Transform your skincare routine with this new eye rejuvenation solution

Ready for a real solution to your under-eye concerns?

Eye creams have long been a staple in skincare routines for combatting common under-eye concerns, providing temporary hydration and some level of improvement. However, their effects are often limited and short-lived. If you're frustrated by the lack of significant results when dealing with stubborn issues like dark circles and fine lines, it may be time to explore a more effective solution.

Rejuran-I is an eye rejuvenation treatment new to the Australian market. This treatment goes beyond traditional eye creams to rejuvenate and revitalise the delicate under-eye area.

Here’s what you need to know:

Understanding the eye-area

The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on the face, making it particularly susceptible to signs of ageing and tiredness. Factors like genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits can make concern like dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines worse. Unfortunately, traditional rejuvenation treatments often don't work well for addressing this sensitive area.

A Solution Beyond Eye Creams

Unlike traditional eye creams that merely hydrate the skin's surface, Rejuran-I contains polynucleotides (PNs) derived from salmon DNA, which have remarkable regenerative properties. This includes stimulating collagen production, promoting skin repair, and enhancing overall skin texture and tone- overall, working to target the root causes of dark circles, resulting in brighter, more rejuvenated skin.

Effective for tackling these concerns

Dark Circles

Puffiness

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

The process explained.

Rejuran Eye targets the root cause of dark circles, brightening the under-eye area and reducing discolouration for a more refreshed look. It further helps alleviate puffiness by promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing inflammation, resulting in a smoother under-eye contour. Lastly, it stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity, helping smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.

Whether you're struggling with dark circles, fine lines, or puffiness, this treatment offers a safe and effective solution. Book your consultation today to learn more today. For more information click here

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Why AviClear is a breakthrough treatment for acne

Your Guide to AviClear Acne Treatment

If you're experiencing the pain of persistent breakouts or frustrated by the slow pace of results from traditional treatments, the AviClear laser could be the game-changer you've been looking for. Designed with patient comfort in mind- this innovative treatment targets the root cause of acne, offering a comprehensive solution for achieving clear, radiant skin.

AviClear is the first FDA-cleared laser energy device designed specifically for the treatment of moderate to severe acne.

AviClear Acne Laser: Dr Michaela Zallmann - Dermatologist (BBNSC (HONS), MBBS (HONS), FACD)

When sebaceous glands become unhealthy, they produce excess oil with a thick consistency, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. The AviClear laser takes aim at these troublesome glands, specifically targeting sebocytes – the cells responsible for oil production. Through the unique 1726 nm wavelength, this laser effectively reduces overall oil production, helping to improve existing acne and prevent future flare-ups.

What sets AviClear apart from other acne treatments?

Unlike other treatments that only address surface-level symptoms, AviClear works to effectively address the underlying cause of acne with three quick 30-minute treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

- But what about the aftermath of treatment?

While some acne treatments may trigger an excessive purge as they work to unclog pores and eliminate acne-causing bacteria, AviClear™ operates differently. Most patients undergoing AviClear™ treatments experience a short term purge. Followed by a gradual improvement in their skin's clarity and texture as the treatment progresses.

How soon will I see results?

While results may not be immediate, optimal results are typically observed a few weeks after completing the FULL treatment course.

It is important to note that results may vary from person to person.

Concerned about discomfort during treatment?

Fear not – AviClear™ is designed with patient comfort in mind. While you may experience a slight snapping sensation during the treatment, most patients tolerate it well, especially with the added benefit of AviCool™ contact cooling technology. While results may not be immediate, the gradual improvement in acne severity and skin texture is well worth the wait.

Book your consultation today and embark on your journey to a brighter, blemish-free future.
For more information click here

Has the recent humidity affected your skin? - We asked Professor Greg Goodman AM

First, we have to understand 'skin barrier function'

"The skin barrier is the delicate outer layer or ‘stratum corneum’ of our body and has similar permeability, thickness, and characteristics as a piece of glad wrap," says Prof Goodman. "It is important because it allows us to be terrestrial beings, keeping our insides in and protecting us from the outside environment."

