As we step into February, we’re diving deep into the connection between skincare and overall health. In this month’s Live+ Catalogue, we explore how factors beyond creams and serums—like gut health, sun exposure, sweat, and sleep—play a major role in how your skin looks and feels.
First, we delve into how the gut impacts your skin. Your digestive health can affect everything from acne to dryness, so keeping your gut in check is more important than you might think. We also shed light on the long-term effects of sunburn on your skin. While the sun can give you a beautiful glow, it can also cause premature aging, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and even more serious skin issues. To wrap things up, we provide 7 tips for a better night’s rest.
In other news, last month we had our annual store managers' meeting, where we discussed strategies for improvement and ways to enhance our overall operations. The upgrade to our new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system has also been progressing smoothly. Our group remains focused on enhancing operational efficiency to ensure we consistently deliver the highest standard of service to our valued customers.
Next month, we look forward to the Annual Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference & Trade Exhibition. This conference is the largest pharmacy conference in the southern hemisphere, bringing together up to 7,000 industry professionals. We are proud that our Chief Pharmacist Demi Pressley will be speaking about Pharmacists working in Full Scope and her practices so far at Alive Pharmacy.
Lastly, I’m excited to share that we’ve been collaborating with a talented local artist to create new artwork for our brand. Follow us on our socials for more updates and sneak peaks.
This year is already shaping up to be one of progress and positive change. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy February.
Managing Director
GET GUTTY WITH US
When it comes to skincare, many of us focus on topical treatments, expensive serums, and a strict routine, but there's one often-overlooked factor that plays a huge role in how our skin looks and feels: gut health. The connection between the gut and skin is more powerful than we might realise. In fact, a healthy gut could be the key to achieving glowing, clear, and youthful skin. Get gutty with us as we explore a few key roles the gut plays.
Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. These bacteria, or the gut microbiome, affect everything from digestion and immunity to mood and skin health. When we have poor gut health it can lead to inflammation, which can present as common skin issues like acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
The gut also plays a significant role in hormone regulation, particularly in managing levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can lead to breakouts and skin irritation.
To improve both gut and skin health, it’s essential to prioritise a diet rich in fibre, prebiotics, and probiotics. Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can help replenish good bacteria in the gut. Additionally, consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains nourishes the gut microbiome and supports healthy digestion. Avoiding excess sugar, processed foods, and artificial additives is equally important, as these can disrupt gut balance and trigger skin flare-ups.
Ultimately, the road to beautiful skin starts from the inside out. By nurturing your gut health, you’re giving your skin the support it needs to look and feel its best. So, consider making gut-friendly habits a part of your daily routine and see how it transforms your complexion.
THE AFTERMATH OF sunburn
Tanning culture has risen on social media, and although the sun can lift our spirits, prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to inflammation and cause lasting damage like sun bleaching. Understanding these risks is key to protecting your skin and maintaining its health.
WHAT IS SUN INFLAMMATION?
Sun inflammation, often referred to as sunburn, is the result of skin damage caused by excessive UV exposure. Sunburn typically appears within hours of overexposure, starting as mild redness that may intensify into painful, hot skin. If the sunburn is severe, it can result in peeling skin as the body sheds damaged cells. Repeated sunburns can accelerate premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancers, such as melanoma.
WHAT IS SUN BLEACHING?
Another form of sun damage that many overlook is sun bleaching, which occurs when the skin lightens or becomes discoloured due to prolonged UV exposure. Sun bleaching happens when the skin loses its natural pigmentation (melanin) in areas that are regularly exposed to the sun, resulting in uneven skin tone and light spots. This blotchy or uneven skin tone is difficult to reverse without professional treatment.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN?
The best way to prevent both sun inflammation and sun bleaching is by using sun protection. Always apply a broadspectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
HYDRATE AFTER SUNBURN!
