Kleresca- The Breakthrough in Dermatology

February 6, 2019February 13, 2019 / clinicalskincarebyvictoria / 3 Comments

Achieve Healthy Skin With Kleresca

A breakthrough in dermatology has been getting great results all around the world.

Kleresca® is a non-invasive treatment for skin rejuvenation, rosacea and acne. It involves fluorescent light energy which stimulates the skin at the cellular level.

Inspired by photosynthesis
Stimulates skin at a cellular level
Increases collagen by approximately 400%
Reduces inflammation
Reduces fine lines
Reduces pore size
Has a high safety profile
Is generally perceived as very comfortable (even to rosacea sufferers with enhanced sensitivity).

Another bonus is that there is no destruction of the skin’s natural barrier.

How is the treatment performed?

1. The skin is cleaned and Kleresca® Skin Rejuvenation gel is applied.

2. The gel is illuminated for nine minutes using the multi-LED Kleresca® lamp; together creating fluorescent light energy that stimulates the skin.

3. The gel is removed and the skin is cleaned and moisturised.

The treatment is based on the interaction between the specially designed photo converter gel and the Kleresca lamp. The fluorescent light penetrates the different layers of the skin, stimulating repair and collagen production.

Kleresca Acne Treatment

Kleresca is a breakthrough treatment that safely improves acne without discomfort or downtime. The treatment combines a specially formulated gel which is applied to the face prior to going under the high intensity multi-wavelength LED light. The combination of which kills the acne causing bacteria and initiate’s healing. It will also help fade acne scaring. A treatment course is recommended – consisting of 2 treatments per week for 6 weeks.

Kleresca fluorescent light energy stimulates the skin’s own repair mechanisms:-

Killing bacteria responsible for acne (P. acnes)
Reducing inflammation
Normalising cellular activity
Reducing signs of scarring by increasing collagen build-up

Kleresca Rosacea Treatment

Reduces inflammation, reducing the presence of papules and pustules
Reduces erythema and blushing by improving microvascularisation
Reduces the overall stress level of the skin, thereby reducing the feeling of burning and stinging
Induces a healing response, improving the overall skin quality
Is suitable for sensitive skin.

Learn more about rosacea here

Kleresca Skin Rejuvenation

Induces collagen production
Reduces pore size
Helps eliminate fine lines
Reduces signs of scars

Clients at Laser Clinics Australia on the Northern Beaches have been describing Kleresca as a pleasant and comfortable experience.

See here for more information

Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse / dermatology)

Protect, Glow + GO – with Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid

September 21, 2018September 21, 2018 / clinicalskincarebyvictoria / 3 Comments

DERMACOSMETICS Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid with SPF 25 – the last necessary step in your skincare regimen that protects and perfects!

Introducing the new, groundbreaking tinted Glow Guard, Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid Broad Spectrum SPF 25. Formulated with dermatology-inspired skincare ingredients to deliver a radiant, healthy-looking complexion in six flexible shades.

What is Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid?

Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid is a multi-tasking Glow Guard that perfects the look of skin and protects your natural glow, delivering a radiant, healthy looking complexion. Formulated with R+F’s proprietary RD3 Complex, it provides skin with three types of defense: environmental defense, barrier defense, and photo defense.

This innovative product not only provides powerhouse protection but also instantly perfects skin, blurring imperfections without clogging pores or causing breakouts.

Radiant Defense is available in six luminous shades. Coverage is buildable so you are in control of the perfecting process.

Why Do We Love this New Product?

Environmental Defense: helps neutralize the harmful effects of environmental aggressors.
Barrier Defense: helps repair skin’s natural moisture barrier to defend itself against dry, irritated skin and the visible signs of emotional stress.
Photo Defense: Contains broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against sun damage caused by UVA and UVB rays and absorbs infrared light.
Rodan + Fields’ proprietary RD3 Complex combines a powerhouse of ingredients including an exclusive peptide, which acts as a shield alongside antioxidants such as Blueberry Fruit Extract and Red Algae.

Who can use Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid?

This product is for all skin tones from fair to deep. It comes in 6 flexible, natural looking shades. It is also appropriate for all skin types, even for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Use as the last step of your skincare routine to protect and perfect the glowing skin you’ve earned. ****LAUNCHING 2 OCTOBER 2018*****

Click here to purchase

See recent press here

Psychodermatogy – The Mind-Skin Connection

January 15, 2018 / clinicalskincarebyvictoria / 8 Comments

Our mind and skin are very much connected. This is now being referred to as Psychodermatogy. Psychological stressors such as chronic depression, stress, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been known to increase flare ups of acne, rosacea, psoriasis, hives, eczema and vitiligo (depigmented white spots on the skin).