"The skin barrier itself is a delicate balancing organ and starts off life down at the dermo-epidermal junction. The associated skin cells are somewhat communistic in nature; they give up life for the benefit of the body by dying slowly while they come up through the skin layers, becoming devoid of all living matter by the time they reach the surface."

"At this point, they are essentially sheets of interlocked keratin or ‘bricks’, and they stay this way until they are ready to shed. Between those ‘bricks’ are the ‘mortar’ or good oils – we’re talking cholesterol, free fatty acids, ceramides, and sphingomyelins"

(say 'ceramides and sphingomyelins' three times fast)

Goodman continues, "the whole transition from the base to the surface and then falling off the skin as individual cells is highly important as they take with them the allergens and microbes and all of the things you don’t want – a self-replenishing organ, if you like. Each part needs to operate in harmony with the rest to ensure a healthy skin barrier function."

"Another factor to consider is ‘trans-epidermal water loss’ which refers to gradual water loss through the skin tissue. Why is this important? You need 'good bugs' on your skin, and this process maintains a slightly acidic PH and critical level of humidity, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship, where the ‘good’ bugs keep out other nastier pathogens."

What can affect a healthy skin barrier?

"Overzealous cleaning (such as with alkaline soaps), excessive exfoliation (particular physically) and other general lifestyle factors such as changing atmospheric conditions," says Goodman.

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So, what about humidity?

Regarding humidity, the best way to see a change in skin barrier function is when someone translocates between climates of a vastly different nature – for example, moving between Darwin (humid) and Perth (dry).

Interestingly, common skin problems can arise from moving either way:

Acne – this can flare up moving from a dry to a humid environment.
Eczema – this can flare up with the opposite transition; humid to dry. This is of particular importance as we transition out of the current humid La Nina weather pattern in Victoria and into dryer Autumn and Winter conditions.

"Essentially, you can be a victim of where you live no matter the climate," says Goodman.

Sigh

To Victoria – our skin is used to living in dryer air. That is, we usually only see a handful of humid days through Summer, as hot desert air blusters in during our normal summer weather patterns. Currently, we’re seeing a lot of tropical weather being dragged down, giving us a summer more akin to Sydney or Brisbane's.

This is, however, not our first and certainly won’t be our last humid summer, so it begs the question – has anything else changed? Well, friends, that may come down to something much more recent in our history. Yes, we are talking about masks.

"Presentations of rosacea, acne and perioral dermatitis (bumps or dryness around the mouth area) have increased. We have also seen a lot of lip dryness – or cheilitis – recently," explains Goodman.

Now, this may seem counter-intuitive given the humidity but it may be that we are altering our skincare routines in an unhelpful way.

We’ve spoken about it before, and we will again – we need to adjust our skincare routine as the seasons change. To keep it simple:

In humid conditions -

Decrease the base – changing the consistency of your base from ointment to cream, cream to serum, strong chemical exfoliant to gentle cleanser, etc. is the most helpful change you can make.

Increase your actives – when our skin is not facing dry air, it is more adept at dealing with stronger active skincare; we’re talking retinols, niacinamides, and the like.

In dry conditions -

Maintain your base – you want to increase the moisture so the atmosphere can’t steal it. This of course depends on your skin type; most people will find moving from a hydrating serum to an ointment will cause their skin to get a little angry.

Reduce your actives – as the dry air strips away the natural moisture of your skin barrier, it is less able to cope with the stress of active skincare. Now don’t let that scare you away from active skincare entirely – they are crucial in maintaining an active and healthy skin barrier, however, in dryer conditions, it is easier to overdo it.

The cause of many cases of skin sensitivity might surprise you

We have noticed that many people are visiting us at DIV with complaints of increased skin sensitivity.

Want to hear a shocking truth?

You might actually be the cause, simply by overusing certain ingredients and products

DIV Dermatologist Dr Katherine Armour recently chatted with Mamamia’s Erin Docherty to break it down -

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First up, sensitive skin - Is it possible for your skincare routine to make your skin more sensitive?

100%! Symptoms and causes of sensitive skin obviously differ between individuals (underlying issues like eczema and such can trigger sensitive skin), skin experts are now noticing a lot of 'man-made' sensitivity going on.

The main culprits? Physical exfoliation, foaming cleansers and toners.

