SPA & CLINIC Volume 81

Volume 81 2020

aesthetics • medi • wellness

What Women Want FROM VAGINAL TREATMENTS TO MENOPAUSE RELIEF

Hello Again!

TURNING NEW CLIENTS INTO

regulars

Skin Detox And The Art Of Spa THALGO’S SPIRULINE BOOST HELPS STRESSED OUT SKIN

Combatting The Crisis HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE REOPENING OF YOUR BUSINESS

TIME FOR YOUR PRACTICE TO FLEX ITS MUSCLES Make your practice stand out with truSculpt® flex, a muscle building device that offers personalized treatments based on patient fitness level, shape and goals.

Only truSculpt flex with Multi-Directional Stimulation (MDS) provides three unique treatment options, covering up to 8 areas simultaneously to optimize results and practice revenue.

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BEFORE

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AFTER 4 TREATMENTS

Photo courtesy of Erasable inc.

Learn how truSculpt flex can strengthen your practice at

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©2020 Cutera, Inc. All rights reserved. Results may vary

SPA+CLINIC aesthetics • medi • wellness

published by BHA MEDIA Pty Ltd A division of The Intermedia Group 41 Bridge Rd, Glebe NSW 2037 ph: 02 9660 2113 fax: 02 9660 4419

managing director Simon Grover

publisher Craig Hawtin-Butcher craig@intermedia.com.au

editor Nadine Dilong ndilong@intermedia.com.au

Editor's

Letter

online editor Mala McAlpin mmcalpin@intermedia.com.au

advertising enquiries Kym Cowper ph: +61 2 9660 2113 mob: 0410 570 467 kcowper@intermedia.com.au

graphic designer Leanne Hogbin

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As I’m writing this, I’m sitting at home, in my dining-room-turned-home-office, feeling unsettled and uncertain, like most of you. Since our last issue, which came out in February, everything has changed. Our wonderful industry full of thriving beauty, spa, and aesthetic businesses was forced to close due to a pandemic that none of us dared to imagine would ever happen.

And so as you are reading this, you may find yourself in a similar situation like me, sitting in your home office, social distancing and trying to make sense of it all and find a way to move forward.

During the past weeks, you would have worked hard to pivot your business, move as much as possible online, and get used to virtual communication with your team and clients. Well done, you!

But what’s next? What will happen once ‘non-essential’ businesses are allowed to re-open? Will clients come running through your door, desperate to get their regular beauty maintenance treatments back on track? Or will they stay away as a result of rising unemployment rates, reduced pay and changed priorities? It will probably be a mix of both, which is why it’s a good idea to keep in touch with your clientele to gauge how they’re feeling and to reassure them that you are still there to help them. We’ve talked to business coaches and financial advisors to see what you can do to prepare for the recovery phase of your business, read more on page 18.

I am very aware of our responsibility to keep informing and inspiring you with this magazine, even through these unprecedented times, and it has been anything but easy to juggle ‘bad but honest’ news and uplifting articles that I hope will motivate you. Like any business, SPA+CLINIC has also been affected

by COVID-19 as product launches and events are cancelled or postponed (our B2B event, BEAUTY & SPA Insiders has been postponed to October 26, 2020), and editorial plans have adapted. This issue will be slightly different with some of our regular features on hold as a result of social distancing measures we all adhered to, but I am proud to be able to bring you what I hope will be a moment of insight, relaxation and relief as you read this issue.

I am absolutely certain that we will come out of this better and stronger than before as we are all forced to focus on what really matters in life: health, family, and friends. I sincerely hope you are well and able to keep a positive mindset. Always remember, the comeback is stronger than the setback.

Nadine Dilong Editor NDILONG@INTERMEDIA.COM.AU

www.facebook.com/spaclinicmagazine twitter.com/spaandclinic www.instagram.com/spaandclinic www.linkedin.com/company/spaclinic

Contents 40

36

56

Cover Stories 18 24 36 60

Combatting The Crisis Turning New Clients Into Regulars Skin Detox And The Art Of Spa What Women Want

60 Aesthetics 44 The Secret Ingredient

Events 12 Change Of Plans

Umbilical cord lining stem cells are revolutionising the way we approach anti-ageing

Mark the new dates for industry conferences in your calendar

46 It’s In The Detail

Business

Beauty Pros tell us about their first ever skincare purchase

26 How To Build Rapid Rapport

Business coach Jaquie Scammel talks us through the art of conversation

Li’Tya’s Smoking Ritual explained

48 My First Foray Into Beauty

Technology

28 In A Click Of The Shutter

50 Booty Call

30 Get Your Loyalty Right

56 Freeze Fat Without Painful Suction Cups

32 Open For (Your Own) Business

Medi

Are any of your images infringing on copyright?

How to use loyalty programs to your advantage

We talked to Dr Simone Doreian about her journey from employee to employer

Wellness 38 Retailing Wellness

Spruce up your reception area with these wonderful wellness products

40 The Science Behind Supplements

We cut to the chase of which ingredients really work in ingestible supplements

What’s trending in buttock shaping procedures Introducing Cryo T-Shock

62 Let’s Talk About Menopause

How spas can cater to women with menopausal symptoms

64 Blurred Lines of Compliance for Nurse Injectors

The dos and don’ts for nurses

67 Biostimulators Are On The Rise

Three Aesthetic Professionals weigh in

72 10 Questions With

We chat to Dr Michael Molton

On the cover In a little over 50 years, Thalgo, a French brand and family business, has become the world leader in professional marine cosmetics in thalassotherapy centres, clinic, spas and salons.

Their DNA is inspired by the five oceans and at the heart of the brand is the science of marine algae, trace elements and minerals combined with expert therapist touch and technical expertise. A results-based sensory pleasure to deliver visible results and enhance wellbeing. Thalgo is partnered with over 12,000 distribution points worldwide and is exclusively distributed in Australia by BLC Cosmetics.

BLCCOSMETICS.COM

spaandclinic.com.au | 9

Tried + Tested

Tried + Tested

The latest and greatest in the aesthetics industry, tested by the SPA+CLINIC team.

Aromatherapy Associates Massage The power of essential oils seems endless, from easing muscular pain to clearing sinuses and even altering our mood. This makes them great for use during massages as a choice of essential oils means every treatment can be bespoke and based on the client’s needs. In our case, we wanted to deeply relax and lose muscle tension in our upper back, which is why our therapist at the Sheraton Spa in Sydney recommended the Aroma Therapy Associates ‘De-Stress Muscle’ oil – a blend of Black Pepper, Ginger, Rosemary, and Lavender. The following 90-minute massage can only be described as absolute bliss.

Smelling the subtle scent and feeling the luxurious texture of the oil throughout the treatment put us into a much-needed relaxation nirvana we didn’t want to wake up from.

NuSkin Galvanic At-home facials are more popular than ever due to social distancing measures, and if sheet masks aren’t enough for you, there are various devices that can take your home spa to the next level. NuSkin’s ageLOC® Galvanic Spa® is an at-home beauty device, designed to help deliver charged treatment products that visibly improve skin. Using patented self-adjusting galvanic technology, ageLOC® Galvanic Spa® activates youth-renewing ageLOC® ingredients to visibly rejuvenate key areas of your face, hair, and body. The device is easy to use and set up. All you have to do is apply the complementary products generously to the face and your hand, hold the device firmly, select your desired treatment program, and move it around your face. It is painless and feels like a nice facial massage, making it the ideal ‘isolation device’ to mimic a professional spa treatment at home.

QED Skincare With a gorgeous salon based in Sydney’s Bellevue Hill, QED Skincare is a unique concept in customised skincare. Products are pharmacist-formulated by founder Shoshana Eisnerusing with natural ingredients, without parabens, sulphates, mineral oil or formaldehyde, with the most sensitive of skins in mind, including conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The customisation component is introduced when it comes to selecting each product’s fragrance according to a client’s individual preference. When visiting the concept salon, a scent is chosen for each product, the essential oil aroma blend is then mixed into the client’s product while they watch.

We found the experience to be a truly touching, sensorial and deeply personal experience, and found ourselves more excited than ever to get home and test out these products that now felt like they included a little bit of ourselves.

Tru Niagen® NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is the vital molecule in the body that regulates basic functions, from metabolising food for energy to supporting body tissue repair and regenaration. While it’s plentiful when we’re young, the amount of NAD in our bodies declines when we age. Prof Charles Brenner has discovered a vitamin which can boost NAD levels in the body, called nicotinamide riboside chloride (NR), which is now available in the form of ingestibles. Every capsule contains 300mg of NIAGEN ® (nicotinamide riboside chloride) and is vegan and free or artificial colours or flavours. Taking one capsule every morning is recommended, and really easy thanks to its small size. We took Tru Niagen® for a month and felt more energised and radiant.

Ultraformer III We were excited to trial Cryomed’s Ultraformer III and experience first hand if it lived up to its reputation for being a game changer in the non-surgical, non-invasive space and an alternative to a mini face lift. Using High Intensity Focus Ultrasound (Hifu), Ultraformer III has the ability to not just lift the skin but tighten and reach the deep muscle underneath it. In all honesty, the treatment felt a little uncomfortable as the hand piece delivers a weird sensation comparable to a rubber band being flicked at your face, especially when the intensity was increased to the depth of 4.5mm, we could feel it hit the cheek bone.

However, six weeks after the Ultraformer III treatment we are delighted with the results: lifted cheek bones and tighter skin.

We can’t wait to see the full results in six weeks’ time. It's worth noting the accessibility of this treatment is outstanding as we had absolutely zero down time, no swelling or redness, just a feeling of bruised cheeks for two days post treatment.

10 | SPA+CLINIC

Events

Change of Plans The industry event calendar has been turned upside down due to COVID-19 with almost all events this year postponed or cancelled.

We’ve collated the new dates to remember.

I

t wasn’t until mid-March this year that things started to feel more serious than we had all hoped they were. The coronavirus had reached Australia, and the first part of the aesthetics industry that was affected wasn’t small businesses, but educational events and conferences. With the government announcing a ban on “non-essential” gatherings of more than 100 people on March 18, it meant the end of several industry events.

As we all know now, measurements tightened quickly in the following week, with one event after the other announced to be postponed or cancelled.

Wellness Tourism Summit One of the most anticipated events this year, Katherine Droga’s inaugural Wellness Tourism Summit had to be cancelled only days out from the event due to the government’s updated restrictions and measurements. It was planned to be held 12 | SPA+CLINIC

in Noosa on March 19 and 20 this year, and has now been postponed to September 3 and 4, 2020.

The founder’s official statement reads: “We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not only to the delegates and partners, who were due to attend the event, but also to the wider industry, and of course to our team who have put so many hours into organising an amazing event. As we have said all along, the health and safety of our delegates, team, partners and suppliers is of the highest priority. We are mindful of the impact of COVID-19 as the industry moves into unchartered territory.

With the Australian Prime Minister’s briefing on Sunday 15 March, and Government recommendations now in place for social distancing of 1.5m in a static environment, we cannot in good conscience continue as planned. Last week we felt

optimistic that the infection rate was low in the population and were confident to proceed. The situation has evolved so rapidly to the present circumstances we now face. […] We are moving all partnerships and registrations to the new event dates of September 3-4, 2020 at the Sofitel Noosa.

This is in line with decisions being made across much of the events industry. All of our major partners including our key partner, Tourism Noosa, have supported our decision and this new plan.”

Beauty Melbourne and Beauty Expo The organisers of Australia’s biggest B2B beauty exhibitions, Beauty Melbourne and Beauty Expo, were left with no choice but to cancel Beauty Melbourne after first announcing a postponement.

In an official statement, the organisers, Reed Exhibitions, said:

Events

“Initially we were optimistic Beauty Melbourne would run later this year and our principle focus was on ensuring that any new dates were ideally positioned to support all our customers in capitalising on a more positive return to trading. The dates that were given to us did not meet these criteria and so we have made the difficult decision not to run the event this year.”

Reed also announced the dates for next year’s Beauty Melbourne, now scheduled for March 27 and 28, 2021. At this stage, Beauty Expo (held in Sydney each year) is still scheduled to go ahead as planned in August.

“Although Beauty Melbourne will not take place in 2020, we are firmly focused on delivering positive business opportunities to Australia’s vibrant beauty industry at our larger event Beauty Expo Australia, which will take place on 22 & 23 August 2020 at ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour.”

BEAUTY & SPA Insiders Our very own B2B event, BEAUTY & SPA Insiders, was also affected by COVID-19 since its original date of May 25 made it impossible to go ahead as planned. The event will now take place on October 26, 2020.

Craig Hawtin-Butcher, publisher of SPA+CLINIC, said, “Now is the right time for us to seize the initiative and provide certainty for our speakers, sponsors and delegates.

For the sake of absolute clarity and certainty, rescheduling is the right thing to do.

“Are we disappointed? Absolutely. We’d had a great response about the event taking place again after last year’s successful launch and were putting the finishing touches to our speaker line-up, but we’re also clear about our role in the wider industry and the responsibility we have to take positive action. We owe it to the industry to support

businesses and staff impacted by what is unfolding and not be a potential distraction.”

We can’t wait to see you all in October.

Non-Surgical Symposium One of the biggest industry events, the Non-Surgical Symposium announced its postponement in mid March. It was scheduled to be held on the Gold Coast on June 12-14, 2020 with a highly anticipated optional Wellness Retreat to precede it the day before. President of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Dr Naveen Somia, said in the official statement: “Following the decision by the Prime Minister to declare a national human biosecurity emergency and a ban on all non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people, we have made the difficult but

appropriate decision to reschedule the NonSurgical Symposium (NSS) that was to be held 12-14 June 2020 in the Gold Coast.

Your health and safety are and will always be our top priority, and we do not want to put you or anyone else at risk.

Our team is working hard on alternative event arrangements and these will be communicated to you as soon as possible.

The coming weeks will be tough for everyone but kindness and looking out for one another will help us all get through.”

New dates for the NSS have since been announced. The conference will now take place on November 27 - 29, 2020.

Australasian Society of Cosmetic DermatologistS Symposium The ASCD announced its postponement on March 27. Originally to be held in Melbourne in September this year, Convenor of the Symposium, Professor Greg Goodman, announced the new dates to be March 26-28, 2021: “As healthcare professionals, it is important that we show leadership and act in accordance to government directives in these unprecedented times to ensure that the health and safety of our delegates, sponsors, speakers, suppliers and everyone else involved in the ASCD Symposium is a priority.

In light of this, we have made the decision to postpone the 2020 ASCD Symposium until 26th - 28th March 2021. We have a spaandclinic.com.au | 13

Events

New Dates To Mark In Your Calendar:

dedicated team of people who I am very proud to be working with, who enable this event to happen every year. We will continue to work closely and diligently together to ensure that the 2020 ASCD Symposium is once again, a world leading event for our industry.

We anticipate registrations for the Symposium to open in the 3rd quarter of 2020 and our dedicated events team will continue to keep you updated with the event’s progress via regular emails as well as on our social media channels.”

Beauty Expo Australia

ASCD

August 22-23, 2020,

March 26 – 28, 2021

ICC Sydney

Crown Conference Centre Melbourne

Aesthetics 2020

BEAUTY & SPA Insiders

After its inaugural success last year, Dr Steven Liew’s industry conference, Aesthetics, was scheduled to be held in August this year, but has since been postponed to ensure everyone’s safety. In the official statement, Dr Liew said: “Health, hygiene and welfare are an absolute priority in all areas of our Aesthetic Medical disciplines. And it is with an immense sense of responsibility to you and to our community at large that I make the decision to postpone our upcoming Aesthetics 2020 conference. In every way possible, I want to proactively help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and have made this decision as a preventative measure with your well-being in mind.

14 | SPA+CLINIC

Wellness Tourism Summit September 3-4, 2020

Sofitel Noosa

October 26, 2020

Ovolo Woolloomooloo

NSS

Beauty Melbourne March 27 – 28, 2021

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Aesthetics 2020 TBA

Nov 27 - 29, 2020

Gold Coast

It is also my mandate as convenor and an innovative educator to provide you all with the absolute best-in-class conference and in this period of uncertainty, I believe that we are not responsibly in the position to deliver the conference that we have promised you.

Our intention is to host the conference later this year and we will keep you informed

of plans as news unfolds. I thank you all for your support on this and wish you the very best of health.”

New dates for Aesthetics had not been announced at the time of printing this magazine.

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Take your business to the next level with a collaborative day of inspiring talks, innovative ideas and engaging conversations guided by industry experts.

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Combatting

Corona Crisis THE

COVID-19 has turned our lives and the beauty and spa industry upside down. But together, we can get through it.

18 | SPA+CLINIC

Business

J

ust when we thought we had made it through the most difficult time of the year, the destructive bushfires that affected thousands of small business owners, the global pandemic that is COVID-19 proved to be the much bigger problem. At the time of writing this, all ‘non-essential’ businesses have been ordered to shut shop, many salon, spa, and clinic owners have had to stand down staff, and everyone has tried their absolute best to take their services online, whether that’s through

virtual skin consults, bespoke skincare packages, or educational videos.

The creativity, courage, and perseverance we have seen throughout this time is nothing short of amazing, and we love seeing how supportive everyone is of each other. We know the next few months will be hard, but we also know that it’s easier to get through it with sound business advice and a strategy in place, so we’ve talked to three business coaches and financial advisors to give you the information you need.

Work On Yourself Before You Work On Your Business Salon owner and business mentor ANGELA SANCHEZ tells us how she is coping with the ‘new normal’ and why it is so important you focus on yourself.

The emotional rollercoaster of this journey has been interesting. I don’t normally watch the news; each day I choose to listen, learn, grow with media that raises my vibration higher. However just like the Australian fires, the effect of COVID-19 has been unavoidable. I went to a place of fear and being very reactive, but after diving into what my clients and the industry was seeking past the fear, I knew I had to shift my mindset and get very solution focused.

My name is Angela Sanchez, Beauty Business Mentor and Founder of Beauty Business Co, an online platform that supports beauty industry professionals save time and overwhelm by offering tools and resources to implement into your beauty business, so that you can become a thriving successful #BeautyBoss. I have also owned my own beauty studio Beautorium for eight years and grew that to bring me a six-figure income while juggling mum-life and being solo owned and operated.

Right now, it is important to accept whatever you are feeling. No one knew that something like this could come and sweep your livelihood, the business that you have worked so hard to build from scratch away in one news announcement. What can help is being a part of a supportive community that can motivate you, inspire you, and know that you can have a complete network of industry friends to keep you laser focused and accountable for thriving personally and professionally. When you hear the words “this is your perfect opportunity to learn something new”, and then you go and try and be on every platform for every live video session and have a huge amount of overwhelm, you’re just consuming all the content but never applying anything. It may inspire you but how do you apply your new knowledge?

I get asked a lot who my mentors are, and I have four. Three that support me in my business development, and one that supports me mentally. So when I want to figure out how to do something in my business I don’t ask a million groups and have a million opinions, I go to my mentors and get laser focused on their advice, so that I can move my business forward and not stay stuck.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have been running my own beauty studio and office from home for eight years. With 16 years of industry experience I’ve seen how fast the digital age is transforming, and I

know just looking back on the last five years, that if you are not willing to adapt and change with the times you will get left behind. When you are so busy being busy, it's easy to lose track of who you are and what is most important to you. I truly believe that if we switch from thinking “why is everything happening to me?” to “everything is happening FOR me,” your outlook on each day and what you choose to spend time on can have the potential to completely transform your business.