According to Shelley Sekula-Gibbs (MD Professor of Dermatology), studies show that “at least 30% of all dermatology patients have some underlying psychological problem that often goes unaddressed”.

Constant stress increases the production of our stress hormone ‘cortisol’. This then triggers inflammation and can also throw off other hormones in our body. Increased inflammation is not good news for inflammatory skin disorders.

Stress can also disrupt the balance between the good and bad bacteria in our gut. As we know, our gut health can also cause havoc with our skin. See Gut Article

When cortisol levels backfire, it can lead to over activity of oil glands in our skin. The sebaceous glands on the face and neck produce excess sebum, and our pores are more likely to become blocked. Bacteria loves to harvest in these blocked pores, which causes pimples.

Anxiety & other Psychological Conditions can also make it harder to sleep. Studies have shown that sleeplessness seems to have an effect on our skin’s ability to heal. This can then negatively effect skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne etc.

What else we know about Stress (and other Negative Emotions)

When we are anxious or stressed, it becomes much harder to ignore negative sensations, like itching caused by eczema and psoriasis.
For psoriasis sufferers – the immune system really over-responds to stress hormones— which can lead to major flare-ups.
Stress hormones also trigger our body’s “fight or flight” response. Blood, oxygen and nutrients are directed to vital areas such as our muscles so that they are ready for action. This means that our non-vital areas such as our SKIN miss out.
Cortisol inhibits our bodies repair and healing process. This is not ideal for flare-ups of any inflammatory skin conditions.

The Viscous Cycle

Flare-ups of Skin Conditions such as acne and psoriasis can then cause a person to experience more stress, continuing the cycle.

What Can Help

Finding ways to cope with underlying psychological issues (such as stress) can have a very positive impact on improving skin conditions.

hypnosis is an option for some people
meditation
exercise
Get more sleep
deep breathing exercises
seek help from a professional
some people fin essential oils useful
psychotherapy
yoga

A Great Read

‘first, we make the beast beautiful’ by Sarah Wilson

For more information visit

https://www.psoriasis.org/life-with-psoriasis/stress

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/effects-of-stress-on-your-skin#1

Rosacea – What to do and what not to do

January 14, 2018February 6, 2019 / clinicalskincarebyvictoria / 7 Comments

Rosacea is an inflammatory condition. It is characterised by intense and frequent flushing or blotchy redness, with the appearance of ‘broken blood vessels’ on the cheeks, chin, and nose, and in most cases, acne-like pimples. It is often mistaken for adult acne, however it usually lacks the blackheads and true whiteheads (‘comedones’) of acne vulgaris. It is important to distinguish between the two as the treatments that work for acne are not good for rosacea.

We are not 100% sure of the exact cause, but we do know:-

It runs in families
Sufferers usually have sensitive skin
Hormones play a role
Certain infections can may play a role
Gut Health is often connected (see Gut-Skin) – there is in fact a a higher incidence of rosacea in people with SIBO (small intestinal bacteria overgrowth).
The regulation of blood flow to the skin in rosacea is abnormal.
Is most common in light skinned women between the ages of 30 to 50.
Many sufferers also have facial seborrhoea dermatitis. This can also be known as facial dandruff.

There are 4 different Subtypes of Rosacea

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
The inflammation is more diffused into the skin and is associated with redness and flushing. There is often episodes of flushing which occur due triggers (see triggers below).
Papulopustular Rosacea
The inflammation is heavily centred around the pore, causing pimple like redness and swelling. Sometimes pustules and nodules are present. Skin may be sebaceous and even oily in areas.
Glandular Rosacea
Is more commonly seen in men who had a history of teenage acne. It is typically around the nose area. Skin is thick and reddened, pores are large and can be filled with plugs of dead skin cells and sebum. There is usually enlargement and swelling of the oil glands on the nose which makes the nose look larger and rounded at the end.
Ocular Rosacea
The oil glands along the eyelash line. Ocular rosacea can be seen with the other types of rosacea.

Triggers

Spicy foods
Heat – including saunas and spas
Smoking
Alcohol– particularly Red wine
Stress, anxiety and embarrassment
Physical exertion
Cosmetic & skincare products that contain high levels of alcohol, glycolic acids or fragrance.
Hot drinks
Excessive physical exertion.
Due to the skins weakened barrier, certain skin treatments need to be avoided. This includes facial acid peels and microdermabrasion.