"We have become obsessed with exfoliation as if it is something that we need to do to avoid all the perceived evils that could befall our skin (dullness, dryness, congestion)," says Dr Armour.

this might be big news to a lot of people

"I believe physical exfoliants are completely unnecessary. They temporarily smooth the skin by removing the dead upper layer which will slough away on its own. In doing so, physical exfoliants, particularly if used too often, will disrupt the skin barrier, leading to irritation and sensitivity."

"In terms of harsh skincare, foaming cleansers and toners are the main culprits. When used over-zealously they too upset the epidermal barrier, stripping precious lipids and leading to 'man-made' skin sensitivity."

So what’s the best option moving forward?

"The main way to ensure a glowing complexion is by supporting your skin's precious barrier with nourishing moisturisers, B3 and B5 topically, and by targeting brown spots and pigmentation with appropriate cosmeceutical ingredients," she said.

Armour said chemical exfoliants (AHA’s and BHA’s) are appropriate in those without sensitive skin to smooth and decongest, but these kinds of ingredients are to be used with care (one to two products a day, maximum).

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This article was adapted from an article originally published by Mamamia - https://www.mamamia.com.au/man-made-sensitivity-causes-behind-sensitive-skin/

Mask VS Skin

Despite making it through the 2020 portion of the COVID-19 pandemic relatively unscathed, our lives in Australia have still been impacted ongoing.

With the most recent (albeit small) hotel quarantine leak of the UK strain of the virus, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has once again implemented the rule for the wearing of masks in indoor settings.

After some respite from mask-wearing, many people may find they are once again prone to what many have dubbed 'maskne' or other inflammatory skin conditions.

The good news is, there are several things you can do to prevent your face covering from causing damage to your skin, and there are steps you can take to try and lessen the severity of your skin condition.

Firstly, it is important to consider what your mask is made of and if it is of good quality. The best protection against any virus arguably comes from wearing KN95, N95 or P2 masks, however in most cases, these are only necessary for front-line and healthcare workers. For the general public, a standard surgical mask or tightly-woven cotton mask will suffice. Your mask should feel soft and reasonably breathable on the skin. To test the effectiveness of your mask, check if you can see light through the mask when held up to the eye - if you can, the mask will most likely not prove effective.

Surgical masks should be discarded after every use, and fabric masks should be washed after every use. When washing a mask, use an unscented laundry detergent that does not contain dyes or fragrances as those can irritate your skin and nasal passages. Washing and drying the masks in high heat will also help kill germs.

In regards to skincare while having to wear a mask, it is important to maintain consistency. A gentle cleanser is best, as it removes natural debris in addition to being antiviral which creates an added barrier of safety.

Avoid any harsher cleansers or exfoliants for the time being (such as strong AHA/BHA's or retinols), as they may further disrupt the skin barrier. A hyaluronic based skin serum will be your best option for moisturizing and additional ingredients such as niacinamide and vitamin C will prove useful.

As always, your dermatologist or healthcare practitioner will be your best friend in a situation such as this, as any condition is relative and everyone’s experience will be different.

A chat with Assoc. Prof. Greg Goodman on Excessive Sweating

It is estimated that about 3% of people suffer from a condition called hyperhidrosis, where they sweat much more than they need to — having implications on their quality of life.

We sat down with DIV director and head dermatologist Assoc. Professor Greg Goodman to discuss options and treatment for excessive sweating.

Q: What exactly is deemed “excessive” when talking about sweating? 

GG: People who suffer from excessive sweating are a different group to those who have normal sweating. Their levels are significantly above the population. There is a scale called the IHHS scale, which defines people into 4 groups, with 3&4 being sweating that interferes with daily activity. People take extraordinary measures for this type of sweating, including only wearing certain types of clothing, utilising air blowers in restaurants and cafés, putting paper towel under their armpits and avoiding shaking hands with people.

Q: Are there any Medical conditions that cause hyperhidrosis?

GG: Yes. Diabetes, menopause, thyroid disease and anxiety can all induce sweating. This is slightly different to focal hyperhidrosis, the more typical problematic and common sweating that we are discussing here. Sweating, if it comes on later in life can be a sign of internal malignancy or autoimmune disease and needs to be investigated. However, most hyperhidrosis common forms occur either in late childhood and early adolescence and are consistent through adult life.

