You have regular hairstyling and dental appointments to keep your hair and teeth looking pristine, so why not give your skin the same treatment? As skin experts, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of a lack of skin care on a person’s overall health and confidence.

Skincare treatment plans are a proactive outline for keeping your skin healthy and looking its best. But what is a treatment plan, and why should you have one?

What is a treatment plan?

A treatment plan is a tailored skin program based on your skin health needs. It’s designed to help you achieve the desired results effectively with consideration of minimal downtime, budget and disruption of your daily routine.

The treatment plan describes the recommended treatments and products to help you reach your goals. Our dermatologists, aesthetic physicians and nurses can help you create a tailored plan depending on your specific objectives and your skin’s current health. 

It’s important to note that plans change over time as your skin changes, so reviewing and updating your treatment plan regularly is essential.

What are the benefits of skin treatment plans?

Helps your skin stay in good shape

Having a treatment plan enables you to maintain your skin health and achieve the best results. The treatment plan is tailored to your specific skin type, goals and lifestyle. It may include a combination of in-office treatments, such as chemical peels,  laser treatments and injectables,  and home care regimens.

Your treatment plan can help you address common skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. It can also help prevent skin issues from occurring in the future.

It helps you organise your skin treatments into your lifestyle

Skin treatment plans are also designed to help you integrate skin treatments into your daily routine. This means that the treatment plan can be tailored around your lifestyle and free time so that you can choose treatments suitable for your work or leisure activities. If planning a beach holiday, it is best not to tackle a heavy downtime treatment, as your skin shouldn’t be exposed to the intense sun immediately after.  If you’re busy, you can opt for no-downtime treatments.  Treatment plans also enable you to keep skin treatments organised so you don’t miss any therapy or fail to follow the treatment plan.

Helps to list and prioritise treatment required for any skin issues you may have

Prioritising allows you to focus on the most urgent treatment first. For example, if you have acne, the treatment may focus on clearing up the active breakouts before addressing any longer-term skin concerns.

By prioritising treatment this way, you can ensure that your treatment plan is more effective and that you get the most out of each treatment. You can then move on to the other treatment options only when necessary or have time.

In an aesthetic situation, we often ask, “What bothers you the most?” and start from there. 

Plan your schedule to help with budgeting.

Your plan will also include as related to each suggested treatment, which can help you budget for skin treatments. This is especially important for long-term plans that involve multiple treatments, such as laser treatment and microdermabrasion.

By budgeting for treatment costs ahead of time, you can make sure that you don’t overspend and also plan in advance for any treatment costs that may arise later.

What influences the treatments involved in your plan?

Age

Your age can influence the treatment plan that is right for you. As we age, our skin becomes more prone to wrinkles and sun damage and may require treatment to correct these problems.

If you’re in your twenties, your treatment plan may focus on preventive care such as sun protection and exfoliation. If you’re in your thirties, treatment may focus on anti-ageing, such as wrinkle reducing treatments or dermal treatments.

Skin type

Your skin type can also influence your treatment plan. For example, people with oily skin may benefit from treatments that reduce oiliness, while people with dry skin may need treatment that moisturises and hydrates their skin.

Our skin specialists also consider your skin sensitivity, as some treatment options may be too harsh or irritating for sensitive skin.

Skin issues

It’s important to consider any skin issues you may have when creating your treatment plan. 

What bothers you most about your skin? Is it a medical issue or cosmetic? Could it be a well-known issue like psoriasis or acne?  

You should also review your treatment plan regularly to ensure it is still suited to your skin needs.

Ethnicity

Your treatment plan should also take into account your ethnicity and skin tone. Different treatment options may be more or less effective on certain skin tones, so discussing this with a skin specialist before starting treatment is important. For example, laser hair removals for a darker skin tone may be difficult if the laser uses only one wavelength.

It’s also important to note that some treatment options, including particular lasers or strong chemical peels, may not be suitable for all skin tones.

Gender identity

Lastly, treatment plans should take into account your gender identity. Both men’s and women’s skin has different needs, so treatment plans should be customised to these needs. 

For example, treatment plans for men may need to prioritise skin problems, such as hair loss or pearly penile papules. For women, treatment plans may need to focus on hormonal acne or something similar.