What else we know about all types of Rosacea

Demodex mites have been linked to rosacea in some studies. This microscopic mite likes to reside in hair follicles and have been shown to be more numerous in the skin of rosacea sufferers.
Intestinal bacteria ‘h. pylori’ may play a role.
Sebaceous hyperplasia papules are often present. These are enlargements of the oil glands which look like small waxy yellow bumps and have a central pore. They are often mistaken for milia.

What can help

Although rosacea can not always be 100% cured, there are a variety of lifestyle changes and treatments that can help keep it under control.

See Kleresca
Topical agents such as azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide (because P. acnes may play a role in rosacea), sulfacetamide (10%), and sulfur (5%).
Advances in ‘peptide technology’ have been found to help calm the inflammation associated with rosacea.
Specialised laser therapies – eg IPL (non-Laser intense pulsed light) or PDL (Pulsed dye Laser).
Short term oral antibiotics- however this is not ideal for gut health SO it should be followed with a course of probiotics.
One anti-aging product that is usually well tolerated is Retinol. Ideally it should be combined with gentle peptites.
Omega-3’s (Fish oil, flaxseed, walnuts, Sea Buckthorn
Probiotics …..see Gut-Skin
Avoiding or decreasing inflammatory foods such as wheat and unfermented dairy.
LED Light Therapy

SKINCARE

The Skin barrier strength in rosacea is abnormal making a lot of skin products and cosmetics irritating.

1) Cleanse
Use emulsion type soap-free cleansers which sweep away makeup and other skin impurities without the use of harsh surfactants. Barrier nurturing ceramides are essential.

2) Calm
Dimethicone and allantoin can help to fortify the skin’s barrier and relieve irritation and dryness.

3) Nourish
It is important to replenish the skins natural moisture without the use of traditional emulsifiers. The aim being to hydrate and nourish.

4) Protect
Sun can play a role for rosacea sufferers. Daily lightweight sun protection is important.

Soothe range of products ticks all bees boxes. For more information (including how to get a discount and free shipping) please email toraisherwood@gmail.com

OR visit
https://visherwood.myrandf.com/au

Common Skin Conditions – What to avoid & what can help.

December 22, 2017July 9, 2018 / clinicalskincarebyvictoria / 6 Comments

Four Common Skin Conditions

Rosacea
An Inflammatory disorder causing redness and sometimes small pimples on the face. The small surface blood vessels (capillaries) enlarge, giving the appearance of a flushed face.
The exact cause is not 100% known. However avoiding the ten below things can help manage the symptoms.
Specific triggers to avoid include stress, high temperatures (including hot baths & saunas), spicy foods, alcohol, some cosmetics, sun exposure, hot drinks and food.

Acne
Obstruction and inflammation of sebaceous glands which leads to infection.
Common triggers include hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause + fluctuations during (certain days) of the menstrual cycle. …..See previous adult acne article.

Eczema
Chronic immune-mediated inflammation of the skin involving genetic and environmental factors.
Specific triggers include stress, exposure to allergens (such as dust mite, foods & cosmetics), and dry air.
Linked to asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Psoriasis
A chronic systemic inflammatory disorder. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues in the body. Skin cells build up and form scales and itchy dry patches. Triggers can include stress, infections, medications, sunburn, poor gut health.

10 common causes of these skin conditions

Nutritional deficiencies
Hormonal imbalances
Poor gut health including intestinal dyobiosis
Stress
Thyroid problems
Immune system abnormalities
Infection (bacterial, parasitic or viral)
Medications
Poor hygiene
Allergies

Helpful Supplements

– when diet alone isn’t enough

Zinc
Is an absolutely essential micronutrient for the Skin. It helps with tissue growth & repair, inflammation and infection. Deficiency can present as rough or dry skin, dermatitis, skin lesions, an increase in skin infections and slow wound healing.

Vitamin A
Helps prevent skin infection (eg acne), helps with collagen production and wound healing. Vitamin A also has antioxidant properties , helping neutralize free radicals that cause tissue and cellular damage. Consult with your doctor before taking vitamin A supplements when pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Vitamin C
Helps with tissue repair (including healing damaged skin), collagen synthesis, connective tissue, and the skins elasticity. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to dry skin, increased bruising and impaired wound healing.

Essential fatty acids (Omega-3)
Helps with inflammation and wound healing.
Nourishes the Skin and helps prevent moisture loss. Deficiency contributes to eczema, psoriasis, sun spots, dandruff and also thinning hair. Oily fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna have fewer omega-3s than good quality capsules. Omega-3 supplements include Krill oil, Fish Oil or Sea buckthorn oil capsules.