 Q: What treatments are available to me?

GG: For excessive sweating, possibilities include oral anticholinergic drugs, which may in a small percentage of the population have some effect. They act like an oral form muscle relaxant injections. For axillary sweating, sweat reducing injections are used in the armpits, to decrease the flow of information from the nerves to the sweat glands and “turn off” sweating very adequately. This needs to be done every 4-8 months and is highly effective.

Topical preparations for sweating that is on the face, or on the body such as Glycoporrolate can be utilised. In a form of this a treatment called Iontophoresis that is particularly used for hands and feet may be used as an electrical device that forces tap water or anticholinergics like Glycoporrolate to go into hands and feet and stop sweating.

More recently, microwave and radiofrequency technology have been utilised for excessive sweating. Microwave technology decreases sweating on a longer term basis than other treatment options.

Q: What are the risks involved?

GG: This depends on the technology that is being used to manage sweating. Sometimes the oral or topical anticholinergic drugs can cause patients to report feeling “on edge” with dryness in the mouth and some degree of palpitation. With sweat reducing injections, there is not much in the way of complications from axillary use.

Q: How often will I have to have treatment?

GG: Oral medications usually require long term use with topical applications usually several times a week initially and then dropping to 1-2 times over a 3-month period. For sweat reducing injections every 4-8 months.

Q: What are the success rates?

GG: The success rates are very high. Occasionally people do fail with hyperhidrosis treatments however, this is not common. Injections into the axially are very effective in most patients. 

Interested in finding out more? Give our clinic a call during business hours on (03) 9826 4966 - remember, we’re closing between 23/12 and 5/1!)

Why is collagen so important?

‘Collagen’ has become one of those buzzwords that marketers have used increasingly to promote products and treatments across the dermatology and skin care product fields. But what is it and what does it do?

Let’s break it down

Collagen naturally occurs throughout the body and is made up of amino acids.  In fact, it is the main structural component that determines how well our bodies retain their shape and firmness as we age – it actually makes up around 30% of the body’s total protein.

So that’s the basic science - what about the cosmetic benefits? 

Collagen plays a huge role in the way our skin looks and feels, providing firmness and shape and assisting in giving a youthful appearance and ‘glow’. Collagen rests under the surface layer of the skin where it forms a scaffolding that, combined with elastin, helps the surface layer retain its structure and accommodate movement without wrinkling. 

Like all bodily systems, collagen production slows down over time. Not only does the body make less of it as we age, but what does remain becomes weaker due to lack of support. As a result, it begins to break down, which can result in a variety of changes including wrinkles and sagging skin.

A lot of topical skincare products claim to contain collagen to help with skin appearance and health – is that true?

When topically applied in a cream or serum, collagen molecules are simply too large to penetrate the skin's surface, meaning you unfortunately can’t boost levels in the skin this way.

So can we increase or at least maintain our body’s collagen levels in other ways?

The good news is that there are numerous treatments available to assist in increasing the density of and strengthening your collagen layer. You may have heard of such treatments as Ultraformer III, Venus Viva or microneedling – as everyone is different and consequently have different needs, your practitioner will be best able to advise on which of these or else other treatment options will work best for you.

The take-home message? collagen structure and production contributes a great deal to your skin texture, look and feel. Boosting your collagen levels can be a great way to maintain or rejuvenate your skin.

Skincare 101: Summer

The Australian Summer has started with a warm and particularly sunny bang. and as We’ve mentioned before, Australian people in general endure more sun-related skin problems when compared with our northern hemisphere counterparts.

We’ve already mentioned in previous posts but let’s revisit it - Australian people in general endure more sun-related skin problems when compared with their northern hemisphere-counterparts.

PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN A CURE, SO HERE ARE OUR 6 TOP TIPS FOR SUMMER SKINCARE!

1. Lighten up your skin-care routine.

If you’re feeling a little too snug to wear extra layers throughout the summer season, your skin is probably feeling the same. Summer is the time to seek more lightweight skincare options (of course, everyone is different and if that heavier cream isn’t causing you any issues, keep it up!) 

