargement due to excess skin, small broken capillaries can also be visible.

Rosacea Subtype 4 – Ocular Rosacea

The eyes are often dry, itchy, red and watery. The eyelids are also irritated and swollen, and often develop cysts. This condition can cause vision loss due to corneal damage.

What causes Rosacea?

Although the exact cause of Rosacea is unknown there are many trigger factors that increase blushing and may play a part in the development of Rosacea:

- exposure to extreme temperatures or quick changes in temperature

- wind

- strenuous exercise

- sun exposure

- caffeine

- drinking alcohol

- spicy foods

- some vegetables and fruits

- dairy products

- hot baths

- some cosmetics and harsh skin care products

- humidity

- medical conditions and some medications

- stress and anxiety

- Demodex mite

How to manage Rosacea

While there is no cure for the condition a number of treatments can control or reverse some of the symptoms. It is also important to avoid trigger factors and use gentle skin care products.

Rosacea is very individual dependant, so treatments and products have to be tailor to the individual patient. A treatment that may work very well for one person may not work for another.

Antibiotics as well as number of drugs are available to treat the condition. It is important to consult your doctor or dermatologist to get a diagnosis and any prescription medicines you may require.

Intense Pulse Light(IPL) as well as lasers have proven effective at treating redness andbroken capillaries and maintaining the disease under control.

For mild eye irritation or dryness artificial tears, and the daily cleansing of the eyelashes with a mild shampoo may be recommended.

In the case of Rosacea Subtype 3, surgery may be required to remove excess skin.

HOW SHOULD WE WASH OUR FACE

Washing your face seems pretty simple but you will be amazed at how many people are doing the wrong thing.....

Environ Skin Care Products

1) Wash Face With Clean Hands

Don't be surprised how many people don't clean their hands before cleansing their face. So wash your hands first, then wash your face to avoid rubbing all the dirt from your hands into your face.

2) Wash Twice Daily

Over washing the face can lead to irritation and lack of moisture. We should wash our face twice a day: in the morning and once again at night before we go to bed. Make sure to rinse any cleanser off completely, residue can lead to irritation and dryness. It is good to use lukewarm water to rinse our skin, if the water is too cold or too hot it can cause dehydration.
If your skin is oily it is better to soak up the excess oil with a tissue rather than washing your face more often.

3) Pick a Right Cleanser

Depending on your skin type, you should pick a pH-balance cleanser that suits your face. Most cleansing products have a surfactant, a chemical or natural compound that helps break through the surface tension of the skin. The cleanser absorbs dirt and oil and removes them during rinsing. Make sure ingredients list does not contain fragrance, parabens or harsh soap. Never-ever use soap to wash your face.

4) Don't Over Exfoliate

Do not over exfoliate the skin by using harsh grains. Many exfoliators contain sharp crystals made from particles of apricot pits or nuts that can cut into the skin causing irritation and inflammation. Be gentle to the skin by using a gentle scrub made from rice or enzyme exfoliant so don't cause damage to the skin. Depending on the exfoliant you may be able to use it everyday or as recommended by the product instructions.

Lastly, always put on a suitable moisturiser after wash to prevent dehydration.

HAPPY WASHING !

HS&P MESO Treatment (Skin Needling)

HS&P MESO Treatment is 100% Natural! There is nothing injected into the skin. Allergic reaction and side effects rarely exist. Needles are working in thedermis layer of the skin and bring an immediate reaction from the brain to the skin. Your body produces more and more

collagen to plump the wrinkles, smooth and reduce existing scars.

The objective of HS&P MESO treatment is to stimulate collagen and elastin production and may enhance the penetration and absorption of active ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin. Therefore, additional age-fighting skin benefits can be achieved when combined with products that contain collagen-boosting and skin-fortifying ingredients like Retinol, Vitamin C and Peptides.

HS&P MESO is suitable for all skin types. Depending on the area of the face being treated, the procedure is said to be well tolerated and in some cases virtually painless, feeling just like a mild prickling sensation. The skin will be pink or red in appearance for a couple of hours following the treatment, much like a mild sunburn. The skin may also feel warm, tight and itchy for a short while. This should normally resolve in 12-48 hours. Side effects or risks are minimal with this type of treatment and typically include minor flaking or dryness of the skin, approximately 3 days after your treatment. After the skin has shed, it will have a healthy glow, feel softer, smoother and look more even in colour.

The benefits of HS&P MESO treatment are:

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves skin contouring and skin tightening
• Reduces pore size and improves skin texture
• Reduces the appearance of any kind of scars except keloids or raised scars, red scars and scars that are too fresh after surgery or an accident.

Differences between HS&P MESO and traditional NEEDLE ROLLERS:

• HS&P MESO utilises sterile packed, disposable needles that eliminate the risk of cross contamination and infection.
• HS&P MESO is a patented Rectilinear Motion Stimulation Device and Protocol, which only allows needles to hit the skin at right angle without tearing the skin, hence avoiding the risk of skin damage or scar tissue formation compared to the traditional needle rollers.
• The HS&P MESO device unique “press and go” treatment protocol will prevent scarring and scratching of the skin during the treatment unlike other needling methods.
• The HS&P MESO device is designed with a safety depth controlling perimeter around the needles which will prevent the operator from applying too much pressure which may cause excessive trauma on the skin.
• Compared with the traditional needle rollers, this unique HS&P MESO device has a specially designed Pine Leaf needle shape head for less trauma, less pain, and can easily target delicate skin such as the eye area, or areas that need to be isolated with better results.
• The area can be covered more thoroughly with HS&P MESO than with traditional needle rollers, due to the 12 micro needles and the 83 times per second that the needle cartridge works on the skin. Also the device operates at high speeds which reduces the perception of pain.

At Skin Nexus we use a HS&P Meso Device for our Collagen InductionTherapy (CIT) Treatments, so you can be confident to receive the best and less traumatic rejuvenation therapy.