IPL & Laser Safety | Let's Regulate From The Ground Up!

Would it shock you to know that in NSW, you can buy and use a laser /IPL machine with NO training, NO industry regulation, and NO oversight? I know it’s shocked anyone I’ve ever told!

To date, anyone in NSW is able to purchase an IPL/laser or energy based device with NO TRAINING. These people do not need a degree in health, medicine, dermal science or physics… It’s absolutely dumbfounding and highly dangerous! What I’m really saying is that you can go out and buy yourself a machine, label yourself a laser technician and in NSW it is PERFECTLY LEGAL to do so! Moreover, there is no industry body that oversees training, skill, knowledge, or even that the machine you’re using is in working order!

Okay, now that I’ve scared you… Sorry… What does this all mean for you, the consumer? I’ve put it primarily down to RISK.

• A lack of regulation has led to a crisis in patient care, such that IPL and laser complications are now one of the top reasons for medico-legal claims in NSW.

• Regulation in the laser industry is, at present, in its infancy and still has a long way to go to regulating ALL medical grade devices.

• Safety and regulation is left to the practitioner, it is a voluntary exercise and one that the consumer should look into BEFORE undergoing treatment.

Now for the good news… Thrive Skin Clinic ensures that the only staff in our clinic who are allowed to even touch the IPL machine are our registered nurses, dermal clinicians, and Dr. Jemima Grant, who have ALL had the necessary and ongoing safety training needed to provide our clients with the best in care. We are not shy in saying that we have put a significant amount of money and time into staff training, machine servicing, and ongoing education. This doesn’t take into account the years of study our doctors, nurses and dermal therapists have spent at university or obtaining post graduate studies in physics, chemistry and basic skin science. Our equipment is medical grade (powerful) and TGA approved. While it is much more expensive to invest in this equipment and education, for us it's is a no brainer -  patient safety comes FIRST. Burning clients, blindness and scarring are UNACCEPTABLE outcomes for us.

Our clinical model is such that our medical director, Dr. Jemima Grant, ensures oversight to ALL clients. In practical terms, this means that Dr. Grant is available to advise, research current evidence, and can reach out to her aesthetic peers to provide safe protocols for clients. As an example, it is occasionally difficult to know the cause of pigmentation, the optimal laser setting, or to know what medications and medical issues are going to effect a treatment. In these instances, it is better to delay treatment, seek help and try a few test patches before proceeding. Or sometimes, it is safer to not treat at all.

Increasingly,  we are referred clients presenting with issues from other salons and clinics with laser and IPL related complications. The main issue we see is post-inflammatory pigmentation, where the face or body responds to a heat treatment with unsightly, dark pigmentation. Another issue we all too often hear about is blindness (YES! Blindness!) from NdYag laser. Lasers and IPL machines are not toys! As a community, we all need to speak up about this to try and improve patient safety. Regulation is under review, but it has taken years to achieve mere discussions… Unacceptable, really.

We believe that the best ways to increase patient safety is to educate our client population: a grass roots kind of regulation! So, this is our #TopFiveTips that you can take with you if you choose to have an IPL or laser treatment in NSW.

1. Ask questions about the machine

   • “Is this machine approved for use in Australia?”

   • “How often is this machine serviced?”

   • “What kind of a machine is this, is it a medical grade machine?”

   • “Do these eye protectors comply with current industry standards?”

   If your technician can’t answer these simple questions without hesitation, it’s time to get out! It’s not worth playing with fire (literally) when it comes to your skin.

2. Ask questions about the technician

   • “What kind of training have you had in this field?”

   • “Do you have your laser and IPL safety certificate?”

   • “Can you show me evidence of your ongoing education and training?”

   If your technician can not show sufficient evidence that they are fully qualified for the job, you know what to do!

   Get out of there… It’s just not worth it!

3. As a patient, have you been thoroughly assessed?

   • Has the technician assessed your skin using the Fitzpatrick Scale?

   • Has your technician assessed your current medications, allergies, and medical issues?

   • Has your technician told you the risks or contraindications of your treatment?