How I have had to pivot my day during COVID-19 I start each morning with cuddles and giggles with my son. We have breakfast together and chat about what he would like to do for the day. I’ve learnt fast that if his cup is filled then I know how I can plan my day – it’s the best for both of us. I usually get in a planning session with my Beauty Boss Planner, and coffee while he watches TV, then we get some sunshine and exercise on his bike and go for a walk.

My husband had to get a new job with all of this as he is a singer and performances and gatherings were cancelled a few weeks prior to beauty salons closing, so we are adjusting to our new norm of him not being around as much as we are used to. Most of my work is done from 9pm to midnight when my son has gone to sleep.

Crazy I know, but that is my body clock, some might do 5am to 8am before their kids wake up. Whatever works for you, but I try to be as present as possible with people in my company.

I do try and get some sort of mindfulness activity into my day as well, whether that be putting my hand on my heart in the shower, getting down to the beach and putting my feet in the sand or a guided meditation with breath work. Mindset work would have to be my #1 hack to how the success of my day flows. It takes consistent effort but it 100% works.

I always think back on my school days, when I wanted to play the flute. I was so bad at it, never practiced, never wanted to go to class and eventually quit. Could you imagine if I tried a bit harder each day to practice, or better yet believed that with consistency I would improve. No one teaches you about the power of the mind in school though, there was no access to these inspirational videos or empowering podcasts or access to likeminded communities that were virtually available to tap into when you had a question. We really are so lucky with what we have access to now.

Before you start pivoting in all directions to get online while you are closed for treatments, it’s so important that you work on yourself and make sure you are in the right frame of mind. If your energy is depleted spaandclinic.com.au | 19

BUSINESS

because of stress and overwhelm, I’m sorry to say that burnout will probably follow soon after and you will be no good to anyone.

Moving forward this is a great time to reflect on the business you have created, develop team morale, plan content, create strategy and implement policies. I keep hearing “when we all go back to normal,” but this is your new normal right now and it’s a great time to look at what you want it to look like in the next six months, two years, and even five years from now, and if another pandemic struck or fires shut your business doors again what will you thank yourself now for doing that you can implement to not have to go through these same emotions or business stresses again.

Our Industry has never been so solid. We're all in this together and don’t forget that ‘you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it.’ In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or step backwards into safety. You got this #BeautyBoss Angela Sanchez is the founder of Beauty Business Co.

MY TOP TIPS FOR THRIVING THROUGH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC • Work on your mindset daily • Create a weekly and monthly plan • Write out your execution strategy from your plan • Extract three goals/main focuses from that plan • Focus on one thing at a time • Work out what you want to learn and set a day of the month to work on it, get laser focused on that. Avoid distractions so you don’t get scattered • Get an accountability partner that you can pair up with and have a chat at the beginning of each week, and to check in at the end of each week

beautybusinessco.com

10 tips for preparing your finances for a new beginning What a tough time it is for everyone, but there will be a future and financial advisor JENNET CUNNINGTON touches on a few vital business and finance aspects to think about as you plan to return to your salon, spa, or clinic.

What to do NOW 1. P repare a realistic projection of customer return. Think back to the time you started your business and your expectations then, remembering that this time many of your clients may have been retrenched for a while or working reduced hours.

2. E valuate your business. Take the opportunity to fully review the service menu, maybe there are items that are not very profitable or just linger on your price list. Also assess your salon and home care products and finally revisit employee spread of working hours.

3. B ring your financial records up to date. Most of you I am sure will have some form of accounting package, but is it current? Do you have a good picture of income/expenditure and know the value of stock on the shelf?

guide you can have for planning and managing the cash in your business. Update it regularly, of course.

5. P ay what you can by instalments wherever possible. As an example, annual insurances, spread over a 12-month period, will keep a steady cash flow. Pay a set amount each month for your electricity then the big bill every quarter won’t seem so difficult to find. Make provision each month for GST, PAYG and superannuation. All these measures put the brakes on impulsive spending so that you have the cash when it is needed.

6. C onsider a business loan to assist your planned growth. For instance, we at SME Cash have a wide range of finance products on our shelf including a very flexible Health & Beauty Combo package, created especially to include a broad range of salon/spa needs. Little did we know how useful it would become this year.

7. O pen a separate bank account into which you can move surplus funds. Additional Gift Voucher sales and seasonal income can be ‘put aside’ and drawn down progressively. This is when a cash flow forecast is SO beneficial.

Back at Work How to plan the finances 4. P repare a cash flow spreadsheet (or similar) using the information from your projections plus the up to date financial information.

This is the MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU WILL EVER DO; a projected cash flow focuses on the movement of cash in/out of the business, showing the times when your business needs cash and when there is a surplus.

Using the cash flow, gradually step up the income over the 12-month period until you think you have reached a similar pattern before the virus. Likewise enter your fixed and running costs (rent, electricity, wages) into the expenses and ramp these up as appropriate (e.g. wages, stock). Taking control of your cash flow is so important, I cannot emphasise it enough. It is the best 20 | SPA+CLINIC

8. C all a staff meeting and discuss your plans and decisions for the re-launch. Be open to suggestions but don’t lose track of your long-term plan.

9. K eep your sights on getting your business back to normal, but also remember that your client’s personal income has probably taken a battering. So, to encourage clients, for example, you could offer a ‘mini package’ that is not expensive but includes a pared down version of some of the popular treatments.

10. H onour all your gift vouchers, even if a little out of date, and treat the recipients like gold. Vouchers are one of the best ways to increase your client base and build good will.

Jennet Cunnington is the founder of digital marketplace lender, SME Cash.

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Your COVID-19 Business Recovery Blueprint Business coach and founder of The Loft Studio, VANESSA MAIN, talks us through the steps you should be taking to prepare for the day you reopen.

We all know that business can be challenging at times but nothing could have prepared us for what happened on March 25 – the industry we love, live and breathe was forced by the government to cease service delivery, stand our teams down and vacate our premises.

Whilst this was a challenging situation for industry to navigate, I feel proud to be part of a community that rallied together, swiftly innovated and came up with many successful ways to do ‘business differently’. We have seen the emergence of online stores, home deliveries for retail, click and collect, online tutorials and drive-through skin solutions but best of all the true Aussie Fighting Spirit has come to the fore in full force.

I strongly believe that great things evolve from times of struggle and challenge and that is certainly what we are seeing across the spa, beauty and hair industries right now. Generosity of spirit has been overflowing with many industry educators, coaches and suppliers stepping up and providing free support, training and resources.

Wrapping their arms around industry when their own businesses are facing the same extreme financial challenges and high levels of uncertainty as they navigate this situation for themselves. This is such a positive sign of commitment and dedication to the rebuilding and longevity of this beautiful industry.

The level of support provided by the Australian Federal Government has been unprecedented and enormous in its offering to say the least, however the sheer volume of initiatives and information released has been the cause of much confusion, anxiety and frustration amongst many business owners, employees and industry at large. As the dust starts to settle on this situation, clarity on entitlements are now being provided, allowing actions to be implemented and we are now starting to see a level of calm descending across industry.

As we collectively recover from the initial shock and uncer tainty, the forced lockdown period has now allowed many business owners to stop, breathe and replenish, providing clarity and a new perspective on business operations, client engagement and team management. This creates space and oppor tunity to double-down on your business and build a rock-solid plan to reopen your doors confidently and with purpose, giving you the best possible oppor tunity of returning to ‘business as usual’ as quickly as possible.

There is absolutely no doubt that your clients are missing you right now, their treatments, your professional expertise, the heavenly refuge you often provide them to escape our normal fast-paced and crazy life. However, you cannot underestimate the significant impact this COVID-19 situation has had on your consumer market and this may be the biggest challenge business will need to overcome when reopening their doors.

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The way I see it, I believe the consumer market will be divided into three categories when restrictions are lifted: • Minimally Affected • Moderately Affected • Extremely Affected It will be impor tant for business owners to ensure that they are remaining relevant and offering solutions to each of these segments if they are to rebuild their businesses and rever t back to “business as usual” as quickly as possible. It would be naive to think that everyone will rever t to their old shopping habits once restrictions are lifted, instead I believe that it will be spread across these three categories.

Category one are the consumers that will return to you quickly, they will be the first to book with a keen willingness to access all the services that they have dearly missed. People in this category are those that have not been very affected by this situation, they have not lost their jobs, in fact many of them have been working harder than ever and earning good money. I have had many conversations with consumers in this category and one of their biggest frustrations throughout this lockdown, is that they have had nowhere to spend their money. Many of them working from home, they are also desperately missing human connection and interaction with others, they are working harder than ever, with many businesses and industries thriving through this pandemic – particularly those that solely trade online. The reality for these people is that they have not had an outlet to spend the money they have been earning – other than stockpiling toilet paper or spoiling themselves online. The opportunity you have with this client segment is to drive frequency and spend, ensuring you remain relevant. Any salon business will be able to fill a good portion of their appointment books with these people prior to opening their doors when restrictions are lifted but the key here is to be proactive and visible so you can lock them in prior to re-opening.

The second category is filled with those that have been moderately affected. They may still be employed, possibly working reduced hours, possibly surviving on the JobKeeper Allowance and other government stimulus measures have kept them going during this time. This segment will return to their employment and gradually life will return to normal for them, but it may take a little while to recover financially and emotionally. This client segment will return to you quickly for essential services like waxing, hair removal, nails, a haircut or colour, however it may take them longer to return more frequently and more consistently for longer, more expensive treatments that they have learned to go without during the lockdown period. This is not because they are no longer looking for these services, it is simply that they may not be in a position to afford it right now. The key here is to nurture them so when they are ready, they choose to spend with you and remain loyal.

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The third category includes those clients that have been significantly affected by this situation, many of them have lost their jobs completely, some have been forced to move homes, some will be carrying rental debt that has not been waived but deferred, meaning that they are playing catch-up. These clients will eventually recover, and things will return to a “new normal” for them, but it will be a much longer, harder road to travel. The most critical thing to remember with this client segment is that they still want to feel connected to your business, they are still keen to return to you and they are still keen to spend money with you, once their personal situation recovers. Also, don’t underestimate the emotional burden that this may have taken on them, financial stress is one of the toughest for individuals to navigate and I am sure many of us can empathise.

As a salon or clinic owner/employee, one of the challenges you will need to navigate is understanding where your clients are sitting in relation to these three categories. What percentage of them fall into each category as knowing and understanding this may be the difference between your business either just surviving or actually thriving on the other side of all this. It is critically important that client engagement is a top priority for any business during this challenging time and if you do this well, it will serve you extremely well when you are ready to re-open your doors.

The language you use, the sensitivity you demonstrate and the empathy and compassion your clients feel will determine how closely aligned they stay with your brand during this situation. The more relevant you become, the sentiment they feel is “they just get me, they understand how I am feeling and what I am going through" and this emotive response is essential in maintaining their engagement with your business. It’s also important that you maintain much of the innovation, creativity and new ways of doing business that you implemented during this time. If your clients have really responded well to online education, then please don’t take this away from them as soon as you re-open the doors. In fact, this may be an essential connection tool for those that have been

extremely affected by this situation, it may be their lifeline to you and if it disappears overnight, they will feel forgotten and may not return to you ever.

We must be mindful to engage our clients across all three categories so as not to lose clients during this time due to their personal circumstances changing so much. My advice to businesses out there is follow this 6-step process to prepare for your re-opening: 1. A ssess Your Market – understand what percentage of clients fall into each category 2. B uild a 2-Phase Reopening Plan – phase one is recovery and phase two is business as normal 3. M aintain Client Engagement during lockdown 4. Define Your Services – identify which services will be most relevant to reopen with 5. B uild a Pricing Strategy – do not discount, instead build value and price appropriately for market and consumer considering your 2-phase approach 6. Create a Marketing Calendar – maintain relevance, sensitivity and compassion I believe businesses and brands that adapt the way they speak with their clients, demonstrate flexibility and innovation during this time, will be the ones that come out thriving on the other side. The best defence for any business is to be well planned and ready to execute your 2-phase plan quickly and effectively so that your business can return to normal - or the new normal anyway. Even if you don’t end up using everything you have planned, it is much better to have it ready to go than to open your doors and then try to respond – be prepared, be flexible and be present!

I know that this will soon pass and one day we will look back on this time and reflect on our strength, our resilience and best of all that great Aussie spirit. There is no doubt that we are stronger together and together we will get through this. Stay Safe x Vanessa Main in the Founder of business consultancy, The Loft Studio. theloftstudio.com.au

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HOW TO TURN NEW CLIENTS INTO REGULARS Welcoming a brand new client to your business is great, but having them come back is even better. Beauty Salons Coach Kailey Hegetschweiler explains how.

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o many beauty salon owners focus a lot of their marketing on attracting new clients to their business, so they tend to miss the opportunity of converting new clients to regular clients. In today’s economy where clients seem to be cutting out their ‘luxury’ or ‘unnecessary’ spending, especially with the pandemic that is unfolding with COVID-19, it has never been more important to adjust your focus from attracting new clients to converting client into regulars, as well as keeping your regulars coming back for more.

Shifting your focus and aiming for a higher client retention rate is guaranteed to increase your profit margin, without having to increase 24 | SPA+CLINIC

your prices. Studies have proven that once you build a strong, genuine connection with your clients they are more likely to spend more money within your business. Without establishing those strong connections with your clients, you run a risk of your products and services getting lost in translation against your competition. With access to the internet at the touch of a button there is so much information out there that your clients can easily get hold of. You don’t want to fade into the background, you want to stand out. This can be achieved by providing exceptional services and support, so that it doesn’t matter where they go, they will always come back to you. Repeat clients are known to

spend 120% more annually than new clients.

As a business owner you need to make it your priority to truly understand what your customers' needs and wants are, in order to maintain their loyalty throughout the good times and the bad.

So where do you start? How do you turn new clients into regulars? Let’s take a look at four easy steps you can start taking today!

Bringing the WOW factor The journey you take your clients on, from the moment they enter your spa/clinic to the moment they leave plays a vital role when it comes to client retention. First impressions are everything. The moment a client first walks into your business, they are already judging whether or not they will rebook or recommend you to friends and family.

Appearances generally aren’t everything but the look and feel of your entrance directly affects your client’s experience. You want to ensure you have a warm, clean, friendly and welcoming environment – this is your client’s first impression of your business after all.

Your goal is to WOW your clients and the best way to do this is to walk through your business as a client. How would you expect to be treated when you first call up to book in your appointment? What would you expect on arrival? What would be essential for your

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day spa experience? It could be the smallest things from having a herbal tea waiting for them on arrival, or putting their name on the treatment room door. Think about things you can do that will get your clients talking but don’t overlook the small things.

AUSTRALIA’S PRINCIPAL PROVIDER OF MASSAGE EQUIPMENT

Building true connections Everybody loves the feeling of being remembered, this is one of the biggest contributions to client retention. You want to actively get to know your clients and find out why they have come to you. What are their concerns when it comes to their skin? How can you help them with your expertise? You want to collect as much information about them as possible, it’s important that you make notes of each conversation you have with your clients.

So even if you are seeing twenty different clients a day, when that client walks through the door you can pick up where you last left off. Make notes of their birthdays, special trips and important dates so you can send them a personalised message on those days.

This alone will make each client feel valued.

Repeat visits A good way to keep clients coming back is bundling services. Instead of a once off facial you could sell them a course of six treatments that would be more effective and beneficial for them. This allows you to strengthen your relationship and build up their trust. Once you build up their trust it’s easier to recommend retail products to them. Don’t forget to ask each client if they want to rebook before they leave!

Re-engagement marketing Establish which clients haven’t booked in for a while and create a message that reengages them. You can send a personalised text message and email with the caption ‘We miss you’ and a special offer inviting them back to the spa. I would advise calling up once-off clients to find out why they haven’t rebooked. You can then use that information to improve your business.

This is only a small portion of what you can do to turn new clients into regular clients. The more small steps you take the bigger the reward.

Kailey Hegetschweiler is the Founder of Beauty Salons Coach. beautysalonscoach.com

Much more than just massage tables, our range includes, treatment and spa tables, table covers, massage chairs, massage stones, oils, balms and lotions, bolsters and cushions, massage tools and clinic accessories.

Visit us at the Beauty Expo for our latest and greatest!

Stand D114

www.firm-n-fold.com.au Brisbane . Melbourne . Sydney . Gold Coast Freecall 1800 640 524

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How to build rapid rapport in demanding service environments Business coach Jaquie Scammel talks us through the art of conversation.

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hink about the last conversation you had with a customer or client – either in person or on the phone. Were you courteous and helpful? Did you demonstrate that you were knowledgeable about your products or services? Great, but how much information did you gather about the other person’s unique situation? What about a problem they may be experiencing right now that you could help with? How did you build a relationship with them?

In today’s world, we’re often squandering our limited time, trying to knock off tasks on our to-do list (like answer the phone; book in that appointment) and as a result, we rush through conversations. Or we can be so eager to impress others with our products and services, that this actually gets in the way of building rapport that leads to results.

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A two-way street For rapport to be built, both people need to feel there has been a two-way exchange of energy. Often, when a conversation feels onesided, it’s because someone has been doing all the giving and has left no room for the other.

A one-sided conversation happens if you’re nervous and want to impress the other person so badly, or quickly, that it gets in the way of basic chitchat and getting to know them. Or, you could be so attached to achieving a specific outcome from the conversation, like scheduling a treatment, that you rush through it, focusing only on you and your needs.

Every phone call or interaction is an opportunity to allow the

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person you’re conversing with to feel important. When you find a conversational vibe in your work, the person on the receiving end of your conversation feels that you’re truly authentic – and that makes it feel like service, not selling. That is what builds trust and keeps people coming back to you time and time again.

A natural sequence Like a movie, every conversation has a natural beginning, middle and end, like greeting, transaction and farewell. Before you even speak or say hello, you should pay close attention to their body language, facial expressions, mood and gestures, or tone of voice if on the phone. This will give you clues so that you can quickly decide how to approach the other person. It will shift you into a place of presence immediately and dial up your attention towards them.

The middle of the conversation is where the main purpose and intent of the conversation is dealt with. At this point, you may still not have established very much rapport. In fact, if you or the other person has done all the talking thus far, the conversation may feel like a monologue. So this is a great opportunity to break down the walls and relate in a way that shows them, ‘I’m just like you!’

When wrapping up a conversation, it’s important to check in and notice the other person’s energy and responses. You want to part ways having left a great impression, even if the conversation didn’t have the outcome you would have liked. Bring an energy of gratitude to the conversation at this stage and see the other gains you’ve

Any time of day or night This magazine is quarterly but we’re available 24/7 across social media.

From the latest spa openings to behind-the-scenes private launches of the latest products and services, SPA+CLINIC is your key to success.

Connect with us now @SPAANDCLINIC @SPACLINICMAGAZINE http://bit.ly/SpaClinicLI

Awkward conversation?

Try one of these tips to get back on track.

1. If the conversation feels forced, ask for the person’s name (if you haven’t already). This will act as a circuit breaker and soften the conversation making it more personal.

2. Paraphrase what you have just heard to slow the conversation down, and clarify what you are hearing and thinking.

3. I f you are face to face with the person, nod and smile, show the other person that you are present and thinking.

4. D on’t be afraid to use silence. You are actually promoting time to think, it is the perfect antidote to allow the other person to keep talking, which makes them feel heard.

achieved. This can shift the conversation from ‘I came here wanting to get something’ to ‘I came here and I’m grateful that I did’.