How to create a treatment plan that works for you

Consult with a professional

The first step in creating your treatment plan is to consult with a skin specialist or dermatologist. Our skin experts will help you determine what treatment options are best suited for your skin and help you develop a plan that works for you.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and voice any concerns about treatment options, as this will help the skin specialist tailor the treatment plan to your needs.

Assess your goals, lifestyle and budget

Once you have consulted with a skin specialist, it’s time to assess your treatment goals and needs. Think about what you want to achieve with treatment and what treatments you can realistically do within your budget.

You may also want to consider any lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, that could impact your treatment plan.

Implement the plan

Once you have created a treatment plan that works for you, it’s time to start implementing it. Start off slowly and gradually increase the treatment steps as your skin becomes accustomed to them.

Be sure to stay consistent with treatments and make sure that you follow the treatment plan closely.

Monitor your progress

It’s important to monitor your treatment progress regularly. This will help you track any changes in your skin condition and assess if the treatment plan works.

If you are experiencing any skin irritation or discomfort, be sure to discuss this with your skin specialist and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

How to stick to your treatment plan when things get tough

It can be easy to fall off the treatment plan wagon and give up on treatment when things get tough. However, here are some tips to help you stay on track:

• Set achievable goals and reward yourself for meeting them
• Remind yourself why you started treatment in the first place (remember this is about your skin health)
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed
• Find a treatment buddy to help you stay motivated
• Make treatment part of your daily routine and set reminders for yourself when treatment is due

Taking care of your skin is important and should not be something you put off. Creating a treatment plan that works for you, based on your skin type and lifestyle needs, is the best way to ensure you achieve the skin results you want. With the right plan and a little dedication, you can be on your way to healthy, glowing skin in no time.

If you are unsure where to start, book an appointment with one of our skin experts today.

Collagen is a buzzword in the health and wellness industry, with many people turning to supplements and skincare products that contain this protein in the hopes of improving their skin, joints, and overall health. 

But is collagen important for our bodies and what exactly is it? 

We’ll take a closer look at what collagen is, where it’s found in the body, and what it does. We’ll also explore the evidence for and against collagen supplements and whether they’re necessary for maintaining good health. 

Hopefully, you’ll have a better understanding of collagen and whether or not it’s something you should be incorporating into your own wellness routine.

Decrease in collagen production with age

Collagen is an important structural protein that plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity and strength of our skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints. Without adequate amounts of collagen, these structures may become weaker and more prone to injury or illness. 

The healing process for our wounds or injuries may also take longer since the lack of collagen impairs the ability of cells to repair themselves.

It also affects our skin texture, causing dryness and wrinkles due to reduced elasticity and hydration levels. 

Our bones and joints are also affected, as collagen helps maintain their normal strength and flexibility, which diminishes when there isn’t enough collagen. 

Besides ageing, other factors that contribute to low levels of collagen in our bodies include a lack of protein-rich foods–such as fish, eggs and dairy products–poor lifestyle habits such as smoking or excessive sun exposure.

What can boost collagen production?

There are a few ways to enhance our body’s collagen production, with some providing instant results and others having more prolonged effects. 

Dermal procedures

Cosmetic treatments such as lasers, PDO threads, skin needling and dermal treatments can help to  plump our face in areas where we have lost collagen. These treatments work by stimulating our body’s natural collagen production processes, which increase collagen over time.

Lasers can be used to heat up our skin’s surface and target deeper layers of tissue to stimulate collagen growth. 

PDO threads, which stand for polydioxanone, help provide structure and strength to our skin by creating a scaffold for new collagen formation. 

Skin needling is another option that involves using tiny needles on our skin’s surface to create micro-injuries that promote healing and stimulates new cell growth. 

Diet

If you want to start small, you can begin by changing your diet. Eating food that is rich in certain vitamins and minerals can help to boost collagen production.

Vitamin C, for example, helps to promote collagen synthesis and can be found in many fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, red peppers, strawberries, kale and spinach.

Iron is also essential for producing collagen. Red meat, dark green leafy vegetables like spinach or kale, eggs and legumes are all excellent sources of iron. 

Zinc is essential for skin health, including the production of collagen. Good sources of zinc include oysters, beef and fortified cereals. 

Copper also plays a vital role in producing collagen; you can find it in foods such as oysters, nuts and legumes. 

Eating fatty fish like salmon regularly can provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that help support healthy skin cells. 

