The benefits of Zinc
Angela Hodgkiss- Angelique Day Spa and Skin Clinic
Zinc plays an important role in numerous biochemical pathways including skin, CNS, organ systems, immune and skeletal and reproductive systems. Zinc deficiency can result in dysfunction of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity leading to illness, rundown feeling, poor concentration, stunted growth and poor wound healing. Following are some top benefits of zinc:
1. Zinc improves immunity and reduces chance of colds and illnesses when taken for 5 months because it reduces mucus and bacteria from building up in nasal passage. Studies have found colds were shortened when taken within 24 hours of contracting a cold.
2. It supports antioxidants that may help fight cancer by reducing oxidative stress symptoms and supporting healthy cell division and encouraging damaged cells to commit suicide.
3. It benefits hormonal health and fertility because it plays a role in all hormone production. Because of its impact on hormonal balance even the slightest deficiency can result in infertility and diabetes.
4. It fights diabetes because it is a hormone regulator of insulin, the main hormone involved in regulation of blood sugars.
5. It maintains heart health by supporting blood vessels. The thin layer of cells called the endothelium that lines the blood vessels relies on adequate levels of zinc. It supports healthy circulation as it is a natural remedy for high blood pressure and cholesterol levels from clogged arteries.
6. It aids digestive problems and assists in nutrition and nutrient absorption because it is involved in the breakdown of carbs and protein synthesis so energy levels can be affected leading to adrenal or chronic fatigue.
7. It increases fertility especially regulating serum testerone levels in men. It will also impact womens fertility as adequate levels of zinc is required during the growth process of the egg.
8. Supports liver health as it assists in cleansing and reduce inflammation in the liver and aids with nutrient absorption and waste elimination
9. Helps with muscle growth and repair as it plays an important role in cell division and growth as well as assisting in with the release of testerone and other growth hormones which build healthy muscle mass.
10. Skin – It has anti inflammatory properties so important for skin healing. It is found in all body tissue and needed for healthy cell division. It acts like an antioxidant in the body, fighting free radical damage and slows ageing process. It is a vitamin C transporter. It is useful in treating acne due to wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that acne lesions reduced from 100 percent to 15 % in 12 weeks of taking orally. Zinc oxide is often used in topical treatments because it has skin astringent properties preventing oil from building on surface and slowing down production. Topical zinc is also better at treating cuts and wounds due to its involvement in removal of necrotic tissue. Zinc can also help fillers be more effective.
11. Zinc fights off depression-zinc containing neurons regulate the brain and body response to stress. A recent study found that patients receiving a zinc supplement in combination with antidepressants reduced symptoms significantly compared to just antidepressants on their own.
12. Zinc in sunscreen- zinc is a mineral not soluble in water. It is one of the safest ingredients for protecting the skin and does not have toxic side effects like chemical sunscreens do.
13. It targets two proteins that are involved with the degradation of collagen by interceding when collagen is exposed to UV and it activates DNA process allowing it to repair and self correct.
What destroys zinc
Cereals, the pill, anti-acids, blood pressure meds, antibiotics, HRT meds can all diminish zinc status.
Supplements should not be taken on an empty stomach or with calcium or iron or exceed 40 mg per day. Recommended daily intake is Men: 14mg, Women 8mg, Pregnant or lactating 12 mg. Intake can be increased by eating lean red meat, dairy, seafood, oysters, dark chocolate, oatmeal. Vegetarians are often deficient in zinc.
Signs of zinc deficiency
Tests are available to determine zinc deficiency including hair, taste, urine and blood tests but most will only show if severe deficiency. Symptoms to look out for are: changes in appetite and loss of taste and smell, weight change, hair loss, digestive problems including diarrhoea, chronic fatigue, infertility, PMS or menopausal problems, low immunity, poor concentration, slow wound healing and nerve dysfunction. White spots under nails, rough skin and lines down abdomen are all pointers to lack of zinc.
Sources: Healthyfoodguide articles 2011, Zinc – tina viney APJ

Sleep and why it’s so important for skin health
Angela Hodgkiss- Angelique Day Spa and Skin Clinic
I was at a seminar recently where the lecturer said we are entering a new stage in beauty where it is being realised that Sleep is going to be the most sought after beauty treatment. I think they are right. When you consider what happens to our body if we don’t get enough of it, all the creams and treatments in the world cant compare to a good nights rest.

During the day our skin is busy defending itself from sun and free radicals and at night it can focus on repairing the damage and eliminating dangerous toxins. As levels of adrenaline and corticosteroids from the busy day drop, the body starts to produce the human growth hormone –somatrophin which repairs our skin. Quality undisturbed sleep is vital because sleep phases determine the healing and regulating ability. If you are waking every few hours even if you have had 8 hours, your body will not fully recover. During undisturbed sleep somatropin is found to be at its highest level.