Remember, in service, regardless of what material things people leave with, they most certainly also always leave with a felt energy from your exchange. That is the real secret to building rapid rapport in a challenging and demanding environment.

Jaquie Scammell is a sought-after speaker, facilitator and coach working with some of the largest global workforces in retail, banking and hospitality. 'Service Habits' is the second book in her ‘Service’ series, published by Major Street Publishing. jaquiescammell.com

In a click of

the Shutter

Did you pay for the images on your website, social media, and marketing collateral?

If you didn’t, you could be committing a crime. Director of PR firm Heusler Public Relations, Elizabeth Heusler, explains the ins and outs of copyright.

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ocial media sites are carefully curated, with engagement often reliant on the creativity and quality of the pictures, so the search is ever on to find just the right photo to attract followers on Facebook, Instagram, blogs, web and networking sites. But at what risk?

Dip into Google Images. Find the image that fits your copy. Upload to your company (salon/practice) social media site. Press post.

Send that content out into the world. Open yourself up to the potential of a hefty fine.

If you’re not entitled to use that picture, what you’ve just done is illegal. There’s a fine of up to $585,000 for corporations, up to $117,000 and a possible jail term of up to five years for individuals, according to the Australian Copyright Council. Taking something you don’t own says a lot about your credibility and can damage your reputation.

It need not be that way if you know the rules and play nicely. In my role as social media strategist and director of PR firm Heusler Public Relations, I advise clients on strategy and reputation management. Our role is to manage our clients’ issues to avoid a crisis, and understanding copyright law is a critical communications discipline. Image copyright exists to protect the work of the artist who created it in the first place and to kibosh those trying to get something 28 | SPA+CLINIC

for nothing. The fundamental principle of copyright is: if you don’t own it, don’t use it.

Sharing isn’t necessarily caring, like helping yourself to something in a shop and passing it onto your friends for profit. You wouldn’t shoplift – and stealing an image is the same.

Copyright law applies to the online arena as in any other environment. For professionals working in the social media space it’s best to read the fine print and have at least a working understanding of the basics of Copyright law.

Click and the image is protected The general rule is the photographer, or whoever snapped the picture, is the owner of the image – even if it was not on their camera. That image is automatically protected as soon as it’s created; there’s nothing the photographer need do. If you took the photo, you can upload it and share it, digitally or in print. As the owner, you can use the image as you see fit, put it on a billboard or use it in advertising material, the decision is yours alone.

Thou shalt not steal Prices vary considerably when buying photos and costs depend on the size, where and how often the image is used. Consider if you want to buy exclusive rights to the photograph, or if you’d be happy to see it popping up on, say, your competitor’s material or merchandise.

Unless you purchase exclusive rights, you’ll be buying the right to use the photograph but not own it. Similarly, when you engage a photographer, the photo is always owned by the creator – unless it was created for domestic purposes such as your wedding, then once you pay the photographer you own it.

Ask nicely and be polite Some photographers will allow use of their images without a fee. There are various search methods to find the creator, so there’s no excuse. One of the simple ones is Google’s reverse image search. TinEye.com is another. It’s a good idea to have multiple options and check them against each other.

The originator might agree to allow you to use the photograph as long as you give ‘attribution’ by declaring on the image the name of the photographer – the human, not the company. This is not automatic, so ask nicely and be aware you are asking for someone’s work for no cost. If the photographer doesn’t give you approval, don’t be offended, try and negotiate a fee.

Best effort and good intentions Demonstrating good intentions from the outset will stand you in good stead if you get into hot water later. Seeking to attribute or purchase need not be a protracted negotiation.

business

Contact the photographer any way that’s available to you; it can be a direct message, text or email. Advise them in writing that you would like to use and attribute their photo and show appreciation for their work. If you don’t hear back to the contrary, at least you can show that you acted in good faith. Keep a record, such as a screen shot, as confirmation of any exchange of communication.

Advice ignored You’ve ignored the advice and posted a photo anyway without payment or attribution. The photographer might contact you if you’re lucky, or a lawyer might, if you’re not so lucky and ask that you take the image down, in which case, take it down. Now. Don’t wait.

The longer you take, the worse it will be for you and it could be seen as ‘wilful’, which could well put you on the steps of the court house. If you’re dabbling on the wrong side of the law, at least check your social media channels regularly for any communication.

Excuses such as, “I didn’t know” or “I didn’t see your post telling me to take it down”, is

akin to saying, “The dog ate my homework,” and that never works out well.

Understand the terms and aim to be legitimate The Australian Copyright Act is a federal legislation and ultimately the court decides if there’s been a breach of the Act.

The three basic terms to understand are:

1. P ublic domain (PD): This is where the copyright has expired or doesn’t require permission. It doesn’t mean material that is freely accessible, as that material might still be subject to copyright.

2. C reative commons (CC) licences: These are often offered by research sites, libraries and educational institutions where the originator created the content with the express intention of it being shared.

Enter the term ‘creative commons images’ to search for licensed images that are free to share – and remember attribution is still encouraged.

3. F air Dealing (FD): Under FD, material is exempt from copyright if shared for criticism, research, study, review, satire, reporting news or legal advice, as well as if it assists in providing access for people with disabilities.

Criticism exempts only the person posting the picture. Say, for example, a restaurant critic used an image; that would probably be exempt – or if you made a funny PowerPoint presentation and used the images to demonstrate a point in a research paper. You aren’t exempt simply because you aren’t making a profit.

Rather than get into the position of having to defend your actions, it’s wise to run the objective ruler over your intentions and choices. If there’s a commercial interest, you’ll probably fall foul of the Fair Dealing exemption.

There are two sides to the copyright coin – to protect and to punish. If you use an image that you could have purchased, someone is losing out. It’s better to walk on the side of the angels, have a clear conscience and support creatives and photographers in the process.

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Get Your

Loyalty Right The one thing you’re looking for in your clients is loyalty, but do your loyalty programs work? The team at Beauty Insight tells us how to get the most out of them.

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e all know that it’s much harder to win a new client than it is to retain an existing client. We have all heard of the old 80/20 rule – where 80% of your business comes from 20% of your client base. So, in these challenging economic times as we both endure and recover from bushfires, floods and COVID-19, let’s focus on a way to keep our clients loyal to us all year round.

Many business owners question whether it is worth developing a program or VIP membership that will encourage clients to show loyalty by spending more, re-booking frequently and recommending to their family and friends? So is it? The answer? It depends.

Like anything we do in life, the success of a loyalty program will largely depend on the time and effort you are willing to put into it, so if you are hoping to print out some loyalty cards, punch a few holes in them and then sit back and bask in the glory of increased client spend and retention, then a loyalty program is probably not for you. Loyalty programs require hard work, marketing dollars and some good old 30 | SPA+CLINIC

fashioned ‘elbow grease’. Are you up for it? Yes? Then here we go.

A loyalty program comes with many pros and cons, with the biggest pro being profits and the biggest con being the time and effort required to get it started and to keep the momentum going.

There are many ways you can set up a loyalty program:

An app Pros – an app is always with a client on their phone, and you gain

huge insights into their spending habits and other lifestyle information.

Cons – timely and very expensive to set up. Tech glitches can be costly and stressful, and low sign up rates for those clients who have “too many apps” or older clients who don’t have a smart phone.

Integrated within POS (point of sale) Pros – easily capture great information and client participation,

which requires no effort for them. Always accessible with instant

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recognition of spending and rewards. No extra paperwork or hassle.

Cons – depending on your chosen software program can be quite costly to set up. No visual reminder in their phone or wallet to constantly prompt them to return to you.

Printed ‘punch’ card (think wallet sized coffee cards) Pros – quick and easy to design, print, and implement

the program. Just hand out freely to one and all.

Cons – in these modern times many clients don’t carry a wallet or purse so cards are thrown away and never used. Reluctance by clients to have “another” card in their wallet or purse if they do carry one. Environmental impact of printing on plastic or cardboard cards is also a factor.

No matter what style you choose, the basic premise is that you reward your clients for reaching a particular frequency of spend, or total value spend goal, and give them something in return to reward them for their loyalty. Easy? Not always, so let’s dig a little further to make sure you have the stamina to ensure your program is a success from day one.

Program Name Give your program a catchy and easy to remember name. Rather than asking “are you a member of our loyalty program” (yawn), instead ask “are you a member of our VIP Beauty Squad?” It’s basic marketing, try and catch their attention early.

Your offer It needs to be compelling and incentivise clients to want to participate. To have them wanting to spend more to get something amazing. So really think about what this membership will really give your clients.

It’s worthwhile investing the time and effort to ensure you have member only exclusives on services and products. Give your VIP program members genuine “members only” offers that incentivises them to want to join the program AND to keep coming back.

Hint – “free gift wrapping” is NOT an exclusive offer.

Remember to personalise If the customer agrees to sign up to your program, then you can bet they are doing it to get something back from you. If you can customise and personalise the return for them you will increase their loyalty, spend and frequency of return.

E.g., rather than offering a specific free product, why not offer a skincare or haircare product of their choice (to a specific value of course).

Instead of sending a plain birthday voucher for a specific dollar amount, why not

Give

your VIP program members

genuine "members only"

offers that

incentivises them to

want to

join the

program AND to keep

coming back.

offer a range of 2-3 services that they can choose from.

Make the choices exciting.

Mix it up with bonuses Spend X and get Y is so 2000’s. People want to be recognised and rewarded for anything extra and so they will do more to get more. Encourage your clients to take action other than just a minimum spend.

• Bonus points for booking early • Bonus points for booking a series, new or high value service.

• Bonus points for buying 3+ products • A gift or amazing offer for referring a friend or family member

Do your maths The basic premise of a loyalty program is to get clients to spend more and visit more, which ultimately should lead to profit. Problem is, if you simply offer ‘Buy five treatments, get the sixth free’, then apart from being terribly unoriginal, you are likely discounting a full priced treatment that the client would have happily paid for anyway. This lowers your average spend and dilutes profits.

Make sure that every offer you brainstorm is accompanied by a full cost benefit analysis, i.e. will this compel my customers AND make me profit? If the answer is no, then do not offer it. On the flip side, don’t be cheap. Why invest your time and money setting up the program to offer a free makeup bag?

Customers know this isn’t worth the advertised RRP $25.00, so don’t lie or over-exaggerate to make an offer sound better than it really is. This isn’t going to encourage clients to spend more. It will however frustrate them and ensure they lose trust in you because you have been dishonest and tried to pass off the bag, umbrella, scarf, travel kit etc as having a high value which they are smart enough to know is not true.

Loyalty programs are a great way for you to nurture your relationship with existing clients and further develop them into raving fans that are loyal to you, and only you. You want your membership base acting like walking talking billboards for your spa or salon – your hardest working brand ambassadors if you will.

You’ve delivered on your VIP membership promise and they feel rewarded, and that sort of coffee shop or dinner party chatter is invaluable for the growth and profitability of your business as they start to recommend you to everyone.

So go forth, set up a program that is rewarding, simple, transparent and easy for clients to understand … and they will do the rest.

The team at Beauty Insight helps you take your spa, salon business or beauty career to the next level.

Beautyinsight.com.au spaandclinic.com.au | 31

aesthetics

Open For (Your Own) Business Cosmetic Physician, Dr Simone Doreian, has recently branched out and opened her own private clinic. We talked to her about her journey from employee to employer.

How did you start out in the industry?

I

’ve been practising Cosmetic Medicine for 16 years. In 2004, I met my mentor, Mr Ian Carlisle, a well-respected plastic surgeon, who is the Director of Erase Aesthetic Services, the first retail medical aesthetic clinic in Melbourne, founded in 1997. I had left the Anaesthetic training program at the Alfred and was working as a fellow in ICU and Emergency. I went on to complete a Fellowship in General Practice with the RACGP and my Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

I began to shadow Ian a day a week, for almost a year, before I laid hands on a patient. I was missing the procedures of ICU/Anaesthetics, and this emerging area of medicine was the perfect blend for me, demanding a strong background in science, procedural confidence and aptitude while also making use of my artistic ability that I hadn’t used since my high school days of painting. I began to split my time between a busy women’s clinic as a GP, and working at Erase. Eventually I became so busy with Cosmetic medicine that I ceased to practice GP in its true sense. A few years back, I gained a Fellowship with the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia.

This is my 17th year working with Ian and the Erase team. He has been a wonderful mentor. Through the years I have been privileged to have a few very talented mentors in Australia and Europe. I love being part of a well-established team; the ongoing 32 | SPA+CLINIC

learning experiences, team responsibility and self-reflection it provides. I intend to continue to practise at both clinics and enjoy the different aspects of each.

Dr Simone Doreian

change and reinvent itself as I do, matters to me. I’m only as good as my last case, and my reputation is everything.

When did you first think about opening your own clinic?

What was the process like from then until opening the doors to your own clinic?

Early on, I toyed with the notion of opening my own clinic. With the great power of hindsight I am glad I waited as it meant that I could make my mistakes in a supported and safe environment and am now comfortable managing complications that are referred in.

As the experienced physician I am now, after 16 years of continual training, travelling to teach with and learn from the best, I am far better placed to create a safe and beautiful environment for my patients to address their aesthetic needs.

Having had children, and worked part time through their younger years, I finally found the creative mental space I needed to consider opening something that reflects who I am as an individual, as a doctor, as a woman.

I love the freedom I have in my private clinic to create what I feel is right for my patients, in an ever evolving area of medicine that is ever more untrustworthy and unregulated.

I wanted to operate close to home and not in competition with Erase. It is a perfect demographic for word of mouth as I am surrounded by friendly school mums, friends, and friends of friends. I wanted my clinic to reflect my patients’ confidence in me, my ethics and expertise. Having my own clinic that grows with me, and that can

The evolution of my private clinic has been gradual and organised. The process began many years prior to opening my own clinic. I began with branding. Branding is everything, particularly in the world of aesthetics.

Michelle Savona, of Savi Communications, worked with me years before I went out on my own. Savi led me to become aware of what I believed in, what I stand for in this industry and how I wanted to be seen.

John Scarpa shot some great images for me as well over the years. Many years prior to opening my clinic, I established a website and brand. This was extremely important. I stood for trust, honest opinions, expertise and education, and always, for beauty.

I wanted to provide a highly skilled and ethical cosmetic injectable service for my patients in a beautiful environment. This includes choosing the best of consumables to minimise discomfort and down time; for example the smoothest, tiniest needles from Korea, and expensive special bacteriostatic saline from USA. I like to know that at each point, my patients receive my personalised care. I perform all ‘before’ photography, assessments, procedures and follow up.

So I decided to start simply – just me and simply injectables: innate wrinkle injections,

Aesthetics

fillers, biostimulants, PRP, skin pen. Device treatments, I decided to outsource to trusted colleagues. I believe in being an expert, not dabbling.

I have a medical assistant, Lee, whom I have known forever and who has regular treatments so she is well informed and empathetic. She helps me behind the scenes and is the first point of contact for new patients. Having someone like Lee, who can soothe anxious new patients, answer questions, and is an organisational whiz is a blessing. She begins the process of building trust with my patients in the way she treats them and the respect she has for my work.

She researched a lot of the stuff I hated – for example computers and comparing practice management systems.

I wanted to create a physical space that is beautiful, serene and has a nonclinical feel, cocooning my patients in their journey with me. I took photos of some of the clinics overseas I had visited and was inspired by various aspects of their set-up.

I decided to use Cliniko, an allied health practice management system that has been simple and performs well in this setting.

It’s Australian designed and owned by entrepreneurial young people. I decided to use a Square Reader to simplify billing; it’s a cool little device, so simple.

There is of course a ‘Very Important List of Boring Things’ one has to do, too.

Stock counts and orders, consent form management, setting up before and after photography, (I use Cliniko for this too, uploading a patient file or photos is a breeze, from a designated clinic-only iPad Pro and I also take high def. SLR images) and more boring things like permits, insurance, sharps and medical waste collection, cleaning standards... but they’re all important.

Working at Erase has been an excellent education in the kinds of processes and safeguards a clinic should have. Working in a well-run general practice was also invaluable.

I’m always asking my friends and colleagues how they do things.

How did you get into training and workshops and what exactly do you offer?

I started teaching because Galderma asked me to run a workshop on lips, back in 2011. In 2013, I was asked to become one of two Australian ambassadors for a new programme, The Harmony Programme.

It was a worldwide programme designed

Dr Doreian’s advice on how to start your own business: • Prioritise patient safety, know how to manage worst case scenarios • Find your point of difference • Word of mouth is the best way to grow • Stay humble and keep training • Get an online booking system

Dr Doreian’s clinic in Sandringham

to create a gold standard consultation, assessment and treatment model, focusing on improving doctor/patient communication to try to improve the experience for patients and elevate the skills of doctors.

I worked with other cosmetic physicians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons from around the world in Paris, along with a great psychologist specialising in Body Dysmorphic Syndrome, and helped deliver the programme back in Australia.

Part of preparing to help launch the Emervel range of HA fillers that was to hit Australian shores in 2015, was to spend time in Stockholm, and at the laboratories in Uppsala, learning from the original makers of HA fillers about the science and properties of the fillers. This helped me be a more effective teacher of injectables.

Once you start lecturing at conferences, other people tend to ask you to come to theirs and share knowledge and skills. Over the years I have been very lucky to have been invited to launch ranges of fillers in Asia, India, and Australia. I have been involved in education at major events through Australia, NZ, Asia and Europe and I’ve learnt a lot about presenting on stage or in workshops from a handful of plastic surgeons - Ian

Carlisle, Hervé Raspaldo, Steven Liew. I’ve discovered that injecting and teaching on stage involves managing camera angles, lighting, the patient, injecting, maintaining audience view whilst keeping up a constant pattern of conversation and tips – a whole new set of skills.

Until recently, most of the workshops I run have been for groups of doctors and nurses.

Unfortunately at conferences, and large masterclasses, there is too much distraction, distance, and a 2D view on a screen is inadequate. I have always learnt best one-onone, or two-on-one. I now offer the option of Mentor Days, whereby doctors or nurses can shadow me and I can teach them how to see what I see and how I do what I do. I will teach more locally this year – I am on faculty of Aesthetics 2020. I support congresses that allow honesty and real opinion. I am going to paint again! I have booked a week in Florence with tutelage in portrait painting, before lecturing at AMWC, the Aesthetic Medicine and anti-ageing World Congress.

To quote Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet and theologian: Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. I’m going to keep doing what I love, more beautifully and even better. spaandclinic.com.au | 33

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*Subject to initial consultation call. Additional hours will be subject to an hourly rate. Excludes media costs. Š 2020 Candela Corporation. This material contains registered and unregistered trademarks, trade-names, service marks and brand names of Candela Corporation and its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: All contents of this material are for informational purposes only and provided by Candela without warranties of any kind. Healthcare professionals are solely responsible for making their own independent evaluation as to the suitability of any product for any particular purpose and in accordance with country specific regulations.

The availability of products and the indications mentioned in this material is subject to the regulatory requirements and product registration status in each country.

Refer to the User Manual for country specific indications. Products and technical specifications may change without notice. Please contact Candela for more details.

STRESS, DETOX AND THE

Art Of Spa In our modern world and in these very strange times, stress is a reality and manifests in so many ways, not only psychologically but physiologically. With wellness as the antidote to stress now a mainstream consumer need, Nadine Dilong speaks with the Thalgo team to find out more about the brand’s approach to these interconnected themes with the launch of the new range, Spiruline Boost.

