shallow
Actress Audrey Hepburn once said, “A woman’s true beauty is in her soul.” If you’re happy with how you look, great. If you don’t, sometimes we need a little extra help.
Even Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, used kefir to exfoliate her skin. Milk contains lactic acid, a mild exfoliant that is still used in facial peels to improve skin texture.
chemical peels
A facial peel is a treatment in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove one or more layers. It can form new collagen, thereby improving skin imperfections. The peel helps soften wrinkles, treat acne scars and reduce hyperpigmented dark spots.
Peels are often used to treat sunburned skin, but can usually only be repeated every few months if the sunburn is mild or superficial. Home exfoliation products are available from drugstores or department stores, but they are not as effective as salon treatments.
collagen
Collagen is a protein produced in the body, but its production decreases with age. Collagen will slowly lose from the age of 20, and further decrease with factors such as menopause. It’s now a popular ingredient in supplements and products that claim to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
under the knife
Cosmetic surgery to reshape body or facial features, including facelifts, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, and tummy tuck surgery. Surgery costs may vary depending on hospital charges and the cost of qualified surgeons, anesthetists and assistants. In New Zealand, prices range from $9,000 to over $45,000. The initial consultation should outline what is included in the offer.
Many clinics also offer cheaper treatments such as dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, and laser treatments for facial veins.
Personal advice and research can help find an experienced, qualified practitioner. The New Zealand Society of Aesthetic Medicine (NZSCM) is New Zealand’s recognized benchmark for surgery. Their accredited doctors are considered the ‘gold standard’ in aesthetic medicine: https://nzscm.co.nz/members-directory
Nonsurgical “adjustments”
“Tweaking” is a buzzword in the beauty world. They are an intermediate step between using a product and cosmetic surgery. So, what counts as an “adjustment”? They include:
Botox: Botox injections block the chemical signals that cause muscles to contract. Using Botox can relax facial muscles and reduce wrinkles such as frown lines. This is a quick process that usually lasts about three to six months.
Intense pulsed light: Intense pulsed light therapy is non-invasive and delivered through a handheld device that uses pulses of high-energy light to treat pigment problems. These include rosy cheeks, freckles, facial lines, wrinkles, and acne. IPL also removes unwanted hair. Again make sure the technician is IPL trained and experienced. The treatment usually takes about 20 minutes and feels like a mild pain. Many salons recommend four to six sessions spaced at least a month apart.
Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected under the skin. They plump, tighten and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They should also plump areas like lips.
Salons may offer fillers to etch the jawline and define the cheekbones. Side effects may include localized redness, swelling, and bruising. Treatment should be performed by a qualified dermatologist.
Project Physique delivers Age Jet’s cutting-edge technology that is revolutionizing the world of skincare. This advanced treatment uses ionized gas to create a plasma field that can effectively target and address a variety of skin concerns. It is non-invasive and causes minimal pain, making it an ideal solution for improving the appearance and health of your skin without surgery or other invasive procedures.
One of the main benefits of Age Jet is its ability to stimulate the production of collagen, fibroblasts and elastin to rejuvenate the skin and improve its structure. It can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, droopy eyelids, bags under the eyes, and minimize the appearance of sun damage, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. Age Jet reduces inflammation and redness, making it an effective treatment for acne.
winter skin
Winters can have a drying effect on our skin. Including flaxseed oil and fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet may improve your skin. Look for a serum that is hydrating, and add one before applying your nourishing moisturizer. It is recommended to drink plenty of water in winter, and even if you can’t see the sun, you still have to wear sunscreen!
June is Acne Awareness Month. Acne can affect teens and adults. After consulting a doctor or pharmacist, there are many products that can help relieve this condition.
facial care
When booking a facial, you can choose whether to focus on results or relaxation. Popular facials are classics, and their purpose is to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate. Antiaging facials are especially beneficial for mature skin. Brightening facials typically use masks and exfoliants to give your face a radiant glow, while moisturizing facials are for dry skin.
If none of the above is for you, then enjoying a therapeutic massage might be just what you need to help keep you healthy and boost your immune system this winter. If you like the way you look, that’s all that matters. After all, we get “laugh lines” on our faces from enjoyment and happiness. “You yourself are as worthy of your love and affection as anyone in the entire universe.” Buddha
– Jill towel
word of mouth
Alex Hannagan, Personal Travel Designer, co-owner of Hannagan and Greive Travel Associates
What are the main ways you create balance in your life, especially with regular travel?
I feel like there are a lot of people in this wide world who are trying to create balance in their lives; who wouldn’t want to have perfect balance? Travel is in my DNA, and due to the nature of what I do, I fly between continents frequently, creating opportunities that are both rewarding and exciting, always learning and meeting new people. I’m actually writing this post on a plane to Singapore. Travel can be physically and mentally taxing at times, and over the years I’ve learned some key gems that help me feel fresh and energized both at home and abroad.
How do you manage your health and fitness with demanding work commitments?
Health and fitness are very important to me. It took a lot of discipline to make sure I made them a priority, especially when trying to balance ongoing work commitments; I was always trying to do better. I walk at least 10km a day when the clock and weather permit – rain, hail or sunshine (just not on windy or dark frosty mornings). When I travel, I always carry my workout clothes with me, and most mornings I can be seen walking the sidewalk somewhere in the world. This gives me the clarity and energy to get ready for the day ahead – the best feeling when getting things done!
Eating well at home is a lot easier than when traveling because temptations are everywhere. Whether it’s a cheese board on a plane, or a tempting snack at an event that keeps you yelling “Eat me, eat me!” Sure, I give in occasionally, but hey – everything in moderation, right? To combat this, I try to bring a nutritious and tasty (a buzzword I learned years ago overseas) salad for lunch most days, otherwise The Jitzu’s salmon and avocado sushi will call me name.
What’s your beauty routine? Which products do you trust most?
From an early age, my mother instilled in me the need to always take care of my skin, from the inside out. I drink several liters of water a day, especially when working and flying. One of my mottos is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Find a body and face moisturizer that works for you and use liberally morning and night. I especially love Sothys Hydrating Nourishing Body Lotion, and for my face, Sothys Nutri Supplement Rich Cream – I can’t get enough of it! A good eye cream, serum, and face sunscreen are also your best friends. I apply it without exception wherever I am.
The stuff in your kitchen cupboards is also amazing, and it does wonders for your skin, not to mention it’s also cost-effective. Combine coconut oil and a pinch of baking soda in a small bowl to form a paste (warm it slightly in the microwave first). Wet face first, then apply liberally in circular motions. Leave on for about 30 minutes, then rinse off. Your skin will feel radiant and smooth. A daily spoonful of olive oil and manuka honey is also a treat.
I’m also an avid vitamin taker. Apple cider vinegar, turmeric, marine collagen, and probiotics can prevent disease; at least, I believe so, and they’re always ready for whatever journey lies ahead.
Most importantly, do what makes you feel good! What keeps me going through the day is good sleep. Put on a favorite pair of high heels, a bright scarf, good lipstick, and I can’t wait to go!