   If your technician does not ask you a few simple questions to assess your suitability for treatment, you should reconsider! It’s important that your technician knows what is going on with your skin and health! This can effect the treatment outcome and it may not be in a positive way… These treatments aren’t cookie-cutter treatments! They rely on unique settings and patient care when it comes to an ongoing treatment plan.

4. Spot test?

   A spot test is when we check a small area of the skin to ensure laser or IPL settings are safe and optimised for your skin. For those of you with lighter skin, this is less important but still optimal if you’d like to do so. For those of you with darker skin tones or of Asian, Indian, Aboriginal or Mediterranean backgrounds THIS IS ESSENTIAL. These are the clients we are seeing weekly who present with dark scarring on their face and body from inappropriate settings… Not ideal!

5. Consider the cost

   You should always consider the cost of your safety. The cost of treatment should be the last point of order on your checklist! Yes, treatment might be $5 but have you weighed up how viable this price is? Will your cheap treatment cause you more financial pain in the long run? Please make sure you weigh up all your options before proceeding with treatment!

Let’s be clear - This post is not a rant stating that all laser technicians must be doctors and nurses. This is not the case at all! In fact at Thrive Skin Clinic, our medical team therapists work and collaborate all the time and our dermal therapists who are all extremely proficient at laser and IPL. Laser safety is not about operator’s background, but about training, experience, and the clinic culture of support and ongoing education to keep us clinician’s accountable and patients safe!

#SkinTipsWithDrGrant | Understanding Rosacea

If you suffer from rosacea, you’ll know it is a chronic condition with multiple triggers. For many, it can feel overwhelming and almost impossible to manage. Rosacea is characterised by issues such as sensitive skin, red skin, dilated capillaries, and itchiness.

I am seeing more people every week with rosacea and I really try to reinforce that we are a team! I can give you advice and work my laser to zap your vessels, but at the end of the day, there is still no cure. However, there are many things you can do every day to help manage your redness - which is why I’ve written my Top 5 #ThriveSurvival tips to managing rosacea:

1. Reduce or stop the consumption of alcohol and inflammatory foods

   With this change alone, I’ve seen AMAZING improvements. Red wine is the WORST, as it contains high levels of natural salicylates. (Try vodka or gin next time!). Inflammatory foods include sugar, spicy foods, and some fruit and veg. The Food Intolerance Network is one of my favourite places to read about evidence-based approaches linking unusual/recalcitrant physical symptoms and food/additives diet - Check out their symptom factsheet here.

2. Reduce heat on the skin

   Intense workouts and hot showers are DEFINITELY going to make your rosacea worse, as heat causes vasodilation, causing your blood vessels to get bigger. Instead, try less strenuous forms of physical activity like swimming, walking or yoga - but not hot yoga! And a short lukewarm shower is best, with a burst of cold water on the face at the end. This is especially important while you are having IPL/NdYag laser treatment for rosacea. You’re investing your time and budget on treatment, so make sure you get the best outcomes you can!

3. Improve your skin barrier

   Red skin needs moisturiser! Nourish your skin with a good moisturiser - you need something with low fragrance and minimal additives. My favourites are Dermacalm (formulated to decrease redness) and Hydrolock, with a regular Masquerase treatment 2-3 times a week. I really swear by Masquerase - it contains Vitamin B, manuka honey and willowbark which naturally reduce inflammation and calm red, itchy skin. Absolutely NO rubbing/scrubbing the skin with abrasives and exfoliants. Immediately STOP all harsh peels, acids and AHA treatments. Your skin needs a gentle pat with tepid water and nourishment… not chemicals!

4. Use a high-quality sunscreen

   Many patients find their redness improves when they stop their usual chemical-based sunscreen/foundation and switch to UberZinc and Synergie mineral makeup. These products act as a physical sun barrier and block UVA and UVB light via titanium dioxide and 21% zinc oxide. They also soothe skin, with no nasty added chemicals.