Thalgo is well known for indulgent spa treatments, how has this changed over the years?

Steeped in over 55 years of history, Thalgo has a storied history and has been known more in recent years for “French luxury” through textures and experiences. While it’s nice to be known for luxe, what’s really meaningful is that Thalgo was founded on the principles of transdermal application of minerals and at the core of the formulations and treatments has always stood for wellness derived from our largest natural resource, the ocean.

The last few years have seen a return to this brand truth to focus on connecting consumers with their reason for being through two major launches, the first of which is the new Spiruline Boost, an energising and detoxifying range designed to support stress.

Stress is a highly relevant topic, can you tell us more about the effects of this?

It’s no secret that urban life and behavioural excesses – smoking, alcohol, lack of sleep, eating on the go – combined with psychological stress and environmental pollution expose the skin to high levels of oxidative stress. This overexposure to free radicals and toxins saturates the antioxidant systems and brings about cellular and physical fatigue. Here’s how it happens: • T he per-oxidation of epidermal lipids increases skin permeability and damages the barrier function. The skin becomes dehydrated, loses its suppleness and resilience and becomes more reactive and sensitive.

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• The oxidation of skin proteins and hyaluronic acid weakens the skin structures. The skin becomes irritated and wrinkled and loses its bounce.

• Mitochondria, the power generators of the cells, are the prime targets of free radicals. Damaged, they produce less energy which is essential to the regeneration of the extracellular matrix and the production of hyaluronic acid. The epidermal metabolism and renewal slow down.

This skin fatigue is estimated to affect 75% of women from the age of 25 as the energy metabolism slows down, triggering a delayed regeneration of skin cells. Less able to recover, the skin becomes less resistant and the signs of fatigue set in including an uneven complexion, sleep wrinkles, drawn features, expression lines and tired eyes. All signs of a premature skin ageing process.

So what can we do to combat this?

Our expertise is skincare and it’s powerful, but it also needs your help. Let’s not shy away from the fact that it’s hard to change habits and a skincare range. But it’s also about not creating more stress trying to do a ‘perfect detox’. It’s about a kinder, realistic and holistic approach to nutrition, sleep, meditation and watching our intake of alcohol, sugar and caffeine.

The skincare part is just as important, and superfoods like Spirulina and Chlorella, and minerals like Magnesium are our skin care super heroes. Spiruline Boost uses a powerful extract of energising Spirulina obtained through fragmentation which is a mechanical extraction and double enzymatic biocatalysis to

Cover story

capture the active nutrients contained in fresh spirulina taken from controlled aquaculture. The process ensures the high bioavailability of concentrated active nutrients which are more easily absorbed by the skin. With higher levels of hydrolysed proteins and sugars, nutrients that boost the cell and energy metabolism (ATP), the energising Spirulina optimises epidermal renewal and structure, reducing the signs of skin ageing and the impact of urban stress.

The skin is the first line of defence against urban stress and every day, stress alone consumes more than 50% of Magnesium intake (catecholaminedependent cell loss) with estimates of deficiency in more than 75% of adults in Europe. Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in more than 300 vital enzymatic reactions, including the energy metabolism and production of ATP. Thalgo uses marine Magnesium obtained by concentrating sea water - up to 100 times more concentrated.

Detox has been a bit of a fad for some time, does your skin really need to detox?

The short answer is yes, but not in the fad-diet way. It’s more to give your skin a break and support its natural functioning. When urban fatigue becomes too intense, the body can’t keep up and the skin is the first to show the effects. Suffocated, overworked and lacking energy, the body becomes worn out and the epidermis is dull and lacklustre. The ‘detoxing’ process is more about putting in goodness to replenish what modern life has taken out to support the ecosystem of cells to do their best work.

What’s the Spiruline Boost Detox Program?

It’s a 3-step program featuring a treatment, a 7-day “inner & outer” booster program and 28-day daily home care program.

• The Smoothing Detoxifying Facial features and alginate peel off mask which has been clinically tested to reduce polluting particles by 69.5%, including PM2.5 particles. To put this in perspective, the average result on a control area after cleansing was -2.7%.

ABOUT THE NEW SPIRULINE BOOST RANGE Smoothing Detoxifying Facial This 60 minute treatment is designed to treat the effects of stress first signs of skin fatigue. Featuring a detoxifying suction cleanse, peel-off alginate mask to capture toxins and pollutants and an epidermal infusion of concentrated spirulina and marine magnesium.

Homecare Range • Energising Detoxifying Serum 30ml $110 • Energising Anti-Pollution Gel-Cream 50ml $95 • Energising Eye Gel 15ml $75 Also featuring an “inner-outer” approach with a 7-day program of a booster facial concentrate and detoxifying drink: • Energising Booster Concentrate 7x1.2ml $59 • Energising Detox Shot 7x5g $49

• The 7-Day “Inner & Outer” Detox Program is a daily dose of a topical application Energising Booster Concentrate and an Energising Detox Shot drink containing organic Spirulina and Chlorella boosted with Marine Magnesium and natural Vitamin C to help eliminate accumulated toxins and heavy metals.

• The 28-day home care program features a Serum, Gel-Cream and Eye Gel, with consumer responses reporting 96% improvement in radiance and instrumental clinical study showing a 45% reduction in the appearance of dark circles. The home care program can be used as part of a detox program, or ongoing to combat the first signs of ageing.

Thalgo is known for the wellness benefits in the “art of spa”. How does this connect to Spiruline Boost?

The new launch is predominately focused on facial skincare, but it would be remiss not to talk about Thalgo’s heritage in the transdermal application of minerals in our absolute favourite products, Plasmalg and Micronised Marine Algae (MMA). A powerhouse team used in the spa treatments, they’re a great way to create an at home spa experience. Medically patented from 1964, MMA is a 100% pure algae extract and is a wonder-product used to treat rheumatic, circulatory and advanced skin disorders. It’s versatile and can be used for a bath immersion, foot soak or face and body mask.

We can’t get enough of it and are so evangelical about it we’d love every skincare professional in Australia to try it.

READER OFFER – RECEIVE A FREE MARINE ALGAE DISCOVERY PACK: Contact BLC Cosmetics on customerservice@blccosmetics.com to receive a free Marine Algae Experience Pack containing a deluxe size selection of our best-selling marine-based products, valued at over $150.

Thalgo is exclusively distributed in Australia by BLC Cosmetics www.thalgo.com.au | +61 2 8667 4695 customerservice@blccosmetics.com spaandclinic.com.au | 37

Retailing Wellness With the wellness market booming and at-home selfcare at an all time high due to isolation measures, it’s time to sell more than just skincare at your spa or clinic. Spruce up your reception area and online shop with these gorgeous wellness and lifestyle products.

1. Scent Stems™ Recently rebranded Glasshouse are now offering Scent Stems™, a pure fragrance liquidless diffuser for a unique experience that’s exhilaratingly potent.

Scent Scene Duo, RRP $39.95 GLASSHOUSEFRAGRANCES.COM

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2. Home Mist The Candle Kitchen, a small business located on the Aussie South Coast, lovingly makes handcrafted soy candles, melts, and these divine room mists that will make any home smell like a spa.

Molloy St Design Home Mist, RRP $20.00 THECANDLEKITCHEN.COM.AU 3. Water Bottle Forget plastic bottles and encourage clients to carry a stylish, reusable water bottle instead. This one from Beysis keeps drinks hot or cold for up to 24 hours.

Water Bottle, RRP $35.90 WHOLESALE.BEYSIS.COM

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4. Gold T-Bar This 24k Gold vibrating T-Bar is designed to enhance the benefits of skincare and support lymphatic drainage for a healthy glow and reduced puffiness.

The Wand, RRP $80.00 AUD.JAMESCOSMETICS.COM 5. Keep Cups Pottery for the Planet wants to eradicate single-use culture and plastic waste across the globe, and who wouldn’t want to carry around a beautiful handmade ceramic cup like that?

Sandy Planet Cup, RRP $33.00 POTTERYFORTHEPLANET.COM 6. Bath Cookies Don’t be fooled by how delicious these

cookies look – they’re not to be eaten, but used in your bath. A nourishing, cleansing bath experience for both body and mind, handmade in Australia.

Invigorate Bath Cookies, RRP $11.95 SOLITUDEBODYMIND.COM

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wellness

7. Wellness Guide Katie Lowndes’ book ‘7 Simple Steps to a Healthier Happier You’ is designed for the everyday person who is feeling a sense of overwhelm and needs some quick and easy guidance on how to make some improvements to their everyday life.

7 Simple Steps to a Healthier Happier You, RRP $25.98 KATIESBEAUTYKITCHEN.COM

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8. Porcelain Diffuser Diffusers no longer have to include wooden reeds, instead, they can look like expensive pieces of art. This porcelain flower is designed to draw in the oil and disperse the enticing fragrance throughout your space.

Grand Casablanca Porcelain Diffuser, RRP $129.90 SEBOANDCO.COM

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9. Organic Tea Little Wildling Co herbal tea contains nothing but organic, wild-grown and a combination of local Australian and international ingredients, hand blended with love.

Peppermint, Lemon Myrtle and Lavender Tea Bags, RRP $11.95 LITTLEWILDLINGCO.COM

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10. Hand Care Duo This ultimate care package for your hands includes the Ms BROWN Hand Wash and Hand Cream, made from all natural ingredients.

Bergamot Hand Care Duo, RRP $75.00 MSBROWNSTORE.COM

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11. Heat Pillow A soothing blend of organic lavender, wild jasmine and Australian wheat for relaxation and muscular relief – perfect for those colder months that are around the corner.

Olive Lavender & Jasmine Heat Pillow, RRP $37.00 SALUSBODY.COM.AU

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12. Silky Sleep A silk pillowcase is a long-term investment for improving your hair and skin as it reduces friction on both. For anyone hesitant to sleep on silk, this one has silk on one, and cotton on the other side.

Lilac Silk & Cotton Pillowcase, RRP $55.00 SHHHSILK.COM.AU 13. Collagen Boost Amazonia Raw Collagen Glow 5000 is a premium beauty formula designed to support collagen production, natural connective tissue structure and skin function.

Amazonia Raw Collagen Glow 5000, RRP $37.99 AMAZONIA.COM spaandclinic.com.au | 39

The Science Behind Supplements We explain what makes a supplement work so you can make educated decisions on which brands to use and stock.

N

owadays, stocking at least one variety of beauty supplement and beverage is almost a given in most skin clinics and day spas, as it becomes commonly accepted that to address skin concerns one must look both inside and out. But with a market so saturated with choices, consumer and media hype, clever marketing campaigns and not a lot of evidencebased research to back up the latest trends, business owners and practitioners can be left feeling overwhelmed and unsure about the best products to stock in their businesses, or if not retailing, recommend to their clients.

In order to provide some much needed clarity and collate the most reliable information possible, we’ve gathered some of our industry’s most recognised, savvy and highly educated naturopaths and nutritionists specialising in skin health to give us the real facts about beauty supplements in today’s landscape, including Angela Maree Smith - Director & Principal Naturopath at Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic and Founder & Formulator at Intrametica; Fiona Tuck - Nutritional Medicine Practitioner and Founder & Formulator at Vita Sol; and Chiza Westcarr Nutritional Medicine Practitioner and Founder at Glow Skin & Nutrition Consultancy.

What makes an effective supplement?

Fiona: An effective supplement for the skin

requires the necessary nutrients to suppor t healthy glowing skin such as essential fatty acids, phytochemicals, prebiotics, vitamins and minerals. Key ingredients should be focussed on strengthening skin barrier function and the gut/immune interface whilst reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Natural food sources used as nutraceuticals to improve skin can be categorised as: dietary fibre, prebiotics, probiotics, fatty acids, minerals, amino acids, peptides, carotenoids, vitamins, phytochemicals, herbs and spices.

40 | SPA+CLINIC

Angela: Zinc and Vitamin C are well renowned skin nutrients but when it comes to formulating a beauty ingestible powder, all you have to do is throw a smidgen in and you can make collagen and anti-aging claims. I feel for consumers, as the marketing behind a lot of brands is brilliant, but are their claims really backed up by science? In my professional opinion the quality of some beauty formulations does not match the quality of the marketing. As a qualified naturopathic physician (herbalist and nutritionist) treating all types of skin conditions for many years now I have become rather particular as to what I will prescribe. I look at the evidence, dosing and combinations - it’s all about results, right?

What does the latest research tell us?

Fiona: There is a strong link between gut health and skin health so

look at supplements that also help to support a healthy gut. If the gut microbiota is out of balance, a condition we call dysbiosis, we can see weakened cell integrity of the lining of the gut, leading to increased inflammation both within the gut and the skin. We know for instance that substance P, a neuropeptide produced in the gut, skin and brain plays a role in the health of our skin. Altered gut microbiota promotes the release of substance P in both gut and skin thereby inducing vasodilation, oedema and mast cell degranulation. The microbiota influence lipid and fatty acid profiles which has a knock on effect to sebum production and sebum composition. The latest evidence tells us that a variety of different plant based foods is important to help with maximising the diversity of beneficial bacteria in our gut. These prebiotic plant foods feed the beneficial bacteria helping them to thrive and keep pathogenic bacteria at bay. If the diet is low in fibre and microbiota accessible carbohydrates (MACs), the bowel microbes starve, turning then to their immediate environment, the gut mucin barrier, for fuel which in turn can lead to inflammation and weakened cell permeability or leaky gut.

Keeping your gut microbiota happy and well-fed with the help of prebiotic ingredients such as inulin, dandelion, sprouted legumes and

Wellness

wholegrains, beets, kiwi and polyphenols for example is important not only for gut health but for reducing inflammation and keeping the skin healthy too. We once thought that probiotics colonise in the gut but it is now known that probiotics rarely colonise or repopulate in the gut.

They are thought to have more of a communicative effect whilst in transit through the gut and may be beneficial to some specific health and skin conditions. Getting the right probiotic strain is therefore important as our gut microbiota is unique to each of us, much like a fingerprint. In order for a probiotic to be effective you not only need the right strain that has been found to be effective for the condition that you want to treat, but you also need to be using a viable probiotic that can withstand heat, light and the transit through the gut. Finding an effective probiotic can therefore be challenging and it is therefore best to have a well-studied and proven probiotic prescribed by a healthcare practitioner that knows the right strain for your individual needs.

When it comes to vitamin and mineral supplements there is much debate over their health benefits. Studies tell us that the best way for our body to utilise nutrients is via wholefoods therefore we should always look at our diet first and foremost as the best way to get nutrients. The body absorbs nutrients from a complex mixture in foods. These nutrients come with an array of cofactors and phytochemicals that are not naturally present in synthetic supplements. When we take vitamins or minerals in isolation or in high doses they will have knock-on side effects and potentially detrimental effects if taken long term such as knocking out other nutrients or overriding natural biochemical pathways in the body so that the body is unable to effectively downregulate its own inflammatory pathways or produce its own antioxidants for cell protection. Getting nutrients as naturally as possible is therefore always advisable. Specific natural nutrients from plant compounds have been shown to activate NRF2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) which regulates the expression of an array of enzymes with important detoxifying and antioxidant functions.

NRF2 activators are: • Broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage, kale, collard greens, cauliflower, bok choy, and brussel sprouts - sulforaphane • Grapes, cranberries, blueberries, cherries, mulberries, bilberries, and dark chocolate - resveratrol • Olives and extra virgin olive oil - oleuropein • Pomegranate, beetroot - delphinidin, cyanidin, and pelargonidin • Green tea - Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG This is an exciting area of research and one that may move us further away from using synthetic vitamins in the future.

Marine collagen peptides are also showing exciting evidencebased research. Marine collagen peptides have been shown to be the most bioavailable and effective in treating skin hydration and elasticity amongst all the collagen products. Marine collagen has also been proven beneficial to gut health. Even more promising results are shown when the marine collagen is taken in conjunction with nutrients such as polyphenols.

Angela: Firstly, beauty within is all about antioxidants. The more you can get in the best available form, the better the anti-ageing results over the long term.

Astaxanthin: the phenomenal algae salmon consume, giving them power to swim up rivers. When humans consume Astaxanthin, not only will they experience enhanced energy, your skin will glow too! Clinical studies show that Astaxanthin can improve dermal wrinkles caused by the degeneration of elastic fibers and the collagen network, particularly crow’s feet, cheeks, and forehead. Studies also show a reduction in premature

sagging caused by excessive exposure to UVA radiation. In addition, you will experience improved hydration, reduction in inflammation and oxidation of melanin in the skin causing skin pigmentation and sun spots.

You need at least 2mg a day to get this effect.

Marine Collagen Peptides: firstly you need a hydrolysed form for superior absorption making it fast acting, penetrating the skin within 4hrs. Marine Collagen peptides plump and smooth your natural skin surface helping you to replenish the collagen you are losing as you age. Evidence shows a 50% reduction in crow’s feet after eight weeks, 30% improved hydration within eight weeks – as you can see the evidence is strong. Collagen, the most abundant protein in our bodies, naturally declines as we age causing skin to sag and joints to degenerate. Consuming a clinically proven collagen you can combat this natural decline achieving the ultimate anti-wrinkle, structure and plumping effect. You need at least 2.5g per day.

Rosemary and Grapefruit: contains antioxidants which are absolutely incredible for the skin and reducing the effects of ageing. They also act as an internal sunblock, improving your response from sun exposure and reducing the impact of sun damage creating an enhanced overall skin appearance. Dosing varies depending on the plant extract, but some studies show you need at least 100mg a day of a combined extract equivalent to 3.75g of fresh Grapefruit and 500mg of dried Rosemary leaves.

Resveratrol: a natural polyphenol found in red foods like grapes, is an incredible skin antioxidant in addition to decreasing the breakdown of collagen and increasing the production of collagen 100-300mg is an ideal dose.

Co enzyme Q 10: found in the epidermis layers of the skin, where it acts as an antioxidant barrier. CoQ10 naturally declines as we age so supplementing with at least 150mg a day will give your cells and skin the oxidant protection they need in this current climate.

Kakadu Plum: native to Australia delivers antioxidants and vitamin C to the skin. The phenolic Ellagic Acid (EA) is what makes Kakadu Plum so special. EA is receiving increasing attention for its nutritional and pharmacological potential as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent to the skin. The vitamin C content is known to be 900 times higher than blueberries. Dosing varies depending on the extract process – cellular extraction is the most powerful!

Lycopene: if from a complex of natural tomatoes, not the synthetic form, it has been clinically proven to enhance the natural protective properties of skin, thus reducing the formation of wrinkles and maintaining a younger looking skin into old age. You need at least 10mg a day to achieve this effect.

What are the no-no supplement ingredients to watch out for?

Fiona: Whilst there may be a time and place for using synthetic high

dose vitamin supplements such as in the case of a vitamin deficiency or known medical conditions, prescribing isolated nutrients by a skin therapist is not recommended. These can come with potential side effects and drug interactions therefore it is important to stay within your scope of practice. There are plenty of food grade wholefood powders that use an array of natural ingredients that provide safe and effective options to support skin health from the inside out.