Other Antioxidants (eg vitamin E, selenium, green tea, coenzyme Q10 etc)

Probiotics
Research has shown that the state of your gut has a great deal to do with the condition of your skin. Where there is gut inflammation, there is usually skin inflammation
See Gut Article

Turmeric

Curcumin is the active part of the turmeric plant. It is anti-inflammatory and can help with a wide variety of skin conditions. Curcumin has even been found to help clear mild psoriasis plaques, and prevent flare ups in some sufferers.

Silica
Is required to produce collagen and is a natural anti-inflammatory. Is good for Skin, hair and nails.

Other skin supplements include – echinacea, burdock, sea buckthorn (a vegetarian source of Omega fatty acids), yellow dock, cleavers etc.

Skin Treatments

See LED Light Therapy

Skincare

Soothe has been named as the favourite regimen by The Sydney Morning Herald & has recently been reviewed in Allure. This regimen uses RFp3 Peptite technology -A breakthrough combination of skin soothing peptides & skin detoxifying peptides working with a protease inhibitor at the skins surface to neutralise triggers & reduce visible signs of redness. If you suffer from sensitive, red or irritated skin …..this may be the product for you! It comes with a R+F 60 day money back guarantee. Please contact me to find out how to save 10% on this product and to receive free shipping. Or why not try the Solution Tool to get a personalised Skin Regime

https://visherwood.myrandf.com/au

Some Supplement Recommendations-

Note- We know Fish oil has many health benefits due to the essential fatty acids EPA & DHA (omega 3’s). However there are fish oils and there are fish oils. SO many of the ones found in our supermarkets are manufactured cheaply and can even be rancid! BioCeuticals fish oil undergoes strict testing to ensure its purity & to make sure it is of the highest quality, using ethically sourced fish free of heavy metals.

Perimenopause & Skin

December 16, 2017August 15, 2019 / clinicalskincarebyvictoria / 3 Comments

Permenopause ….who me??

Perimenopause usually starts in a woman’s late 30’s or early 40s. It can however start earlier or later. It is a transitional period caused by hormone fluctuations, particularly the levels of circulating estrogen and progesterone. This period can last up to 10 years.

Due to the shifts in hormone production, perimenopause can bring about many symptoms. Unlike full-fledged (or early menopause), you continue to ovulate and you are still producing estrogen. In fact, your hormones will often test in the “normal” range.

Some of the typical changes that occur during this period of estrogen and Progesterone fluctuations (and then decline) include:-

Skin Changes – eg …dryer, thinning, adult acne, Rosacea, pigmentation, increased sensitivity, less elastic, itchy, lines and wrinkles & volume loss.
Hot Flushes
Trouble sleeping
poorer concentration & also memory
Mood swings
Night sweats
Increased PMS symptoms
Fatigue
Irregular periods – often short cycles + heavier bleeding.
Weight changes
Decrease in breast volume
Change in sex drive
If estrogen and / or progesterone dip to low (often right before your period), a migraine headache can be triggered.

Specific SKIN Changes

Changes in our skin predominantly occur due to:-

the multiple effects of hormonal fluctuations
a shrinking skeleton
decreased collagen production
accumulated sun damage over the years

Adult Acne
Beginning in our 30’s, our levels of androgens increase. Testosterone stimulates sebaceous glands to secrete thicker sebum. This can cause clogged pores and an increase the likeliness of adult Acne.

…...see ‘Adult Acne’ Article for more information

Facial Hair
Due to the unstable progesterone / estrogen levels + increased testosterone, some women may develop the odd sprout (or two or three) of facial hair, particularly in the chin area.

Sagging Skin and Wrinkles:
When progesterone levels drop (causing estrogen to become unstable), fat deposits tend to become redistributed. Fat pads in our face (which provide support and structure) diminish. Instead our adipose cells can become more concentrated around the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Leading Dermatologist Dr Kathy Fields describes this as “fat redistribution from our face to our Fanny” 😳. The result of this loss of volume in our face, can be the formation of wrinkles and skin that appears less taut.

Continuous muscle contraction over the years, is another major contributor of facial wrinkles. Continuous muscle movement causes ‘dynamic wrinkles’ which only appear when the muscle is used, however, over time, if untreated, these wrinkles can become ‘static wrinkles’ which means they become permanently etched in our skin.

Thiner less elastic Skin:
Collagen is the supportive protein structure of our skin. It helps give skin it’s youthful plumpness. Skin stays more supple when there is enough progesterone …..which helps stimulate the production of collagen.