Skin makes new collagen during sleep and micro circulation is increased so blood flow in the skin is boosted. Sleep deprivation causes a decrease in blood flow, leaving skin dull, dry and lifeless. When blood flow is increased it will also benefit from skin repairing ingredients in night time products. During sleep the body will rehydrate. Skin is able to recover moisture, whilst excess water in the body is processed for removal. Not getting enough sleep results in puffy eyes and dryness and wrinkles.

Poor sleep can activate the sympathetic nervous system. This is the fight or flight mechanism that increases cortisol levels whilst also suppressing immune system, interrupting digestion and diverting blood flow and oxygen from vital organs. Increased cortisol can contribute to weight gain and is linked to visceral fat. The increased stress hormone also increases the severity of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Increased inflammation interferes with the body’s ability to regulate the immune system and more inflammatory cells in the body can lead to a breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Our circadian rhythm is our sleep wake cycle that actually drives the rhythm of our biological activities at a cellular level and certain genes regulate this. As we age scientists have found many of these genes begin to lose their rhythm. Monthly Hormonal shifts and spikes can affect our circadian rhythm. Pregnancy, obesity,hot sweats, stress, anxiety, depression can all affect our sleep/wake cycle.

Tips to help get a better nights sleeps
• Food – Warm milk and chamomile are known for their calming properties. Cherries are a natural source of the sleep hormone melatonin and drinking tart cherry juice has been found to improve sleep duration and quality. Almonds and spinach are rich in magnesium which is known for promoting sleep and relaxing muscles. A high protein snack a few hours before bed may also help as it can provide the l-tryptophan needed for your melatonin and serotonin production. Caffeine, spicy foods are linked with taking longer to fall asleep.
• Stop eating – 3 hours before bedtime to optimise your mitochondrial function and it will lower blood sugar levels, jump start the glycogen depletion process so you can switch to fat burning mode.
• Impact of temperature – Temperature appears to be a major regulator of sleep and timing. Our body’s heat distribution system is linked to sleep cycle. Even lying done induces sleepiness as your body drops to lowest levels after 4 hours after lying down. Scientists believe a cooler room may then be conducive to sleep since it mimics your body’s natural temperature drop. So taking a warm bath 1.5-2 hours before bed can help as it increases core body temperature so when it abruptly drops it can signal your body you are ready for sleep.
• Avoid watching to or using the computer 1 hour before bed because they omit blue light which tricks the brain into thinking it’s daytime. Your brain begins to secrete melatonin between 9-10 pm and the blue light can stifle this process.
• Sun-Make sure you get bright sun exposure regularly. Your pineal gland produces melatonin roughly proportionate to the contract of bright sun exposure in the day and the complete darkness at night. (So if you were in darkness all day long it can’t appreciate the difference and will not optimise your melatonin production. The slightest bit of light can disrupt your pineal glands melatonin production.
Select skin restoring ingredients that work best at night with the skins functions:
• Cell communicators: Retinol, peptides, carnosine, minerals such as magnesium, selenium and zinc
• Restoring: Hyaluronic Acid, ceramides,
• Anti imflammatory and antioxidants such as resveratrol, niacinamide, arnica, chamomile
• Probiotics to help restore flora levels such as yeast extract
• Proteins such as EFAs, peptides, amino acids (creatine, alanine, glycine)
At Angelique Day Spa and Skin Clinic we have a range of products to get the best out of your skin whilst you are sleeping.

 