When it comes to ingredients it is important to know where those ingredients come from and how they are sourced. Different manufacturing methods such as those that use harsh chemicals or high heat extraction will affect the efficacy of the raw ingredients. Look for spaandclinic.com.au | 41

wellness

manufacturer transparency of ingredients and gentle extraction processing methods. Avoid synthetic vitamins, fillers such as maltodextrin, talc, glycerol and carrageenan gum, emulsifiers, artificial flavours and artificial colours. Many tablets and capsules contain excipients that are not always listed on the label so it is important to contact the manufacturer to see if they will disclose the full excipient list. A reputable manufacturer will always disclose full ingredients and excipients.

Supplements For Beauty & Immunity With immunity being top of mind throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we also spoke to Chiza Westcarr about the best types of foods, supplements and ingredients that benefit the immune system with the added bonus of improving skin quality.

Chiza: We are living in very unsettled and uncertain times. With the advice to practice social-distancing during this Coronavirus pandemic, it is important that we all take very good care of our health. Up to 80% of the body’s immune system resides in the gut. Microbes in their trillions call the gut home and directly impact immune health because they inform the immune system. Diet is a key factor in immune health because it has a proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory effect within the body, either driving disease or keeping it at bay.

Introducing plant-based whole foods such as fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, high in fibre, is so important for microbial diversity because gut microbes break down and ferment the fibre present in these foods to form anti-inflammatory metabolites called SCFA (short chain fatty acids). SCFAs are essential for gut cell function and also for regulating systemic inflammation.

Pro-inflammatory foods are devoid of fibre and are typically highly refined and processed. They are foods high in sugar, cooked in inflammatory fats, contain dairy, gluten, processed meats, and red meat (grass fed and finished is fine). Oh, and add alcohol and soft drinks to the list.

There is growing awareness of the importance of the skin microbiota.

The skin’s surface is covered with a resident colony of microbes that also number in the trillions. Like the gut, the skin microbiota is made up of microbes that are beneficial, as well as those that are potentially diseasecausing. Research suggests that diet influences both the numbers and make-up of microbes that reside in the gut and on the skin. Where the diet is devoid of nutrients, it is responsible for gut and skin dysbiosis, an imbalance in microbial diversity, which results in inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema.

Having established that diet directly impacts immune health and skin health also, and while it may not be feasible to eliminate inflammatory foods completely, by significantly reducing their consumption and introducing more nutrient-dense whole foods (in a process called ‘crowding out’) inflammatory skin conditions will improve, and the body’s immune response will also. The reality, however, is that most people do not consume the recommended daily intake of nutrients required to sustain health and keep disease at bay, and so this is where supplementation comes in.

While it is well outside the scope of the Skin Therapist to prescribe practitioner-only supplements, there is a whole industry that has emerged focusing on whole food supplementation. Nutrientdense food supplements are now more popular than ever in the skin industry. There are collagen powders and elixirs, pre- and probiotics, liver detox blends, all focusing on restoring skin and gut 42 | SPA+CLINIC

health. They do not fall under the same jurisdiction as practitioneronly supplements because they are whole foods, and so are recommended to improve overall health and wellness.

Examples of vitamins and minerals that boost immune and skin health found in supplements: Antioxidants – boost immune function, protect cells, and mitigate systemic inflammation by neutralising the effect of free radicals.

Dark fruit and brightly coloured veggies have the highest antioxidant content. Think blueberries, blackberries, cherries, goji berries, beetroot, broccoli, carrots, and spinach.

Vitamin A – plays a critical role in enhancing immune function and skin rejuvenation. Examples are carrots, sweet potato, mango, tomatoes, capsicum, green leafy vegetables, broccoli.

B group Vitamins – support skin, immune and nervous system health and are found in legumes, sunflower seeds, almonds, mushrooms, fish, chicken, beef.

Vitamin C – high in antioxidants, with a strong skin and immune protective function. Vitamin C is found in oranges, lemons, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, strawberries, broccoli, dark berries, tomatoes.

Vitamin D – the skin is a major source of Vitamin D. Skin cell proliferation is regulated by Vitamin D, as is gene transcription.

Vitamin D is important for immune function. It is found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and also in egg yolk and mushrooms.

Moderate amounts of sun exposure is all that is required for Vitamin D synthesis in the epidermis.

Folate – plays a crucial role in DNA and protein synthesis and also boosts immune function. It can be found in fruit such as lemons, lime, oranges, dark leafy vegetables, lentils, beans, peas, nuts and also tofu.

Probiotics – enhance immune function and inhibit the growth of harmful microbes. Fermented foods such as kefir, kombucha, kraut and kvass all help boost the activity of the beneficial gut microbes.

Zinc – is another immune booster and also plays a role in collagen synthesis. Food sources include legumes, nuts, seeds and shellfish.

Introducing NAD Last month, Australia became one of the first countries with access to a revolutionary supplement that can support our cellular energy, and help us maintain our wellbeing, inside and out. Prof Charles Brenner tells us more about his new product, Tru Niagen®: "My research focuses on understanding the science behind NAD (pronounced 'en A dee'), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, the central catalyst of metabolism. Under conditions of metabolic stress and ageing, the NAD system in our body comes under attack.

When more of NAD is needed to support cellular repair, less is availabe to support cellular energy production.

I discovered that a naturally occuring nutrient called nicotinamide riboside (NR) is an NAD precursor vitamin in people. When taken orally, NR converts to NAD and maintains cellular energy so that our bodies remain energised and resilient.

NR has been commercialised into Niagen®, a nature identical ingredient and sole active ingredient in a product called Tru Niagen®, now listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), making it the first NR product commercially available in Australia (AUST L 328365)."

The World’s Only Skincare Powered by Ethically Derived Red Deer Umbilical Cord Lining Stem Cells Created by Scientists, Trusted by Doctors Visibly regenerates and restores skin

Improves post-procedure recovery with immediate impact

“

This is the first time that umbilical cord lining stem cells - or stem cells in general - are being truly utilised in a topical skincare to promote skin health

”

Mitchel P. Goldman, MD Double Board-Certified Dermatologist & Cosmetic Surgeon

IT’S NO MIRACLE. IT’S SCIENCE ® Distributed by Advanced Cosmeceuticals TEL 1800 242 011 E-MAIL cs@advancedcosmeceuticals.com.au

advancedcosmeceuticals.com.au

Aesthetics

Secret Ingredient

The

Stem cells in skincare are nothing new, however, umbilical cord lining stem cells are revolutionising the way we approach anti-ageing.

T

here is a new professional skincare brand on the market and its secret is ‘Rejuvenating Conditioned Media’. What sounds like the name of a PR agency, is actually the active complex offering an unprecedented combination of proteins and growth factors physiologically balanced exactly as nature intended to enhance skin function and regulate cell turnover.

CALECIM® Professionals harnesses ingredients found in umbilical cord lining from red deer. It comprises a mix of two types of potent stem cells – mesenchymal and epithelial – that are ethically and harmlessly extracted from the animal.

Scientists found that the cord lining stem-cells have many beneficial effects on ageing skin: • Activate cells to migrate towards skin trauma to accelerate repair • Encourage skin cells to proliferate for fast and efficient epithelialisation • Build up extracellular matrix and increase collagen synthesis • Encourage angiogenesis for efficient skin restoration • Suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines In simpler terms, CALECIM ® skincare products help accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation, making this brand trusted by many doctors for post-treatment use. The brand’s hero product, the Professional Serum, contains a high concentration of Rejuvenating Conditioned Media to enhance procedures and optimise results. This active ingredient works on post-procedure skin by providing a nutrient rich microenvironment

(L): Day 4: 28yoF with decreased edema on the CALECIM® Professional Serum treated side (R): Day 7 post-procedure

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to help boost skin’s regenerative response. It helps improve aesthetic results, reduce redness, swelling and discomfort immediately post-procedure while reducing downtime. It also helps skin renew and repair when used as part of a daily skincare routine.

The Multi-Action Cream, Restorative Hydration Cream, and Recovery Night Complex complete the range, which has shown a 95% satisfaction rate during a consumer survey conducted in Singapore. Nine out of ten women over the age of 35 noticed the appearance of fine lines had improved.

“I believe there is great synergistic benefits from our stem-cell research that can be applied to a skincare beauty product which is accessible to everyone, “ says Gavin Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Cell Research Corporation.

“While umbilical cord lining cells have been making waves worldwide in the area of medical science, we would like for the general consumer to experience a part of our technology as well. This is why we decided to introduce CALECIM ® Professional to the market.”

The skincare range is suitable to be used directly after professional treatments such as IPL, Radio-Frequency, Lasers, Microdermabrasion, Microneedling, and Chemical Peels and has shown to drastically reduce swelling, Edema, and Erythema.

All CALECIM ® Professional cosmeceuticals are made in ISOcertified laboratories in Singapore and dispensed exclusively through a network of physicians in CALECIM ® markets. calecimprofessional.com

Aesthetics

Electric Feel What is electrolyte skincare? We talked to a dermatologist.

Dermatologist Dr Nina Wines

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hances are, you have seen the term ‘electrolyte skincare’ a fair bit recently, whether on social media, on TV, or in magazines. But what exactly is electrolyte skincare and does it actually work? Opinions are divided, so let’s dig a bit deeper. We know electrolytes from sports drinks and supplements. They’re supposed to replenish water and energy levels in the body, in particular during exercise as the body loses electrolytes through sweating.

According to Dermatologist Dr Nina Wines, “electrolytes are a term used for particles that have a positive or negative electrical charge. These particles commonly include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium and phosphate. They play an important role in maintaining bodily functions.”

Recently, brands like enbacci and Drunk Elephant have released skincare products including electrolytes. Drunk Elephant’s ‘F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial promises deep hydration thanks to containing a “4-electrolyte blend” made up of “powerful humectant ingredients, and is key in helping

to maintain the balance of hydration and moisture.”

Enbacci have released face sheet masks including grape stem cell extract and electrolytes.

According to the brand, “most notable of these minerals is potassium which serves to transport vital hydrating substances, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides, to deprived areas of the face and reinforce the skin’s natural barrier function through the organisation of lipids.”

“Electrolytes are a really exciting ingredient for skincare users in 2020,” said Yong-Li Zhou, the founder of enbacci. “Like your favourite sports drink, electrolytes serve as fuel for the skin ensuring our cells operate properly and can benefit from other ingredients. In many ways, electrolytes are to hydration what retinol is to renewal: the ultimate facilitator,” said Yong-Li. When reading through reviews of electrolyte products online, most people seem to find them deeply hydrating, making their skin more supple and soft.

“However,” says Dr Wines, “there is currently no evidence to support the use of electrolytes in topical skincare products.

Our body does a great job in utilising electrolytes from our diet as it is found

in many foods such as vegetables, fruit, dairy, seeds and nuts, so by maintaining a balanced diet you are getting most of your electrolytes this way.”

“Electrolytes cannot penetrate the surface of the skin,” the dermatologist continues, “to cause any cellular change that is commonly advertised and if it could, it could be potentially dangerous as it is not being regulated as to how skin can adsorbs these ingredients.”

“In low concentrations electrolytes might enhance the feel or moisture of a product however there is not current research that backs this claim and in higher concentrations electrolytes could be aggravating and potentially dangerous.

My advice is to invest in evidence based and well researched skincare products by dermatologist recommended brands.

Ingredients that are well researched include vitamin A, B, C, hyaluronic acid, AHAs and BHAs, however not only is looking for these ingredients important but the formulation must be of high quality and well formulated with its own individual clinical trial.”

In conclusion, more research is necessary when it comes to electrolytes in skincare, with all signs hinting at it being a potential ‘feel-good’ ingredient as it may aid with hydration levels and the feel of a product on the skin. spaandclinic.com.au | 45

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It’s In The

Detail

What makes a spa treatment truly special all comes down to small details and extra touches, like the Smoking Ritual by Li’Tya. We asked spa manager of The Darling Spa, Danielle Walker, what makes this ritual so special.

T

he smoking ritual is a signature component of all Li’Tya treatments and is a traditional process of purification creating a sacred space for the guest to relax and focus on wellbeing and healing. Before the treatment, a blend of Australian botanicals, the so-called O’Yarrang Smoking Ritual Blend, is lit to create fragrant smoke that is passed around from one side of the client’s face to the other while their eyes are closed.

“The smoking ritual for us is a unique inclusion for our spa treatments,” explains Danielle Walker.

“It provides our guests with an experience which pays homage to Aboriginal Australian traditions while also providing our team with 46 | SPA+CLINIC

an opportunity to surprise and delight creating a memorable experience for our guests.

The ritual incorporates quintessential Native Australian techniques to cleanse the space and bring the guest into the present moment and leave behind outside distractions.”

In order to perform Li’Tya treatments including the smoking ritual, special training of every therapist is required.

“The team are personally trained by Anne Warren, who is the Director of Training for Li’Tya and also the Chair of the Aboriginal Advisory Board. Anne is an Aboriginal Elder with a wealth of knowledge surrounding the medicinal properties and benefits of native plants and Aboriginal healing techniques and has passed this

sacred knowledge and practice onto our therapists,” says Danielle.

“For both our Australian as well as our international guests there is a certain curiosity surrounding the ritual, however, all of our guests openly embrace the philosophy and knowledge behind the process and really enjoy the unique experience as part of their healing journey. The ritual provides our domestic guests an opportunity to reconnect with our cultural history and develop a deeper understanding of natural healing.

While our international guests are most often delighted with the authentic connection to Australian cultural experience, something which is difficult to find in a major city landscape.”

It’s special moments like the smoking ritual that make a treatment memorable, and that offer the client something they might talk about with their friends and family after. But mostly, it shows the deep connection to tradition and nature that Li’Tya are proud of. litya.com

Aesthetics

How Elevated Hygiene Changes Consumer Expectations The impact of COVID-19 shifts consumer priorities when it comes to skincare purchases.

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taying beautiful and healthy could turn into a new niche industry in APAC amid COVID-19 concerns, says data analytics and consulting company GlobalData. Due to elevated hygiene measures, an improved awareness on the spread of germs, and a general unease about possible future pandemic outbreaks, consumers have shown to prioritise shelf-life and antibacterial properties in a product.

According to Shagun Sachdeva, Consumer Insights Analyst at GlobalData, “with greater concern surrounding shelf-stability and sanitation across consumer packaged goods categories, the demand for protective personal care products has gone up and consumers are willing to accept brands that provide evidence of efficacy and safety, both from a health and environmental perspective. COVID-19 is a catalyst towards this functionality innovation, with brands facing more pressure to convey safety, longevity and product efficacy.”

“Preventative categories such as soap, hand sanitisers and wet wipes are benefitting from the WHO hand hygiene guidelines. As a knock-on effect, skincare products such as hand creams and moisturisers will also be affected with frequent hand washing seeing a greater demand for hand care products. Therefore, manufacturers have the opportunity to design products that can suit various consumer needs such as antibacterial moisturiser or immunity-boosting lipstick or sprays,” Sachdeva explains.

Moreover, people prefer products that are packaged in ways that mitigate risks of contamination and offer extended shelf life to consumers, such as spray and pump bottles. Going beyond the actual product, consumers appreciate brands that offer more, such as informative blogs, e-mail or social media communication with wellness advice.

According to GlobalData COVID-19 Week 3 Survey (April 7-13, 2020), 43% Australians, 74% Chinese and 82% Indians expect brands to provide tips on personal health and wellbeing. With people having more time at home than ever, this is a great chance for brands to up their communication strategy to make consumers feel connected.

My First Foray Into Beauty Six practitioners tell us which (sometimes embarrassing) products started their beauty journeys.

A

s therapists and practitioners, most of us remember when we first fell in love with beauty – for some it was eons ago, and for the majority, it can be fairly cringe-worthy to look back on! What was the first brand you fell in love with? Did you splurge on an entire regime, mix and match a set of different brands, or home DIY? We’ve asked a handful of industry friends (all now practitioners) to share these moments with us, as we fondly reminisce about how far we, and the industry, have come.

Joanna Newham, Owner Joanna Newham Skin Health Oh gosh, I remember it well…

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturiser, purchased from Boots London! Like most teens, I mixed and matched products, in my quest for skincare on a budget. That little yellow bottle already had a cult following and I loved its scientific history.

Created by Dr Orentreich, it was originally sold in his pharmacy as YML (Yellow Moisturising Lotion) and then renamed by an editor who found the Clinique version ‘dramatically different’! Looking back, this purchase was quite a ‘moment’ for me. My first job in beauty PR was for Boots 7 & 17 and to this day, I’m still committed to products that are backed by science.

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Like most teens, I mixed and matched products, in my quest for skincare on a budget.

James Vivian, Owner James Vivian One of my first beauty crushs was Aesop’s Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant. It was a three-ingredient powder containing crushed walnut shell that you could control the level of exfoliation by mixing a small - or in my case - a very large amount with your cleanser. I would scrub my skin so aggressively and not stop until I was bright red. I did this for years before learning that less is more when it comes to physical exfoliation.

Ana Troccoli, Owner Ana Troccoli Aesthetics “My grandmother used to have all this thermal black clay mask back in her beach house in Brazil when I was probably 13-14 years old. I loved to try all her thermal black mud products from Iguassú Falls and lock myself into the bathroom, and quickly put her beauty routine on my skin, feeling a burning sesation and messing all around to clean it all off. Then would come knocks on the door and me always trying to hide everything from her. Four years later I did my first aesthetics beauty course and fell in love with everything about cosmetics. I like to mix and match products as I’m obsessed in trying new things but as the love for that particular thermal products goes, I still

Aesthetics

use some clay masks as part of my beauty treatments and I’m so happy I’ve put all into practice with passion... and for sure my grandmother was my inspiration in my career today.”

Rebecca Lewis, Sales Development Executive, BABOR Cosmetics Australia I remember being approximately 14/15yrs old and going through the typical teen pimple phase, so I started using ‘Clearasil Face Wipes’. I remember the sting and thinking “That must mean they’re working.” Not only did I use those, but started using St Ives Apricot scrub on my face in a hot shower. Never moisturised afterwards either for about two years?! Again, thinking “my skin feels tight and shiny it must be clean.” I stopped using the Clearasil wipes once they resulted in my naturally dark eyebrows turning a lovey orange tinge over time! TERRIBLE! I then went on to get my Diploma in Beauty Therapy – worked as a Beauty Therapist for seven years and now am a Sales Development Executive for BABOR Cosmetics Australia.

Kristie Millgate, General Manager, Dermalogica My mother wasn’t one for anything ‘beauty’; being from the country she was very basic with her regime.

She was from the perm generation that considered if the hair was permed and the mascara was on that is all that was needed. When I asked about my skin, my mother ordered me the honey and oatmeal scrub (I think that is what it is) from Nutrimetics and got me started on that for my breakouts and ‘Oil of Olay’ as the moisturiser. In high school my girlfriends got me on to Mary Kay Skincare, and Clearasil for my breakouts.

Very embarrassing really now I think of this! It wasn’t

I was definitely a late bloomer when it comes to skincare routines and cosmetics.

until I started my career as a Beauty Therapist before I learned what was correct for my skin and you would be interested to know that this is where I was first introduced to Dermalogica at Papillon Beauty Academy in Hobart, Tasmania. This is when my skin really started to change! It was Special Cleansing Gel, Active Moist and my fave, Skin Prep Scrub.