Additionally, hydration is critical when it comes to keeping skin healthy; drinking plenty of water throughout the day can keep your body hydrated, which will help promote healthy skin cells.

Besides eating collagen-friendly food, you should also avoid foods that can damage collagen. Some foods and drinks, such as sugar, excessive alcohol consumption and processed food, can increase inflammation in the body and damage collagen fibres.

Note that a healthy diet should include a variety of nutrient-dense foods and should be balanced. Consult with a nutritionist or dietitian to ensure you get the right balance of nutrients to support collagen production and overall health.

Skincare products

Topical skincare products can also help with collagen production by providing our skin with ingredients that stimulate collagen synthesis, protect collagen fibres from damage, or both. Here are a few examples:

• Retinoids. These are derivatives of vitamin A that have been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis and increase the thickness of our epidermis (the top layer of the skin). They also help to increase cell turnover and improve our skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles.
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect our collagen fibres from damage caused by free radicals.
• Peptides are small proteins that can help stimulate collagen production in our skin. You can find these in many anti-aging skincare products.
• Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our skin that can help plump and hydrate the skin, making it look smoother and more youthful.
• Other antioxidants such as Vitamin E, green tea extract, and grape seed extract can also protect collagen fibres from damage caused by free radicals.

Keep in mind that not all skincare products are created equal, and some may not be as effective as others. Consult with our skincare professionals before starting any new skincare regimen, and be aware of the ingredients in the products you use.

Lifestyle changes

Several lifestyle factors could contribute towards increased collagen production levels, including regular exercise, getting adequate sleep each night, spending time in the sun and avoiding smoking as well as dehydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Exercise is particularly beneficial, as increased physical activity leads to increased circulation, which could stimulate collagen synthesis within the body. Additionally, regular exercise helps to reduce stress levels, which is vital for collagen production since excessive amounts of stress hormones can interfere with the synthesis of new proteins. 

Getting adequate sleep has also been associated with higher levels of collagen production. During sleep, our bodies naturally produce more growth hormones which help support our bodies’ natural ability to create and maintain healthy skin cells. 

Spending time in the sun is also beneficial for collagen production, as exposure to ultraviolet light stimulates vitamin D production and encourages skin cell regeneration. But make sure you don’t overdo it. Climate change has adverse effects on our skin. Make sure you always use 50+ sunscreen when exposed to the sun. 

Smoking, however, has the opposite impact – smoking damages cells and suppresses collagen formation leading to wrinkles and premature aging. 

Similarly, dehydration can lead to a decline in skin elasticity due to its dehydrating effect on cells and connective tissue fibres such as collagen and elastin. As such, staying hydrated is essential for maintaining optimal collagen production; drinking plenty of water throughout the day ensures that our body is adequately hydrated to produce sufficient amounts of this vital protein.

Remember that a healthy lifestyle includes a balance of different activities and practices. Collagen production is a complex process that can be influenced by multiple factors, so focus on overall health and well-being rather than a single aspect.

Does ingesting collagen help skin and hair?

When it comes to this question, research results are promising. 

Several studies have suggested that a collagen supplement could provide a range of benefits for skin health and hair growth. For example, one study published in the journal Nutrients found that taking a collagen supplement for four weeks reduced wrinkles and improved skin elasticity in women 35 years old and up. 

Despite the body of research on collagen supplements, Harvard expert claims potential conflicts of interest exist since most of the studies are either funded or partially funded by industries that could benefit from positive results. 

Also, even if it does work, its effect is not immediately visible. It may take months or years for you to notice any difference.

How to get immediate results

While obtaining collagen through diet, lifestyle changes and supplementation is possible, you may achieve faster results via our dermal treatments. This can help boost collagen production in your body, leading to immediate improvements in skin texture, tone and appearance. Book an appointment with us today.

Our skin is the largest organ of our body and performs many vital functions. It protects us from the sun, wind, cold, and other environmental elements. It also helps us regulate our body temperature and eliminates toxins from our system. As one expert said, “it keeps the inside world in and the outside world out.”

But with the changing climate, our skin faces more threats than ever before. Rising temperatures, air pollution, and UV radiation contribute to an increased risk of skin problems. Below is a list of some of the ways climate change is impacting our skin health.