   Never use any suncream that is out of date – even “normal” type skin can get florid contact dermatitis (red itchy skin) in this setting. Review other chemicals you regularly put on or near your face and neck - especially if they are fragrant, as the “smelly” chemicals are commonly linked to inflammation. This includes hair, skin, deodorant, aftershave or perfume. My advice is to STOP them immediately and assess the response for a few months (this includes Oil of Olay ladies!). If you bleach your hair, talk to your hairdresser about using a more natural product, and stop using harsh chemical shampoos/toners - again a common trigger for rosacea (I noticed this with my skin!).

5. Consider your general health

   Many women (and men) with rosacea have estrogen dominance. This is linked with other health conditions such as difficulty losing weight, a higher risk of breast and uterine cancer and liver dysfunction. Visit your GP for a checkup if this concerns you. If you are female and over 40 have a breast check and talk about having a mammogram. Simple slow changes work best - consider adding the Vita-Sol Purity Wholefood powder to a green smoothie each day and reduce your alcohol consumption to only 3 days a week.

A few helpful solutions at Thrive!

I’m constantly reading about rosacea and staying up to date with the latest advances in research and treatment ideas. Rosacea and skin redness is not a single entity, we are all unique and different things will work for different people:

Here are a few interesting things I have learned in the past year and that I have added to my practice:

Low-level Light Therapy

Low-Level Light Therapy at 830nm is an effective, standalone, medical treatment for rosacea. The treatment phase is 2 treatments a week for 8 weeks, 2-3 days apart, then a maintenance phase consisting of weekly treatments. Repeat this cycle every 3 months, or as needed. 

I was so impressed by these results that I have just purchased a Healite II, a medical light therapy device, which emits this specific wavelength (830nm). I am now seeing so many clients with rosacea that I thought it imperative for Thrive to offer this treatment alternative. It is safe, inexpensive and effective! When combined with lifestyle changes and simple home care such as the Synergie Anti-Redness Kit, I have seen rosacea improve dramatically.

Topical agents to reduce flushing

One of the hallmarks of rosacea is flushing with exercise and alcohol. It’s socially embarrassing for some e.g. when you are at the gym and people ask if you are OK and do you need a doctor (especially when you are one!).

Brimonidine is a prescription-only topical cream that I offer my patients who are concerned about trigger induced flushing (which can be from rosacea but also directly related to an inability to metabolise alcohol). It reduces the dilatation of the blood vessels (temporarily). It’s evidence-based, but it’s only temporary. I would suggest it for a special event e.g. use before the gym, a night out. This is particularly useful if you are undergoing a session of IPL/NdYag laser for your rosacea, as we want to prevent flushing during this time.

SIBO and Rosacea

There are new developments in understanding the role of inflammation and gut dysbiosis as a driver for rosacea. Let me unpack this a little for you, as this idea is fascinating!

Commonly, we use antibiotics to treat moderate to severe rosacea, especially when it has acne-like papules. Interestingly, we don’t use the “normal” skin antibiotics for a skin infection (such as flucloxacillin or cephalexin). Instead, we use a subtype of antibiotics, which are known to have an anti-inflammatory action. And often at very low doses, way below the suggested dose for infection. So why do they work?! These antibiotics are likely to be effective because they are exerting an anti-inflammatory (reducing inflammation), not microbial (killing bugs), effect. FASCINATING. This idea is further evidenced by the fact that many of the lifestyle factors that improve rosacea are linked to reducing inflammation i.e. if you cut out alcohol, sugar, some foods (different for different people) and manage stress, your rosacea will improve. I have seen this occur with my own skin and in many clients. Read this summary article if you want to know more, it’s really interesting.

SO being the #SkinGeek that I am, I was reading the other day and found an article that pulled this all together. It’s a study examining the link between gut dysfunction (specifically “SIBO”… Small Bowel Intestinal Overgrowth), and rosacea. This study showed that people with rosacea were much more likely to suffer from SIBO (around 50%, compared to only 5% of the control group with normal skin). Breath tests were used to confirm this. The researchers then went on to treat those with rosacea and SIBO with a 10-day course of antibiotics. The results were remarkable! Some 71% of people noticed their rosacea IMPROVED, while those given a sugar tablet notice NO CHANGE. These people were followed up, and 9 months later their rosacea was still in remission. The antibiotics were neither those we use for skin infections nor the anti-inflammatory type! They were antibiotics targeted at restoring normal GUT flora.