More Prone to Sun Damage:

The maintenance of Melanocytes (cells that manufacture the pigment Melanin) is under the control of estrogens. As we move closer to menopause, the number of melanocytes in the skin is reduced. With less melanocytes, we produce less of the protective melanin and skin appears lighter. Our skin is therefore more prone to sun damage.

Pigmentation:
As estrogen helps regulate the production of melanin (pigment), melanin synthesis can increase (when estrogen decreases). This can then lead to brown “age spots”. These can appear on the face, hands, neck, arms and chest of many women. This is particularly evident in areas of our skin that have been exposed to the sun over the years.

Dry and sometimes itchy skin

Estrogen stimulates the production of oils in our skin and also our skins ability to hold moisture. So when estrogen production diminishes – dry and sometimes itchy skin becomes common.

What can help?

A healthier diet – a healthy outside starts on the inside.
Skip long hot showers which drys our Skin out.
Supplements – such as Zinc (can do wonders for Skin), probiotics (as gut health is linked to Skin health), Omega 3’s which help with inflammation and dryness, Vitex, Sage, black cohosh etc. Speak to a naturopath.

Sun protection +++
Upgrade your Skincare Regime / Products – to suit your changing skin conditions.
read previous Gut Article!!
See previous Adult Acne Article!!
Retinol (Vitamin A) based night serums – is anti-aging as it helps with collagen building and the rate at which skin cells generate. Amp up your results even further by using a dermal-roller prior.

Visit the Solution Tool for further advice regarding which products will best suit your individual skin concerns.
Going to bed earlier – as lack of sleep can add to hormonal imbalance, inflammatory skin conditions and adult acne. Aim for 7-9 hours per night.
Manage stress – as cortisol can trigger skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea and acne. Stress also robs us of progesterone.
Exercise – helps with circulation (blood flow to your skin) and also stress management. See previous article.
Quit smoking as it has been linked to early menopause.
Progesterone Cream helps a lot of women with Perimenopausal symptoms in general. I highly recommend Ona’s Natural Progesterone Cream

To receive a discount on Ona’s natural progesterone cream use code : Vskin10

Some people choose to get muscle relaxant injections – these work to prevent the formation of static wrinkles by stopping the signal between the nerve and muscle. The decreased movement in the muscle places less stress on the skin helping to give a fresh and youthful appearance. Anti-wrinkle injections are made from a purified protein that temporarily causes facial muscles to relax, instantly softening lines and wrinkles and reducing the severity of visible wrinkles.
Hyaluronic dermal filler injections – once again, this is a personal choice made by some people. A dermal filler helps re-volumise and hydrate the face. Made from hyaluronic gel – a natural sugar already present in the human body. Hyaluronic can help restore fullness and volume in numerous facial areas. See here for more

Vitex – has been traditionally used in Western herbal medicine for menstrual cycle irregularities and to help relieve symptoms associated with PMS. It can also provide symptomatic relief of hormone-induced acne.

LEAVE YOUR SKIN CLEAR, ENERGISED & REJUVENATED – with LED Therapy

December 9, 2017January 3, 2018 / clinicalskincarebyvictoria / 8 Comments

It can be lights, camera, action all year round with LED.

Non-invasive LED Light Therapy works at a cellular level. The soothing, deep penetrating LED lights target deep into cells heightening their internal functions, photo-stimulating dermal blood flow, and inducing faster healing so your skin always looks rejuvenated.

Increased blood circulation
Acne treatment
Rosacea reduction
Skin rejuvenation and improved skin texture
Lines and wrinkles
Wound healing
Pain relief
Muscle and joint pain
Arthritis
Muscle spasm

LED Blue Light

Specifically targets active acne.

Is clinically proven to reduce acne lesions by 70%.
Targets the acne bacteria and promotes the body’s own natural healing response to rejuvenate skin. SO your acne fades and your skin heals
Safe, effective, no down time.
Most skin types, all year round.

LED Yellow Light

Penetrates deep in to the layers of the skin causing rejuvenation, cell repair and increased circulation.

Skin Rejuvenation
Wound Healing

Is also very effective after skin treatments (such as Dermal Rolling, Fractional RF, Peals and Cosmetic injections).

LED Light Therapy is pain free and in fact very relaxing. There is no down time and the treatment only takes approximately 15 minuets. SO they can easily be squeezed into your busy schedule.

LED Treatments are very affordable at Laser Clinics Australia.

http://www.laserclinics.com.au