Laura Soszynski, Owner/ Director, Willow Day Spa I started in beauty therapy young - I came home one day from school and said to my mum “I want to be a beauty therapist, this is the college I want to go to”. So the next day she enrolled me and I came home with all my ‘kits’ to become a therapist. So my big splurge was absolutely everything! (And maybe still a tube of St Ives, because, it was early 2000’s ).

spaandclinic.com.au | 49

heading

Booty Call

Booty shaping is no longer taboo – here’s what’s trending in both surgical and non-surgical BBLs.

T

he Brazilian Butt Lift has come a long way.

From countless deaths overseas caused by black market surgeries, to fast becoming one of the most popular non-surgical body treatments available in Australia, buttock augmentation is finally ditching its taboo status with some much safer, more reputable and aesthetically desirable solutions.

We chat to several highly reputable Aussie practitioners about this growing trend, and their favourite offering when it comes to booty shaping and ‘non-surgical BBLs’ as they’ve been dubbed by many.

Dr Joseph Ajaka – Cosmos Clinic Fat Transfer

Most of what we do at Cosmos is body sculpting – we use the Vaser technique to help sculpt the body and remove fat. The way we do it is something we have evolved over the past twelve years, we’ve trial and errored many things and come up with the product that we currently offer: we extract the fat in

Cosmos Clinic: Before and after

50 | SPA+CLINIC

We say to people , we re like designers; we create a body for a dress, just like a designer would create a dress for a body.

a way that is gentle on the fat cells so that we can inject it back in; the most popular area by far is the buttock.

In terms of who is suitable, liposuction really is about body shaping, so anyone who wants to change the shape of their body – it’s not about weight reduction, so it’s suitable for anyone who is medically fit to have a medical procedure, and is not grossly obese. For BBLs, it’s anyone who has a flat buttock and is medically fit and well. None of it is medically necessary, but it’s about creating the shape you want.

We say to people we’re like designers; we create a body for a dress, just like a designer would create a dress for a body. For us it’s all about the shape, giving you a shape that is more aesthetically desirable in the current climate. The right shape changes depending on the time period or decade you live in, so there’s no perfect shape, which is what I tell my clients, it depends on what they like. We don’t do implants, I’ve seen them overseas – it’s another level

Cosmos Clinic: Before and after

TECHNOLOGY

of invasiveness and it’s a long recovery. We find that the fat gives us the desired result.

If your buttock is too tight and we can’t fit it all in one session, we’ll get you to come back in about six weeks to put more fat in.

It’s better to do that than overfilling – if you do that and overfill the buttock, the fat cells will die. It’s like going to a fruit shop and picking the right density, and that’s part of the skillset we train our doctors in to get the right density when doing fat transfers. Most commonly, fat is transferred from handles, the lower back, just to get that nice contrast, and the upper and lower tummy. Then I’d say followed by the inner thighs and the arms.

There is quite extensive aftercare; everyone comes back in at least twice a week for the first two weeks to do some lymphatic drainage massages, and we also ask that they put the garments on three weeks full time and three weeks part time. We get people to sleep on their tummies to avoid pressure on their bums and to sit forward on their thighs or to use a pillow for two weeks. Some like to do it for six weeks as there is a lot of evidence out there online, but none of it is proven, I think two weeks is enough in my experience.

Samantha Manolakos – Mon Petit Medispa RF & Ultrasound

Our clients at Mon Petit Medispa who are opting for a ‘Non-Invasive Butt Lift’ are those who don’t want any downtime. They often want to avoid going under general anaesthesia and they don’t want the scars associated with surgery. You can lift a sagging bum, adding shape and volume using radiofrequency and ultrasound technology and get terrific results without any risk or the expense of surgery using the latest non-surgical breakthrough in body contouring from Italy (TGA approved).

During the procedure, the selected headpiece is moved in circular motions slowly over the treatment area which is said to give a sensation of having a hot stone massage. The Coaxmed helps to achieve skin tightening and a more rounded and uplifted buttocks.

The RF and ultrasound penetrates the skin layers to selectively heat the skin, tissue and extra cellular matrix where the collagen fibres are embedded. This local heating causes immediate contraction of the

Mon Petit Medispa

collagen fibres and accelerates production of new collagen and elastin to create a smoother, healthier, lifted and rounded bum.

Our clients are looking for a treatment that will complement their workouts as well as their lifestyles to help lift and shape their bums.

They definitely are [a growing trend] as a lot of clients are wanting treatments now that don’t involve surgery, that are not extremely expensive, and that have zero downtime.

The average clients that book in for this treatment are ones that are exercising but want a little extra push to help lift the bum: • Clients who are fit but are a little cautious about how their peach looks • Who have educated themselves on such a treatment and are aware of costs and procedures • Who have thought through the process well, have read reviews and have researched what to expect • Who are committed to regular treatments to achieve best results Results vary between each client but after a course of six treatments every four weeks they definitely notice a lift to their behinds.

Danielle McDonald – Advanced Skin Spa Combination therapies & facial techniques

Mon Petit Medispa: Before and after

Like all of our other treatments the 3D Butt Lift Facial begins with a consultation to customise before proceeding with a deep exfoliation, peel, extractions if required, high frequency, warm jade stone massage, vacuum suction massage on the thighs and then localised on the buttocks, finishing with the Esthemax Cool & Soothing Rubbermask. We create a customised protocol for each client from the ranges Emergin C, O Cosmedics and Esthemax Professional.

We were actually quite surprised with the interest we received, social media engagement and appointments booked. We’ve even had many clinics from all around the world message us. The 3D Butt Facial has mainly attracted the age group of 21-35. Being on the spaandclinic.com.au | 51

TECHNOLOGY

Advanced Skin Spa

Central Coast we didn’t really think it would be as popular as it is, but we have met some beautiful new people who have travelled from Sydney and Newcastle areas. So I do believe treatments like these are underserviced in our industry right now. It’s a great opportunity for clinics to use modalities already existing in their clinic to cater for a treatment that is currently in demand.

While facial treatments will always out-perform body treatments for our particular business, I do believe this is a growing sector and people want to essentially look after their whole body with professional quality treatments. We’ve had a lot of people say how they didn’t expect a treatment like this would also be so relaxing, the vacuum suction looked a little scary but actually felt very soothing.

Amy McKendrick - NSW Director, Body Catalyst TESLAFormer by Cryomed

The TeslaFormer has been a true game-changer. This treatment helps to strengthen and sculpt muscles using FMS (functional magnetic stimulation), targeting deep into muscles that can be difficult to activate. We’re able to help clients achieve toned and lifted glutes that they weren’t able to through diet and exercise alone. This treatment is not painful at all, rather a pulsing sensation can be felt in the muscle group. In a 30-minute session, clients can experience up to 50,000 pulses delivered via FMS which stimulate the muscles in the glutes to help strengthen, tone and build.

Sessions required vary from person to person depending on body goals, but we find for most people, best results are seen within 6-10 sessions. Sessions are 30 minutes each and are ideally performed every other day.

We do believe these types of treatments are a growing trend.

Non-surgical treatments are popular for a reason - there’s no downtime, no needles, and treatments can be done discreetly and on your lunch break. As we see people’s lives get busier, time is the 52 | SPA+CLINIC

most valuable thing we can give back to someone. The desire to be healthy, and to look and feel your best doesn’t have to come with the sacrifice of being a slave to the gym. When people come to Body Catalyst, they’re not only getting the benefit of reaching their body goals but also time back so they can spend it enjoying their lives.

We see people from all walks of life [seeking this treatment] from busy professionals, mums, fitness enthusiasts and individuals living with chronic conditions that make shifting stubborn pockets of fat or increasing muscle strength and tone difficult. Basically, anyone who is struggling to achieve their body goals and are feeling frustrated after making lifestyle changes and still not seeing the results they’re after.

Our clients have been ecstatic about their results. For our fitness enthusiasts, muscles are stronger and more engaged during exercise, resulting in a more efficient training session. Our clients are excited to see these accelerated results that otherwise would have taken some months or years to achieve.

Body Catalyst

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If you answered YES THEN CHECK OUT THIS AWARD WINNING DEVICE FROM ITALY.

What it can do for you: ♥ Q UICK RETURN ON INVESTMENT ♥ H IGH PROFIT MARGIN ♥ M ULTIPLE TREATMENT FUNCTIONS ♥ T REATS THE FACE & THE BODY ♥ B OOST CASH FLOW WITH TREATMENT PACKAGES

What it can do for your customers: P ERMANENT FAT REDUCTION B ODY SCULPTING & TONING S KIN TIGHTENING C ELLULITE TREATMENT N ON SURGICAL FACE LIFT & DOUBLE CHIN SLIMMING

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Meet The Faces Behind The Brands

Behind the well-known device companies in Australia are some of the most motivated and knowledgable sales reps. We picked their brains to get to know them better.

What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most and what innovation are you most excited about?

Katie Budd Role: Cutera Area Sales Manager NSW Central, SA, Corporate Accounts

me eagerly wonder what the future has in store for noninvasive body contouring. When you combine the evolving innovative non-invasive body contouring technology with the industry growth curve that the treatments are responsible for, it results in clinics providing treatments that are exciting, cutting-edge and unique. This excites me a lot.

I only recently joined Cutera after a very long and enjoyable tenure at another device company.

It was time for a change and I was looking for a company that was reputable, clinically proven and sound Mark Collins in manufacture, being an American based organisation. I Role: Cutera Area Sales Manager had my eye on Cutera for these reasons and they don’t NSW Sth, ACT, NZ disappoint. The entire portfolio including the recently The aspect of my role as an Area Sales launched excel V+, the truSculpt family plus Enlighten III Manager at Cutera that I enjoy the most offers clinics outstanding clinical outcomes and exceptional is providing clinics with the best possible value. The company culture is very supportive and we have products on the market and seeing them build their business some great plans in place moving through the rest of 2020 to the next level. Cutera has the most innovative products and beyond to support and grow our clients. on the market. The products are engineered with the Cutera’s I’m most excited about the possibilities that will open owners in mind; to offer the owner a better business model, excel V+ up with the launch of TruSculpt Flex for muscle stimulation. among which includes system longevity, treatment efficacy, There is huge consumer demand at present for muscle patient safety and comfort. Products from Cutera outlast stimulating devices and the companies who launched early have seen the life span of many of our competitors’ products. some great traction. A next generation of these devices can be seen in All Cutera devices have intuitive, easy to use interface control, the TruSculpt Flex, which is truly customisable and effective. which makes them easy to use and easy to delegate to staff. They all have built in safety features such as integrated cooling for epidermal Martin Collins protection and patient comfort, Real-time calibration for safety with Role: Cutera Area Sales Manager NSW Nth, WA every dose of energy that your patients receive. As such there are The aspect of working at Cutera that I enjoy the no sudden, unexpected over treated skin areas during or after the most is the commercial partnerships that are built treatment. The products all have a small footprint, and they all run on the back of the clinical outcomes that Cutera quietly without generating excess heat. Products from Cutera can technology provides. Due to the fact that the fit into even the smallest inner city clinics, without exhausting the Cutera install base is heavily dominated by high end clinics, working at operator from noise or heat.

Cutera enables me to collaborate with some of the most intellectual The excel V+ is the technology that I am most excited about this business minds in the industry. Collaborating with business owners year because treatment results should ultimately be high on every to create a commercial vision, followed by implementing a series of clinic owner’s expectation from a device, after all results are exactly achievable plans is what satisfies me immensely. Working at Cutera why their clients book appointments. The excel V+ meets and continues to expose me to endless opportunity to further develop exceeds these expectations. Over the last 21 years Cutera has been and grow both personally and professionally. at the forefront of the most significant engineering developments I personally think we are scratching the surface with non-invasive in laser, light and energy based devices. Leaders from Dermatology body contouring technology, what excites me the most is how fast and Plastic Surgery around the world have quickly recognised the the non-invasive body contouring technology is evolving. Cutera are superiority of the excel V+ since its launch in 2019. It is considered a on the cusp of launching a unique muscle stimulation device that will work horse for vascular conditions, including Rosacea, telangiectasia, complement the extremely popular truSculpt iD while providing spider veins, and reticular leg veins, pigmented lesions and skin unique muscular hypertrophy to multiple muscle group simultaneously. rejuvenation. In fact the excel V+ has more than 20 indications for Coming from a professional sporting background, the ability to improve use. It has three hand pieces, from which five revenue streams are inactive muscle groups and minimise post operation downtime makes available, all without consumable components.

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technology

Daine Merrin and Whitney Stronach Roles: Venus Concept Territory Managers NSW, ACT

What we love about working at Venus Concept is: 1. Company culture – we are a true family 2. R eliable and efficacious tech – when clinics are excited about their treatment offerings it puts love into the patients’ skin!

3. S ubscription model with an upgrade path – modest deposit, 36 month interest free repayments, three years warranty, with opportunity to upgrade along the way so the tech isn’t obsolete, and the treatment menu can grow and change with the clinic.

Our favourite device and treatment to date is the Nanofractional RF with Venus Viva. Looking ahead, we are thrilled to continue partnering with surgeons to grow our Hair Restoration business, and so excited to launch two new devices into the Australian market the second half of 2020! STAY TUNED!

Venus Concept’s Venus Viva

Vera Kapalle Role: Candela Senior Business Development Manager Australia & New Zealand

Candela’s GentleMax Pro

Candela was my first choice of company I wanted to work for when moving from Berlin, Germany to Australia on January 1st, 2015. Candela is a well-known, reputable global leading brand of device technology and I was thrilled to start my role only three weeks after moving here. Part of my job that I enjoy most therefore is that the territories I look after are polar opposites with Queensland being highly medical and SouthWest Sydney being very beauty salon driven. Berlin is a very diverse city and so I enjoy the diversity of my customers.

We have a number of innovative upgrades for current devices to be launched very soon and are just waiting for the final TGA approvals that will allow us to talk about what’s to come! Candela invests highly into R&D and scientific evidence is of most importance to us. Innovations are constantly evolving and often based on the demands of our current customers. Watch this space for some exciting news to come on the PicoWay and GentleMax Pro!

Jade Ridden

device unless it can deliver predictable, reliable results that are also user friendly. It’s a massive bonus that these devices are reasonably priced for our partners and have I love working for Cryomed as they a massive potential for profitability. I really enjoy seeing care about the customers we partner our partners thrive after investing in leading technology. with. Cryomed has a culture that These devices have the ability to create change and encourages us to support our customers and to provide growth within a business and it is fantastic that I am able them with the necessary tools they need in order to to be part of this journey. successfully launch a device into their business. I love The supportive culture that Cryomed delivers for that I am able to provide flexibility for our customers, their customers also filters through to the team. I this allows me to really listen to their needs and deliver am really honoured to work with such a diverse and a service that is appropriate for their individual needs dedicated team of professionals. We all work together and personal situation. in harmony as we have different strengths but the same I am also really lucky to work with a great clinical end goal which is to deliver affordable investments to team, I am continuously impressed with the knowledge our partners and to support them throughout their the clinical team bring to the table, this not only own personal journey. I truly wouldn’t want to work Cryomed’s continues my own learning and development but also anywhere else.

Ultraformer massively supports our customers - I am forever receiving We are launching some brand new devices very soon! I feedback about how amazing the standard of training is am really excited to introduce these devices to our current and as a Dermal Therapist myself I understand just how valuable partners. As we know the aesthetic industry is forever changing and this really is. always developing, we ensure that we are always at the forefront of I love the fact that Cryomed’s founder Josh Locker handpicks global trends. Our clinical team are also developing new workshops our devices from all around the world. Josh is extremely particular and protocols as we speak; I am really excited to test the new when it comes to launching devices and simply won’t entertain a protocols out and see the results we can achieve together.

Role: Cryomed Business Development Manager, Victoria & Tasmania

spaandclinic.com.au | 55

Technology

Freezing Fat Without Painful Suction Cups Cryo T-Shock offers an easier way to get rid of stubborn fat and tighten skin.

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ith body sculpting treatments still increasing in popularity at a forecast rate for well over 20% p.a. for the next five years, clients are looking for faster, easier ways to get rid of unwanted fat. They want pain-free, quick treatments that give visible results. Introducing the latest body sculpting and skin tightening technology on the market that is set to revolutionise the way we freeze fat: Cryo T-Shock.

Cryo T-Shock uses a handheld applicator, which is applied to the body using a massage technique. Unlike the suction cup models which can be uncomfortable and painful, and may be unsuitable for some clients, Cryo T-Shock treatments are customisable, relaxing and very tolerable, and the handheld applicator is able to treat hard to reach places and denser areas like saddle bags and inner thighs that don’t easily fit into a suction cup.

What’s different about Cryo T-Shock compared to other body sculpting devices on the market is that it employs Thermal Shock technology (hence the name ‘T-Shock’) alternating between hot and cold temperatures at varying times and sequences to effect physiological change (also known as Contrast Cryolipolysis). Treatments induce lipolysis (breakdown of fats) through a process 56 | SPA+CLINIC

Before and after 2 fat freezing treatments with Cryo T-Shock

Before and after 2 jaw line and neck slimming treatments with Cryo T-Shock

known as apoptosis (controlled cell death), during which the affected fat cells begin to die and are then naturally metabolised and removed by the lymphatic system, resulting in the reduction of the subcutaneous fat layer.

Through the use of its innovative thermal shock system, Cryo T-Shock treatments also tighten and improve the appearance of the skin. Microcirculation of the skin is increased dramatically as capillaries undergo a period of vasoconstriction (constriction of blood

vessels) followed by vasodilatation (dilation of blood vessels). This causes toxins stored in the layers of the skin to be broken down and flushed away. Collagen production is increased, the lymphatic system is stimulated and the metabolic rate is increased.

Cryo T-Shock can treat both the body and face (double chin, jawline, neck, décolletage), making it the MVP of any clinic as it is highly profitable and easy to use. The device is competitively priced with weekly repayments from as low as $240.00 and the only consumable is the Cryo Gel which costs about $3.50 per treatment, making it easy to achieve a high ROI. Cryo T-Shock training courses are designed to help owners unleash the full potential at your fingertips – whatever your ability or experience. They offer tailored oneon-one instruction and guidance from expert trainers who provide coaching, information and technique supporting owners to develop the skills to confidently use Cryo T-Shock to achieve outstanding results.

Discover the future of body sculpting and facial rejuvenation!

Contact Lambrini Dranganoudis on 1300 458 222, e: hello@cryotshock.com.au cryotshock.com.au

Sponsored

Dr Shobhna Singh at Nitai Cosmetic and Medical Centre

Why I Choose StimSure For My Patients

®

Introducing StimSure®, a state-of-the-art, non-invasive electromagnetic technology which builds and tones muscle.

D

eveloped in conjunction with leading experts in international sports science and neuromuscular electromagnetic stimulation, StimSure® is the latest generation muscle stimulation technology. We chatted to Cosmetic Physician, Dr Shobhna Singh, who uses StimSure® at her clinic in Melbourne to find out what makes the device a great fit for her business.

“I’ve been working for 28 years. My background was general practice and now I practice cosmetic medicine and skin cancer Medicine,” Dr Singh says. “My clinic is Nitai Cosmetic and Medical Centre, which is based in Glenroy in Melbourne. The practice is doctor run so all the patients that come in actually see me before they see any of the dermal clinicians or nurses to make sure we’re treating the right patient for the right reason.”

The StimSure ® technology is an electromagnetic technology, which stimulates muscle growth, with the indication for use being for muscle atrophy.

“The reason we got it is it helps with other body contouring treatments. I’ve got a cryolipolysis machine and we also have the TempSure ® which helps with the skin tightening aspect,” explains Dr Singh.