Hydrating the skin after sun exposure helps restore moisture, soothe inflammation, support skin healing, reduce dryness and prevent damage. Consistent hydration helps maintain skin elasticity, reduces signs of premature aging, and keeps the skin youthful and radiant.
Taking proactive steps now to protect your skin from sun damage will not only help you maintain a youthful complexion, but also lower your risk of more serious skin concerns down the line.
Product recommendations:
Neutrogena Suncare
La Roche Posay Suncare
SWEAT DETOX
Sweating is a natural process that plays a vital role in detoxifying the body, regulating temperature, and promoting overall health. When we exercise, our bodies expel toxins through sweat, helping to cleanse the skin and organs, improve circulation, and boost metabolism.
While sweating alone is beneficial, engaging in physical activities like exercise or hot yoga can increase the intensity of this detox process, leading to more pronounced health benefits. Incorporating regular sweat-inducing activities into your routine, such as workouts, sauna sessions, or even a brisk walk, can enhance the body’s detox process, improve skin health, and help maintain overall well-being.
SWEAT IT OUT AND USE PRE-WORKOUT TO ENHANCE THE PROCESS!
Pre-workout supplements are designed to enhance energy, focus, and endurance during exercise, but they can also play a role in supporting the detox process. Many pre-workouts contain ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, and nitric oxide boosters, which increase blood flow, elevate energy levels, and promote more intense sweating.
The increased circulation and heat generated by a good pre-workout can enhance the body’s natural ability to sweat, speeding up the elimination of toxins and promoting better results. With improved stamina and endurance, you can push harder during your workout, making your sweat sessions more effective in detoxifying your system.
Whether you’re working out to feel stronger or to cleanse your body, a good sweat is a key factor in reaching your wellness goals.
Ehp Labs Pride
Musashi Pre Workout
Oxyshred Ultra Thermogenic
Athletic Kamikaze
TIPS FOR A BETTER NIGHT’S REST
Many people struggle with getting a good sleep. If you’re looking to improve your sleep quality, here are seven helpful tips to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
CLOCK IN THE RIGHT HOURS
Try engaging in some calming activities before bed to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Reading a book, practicing deep breathing, or taking a warm bath can help reduce stress and prepare your mind for rest. Avoid stimulating activities such as watching TV or using electronics that emit blue light as they can interfere with sleep. 1
Your body thrives on routine, so try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—yes, even on weekends! This helps regulate your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. Consistency reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle, promoting deeper and more restorative sleep.
WINDING DOWN
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LIMIT CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL
Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle, even if consumed hours before bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake, while alcohol may initially make you feel sleepy can lead to fragmented sleep later in the night. Avoid these beverages at least 4–6 hours before bed.
PUT THE PHONE DOWN
The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with melatonin production, the hormone responsible for helping you sleep. Try to avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before bed. If you must use your phone, consider using blue light filters or apps.
LIE DOWN AND TAKE A NAP
Taking naps can be beneficial as we get older. While sleep needs vary from person to person, naps can help boost energy, improve cognitive function, and promote better mood and alertness. As we age, our sleep quality may decrease due to changes in sleep patterns, health issues, or medication side effects. A short nap of 10-30 minute can provide a quick refresh, helping to improve focus and reduce fatigue without interfering with nighttime sleep.
MAKING YOUR BED WORK FOR YOU
Create a cozy sleep environment. Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark to encourage better sleep. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows and consider blackout curtains if outside light or noise is an issue. A comfortable environment supports deeper, uninterrupted sleep
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SAY NO TO THE LATE-NIGHT MUNCHIES
What you eat can impact the quality of your sleep. Avoid large meals or heavy, rich foods right before bedtime, as they can cause discomfort and indigestion. Instead, opt for a light snack if you’re hungry. Foods like bananas, nuts, and yogurt contain sleeppromoting nutrients such as magnesium and tryptophand.
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Prioritise good sleep, and you’ll wake up feeling more energised, focused, and ready to take on the day!