I’m dying to try this with someone, so if your rosacea is moderate to severe I’d be really keen to give this a go! Keep in mind, that that’s not the whole solution - you will need to also address your diet in order to keep the balance in toe, and I’d suggest seeing a qualified nutritionist, dietician or naturopath to help you on this path.

This discovery of the link between the gut and skin is not new, but it’s new to me! I am now on a full journey down the path of exploring holistic skin health - I mean the evidenced-based research, not just the pretty packets that claim to “cure your skin”. For those keen to get some evidenced-based advice on this matter, I’d recommend listing to Fiona Tuck’s podcasts series The Forensic Nutritionist.  I am so enthusiastic about her take on skin and the research, that Thrive now stocks her nutraceutical products for skin, gut health and healthy ageing, you can find Vita-Sol in store as of this week and via our website soon! I’m also chatting with my naturopath and nutritionist friends, and we will be investigating this more deeply over the next year. We are planning to host a night talking about skin and the gut/inflammation to share our collective findings with you. Stay tuned Thrive Tribe!

Glycation... What is it & How do I treat it?

Have you heard of Glycation?

If you haven’t, you’re not alone. But once you realise that it could affect ALL of us, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t known sooner. We are all very aware of the effects of what excess sugar can do including what it does to both our waistline, teeth and our health, and now we are going to add another notch to that belt by outlining a potential effect it has on the skin. Besides the sugary break out we all often get a day or two after enjoying one too many of those chocolate freckles, sugar could actually play one of the main roles in our skin’s process of ageing.

What is Glycation?

Glycation is in fact a natural process where the glucose in our bloodstream may attach to proteins such as collagen in our bodies and form new molecules called advanced glycation end products or AGEs. These AGEs have the ability to degrade collagen and elastin, the fabulous fibers that normally keep our skin firm and supple. Unfortunately this process may ultimately contribute to a more rigid and aged looking skin. Many describe the appearance as having a yellow-ish tinge and affects the lower face more commonly, particularly the jowls and chin.

It’s important to remember that this is a natural process, but when a diet has a high sugar focus, this can possibly lead to an accelerated response.

What can we do?

The most useful counter to glycation and skin ageing is to of course to include healthy and balanced foods in our day, keep up our water intake and never forget sun protection. To add to this, an all-inclusive skincare regimen will ensure the right ingredients are targeting our collagen and elastin stores.

Our Pure-C Crystals from Synergie Skin provide the most stable and effective method of delivering Vitamin C to the skin. It features pure L-Ascorbic acid, an antioxidant that was found to inhibit AGEs by 52 percent. This product is an active anti-aging essential recommended for:

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Hyperpigmentation

• Uneven skin tone

• Mature skin

• Sun-damaged skin. 

Syngergie’s Superserum+ was specifically designed as a triple threat to premature aging, with powerfully active peptides, marine extracts and botanical ingredients. The use of peptides in our skincare regime will help serve our skin the right building blocks for the stimulation of potential collagen and elastin fibers. This product is an essential for all those concerned with aging skin and is recommended for:

• Mature skin

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Dry/dehydrated skin

• Dull skin

Our final thoughts

If you’re wondering what else you can do to prevent or treat glycation, rest assured that here at Thrive Skin Clinic we have a team of professionals to help you. Book in a consultation with one of our Dermal Clinicians to assess your skin and prepare a treatment plan for you. We have incredible treatments to help combat the signs of premature aging, sun damage and collagen loss. From our new Tixel treatment, to an array of Synergie Peels, we have what’s needed to help you on your skin journey. 

Effective treatments for every mum skin drama - that actually work

Issue: Dull Skin
Recommended Clinic Treatment: NCTF BOOST 135HA AKA our “Christmas Skin Cocktail” 

What is it?