“The three main issues people have is skin laxity, loss of muscle and tone, as well as body fat, so by combining the three methods we can get quite a good result in the area of

concern. I’ve had the pleasure of being on the Cynosure advisory board in relation with the radiofrequency technology. Cynosure has been wonderful to deal with. We’ve had a lot of support from the company.”

The difference StimSure ® can make for Dr Singh’s clients goes beyond a visual improvement.

“Most patients have trouble with certain areas. They might have trouble building up their abdominal muscles for example, so with StimSure® we can help them build up the muscle. They also benefit long-term as it can help them with their posture and their stability. I tried the machine myself and I found that by treating my core I could actually run better. So when you feel strong, you feel like you can actually exercise more, which is a real benefit to middle aged patients, as they will hopefully try harder to look after themselves.”

With four pre-set programs and the ability to create a personalised solution, consumers can visit a clinic and receive a tailored treatment plan designed to achieve their individual goals. StimSure® is simple to operate, with a secure fixing belt, and can be used through light clothing.

With no recovery period or downtime, StimSure® is suitable for a wide range of people, however it is not intended for weight loss. The technology is designed for those who wish to build and define their muscles to complement their fitness journey.

For optimal results, six to eight treatments (twice a week) are recommended. Best results are usually seen within 3-4 weeks after a full treatment plan has been implemented.

For more information, visit cynosureaustralia.com/product/ stimsure/

StimSure® facts and figures: • up to 24,000 muscle contractions in 30 minutes • can be used through light clothing • four pre-set programs • six to eight treatments recommended for best results • f inal results usually seen three to four weeks after the last treatment • no downtime

spaandclinic.com.au | 57

SHAPE PHYSIQUES BUILD YOUR BUSINESS

Biceps Triceps

HOW DOES STIMSURE WORK?

Abdomen Buttocks Thighs

Calves

PADDLES APPLIED TO SKIN

ACTION POTENTIAL STIMULATED

MUSCLES CONTRACT

GROWTH OF MUSCLE FIBRES

Introducing StimSure a non-invasive muscle building and toning technology from Cynosure. This next gen electromagnetic device delivers 24,000 full muscle contractions in just 20 - 30 minutes for natural-looking, consistent results.

NON-INVASIVE ELECTROMAGNETIC MUSCLE STIMULATION

• Longest applicator lifespan of 10,000 x 30 minute treatments • No consumables • Builds and tones muscle safely with visible results • Short treatment time between 20 - 30 minutes, with no downtime • Pre-set programs allow personalised client treatment plans • Fully delegatable procedure

For more information on how to add StimSure to your practice contact infoaustralia@cynosure.com cynosureaustralia.com Cynosure Australia

Cynosure Australia

© 2020. Cynosure, Inc. All rights reserved. Cynosure and StimSure are registered trademarks of Cynosure, Inc.

What Women Want

Feminine hygiene and vaginal treatments are part of a booming market. It’s time to broaden your clients’ horizons and invite them to get to know their own bodies better.

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agina - for people in our industry, it’s just the name of a body part, but for most others out there it is still a word that gets avoided and replaced by silly terms, such as ‘hoo-hah’ or ‘vajayjay’.

For some reason, most girls are brought up avoiding talking about their genitals, leaving a lot of grown-up women ashamed of their body parts.

With vaginal treatments such as tightening through laser or even ‘vagacials’ facials for vaginas, our industry is slowly but steadily destigmatising the female body. And now, even major retailers such as Sephora are jumping on board the vaginal health train by offering a whole range of products specifically formulated for vaginas. ‘Queen V’ consists of seven feminine hygiene products ranging from a pH-balanced cleansing bar to a rose water deodorant spritz.

So are women more open nowadays to talk about vaginas? Founder of Queen V, Lauren Steinberg, thinks many are still afraid.

“In general, I really feel that there is a lack of education in the feminine hygiene space.

Many women are told that their vagina is a ‘private part’ and they are conditioned not to talk openly or speak about this body part ever. Vagina is not a dirty word or a bad word. It is not okay to shame women for talking about a body part, especially one 60 | SPA+CLINIC

Queen V Pop The Bubbly Bubble Bath

Lauren Steinberg

Queen V The Spritzer Deodorising Spray

that is so special and that requires so much education behind it. When people feel ashamed about something as important as a vagina/vulva, they are afraid to talk about it.”

As the daughter of a gynaecologist,

Lauren felt like feminine health “was a topic that I could openly speak about with my mom if I wanted to. Even though my dad is a gynaecologist, it was never something I openly wanted to talk about with him until I really wanted to learn the science behind it.” Once she learned more about vaginas, she realised that one of the biggest misconceptions among women is that everyone’s genitals have to look the same. “There is no such thing as a normal vagina,” she explains. “Everyone’s body is different and will look different and will react differently.”

So what made Lauren come up with a hygiene range for vaginas?

“The vulva (external part) is sensitive and needs to be treated differently than other parts of your body. The vagina is a self-cleanser. Many vaginal products on the market may contain ingredients that can be harmful to your body. It is important to pay attention to what you are putting inside of your body and on your skin. Everyone’s vagina is different and has different needs.

Therefore, everyone has a different vaginal care routine. Vaginas are one of the most absorbent body parts and have a pH of 3.84.5. Many products on the market can throw your vaginal bacteria off causing infection or irritation and therefore it is important to use

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products made for your vagina. pH refers to the vagina’s acidity level. A vaginal pH of 3.8 - 4.5 indicates that there is a perfect number of good bacteria, and no overgrowth of bad bacteria that can cause odor, irritation and sometimes infection. Most cleansers and soaps have a pH that ranges from 9-10 when your vagina naturally has a pH of 3.8-4.5.

Incorporating pH-balanced products into your routine not only cleanses your Queen V and body at the same time but also protects you from pesky bacteria that can cause infection and irritation,” Lauren explains.

Founder of Mahina Menstrual Cups, Alila Rose Grace, recommends we take better care of our vaginas and act when we feel something’s not quite right. “The ph balance of the vagina is very delicate and can be easily disrupted,” she explains.

“When it comes to any imbalances, I recommend vaginal steaming and yoni eggs.

These ancient practices assist the vagina in returning to balance and harmony.

Vaginal Steaming “Vaginal steaming is one of the most ancient practices for women that we can trace through most cultures. It is a beautiful gift to any women’s vagina, at any age and for a wide range of benefits. The actual practice itself involves soaking specific medicinal herbs overnight. The next day, they are simmered for about 20 minutes, then left to cool (always with the lid on!). The herbs release what is called volatile oils, which infuses the steam with the medicine. I specially designed the Love Your Yoni Steam Spa to make this ceremony easy and nurturing. When a woman sits on the pot, anywhere between 20-40 minutes, the steam engorges the labia, which mimics arousal. It then travels into the vaginal canal and if she is relaxed and open, through the cervix and into the uterus. The steam opens the pores, pulls out impurities, toxins and imbalances while also infusing the cells with the oils from the herbs.

According to Alila, “the vaginal steam not only detoxifies the reproductive area, it also helps to balance the hormones, lift and tone the uterus, clear any scar tissue or excess membranes from birth or cesarean section, and assists in releasing emotional and energetic residue. Vaginal steaming is helpful in relieving painful periods and pms symptoms, as a postpartum treatment, to shrink or expel anything foreign in the pelvic bowl and to bring back the juice/libido post menopause.”

Mahina Love Your Yoni Steam Spa

Alila Rose Grace Mahina Nephrite Jade Yoni Egg

Vaginal Tightening When it comes to vaginal tightening, there are laser treatments, but Alila recommends yoni eggs. “There is a lot of misconception around how and why to use yoni eggs, so I’m going to do my best to de-bunk some myths for you. The vaginal canal is a long and beautiful spiral network of short muscles.

Due to their short length, they can fire up and strengthen much faster than larger muscles. Keep in mind the age old saying, “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” So when we fail to properly use and tone these muscles, the organs start to prolapse (fall downward) over time.

“Remember our dear friend gravity!

This is when the uterus falls out of place and even prolapses into the vaginal canal.

Another all too common symptom is urinary incontinence (ie. women not having control of their bladder during activities like laughing and exercising). The amazing news is, this is all ‘curable’ with yoni eggs. The more regularly you use your yoni egg, the better and faster the results you will get.

The reason why it is NOT recommended to wear it all day long or overnight is because when the egg is inside the vaginal canal there is always a subtle flexing action with the muscles. With this prolonged usage there is risk of over strengthening and tightening the entire pelvic floor.

“Think yoga, the key is to increase flexibility and strength. Depending on your intention, I recommend doing 5-10 minutes of yoni egg exercises 3-5 times a week. This repetition will allow the muscles to build strength and make a difference. Some other fun benefits of regular yoni egg exercises

are increased orgasmic sensation, increased lubrication, increased libido and a general increased sense of feeling your power from within. All our eggs come with a full users guide, how to care and clean, plus an activation meditation.

“I find that women are definitely becoming more and more open and experimental. With the growing popularity of these practices, two things are happening.

One, it makes my job easier because there is an increased awareness and curiosity and two, there are a lot of misconceptions out there and women getting wrong information which can lead to problems and closing down altogether to the holistic alternatives.

I believe that when you are ready for a solution, it will appear. I feel so passionate about supporting women to use these tools and practices to anchor awareness in their sacred center as well as regain their power and purpose. I believe the body is the authority and the uterus is the queen. So when the queen is in her right seat (correct position) she directs the castle (her body) and the village (her external environment) with ease and joy. A women in her power is a women who can do anything! There is nothing that brings me more joy than witnessing an awakened women owning her body and her life,” says Alila.

It seems the ‘female awakening’ is upon us and when it comes to selfcare, vaginas will no longer be ignored. So it may be time to think about stocking yoni eggs or vaginal oils in your spa or clinic, or you could even add vaginal steaming to your treatment menu - the world is your oyster (metaphorical pun intended). spaandclinic.com.au | 61

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Let’s Talk About

Menopause

It is a time in every woman’s life often ignored.

Here’s how spas can cater to mature women.

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ven though millions of women are affected by it, we don’t talk about it enough: menopause. Menopause occurs when a woman has not had their period for 12 months due to hormonal changes in the ageing body. Globally, there are 47 million new menopausal women each year. By 2030 it is estimated that 1.2 billion women will be menopausal, which begs the questions: Why is our industry not offering more wellness treatments targeted at women with menopausal symptoms?

“Menopause can potentially be the most empowered and healthy time of a woman’s life,” says nutritionist, naturopath and wholefood chef, Janella Purcell. “More often than not though, it’s anything but. Hot flushes, weight gain, especially around the middle, anxiety, dryness, insomnia and the inevitable irritability from these symptoms can be reduced, or even eliminated with the right natural therapies.

“One of the best things women can do for themselves to reduce all types of stress is to nurture themselves, without the guilt.

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Going to the spa or health clinic is not an indulgence but a necessary part of the self-care needed at this major transition in a woman’s life,” Purcell explains.

Reproductive physiologist Hayley Dickinson agrees. “Taking time out for regular massage, for example, will reduce stress and induce relaxation. Aromatherapy may be beneficial to women as an adjunct to other treatment strategies and may be beneficial in helping women achieve quality sleep. Yoga shows benefits for women by providing some relief from psychological symptoms experienced during menopause.”

“There is limited empirical evidence for spa and wellness treatments being beneficial for women going through menopause. I think the reason for that is probably not that they don’t provide benefit and relief to women during this remarkable physiological transformation, but rather that we simply don’t ask the right questions, nor effectively generate quality data around this aspect of women’s lives,” says Dickinson.

Emepelle’s Serum and Night Cream

“I think for spas and wellness spaces to really serve women during this time of their lives, they have to start being a little bit brave and doing quality research to answer the question ‘Does this treatment really benefit our clients?’ Until there is robust evidence for an alternative, the status quo will remain.”

As women age and oestrogen levels decline, their skin can lose up to 30% of dermal collagen in the first five years of menopause. This can be visible as increased dryness and wrinkling, which is why many women’s skincare regime needs to change pre and post menopause. dermocosmetica have released Emepelle, a serum and night cream specifically formulated for menopausal women. Emepelle includes ‘MEP technology’, a non-hormonal molecule that helps address collagen loss in Oestrogen deficient skin. The rich formulations have shown to increase hydration and luminosity as well as firm skin in 8-week clinical trials.

In a QoL Questionnaire, 93% of study participants responded that “the products helped alleviate some or all of the skin issues developed since entering menopause.” Lead Investigator Joel Cohen, MD, concludes: “Up until now, we haven’t had a nonhormonal method to improve dryness, dullness, and laxity in oestrogen deficient skin in menopausal [...] women. In my 20week open-label study, photos document the very impressive daily patient diary records of major improvement in parameters associated with oestrogen deficient skin.”

As a spa, why not include a menopause massage to your treatment that deeply relaxes women? It could include a hydrating facial to combat any dryness experienced as a symptom, or aromatherapy that helps balance the body. With Emepelle, you could even continue this specialised service down to your skincare products.

Blurred Lines of Compliance for Nurse Injectors As increasingly more nurses decide to become injectors, it is important to prioritise patient safety. Bridie Walsh, cosmetic nurse injector at Renaissance Cosmetic Clinics in Melbourne, breaks down the dos and don’ts.

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hen a client is on the injecting bed, trusting you with a needle in their face, tell-all confessions about everything from ex-partners to their previous injectable experiences flow fast and abundantly.

“My usual girl comes to my house.”

“The last person put filler in my frown lines for $60.”

We’ve heard it all.

It is also all too often that these same clients, who are veterans with injectables, look back at you confused when you consent them for the potentially very real and serious side effects of a dermal filler or explain that a consult will take place with a doctor to gain a prescription for their treatment.

“I never did this with the last nurse I saw,” they say, eyeing you suspiciously.

So while an ever growing number of nurses are swapping the wards for the cosmetic setting and becoming skilled and dedicated injectors, why are there enough that stray from compliant practice that we are constantly climbing the mountain of defending our careers? Having worked in the cosmetic industry for the past 10 years, involved in everything from protocol creation, marketing, preparing defences for regulating bodies and monitoring compliance, I feel fairly well versed on where the lines start to blur for nurse injectors.

Firstly, the standards of practice are mainly based on ‘guidelines and recommendations’ rather than concrete rules. Unless you are working with an experienced doctor or company, you may have to go digging for the answers to

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questions such as what emergency drugs to have available, how to store them or which licences you need. One of the biggest threats that lingers in the background, is the eventual end to the ‘Skype Doctor plus nurse’ business model, which can be fantastic if executed well, or a disaster if not. In many areas of nursing where you can barely put a hand on a patient without a doctor giving you permission to do so, the relative independence that this model brings can also demand a higher responsibility of patient care.

Dr Albert Ho, the Medical Director of Renaissance Cosmetic Clinics has supervised nurse led businesses for over a decade and been in the industry for over 30 years. He continuously refines and improves his processes for ensuring compliance with his licenced injectors.

“Good consistent habits should be formed from the beginning. If you perform treatments without the correct training, the consequences could be severe for the patient and essentially ruin your career. Keep committed to regular training and grow slowly within your scope of practice. 90% of what people want are the basics anyway,” he says.

As the famed pioneer of the MD Codes, Dr Mauricio De Maio puts it, the people that come into our clinics are ‘plients’, somewhere between a patient and a client. High expectations, customer service and satisfaction have more focus than most other medical services. If the atmosphere is not set up for conversations about topics such as potential risks, these can often go overlooked. Even some women in their 50s love to bring several companions to their cosmetic consultations which can easily lead to conversations about plans on the weekend and distractions away from correct paperwork (and correct placement of injections!).

The pressure to deliver what the client asks for and increase revenue can also lead to deviation from compliance. When a five minute anti-wrinkle treatment can return hundreds of dollars, the 10 minutes it takes to properly consent and call a doctor

Did you know that, as a nurse, it is non-compliant to: • U se any S4 medicine without a doctor’s consultation and prescriptionincluding high strength topical numbing cream • C hange the treatment plan and areas injected without re-consulting a doctor • C onduct a doctor’s consultation through SMS or over the phone – it must at least be a face-to-face video consultation • L eave S4 medicines accessible to people not authorised by the prescribing doctor – lock up!

• B e unprepared to deal with an adverse effect – ensure an Epipen and Hyalase is available and keep CPR training up to date

Keep committed to regular training and grow slowly within your scope of practice.

90% of what people want are the basics anyway

can often be rushed or omitted completely by nurses wanting to fit more bookings into the day. Also, rather than turning down requests for potentially high risk treatments like nose bridge filler, even the most novice injector may undertake these treatments without any formalised training or knowledge of the facial anatomy.

Treatment videos on social media can make risky treatments like this appear as simple as a ‘colour-bynumber’ and meanwhile have none of the proper warnings in place. This can lead to consumers requesting these services and inexperienced nurse injectors performing high risk treatments with potentially devastating effects. Do a simple search of Instagram and some of the highest yielding nurse injector accounts are disobeying every single rule in the advertising restriction handbook, not to mention displaying techniques that are far from best practice.

It’s important there is a close working relationship between the prescribing doctor and nurse. If complaints or complications arise, a breakdown in this communication can leave the nurse vulnerable if the regulating bodies become involved. Transparency can also help to develop trust with the client and make them aware there are risks involved but there is help available if needed. Lastly, good documentation should never be overlooked including medical and cosmetic history, consents and good quality before and after photos.

As more light is shone upon safe compliant practice and consumers become more educated about risks, non-compliant nurse injectors will be forced to step up or be left behind. spaandclinic.com.au | 65

heading

Why Oral Fitness Matters Dr David Cowhig talks us through five ways a holistic, biological dentist can help your overall wellbeing.

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he world of anti-ageing and aesthetic medicine is booming and nobody wants to grow old with chronic illness. The focus has been on outer appearance with multiple aesthetic enhancements, supplements and fitness regimes. The world of anti-ageing is now looking at the effects on the inner health as a major contributor to the way we look, think and feel. Glowing skin and a healthy smile is what every aesthetic practitioner is striving to achieve.

The study of the microbiome of the gut is fascinating when you think that the whole of the DNA of our body is only 10% human and 90% bacteria, virus and other nasty aliens. As the mouth is the top of the gut, it too has its unique oral biome that communicates with our body.

The other aspect of focus of anti-ageing medicine is mitochondrial health. These are the energy producing mechanisms of every cell in the body. It has been said that all chronic illness is due to mitochondrial dysfunction. So we really need to take every step to eliminate stressors to these powerful powerhouses of the body. This is why good gut and mitochondria health are the keys to wellness, longevity and a clear complexion that defies your age. ‘What has this got to do with dentistry?’ you may ask. Recent scientific research is identifying the stressors in modern day life that contribute to degradation of the oral/ gut microbiome and mitochondria. Heavy metals, infections, inflammation, poor oxygenation and EMF all contribute. So when 66 | SPA+CLINIC

we look at your mouth we need to take the following factors into account:

Do you have old silver Mercury amalgams?

Your old silver fillings are made up of over 50% elemental mercury and the rest silver, tin and copper. Unfortunately there is a release of heavy metal mercury all the time when you chew, heat and grind. This is absorbed into the respiratory system and digestive system. The oral microbiome changes it to methyl mercury that you can also get from eating fish that then changes the gut microbiome. An increased risk of toxicity, candida and antibiotic resistance can occur.