Don’t however forgo your moisturising regime entirely. You may feel, with the added humidity or sweat that your skin is being nourished naturally. That unfortunately is not the case. Further, if you’re a city-dweller, it may prove more problematic with pollen, chemicals and other pollutants sticking more easily to your skin. 

The best course of action is to use a lighter cleanser and find a light moisturiser and SPF product for daywear. 

2. Invest in a solid vitamin C serum. 

Vitamin C is great year-round, but all the more important in the summer. Vitamin C helps prevent hyperpigmentation, improve the appearance of fine lines, and can help with collagen production. Layer a few drops on your skin between cleansing and moisturizer.

3. Add an exfoliation skin-care step.

Now pay attention here – we’re talking chemical exfoliants, not physical. And as always, this depends on your skin-type! If you have oily or photodamaged skin, you may find that exfoliating a little more in the summer is of benefit. However, if you’re more on the dry (or sensitive/combination)-side, we suggest (with few exceptions) that exfoliants are just not for you. 

Bear in mind, the worst thing you can do for your skin is to jump on a new product or skin-care program abruptly; your skin needs time to adapt - just as the seasons allow it to adapt as temperature and humidity gradually increase or decrease depending on where you live. 

If you’re unsure as to what is appropriate for you skin, your dermatologist or else dermal clinician will be happy to help you. 

4. Cut down your tub time 

Don’t hate us, but we must once again advise against your long hot shower or bath. Over-showering, or showering in water that is too hot, can lead to over-drying your skin, and irritate sensitive skin and exacerbate diseases like rosacea and eczema.

5. Make sure all your makeup is non-comedogenic.

Take a close look at your makeup product labels and only keep those that are non-comedogenic. That's a fancy word for a product formulated without pore-clogging ingredients. This is super important through the warm months. 

6. Stay in the shade.

Australia is, innately, the sun-burnt country. We implore you not to sunbake. Shade and daily SPF topicals are your best friends!

We don’t want to ruin your summer entirely but keeping an eye on the amount of time you are in the sun, ensuring you are topping up on sunscreen and staying shaded where you can is honestly the best thing you can do for your skin for long term skin health.

A compromise that works well in Australia is visiting the beach, the pool or otherwise lounging outside can be done once the sun is starting to set in the evening. The heat remains, but the damaging rays are starting to diminish.

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NEED NEW SKINCARE?

Our sister company has just launched a brand new store at Westfield Doncaster, in addition to their flagship store below div in south yarra.

If you need a skincare top up, they’ll certainly be happy to help you out

Let’s talk about - Ultraformer III

Ultraformer (also known as High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is one of our most popular treatment requests at DIV. It promotes collagen production and renewal in the deep layers of the skin to resolve the appearance of wrinkles, sagginess and pigmentation.

How does it work?

The Ultraformer III machine uses ultrasound technology to tauten and lift loose or drooping skin, decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles and improve the shape of the areas such as the jawline.

The machine utilises precision micro-focused and macro-focused High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) energy to instantly contract collagen fibres and induce a process known as neocollagenesis. This promotes long-term collagen production for a natural, lifted look without the downtime.  

Hang on, why do I need collagen?

Collagen is what preserves our skin’s youthful strength and elasticity. From our mid to late twenties, our skin starts to produce 1% less collagen each year, and even less so in the years leading up to menopause. Less collagen can lead to skin laxity and wrinkles.

What does it treat?

The Ultraformer III can be used to treat a wide variety of areas. The most popular treated areas however tend to be the neck, jawline, cheeks, nasolabial folds and eye area.

Ultraformer III is also commonly requested for other areas of the body such as the abdomen and upper arms. Further, many women look to the Ultraformer to help minimise the effects of pregnancy by getting abdominal tightening treatments.

What are the main benefits?

• No Downtime: Unlike many procedures there are few following treatment.

• Targeted: The Ultraformer III is incredibly precise so can treat areas that are delicate (the eyes) or areas difficult to target (neck and jawline).

• Immediate Results: The heat generated by the ultrasound pulsations has an immediately noticeable skin tightening effect.

• Ongoing Results: An increase in collagen will occur gradually over 3-6 months following the initial treatment.

• Natural Results: By naturally stimulating your body’s own collagen production the results look entirely natural.

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call div to discuss ultraformer III and how it can help you on (03) 9826 4966