Climate change effects on people’s skin

Air pollution

Climate change is a severe threat to global health, and one of its most immediate consequences is the rise in air pollution. As the Earth’s temperature increases, certain pollutants like carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone become more prominent in the atmosphere. These pollutants–in particular, polycyclic hydrocarbons from burning fossil fuels–can settle on our exposed skin or be inhaled and absorbed through the pores.

Once these pollutants are inside our bodies, they can cause inflammation and damage the cells responsible for generating new skin tissue. These can result in premature ageing and pigmentation changes, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and acne flares.

Sunlight

Climate change has also resulted in an alarming increase in the Earth’s average temperature, which has allowed for larger amounts of ultraviolet radiation from the sun to penetrate our atmosphere and reach our skin. This UV radiation is known to cause a plethora of long-term dermatological issues, including wrinkling, premature ageing and, most notably, skin cancer.

This is because the longer we are exposed to the sun, the weaker our antioxidant defences are. These defences are meant to protect the skin from these harmful radiation sources. This can be due to increased levels of ozone pollution and other air pollutants that come into contact with the skin’s surface area.

In addition, higher temperatures brought on by climate change can impair our skin’s sweat functions. This could lead to heatstroke if prolonged exposure occurs without any break from the sun’s rays.

Changing ecosystems and extreme weather conditions

The global climate crisis is also having a major impact on the world’s ecosystems and weather conditions, which in turn has damaging consequences for our skin. With extreme temperatures, increased flooding, and droughts becoming more common, the environment is changing in ways that allow previously confined diseases to spread to new areas.

In particular, mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and Zika virus rapidly spread due to warmer climates that allow their vectors to survive longer through their breeding cycles.

Not only can these illnesses cause nasty skin infections, but they can also have other long-term health effects on exposed individuals.

Extreme weather conditions like heat waves and cold snaps may also affect the skin. This is because air humidity can lead to skin dryness, psoriasis and increased sensitivity, while cold weather can strip away the skin’s natural oil barrier.

How to protect your skin from climate change

With climate change leading to longer summer days and hotter temperatures, it’s more important than ever to take these steps to protect ourselves from harmful UV radiation.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen has been proven to be incredibly effective in protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays. This is because its active ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, absorb and reflect dangerous UV rays before they reach the skin.

But not all sunscreens are created equal. Investing in a quality sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher is important.

Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, including your face, neck, arms, legs and other areas of the body, at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours or after any swimming or sweating.

When asked what the best anti-ageing cream is, Dr Rich always replies, “50+ sunscreen, especially on the face, in every season”.

Appropriate clothing

In addition to sunscreen, clothing can effectively protect from the sun’s rays. Loose and lightweight clothing with a tight weave that covers as much skin as possible can act as a barrier between your skin and the sun.

Long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses are all key items to bring along with you when spending time outdoors. Additionally, darker colours are more effective at blocking sunlight than lighter shades.

Shade

Staying in the shade is another great way to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Try to seek out shady spots that are covered by trees or canvas umbrellas when spending time outdoors.

Additionally, UV-protective window films can be used to reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation entering your home, office or vehicle, allowing you to enjoy the outside without exposing yourself to too much direct sunlight.

Regular skin checks

Finally, it is important to remain vigilant and have your skin checked regularly by a qualified healthcare professional. This will help you identify any concerning changes in your skin that may be indicative of something more serious, such as skin cancer.

How Enrich Clinic can help

Climate change is having a major impact on our skin’s health and should be taken seriously. It is important now, more than ever, to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays. Also, if you have any concerns about your skin or looking for skin cancer treatment, it is best to seek out advice only from trusted dermatologists.

Contact Enrich Clinic for professional advice.

Skin health can be a complicated thing. For those who take regular care of their skin, there is always new research and updates to the best practices for skin care routines. But it is not always easy to separate science from the fads or establish the best new trends when they pop up.

As with most trends, some gather momentum because a lot of people are doing them, and others are going to stick around. In this article, we explore some of the new trends in skin care, skincare and analytical approaches, which ones are worth considering, and which ones should be ignored.

We also provide some thoughts on skin treatment that might work for you and explain just why you should invest in your skin health.

Plan your cosmetic and skin health journey

It can be time-consuming to settle on the proper skincare routine. And let’s face it, most of us aren’t skin care experts. For this

reason, it can be a good idea to talk to one of our dermatologists. We will be able to provide you with excellent assessments and advice and help establish a strong skin care plan.