The unique topical skin-boosting treatment contains a cocktail of over 50 active ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, Vitamins (A, B, C, and E), minerals and amino acids to improve skin brightness, tone, and hydration. This is not just a sales pitch, it is backed by numerous clinical studies, which show increases in hyaluronic acid, fibroblasts, and collagen - the cells in the lower part of the skin that we lose as we age. NCTF Boost 135HA is one of the top-selling Aesthetic products in Europe - it’s only new to Australia and recently TGA approved. Thrive Skin Clinic is one of the first clinics in Australia to stock it and it’s just hit our treatment rooms, waiting to boost your skin!

The number of treatments required:

Most trials show it is being used every 2-4 weeks for 3-5 sessions. The treatment involves a clinical peel, infusion via medical micro-needling and finishes with an HA mask. There is definitely time to have 1-2 treatments before Christmas/New Year!

Issue: Breakouts/Congestion
Recommended Clinic Treatment: Hydrafacial

What is it?

The Hydrafacial treatment will immediately address congestion and breakouts. In a single treatment session, we can exfoliate, extract impurities (the best bit!) using Vortex vacuum technology (think, a vacuum cleaner for the skin!) and then infuse antioxidants back in to finish off the treatment. This treatment is only $185 per session, results are instant with NO downtime. 

The number of treatments required:

You could squeeze in a treatment between now and Christmas time to get your skin glowing! We get them done monthly!

The recommended home care products:

AHA/BHA serum (try Synergie Practitioner Range Exfol-X!): This is a chemical exfoliant that will help to knock out breakouts. You can also be a bit sneaky and leave it on a bit longer, like a home peel once a week. GREAT for the holidays - Ask us about how to do this properly before you do it, please!

Vitamin A (Retinol) (try Synergie Practitioner Range A+!): This night time serum regulates oil production, promotes new collagen, reduced pigment and clears the skin. This product is one of the best Vitamin A serums on the market as it is part of a doctor only skincare range and formulated to reduced irritation and redness. Skin will look smoother, wrinkles will not be as noticeable and oil production will regulate.

Issue: Wrinkles
Recommended Clinic Treatment: Anti-Wrinkle Injections / Tixel

Anti-wrinkle Injections:  

What is it?

Anti-wrinkle injections are used to improve the appearance of wrinkles. Common treatment areas include around the eyes, the forehead and the frownlines.

The number of treatments required:

A single treatment session lasts up to 3-4 months. We would recommend booking in now for anti-wrinkle injections for the best results at Christmas time! You’ll start to see results in 2-5 days and are at their maximum at 2 weeks.

Tixel:

What is it?

Tixel is an in-clinic treatment that works similarly to laser, but with different technology. It is safer than laser treatment, with less downtime, and can only be used under the supervision of a doctor. Tixel can be done all over the face and body and will leave the skin looking and feeling fresher after 2 weeks, with reduction collagen induction (less fine lines and wrinkles) seen from 6 weeks. It is a game-changer for those fine crinkles on the lower and upper eyelids and can be used to firm the fine crepey skin of the neck and décolletage.

The recommended home care products:

Zinc Oxide moisturiser (try Synergie’s UberZinc): 80-90% of skin wrinkles and pigmentation are caused by environmental exposure, mostly UVA and UVB light. If you care about your skin and reducing skin cancer, investing in a good quality sun cream, and applying it daily, is your number one priority. UberZinc is our best selling product for a reason - it works! It smells great, feels gorgeous and it is suitable for even the most sensitive and reactive skin types. Pop in for a sample if you’re keen to give it a try!

Anti-aging moisturiser (we love Synergie Reclaim): A good quality anti-aging moisturiser used at night will hydrate the skin giving it a more youthful appearance. If you are really dry, then try Synergie's Hydrolock. And don’t forget a weekly intensive overnight treatment with Synergie’s MasquErase, a gorgeous product (our clinic directors favourite!) that contains peptides to heal skin and get it glowing.

Issue: Pigmentation
Recommended Clinic Treatment: Cosmelan

What is it?