The solution:

Find a dentist who is SMART certified (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique). You will then be reassured that you can replace these fillings when indicated with safety to you, the dental staff and the planet.

Are your gums red in your smile and bleed when brushing?

This is a sign of gum disease. This leads to loss of bony attachment around your teeth leading to abscess and loss. The bacteria in you oral microbiome are out of balance and the nasty anaerobic bacteria enter the blood and travel to the brain and other distant organs. This chronic infection leads to whole body inflammation (and could therefore show as inflamed skin) and needs to be addressed seriously.

The solution:

Find a dentist with a dental hygienist. We call it Oral Fitness Therapy. The focus of the treatment is to address the bacteria responsible and show you simple ways of preventing the situation arising again. Nutritional advice, Ozone infused solutions and easy to follow oral maintenance programmes are used to get this condition under control.

Have you had your root canals checked recently?

Root canal therapy is carried out to retain a dead tooth in your mouth. An Endodontist specialises in this procedure. There is always a risk that a low grade infection will still exist beyond the end of the root in the bone of your jaw. A dead tooth that has not had a root canal therapy is a definite source of chronic infection. These chronic infections are anaerobic in nature and will travel via the blood to the brain and distant organs. If you have had a tooth removed and the bone of the socket has not healed then this also is a source of these chronic infections.

The solution:

Regular examination of these areas with a digital x-ray and visual inspection of the gum at the neck of these teeth is recommended.

A 3D-Conebeam CT with low radiation/ high definition view can see problems that normal x-rays miss. Removal of any tooth needs to address the infection in the bone and socket to encourage healthy healing. We have introduced advanced healing techniques using components of your own blood, PRF

Medi

(Platelet Rich Fibrin) to accelerate healing and enable a healthy tooth replacement with a metal free zirconia dental implant. Dental Wellness was the first dental practice in Australasia to introduce a total metal free aesthetic solution.

Are you breathing well?

Optimal oxygen supply to the cells of your body relies on correct breathing techniques.

Nasal breathing is advised but many people struggle to breathe through their nose, especially when asleep, and snoring and sleep apnoea can result. Mouth breathing leads to risk of a heightened nervous system that can lead to anxiety, stress and even high blood pressure with a reduction of oxygen to the cells of the body.

The solution:

From an early age your biological dentist will assess your breathing and airway. Correct jaw development occurs when nasal breathing is encouraged early in life. Tonsil and airway health assessments are undertaken, dietary

guidance and a referral to an ENT is given if necessary. As an adult it is possible to improve the nasal breathing by wearing a dental splint or building up your bite. By opening your bite the resistance to air intake is reduced via the nose. An added bonus of opening your bite is less stressed facial muscles and less of a nasiolabial crease, mentallis and lip contraction creating a stress free smile. A GP referral for sleep study will rule out Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and a plan of action given so that your heart and brain are not under stress when asleep. Deep sleep is essential for calming the nervous system and allowing healing and detoxification of even the brain.

Smile, it’s good for you!

When you smile, you feel good. “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of understanding.” Mother Teresa. If you hold back from smiling because you dislike something about your teeth, we can help.

The solution

When you can smile freely with confidence, your whole face lights up. Modern aesthetic dentistry can achieve the smile you have always wanted. A totally metal free solution can be achieved at Dental Wellness with wafer thin ceramic veneers or zirconia crowns, bridges and metal free bioceramic implants.

With no metal in your mouth you avoid potential reactions with surrounding EMF that may become a big issue in the future.

So as you can see, if these dental issues are addressed in a safe modern holistic way, the major stressors on the body can be minimised. As such, it is important for aesthetic practitioners to be aware of the effects of poor dental health so that they may refer clients to a dentist they trust. Keep smiling. It’s good for you.

Dr David Cowhig graduated from Kings College London dental school 30 years ago and migrated to Australia in 1998 setting up his Brisbane based wellness orientated dental practice, Dental Wellness.

Dentalwellness.com.au

Biostimulators Are On The Rise

Experts say the demand for biostimulating injections are growing.

Here’s what you need to know.

W

hile they may not be new, many practitioners agree that biostimulators are a growing trend, as patients continue to seek innovative solutions to address loss of volume. And with the long-lasting results the treatment offers, you can see the appeal. We chat to some Australian practitioners about their preferred methods of collagen stimulating injections.

Dr. Jane Lucas, Cosmetic Physician / Medical Director, COCO Skin Clinic Dr Jane Lucas has been offering biostimulators for years for their natural results.

Collagen Biostimulator is a non-surgical injectable treatment which gradually stimulates collagen production. It is ideal for patients who want a progressive and natural looking overall facial rejuvenation. It is excellent for what we term ‘global volumisation’.

Dr Jane Lucas

As we age, the ‘scaffolding structures’ of our face (i.e. fat pads, ligaments, bony platform) become compromised. This leads to global volume loss and sagging of the overlying soft tissue and skin. Collagen biostimulator is ideal for gently replacing this lost volume without over-inflating the face.

In addition to the volume restoration effects, collagen biostimulator also has positive results on spaandclinic.com.au | 67

medi

the skin’s appearance, secondary to the increased collagen production. In essence, it’s a great option for those who are wanting an overall rejuvenation.

I have been performing collagen biostimulator treatments since 2013 and it has been on COCO Skin Clinic’s treatment menu since we opened in April 2018.

We use product ‘S‘ – a biodegradable and biocompatible product, as it’s been around for over 30 years and has a high safety profile.

The major drawcard for the treatment is that the effects are long lasting – typically two+ years. The initial course of treatment is two to three sessions, performed four to six weeks apart. Following this, I find that most people only require a single top up session every 18-24 months, rather than repeating the full treatment course again.

However, it does have some limitations – it is not recommended for treating certain parts of the face such as around the eyes or mouth. The patient also needs to commit to regularly massaging the treated areas for five days post treatment. It’s also important to keep in mind that unlike filler, the results are not evident immediately. It can take several months for the full results to be apparent, so patience and treatment timing is key. It is ideal for those who are seeking an ‘untouched’, progressive rejuvenating treatment – that is, patients who require facial volume replacement and who are after a gradual but long-term result. I find it particularly great to use in men, those who have experienced weight loss or in some cases, those who find that traditional filler is not as long lasting as they’d hope.

Each modality, whether it’d be dermal fillers, thread lifts or collagen biostimulator has a specific role in achieving the best overall aesthetic outcome for a patient. It’s important to determine which treatment modality is best suited to each individual

and their circumstances, as well as prioritise treatment schedules. For example, if a patient presented with global volume loss through the mid and lower face and wanted a rejuvenating treatment in preparation for their daughter’s wedding in three weeks dermal fillers would be best suited as we can achieve the desired results within a short time frame. It may then be ideal to followup the initial dermal filler treatments with collagen biostimulator as a long-term plan.

However, if a patient wants a gradual, subtle yet noticeable improvement over a period of months, then collagen biostimulator would be a great choice.

In reality, we combine several treatment modalities as each has specific applications, benefits and limitations.

Dominika Gialouris, Director, Body Sculpting Clinics Body Sculpting Clinics use biostimulators for a slightly different application - the treatment of cellulite.

Biostimulators act as a micro stimulator deep within the dermis, and contain microparticles of “Poly-L-Lactic acid”(PLLA), which are biocompatible and biodegradable.

These collagen stimulating injections are a non-surgical options which help to provide a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of dimpling skin and skin texture. This helps to offer patients long lasting results in the treatment of cellulite.

Collagen stimulating products are injected below the surface of the skin in the area where the cellulite is appearing, using product ‘S’. It acts like a fertiliser, or a seed that stimulates the production of the new collagen, replacing the old and damaged collagen that occurs with ageing. There

Body Sculpting Clinics use biostimulators to inject into the buttocks to reduce cellulite

68 | SPA+CLINIC

are many treatments for cellulite but these biostimulators work differently to other cellulite treatments. As a collagen stimulator with PLLA, it works deep within the dermis to help imbue new life and vitality to collagen production. This helps restore your skin’s inner structure and substance.

What makes these treatments appealing is that once the patient achieves the desired results they can last anywhere between 12 - 24 months, but this is of course dependant on the patient. Benefits include few injections, significant improvement in cellulite reduction, minimal downtime, results can be immediate and continue to improve out to six months, and then can last up to two years.

Disadvantages include the treatment requiring patience when results are not instant. Results require your body’s own response mechanisms so the timing is variable however in most cases you start to see some results from eight weeks after treatment but generally you are looking at the six months mark for optimal results.

The ideal patient is a healthy one that is looking to rejuvenate their skin and has realistic expectations.

Dr Josh Wall, Cosmetic Physician/ Medical Director, Contour Clinics Dr Josh Wall uses a selection of products to achieve long-lasting, full facial volumisation.

Biostimulators are a great longer-term option for patients wanting to replenish lost volume and sculpt certain bone structures (e.g. jawline, cheeks etc.). They can last anywhere from 18 months to 5 years depending on the product used.

The products I use are product ‘E’ and very occasionally product ‘R’. I find they are great bang for the buck in regards to volumisation. One syringe of this product can provide a similar revolumisation to two to three syringes of hyaluronic acid. The benefits are their longevity with volumisation potential. Drawbacks are the inability to reverse in the case of complication and their expense relative to hyaluronic acid fillers.

The ideal patients are those requiring moderate revolumisation, who are interested in long lasting results. Patients may opt for the biostimulator option as it is far longer lasting, and provides significant lifting/ volumisation effects.

Cosmetics

Bright Eyes The skin around our eyes is much thinner than on the rest of the face, so make sure you offer your clients the right products.

Eminence Snow Mushroom Moisture Cloud Eye Cream RRP $142.00

eminenceorganics.com.au

AWE Cosmeceuticals jiva Eye Concentrate+ RRP $69.00

Awecosmeceuticals.com.au

Biologique Recherche Creme Contour des Yeux VIP O2 RRP $126.00

Payot

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Roselift Collagène Patch Regard RRP $100.00 for set of 10

Payot.com/au

Medik8 Illuminating Eye Balm RRP $79.00

medik8.com.au

Li’Tya

Babor SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex RRP $149.00

ReVersive Pro Youth Eye Cream RRP $174.00

skinceuticals.com.au

Au.babor.com

Boronia Absolute Eye Serum RRP $98.00

litya.com

Priori DNA EYE RECOVERY CREME with Retinol RRP $110.00

true-solutions.com.au spaandclinic.com.au | 69

Mid-Year Must -Haves Protect, refresh, balance and renew

The INIKA Organic Certified Organic Pure Perfection Primer is a nourishing primer ideal for dry/normal skin types. Formulated with Kangaroo Paw, an iconic Australian native that contains a phyto-active compound to help increase skin regeneration and hydration to slow the signs of premature ageing, and is rich in essential fatty acids, Linoleic Acids – known for strengthening the outer barrier of the skin.

Along with Hyaluronic Acid, these ingredients brighten, replenish and lock in hydration while creating a smooth canvas for flawless makeup application.

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70 | SPA+CLINIC

Li’Tya Kunzea Muscle Revive Balm is lightweight, easy to use and has an uplifting aroma. It contains a combination of active Australian native botanical oils such at Kunzea, Rosalina and Lemon Scented Tea Tree, working in partnership with Arnica Oil and Magnesium. Kunzea may be used for the temporary pain relief of Arthritis, Rheumatism, and the relief of muscular aches and pains. Absorbs easily into the skin without a sticky or thick residue.

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Biologique Recherche’s Serum de Teint is formulated with potent botanical extracts, quenching Prickly Pear extract and a biomimetic filling medium that plumps and pads fine lines. The radiant formula offers a sheer veil of colour, unifying skin tone and infusing the complexion with long lasting hydration. Ideal for daily use over your suncare, this sheer tint shields the complexion from free radicals, pollution and environmental stressors that contribute to skin ageing.

BIOLOGIQUERECHERCHE. SKINCAREEDIT.COM

CALECIM Recovery Night Complex helps relieve and restore skin in distress from in-clinic procedures, extreme conditions and/or severe dryness. The solution gives cool, comforting relief in a gel application that coats the skin with a thin layer of skin-restoring stem cell proteins, providing skin with non-stop hydration throughout the night.

ADVANCEDCOSME CEUTICALS.COM.AU

Medik8 Cream Cleanse is a velvety cleanser, infused with natural shea butter and plant saponins to effortlessly sweep away make-up and impurities for a refreshed complexion.

Natural shea butter and plant-based cleansing agents work together to boost the cleanser’s ability to remove excess oil, dirt and make-up (even around the eyes) with ease. pH balanced to be ultra-gentle and to care for the skin, it is also non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores.

Skin feels renewed and deeply cleansed as natural glycerin nourishes and hydrates to reveal visibly healthylooking and soft skin.

MEDIK8.COM.AU

SPOTLIGHT

Introducing SkinPressive, an intelligent mineral makeup from Synergie Minerals offering total protection. More than a foundation, Skinpressive is a featherlight powder offering beautiful natural coverage and complete environmental defence, with high levels of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxides for total solar protection against the four damaging wavelengths: UVA, UVB, infrared (IR) and HEV (Blue Light) - which is essential as screen time increases during isolation. Pure licorice extract has also been added for calming redness, sensitivity and helping to address uneven skin tone.

SYNERGIESKIN.COM

Containing Australian Red Finger Lime, Biologi’s new BL Nourish Lip Serum is a powerful treatment that soothes, hydrates and protects the lips. Honouring Biologi’s promise to provide only high-quality, single-plant ingredients sourced directly from nature, this potent serum is 100% active, organic and undiluted.

Offering a powerhouse of antioxidants and phytonutrients that help to repair, hydrate, protect and anti-age, this watersoluble serum gives lips a natural exfoliation and boost of moisture, whilst leaving lips feeling refreshed, supple, and soft to the touch.

BIOLOGI.COM.AU

Minenssey; premium Australian natural skincare which utilises ingredients collected from Australia’s bountiful, mineral-rich land, has formulated a unique mask collection for evolving skin needs.

The Skin Revival Clay Mask Set contains nine Australian clay masks: 3 x White Clay masks (Flannel Flower & Rosella) 2 x Pink Clay masks (Australian Kakadu Plum & Pomegranate) 2 x Green Clay masks (Australian Pepperberry & Parsley Seed) and 2 x Black Clay (Australian Moonstone & Snow Flower), allowing users to switch up formulas as their skin requirements fluctuate. Clay masks go on moist and smooth, and won’t dry out or crack.

MINENSSEY.COM

A surprise category of growth for Jurlique saw their Aromatherapy increase overall by +68% in March 2020 as consumers look to holistic healing treatments to promote health and well-being during these uncertain times. Their unique Comforting Blend is designed to promote a feeling of peace, relaxation and overall wellbeing, harnessing a combination of 100% natural essential oils, including Orange, Patchouli and Ylang Ylang. Each plant is harvested at its peak by hand for best extraction.

JURLIQUE.COM/AU

Keep hands nourished and hydrated in between sanitising with a deliciously scented Palm Beach Collection limited edition hand cream. Choose from favourite scents such as the sweet and zesty scent of Coconut & Lime, bright floral fragrances of Posy to the relaxing tones of Clove & Sandalwood.

PALMBEACHCOLLECTION. COM.AU

spaandclinic.com.au | 71

10 questions with Dr Michael Molton As President of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA), Dr Michael Molton chats to us about his career and the effect COVID-19 has had on the industry.

1. Please tell us about your career and how you got where you are today.

I became interested in cosmetic procedures in 1995. It began with a personal impact of sudden, almost total, hair loss. For a man in those times, I understood how self esteem and confidence is impacted by those experiences. In 1997, Dr Keturah Hoffman and myself called colleagues in Perth who were doing cosmetic work, but not surgery. At the first meeting we asked ‘what should we call ourselves?’ I am proud to say I postulated that we were not Cosmetic Surgeons.... we needed to differentiate from that profession, and so the title Cosmetic Physician was born and those who have made this profession our livelihood, continue to do so today.

2. What does your role as President of the CPCA involve?

I see my role as moderator of the motivations and innovations of the College. I try to do this inclusively by encouraging engagement of ideas with the primary task of improving education, not just for members, but also for the public. Most of all, the aim is to promote safe practices and to preserve the medical model we all learn in our training, to consider our patients before considering ourselves. If we do this, both patients and Cosmetic Physicians will benefit.

3. How has the industry changed within the last 10 years?

It’s changed a lot. Non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers have overtaken surgical procedures and are now very much the norm, so much so that we are seeing an upsurge in millenials now pursuing cosmetic enhancements. It’s so common today that no-one bats an eyelid and research is clearly pointing to social media as the key driver. Facial modification apps based on filters are widely available with more and more patients experiencing a distorted sense of self with unrealistic expectations, especially when it comes to cosmetic enhancement results. What we are now seeing with our patients is a great deal of 72 | SPA+CLINIC

10 questions with

confusion as to the differences between these non-surgical procedures as well as the unrealistic expectations that people may have due to altered imagery used in social media. It appears that ‘Snapchat Dysmorphia’ is a real thing. While cosmetic enhancements, when done well prioritising the patient, are a good thing, the trivialisation of cosmetic procedures is not. This is why the CPCA launched the Get Real campaign to provide public education, patient safety and the provision of accurate information in regard to cosmetic procedures.

4. What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?

I take a holistic view so I don’t really have a favourite, although if I’m pushed, the results with Fraxel restore laser continue to amaze both my patients and myself.

However, it is the positive impact of giving back some confidence and satisfaction about looking better, not different, whatever procedure you provide that is the icing on the cake. It’s taken me quite a while for it to sink in that I am actually pretty good at what I do, and have consistently found I know what can’t be achieved and the freedom to actually say this in a way that the patient appreciates.

5. What does wellness mean to you?

In medical training we learn the term the ‘biopsychosocial’ aspect of our patients. It’s all intertwined. You have to know anatomy, how the anatomy impacts on perception of self, and of course the social aspects of respect, social interactions, working relationships - they all make us who we are and each of these aspects when they are in sync mind, body and soul - that to me is wellness.

6. Do you have a role model in the industry that you look up to?

I have many. My colleague Dr Keturah Hoffman has been the champion of our profession from the beginning. People have no idea the silent but massive contributions she has made to Cosmetic Medicine. Dr Douglas Grose, Past President of the CPCA, as well who has always been there when I need advice when faced with a conundrum. And the third, Dr Mary Dingley. If you don’t like the truth, don’t ask Mary because she will tell you whether you like it or not. I love that, but not necessarily at the time it’s given.

7. Are you an early riser or a night owl?

Night owl probably. Often, like now, I just have to get things done.

8. Favourite song to boost your mood?

That’s a good question. We have a band, The Johnny Walker Trio. But if you want motivation, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Shiverman. It’s about getting that ‘monkey’ who is really yourself, off your back and get on with things.

9. How has the coronavirus crisis affected you and your business?

Devastating. We were police cleared, as we are one of the few cosmetic clinics in Australia to be accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Services. However, in all conscience, we could not be using PPE when there was a dire shortage exposing our frontline colleagues to the virus and we couldn’t observe social distancing without it while performing Cosmetic Medicine. Let’s be clear. We’re not in the business of beauty. This is real medicine, with real risks, supervised or performed by doctors with real experience and training. There will come a time, perhaps not in too distant future, when we can provide our services to the safest extent possible.

10. Where would you travel first post-corona lockdown?

I really miss skiing. So anywhere there’s snow, that’s where you’ll find me.... spaandclinic.com.au | 73

INDEX

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