MELASMA AND PIGMENTATION
Flaring up when exposed to the sun, heat or hormonal changes, this condition will darken in summer and is best treated when it is at its lightest. Fortunately, good treatments are at hand. “Melasma is a hormonally triggered condition only perform the treatments that have minimal which is commonly seen following pregnancy or risk,” says Lee. “Our most popular and widely the use of contraceptive measures such as the performed in-clinic treatment is Cosmelan by birth control pill or implant,” says Savanah Mesoestetic. This is incorporated in each of our Desiree Lee, Director of Sydney Dermal Lounge. pathways for pigmentation reversal and is ideal
Common characteristics of this condition for all types of skin. include a symmetrical pattern most commonly “Melasma is different from typical sun seen on the cheeks spreading across through the damage spots (hyperpigmentation) because it temples and forehead. “Hormonal fluctuations flares up when exposed to sun, heat or hormonal throughout the use of contraceptives methods can changes, which is why it tends to be more lead to development of melasma and it is often noticeable in summer,” says Lee. mistreated as sun damage, which leads to the use Even with regular SPF application, melasma of ineffective treatment options,” says Lee. will generally darken in the summer months.
Lee’s recommended options for the proper That’s why it’s best to treat melasma when it’s at treatment of melasma include: skin needling, its lightest, that is during the winter. “This way chemical peels, picosure laser, erbium lasers, the skin barrier is at its strongest when summer fractionated lasers, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), returns,” says Lee. “Additionally, there is also BroadBand Light (BBL), Cosmelan and some associated downtime with depigmentation Dermamelan. “As a clinic which specialises in treatments, so winter tends to be a preference for the correction of hyperpigmentation we will clients with less social activity.”
LA PRAIRIE JEWEL OF CROWN SPA
Asia, Europe and the US used to be top of the bucket list for luxury spa destinations, but now it is Sydney that tops the list. The newly opened Crown Spa Sydney at Crown Towers in Barangaroo is as luxurious as anywhere you will find in the world, thanks to its expertly beautiful interior and curated spa menu featuring luxury Swiss skincare house La Prairie. Designed by Sydney-based interior design firm Blainey North, the Crown Spa is a soothing and cocooning space with all the bells and whistles, including a vitality pool, steam room, sauna, relaxation beds with harbour views and TechnoGym. However, the real jewel of Crown Spa is its exceptional therapists, who expertly deliver La Prairie’s transformational signature treatments which leave your skin glowing and your knots unravelled.
SIMPLE SKIN SAVIOUR
If you want to upgrade your routine from a simple cleanse and moisturise approach, YSL’s Pure Shots Soft
Polish Double Essence is a useful addition when included as a middle step. Like adding a soft filter to your photo, this AHA and LHA-based essence does the same to your skin, gently exfoliating to improve radiance, clarity and texture and minimise the appearance of pores. Meanwhile, a weightless touch of argan oil soothes and repairs the skin’s protective barrier, improving its ability to hold on to moisture.
Often using resurfacing acids like AHAs can disturb the skin’s natural balance and leave it dry, but this is designed to be gentle enough to be used by all skin types.
COOL AND COLLECTED
When skin acts up, there are a plethora of reasons why a usually calm complexion can suddenly flare with irritation: hormonal changes, aggressive skincare routines and environmental pollution, not to mention psychological stress and fatigue. The result can be seriously stressed-out skin that is extremely dry, irritated, red and out of balance. Which is why Murad’s Intense Recovery Cream was created.
With an instantly soft, silky and comforting texture, the rich cream soothes and hydrates very dry and reactive skin with algae extract, while Mirabilis jalapa plant extract lessens redness and irritation, and shea butter and macadamia oil provide skin with lasting hydration.
THE EYES HAVE IT
If you find foundation and concealer bunches in under-eye lines and skin in the area looks dry and crepe-like, try prepping skin with Bobbi Brown’s new Vitamin
Enriched Eye Base. The dense eye cream is made to help keep makeup in place while hydrating skin and plumping out fine lines, as well as providing beneficial vitamins C, B3 and A to smooth and brighten your skin over time. CALM SENSITIVE SKIN
Signs of sensitive skin can be varied, including inflammation, feelings of skin tightness, heat and itchiness that can be uncomfortable. Sensitive skin is often more reactive to stimuli including exposure to UV rays, sun damage, stress, hormonal changes, fragrances, dyes, and harsh skincare ingredients. The new Mukti
Calming Collection helps to reduce the overall appearance of redness, smooth uneven skin tone and soothe irritation. It has been formulated to make your skin more resilient and increase its protective mechanisms by combining a balance of nourishing botanicals and calming plant oils – all of which contribute to rectifying underlying issues and rebalancing irritated skin while reducing redness. “My motivation to create the Calming Collection came about out of sheer frustration,” says the founder, Mukti. “As I began my peri-menopause journey, I started having extreme sensitivity issues with my skin and my options were limited. There was very little on the market that addressed my problem and could assist with my hormonal fluctuations leading to flushing, rosacea, sensitivity and dermal impairment. I began avidly researching ingredients that could specifically address sensitised and reactive skin which led me to create this holistic, fragrance-free range that offered a solution.” The range includes a Calming Cleansing Balm, Calming Moisturiser and the Rescue and Recovery Serum.