Cosmelan® works by decreasing the production of melanin from the pigment-producing cells of our skin. It is a 2 step program involving an in-clinic peel followed by 4 months of home care to breakdown both hormonal pigmentation (Melasma) and environmental pigmentation. Thrive Skin Clinic is the only clinic in the Illawarra offering this amazing treatment! It’s intense, and should only be done by a medical clinic - but the results are phenomenal. (I mean it - check out the 'before and afters' on our social media!) The beauty of Cosmelan® is it can be done on ANY skin type (Caucasian, Asian, Mediterranean, and even very dark skin), at ANY time of the year and IT WORKS. 

The number of treatments required:

Only one in-clinic treatment is required, however, allow a week of downtime after the procedure. We suggest booking in now, or over the holidays, to get results from this amazing treatment!

The recommended home care products:

Vitamin C (try Synergie’s SupremaC+) in the morning, under sun cream. This is a powerful antioxidant, with years in the making. It will help to reduce hyperpigmentation and prevent it from occurring.

Tyrosinase Inhibitor (try Synergie’s Vanish, or see Dr. Grant for her patented medical-grade cream). If you have pigmentation, then a Tyroniase Inhibitor is your key to reducing pigment and preventing it from recurring. Pop in and discuss it with us, as pigmentation is really complex and often needs a medical solution. Please don’t use any heat-based or laser treatments on your skin!

REMEMBER! The skin is not a one size fits all situation. We pride ourselves on our client consultation and only offering evidenced-based interventions that are clinically proven and medical grade. If you are unsure of what your skin needs to look and feel its best, book an appointment with one of our clinicians! We have a team of doctors, registered nurses and dermal therapists who are experienced and passionate about all things skin.

If you haven’t already, look out for our upcoming 12 Days of Christmas Specials on our social media pages for some great seasonal deals!

Note that we will be open most days over the Christmas Holiday period, with an online booking system and late-night/Saturday appointments available so you don’t miss out! We also have made up a few bespoke gift boxes and also offer gift vouchers in-store and online (you can even email it to someone on the spot, great for a last-minute gift!).

IPL: How often should we be seeing you for hair removal treatments?

We may of all heard differing views on how often we do IPL hair removal treatments, so let’s settle the matter!

It is integral that your treatments are performed at the right times depending on the location of your body. Generally speaking, most people need between 6-8 treatment sessions to ensure that all of the hair in each cycle has been removed.

We actually need to have these treatments regularly to ensure we catch the hair in the right cycle of growth for our treatment to work, and each area of the body has different cycles of hair growth.

There are 3 important stages of hair growth:

1. Anagen phase

The Anagen phase is when hair is attached to the root. It is the active growth stage and is the ONLY stage we can treat successfully.

2. Catagen phase

The Catagen phase features a hair that has moved up the shaft and is no longer attached to the root and usually lasts 1-2 weeks. This stage of hair growth cannot be treated.

3. Telogen phase

Finally, the Telogen phase is where the hair follicle is totally separated from the root. We cannot treat hairs in this stage either.

At Thrive, we pride ourselves on continued education and staying at the forefront of clinical knowledge and understanding of these treatments. By understanding the hair growth cycle, we can successfully treat clients and significantly reduce and remove their unwanted hair with IPL treatments.

To make it easy and comprehensive, we have formatted a great treatment plan template based on our clinical findings, for our clients to use when coming in for hair removal treatments.

Why do we shave before IPL treatments?

Prior to having an IPL hair removal treatments, you must ensure that you shave the area to be treated. Avoid hair removal methods at home such as waxing, plucking, threading or other hair removal methods as they remove the hair from the root, and we need that intact for our treatment to work best. By keeping the root intact, our IPL can administer its energy right through to the root.

The process of shaving before treatment will ensure we don’t damage the surface of the skin, and you will get the best desirable outcome from the treatment.

Other important considerations:

Treatments can also depend on other certain factors such as age, genetics, hormones, medical factors, and some medications. The speed of hair growth differs from person to person generally and can vary based on the location as we discussed. It’s also important to remember that a thorough consultation process and test patching of the area to be treated is a safe and effective way of ensuring risks are minimised before treatment.