We offer many different face treatments and skin treatments and we know we can get the right plan for your skin type and concerns.

We have laser treatments for your skin.

You can’t go past a laser to increase your skin health and collagen while at the same time cleaning the skin. For the uninitiated, our no-downtime treatments are the best way to start. They are a gentle way to begin the introduction to laser skin care. These treatments are for both men and women, and depending on your skin requirements, these may be the treatments you decide to incorporate into your regular routine without going any further. 

Of course, we have some hardcore options, such as the CO2 Laser and other resurfacing options, that can solve some of your tougher skin issues. We also offer a facial rejuvenation treatment that can refresh your face in an incredibly effective way.

Universal skin care techniques

There are also a number of things you can do that will immediately improve the look of your skin.

Have a simple skincare routine

Your skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. In fact, sometimes simpler is better. Of course, there will be times when you need to exfoliate or use a mask, but for the most part, a simple skincare routine of cleansing, moisturising and protecting will do the trick. Just make sure you use products with simple formulations and are fragrance-free.

Use products designed for your skin

Just because a skin care product is trending doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. It’s important to use products that are designed for your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for products that are oil-free or non-comedogenic. If you have dry skin, look for products that are hydrating or contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid. And if you have sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products.

Protect your skin from the sun 

We all know how ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin, causing premature ageing and increasing your risk of skin cancer, so ensuring your skin is protected from the sun’s harmful rays is a must. Our curated effective 50+  sunscreens can do just that.

Be kind to your skin

When things appear on our face, it is very tempting to pick or even pop them. But this only does bad for our skin. For example, by popping a pimple, you expose the pore to more bacteria, which includes the bacteria on your hands. Additionally, picking at other marks and bumps can be tempting, but the more you do this, the more you risk scarring. It simply isn’t worth it.

Practice healthy habits 

Eating too much sugar can have detrimental effects on our skin, which is yet another great reason to cut down on it. And smoking cigarettes, in addition to all the other awful ways they affect our bodies, also can give you bad acne.

Manage stress 

Anyone who’s ever had a skin flare-up knows that stress and skin go hand-in-hand. When we’re stressed, we experience dryness, inflammation or breakouts. This is because stress can disrupt the top layer of our skin, designed to keep moisture in and harmful microbes out.

Don’t get sucked into silly trends

We think it’s important to acknowledge there are some trends out there that you might be aware of, and identify some that you should absolutely avoid:

Pore strips 

They might be extraordinarily satisfying, but pore strips aren’t actually good for your skin. Yes, you can remove a lot of blackheads in a very short space of time, but they often open our pores up much wider than we would advise, which leaves them open to bacteria.

Toothpaste on pimples 

This is another terrible idea. Whatever antibacterial agents might be in your toothpaste will be more than counterbalanced by all the other ingredients in toothpaste. You could end up with chemical burns, which seems like a terrible trade.

Coffee & sea salt scrubs 

Quite simply, not a good idea. Ground coffee and salt can be coarse, and as such, can do damage to your skin.

“Natural “ oils

Using natural oils that perhaps come from your pantry, as a moisturiser, is not a good idea. Often they can cause clogging or breakouts as they are not designed or made for skin care rather they are specifically for cooking. 

Taking advice from influencers

Thousands of “ influencers” now profess to be skincare specialists or advisors. Dermatologists are skin, hair and nail care specialists with extensive medical & specialist training. Their advice is based on experience, expertise and medical training – possibly a better source of info and skin health advice.

There are a seemingly endless array of bad treatments people put their skin through. The thing to remember about all of them is the need to actually be improving your skin health. If it isn’t dermatologist-approved, it likely isn’t good for your skin. To get clarity on the types of products you should use on your skin, you can give us a call on 03 9500 9500. We also have a range of skincare topicals in our shop.

Healthy skin can translate as beauty

When it comes to skin health, we naturally look for it as a sign of beauty, whether this is a conscious thing or not. We are naturally attracted to distinctly healthy glowing faces, even if we cannot define what makes them beautiful. Regardless, having lovely skin can make you feel good, mentally and physically. 

Even if our faces have perfectly natural skin conditions, we can still find we are very self-conscious. Youth is often associated with beauty, and skin that appears to be ageing can define a person’s age and even make them look older. Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder however skin health is something everyone can have with a little help to find the best strategies to improve and maintain your skin.

Want help with your skin health?

Contact us