Sources: Spa and clinic, APJ

INTRODUCING REGUL 8 at Angelique Day Spa and Skin Clinic

If your body was a garden it would not matter what seeds you plant. They will simply not grow whilst the garden is full of weeds, robbing all the nutrients. The seeds are the probiotics and the weeds are the bad bacteria.
Regul 8 is a herbal based process that cleanses, soothes and repairs the gastrointestinal system, removing unhealthy organisms, soothing existing irritations and sustaining gut health, rebalancing good bacteria and providing an environment for them to flourish.
1. Cleanse- Assists with bacterial and fungal overloads and parasites whilst promoting improved digestion
2. Restore – Repairs and restores the gastrointestinal tract. Improves blood supply to the intestinal lining, supports liver, kidney and gallbladder function and restores the optimal environment for the good bacteria to flourish.
3. Maintain-has micro encapsulated probiotic cultures that are created to survive the stomach juices on the journey to gut.
IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Hippocrates said 200 years ago, all health begin in the gut. Research over the past two decades has revealed that gut health is critical to overall health, and that an unhealthy gut contributes to a wide range of diseases. The digestive system is where vitamins, nutrients and minerals are absorbed. Factors such as stress, lack of sleep, antibiotics, the contraceptive pill, anti-inflammatory drugs, illness, ageing, and poor diet choices can often lead to an imbalance of the bacteria in your digestive tract. We know as well that stress negatively affects your digestive function – when stressed, the blood supply to the digestive system is decreased. Higher stress leads to increased cholesterol, deficiency in essential fatty acids, deficiency in hydrochloric acid-(essential for digestion and for good bacteria to stick to walls) raised cortisol (a stress hormone leading to inflammation) salt retention, insulin resistance (a pre-cursor to diabetes) thyroid and other endocrine problems, reflux, disturbance in the good bacteria in the gut, and increase in all the pro-inflammatory factors. Faulty digestion plays a role in toxicity of our system. Our bodies can be a breeding ground for harmful microbes and chemicals. One of the primary sites in the body for toxins is the colon. A toxic gut can be a home to a host of parasites. Parasites stimulate the immune system and wreak havoc with our digestion and assimilation.
DYSBIOSIS
The mucosal lining in the digestive system is our front line defence. If this is in a poor state, it follows that we will be in poor health. When the bad bacteria and yeast becomes overgrown in your intestinal tract, you have a condition called dysbiosis. When the intestinal barrier becomes permeable (i.e. “leaky gut syndrome”), large protein molecules escape into the bloodstream. Since these proteins do not belong outside of the gut, the body mounts an immune response attacking them.
It is also now known that there are more neurons (nerve cells) in the gut than in the spinal tissue and the whole peripheral nervous system. These produce serotonin – the feel good hormone. No serotonin – no feel good! Poor gut function can also turn to chronic tiredness because serotonin is the neurotransmitter for happiness and its offset melatonin the neurotransmitter for sleep. These neurotransmitters have a calming effect and help control your sleep patterns and if these two are out of balance due to poor gut function, it can turn to chronic tiredness. 70-80% of immune system resides in the gut. 400 times melatonin is produced in the gut rather than brain- hence sleeping problems when our gut is not healthy.
Leaky Gut affects the whole body. It affects:
• Brain and can lead to depression and anxiety
• Skin and can lead to acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis
• Thyroid and can lead to Hasimotos, Hypothyroidism, Graves
• Colon and can lead to constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel
• Adrenals and can lead to fatigue
• Joints and can lead to arthritis, fibromyalgia and headaches
• Sinus and mouth and can lead to cold and allergies and food sensitivities
Food allergies and digestive issues
An expanding field of new research shows that your gut health plays a significant role in:
• Hormone regulation – If you have Leaky Gut Syndrome or a lack of beneficial probiotic bacteria lining your intestinal wall, you are more susceptible to hormonal problems including diabetes and obesity – due to inflammation usually stemming from your gut and then influencing nearly every aspect of your health.
• High levels of inflammation caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.
• Toxicity (exposure to pesticides, toxins, viruses, cigarettes, excessive alcohol, and harmful chemicals).
• High amount of stress, a lack of sleep and rest.
Why do we need probiotics as well as prebiotics?
Probiotic bacteria do not colonise well when introduced and are eliminated quickly. Therefore, prebiotic foods are vital to encourage probiotic organisms to survive and thrive in the human gut. Rather than passing through the digestive tract and encourage them to adhere to the intestinal wall, beneficial bacteria must constantly be introduced through diet and fed proper food.
How stress affects your digestive system
The human body has “two brains”? The first in your skull and the other in your gut. During foetal development, one part turns into your central nervous system while the other develops into your enteric nervous system. These two systems are connected via the vagus nerve, the tenth cranial nerve that runs from your brain stem down to your abdomen. This “brain-gut axis” is what connects your two brains together, and explains why you get butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous. Digestion is controlled by the enteric nervous system, a system composed of hundreds of millions of nerves that communicate with the central nervous system. When stress activates the “flight or fight” response in the central nervous system, digestion can literally shut down as the central nervous system reduces blood flow, heart rate can go up, and blood pressure may rise as blood is shunted away from the midsection, going to extremities in preparation to flee. Stress can cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal system, and make people more susceptible to infection.
How stress impacts the digestive system
The stress response causes a number of detrimental events in the digestive system, including: Decreased nutrient absorption, decreased oxygenation to the digestive system, four times less blood flow to your digestive system, which leads to decreased metabolism and as put as 20,000 times the decreased enzymatic output in your gut. Stress results in alterations of your brain-gut connection, which can contribute to or directly cause numerous gastrointestinal disorders, including: Inflammatory bowel disease, Irritable bowel syndrome, Food antigen-related adverse responses (food allergies), Peptic ulcers and reflux. Imbalances in Your Gut Can Make You Depressed and anxious. Stress can cause gut problems which wreak havoc on your emotions. This connection goes both ways. A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. Therefore, a person’s stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression.

Gut health and its relevance to skin disorders

Angela Hodgkiss- Angelique Day Spa and Skin Clinic

Over the past 20 years research has come leaps and bounds in recognising the colon as a major player in overall health. Important discoveries are being made every year on the incredible effects of maintaining a well balanced gut microbiota. Some microbes produce vitamins our bodies don’t possess the genes to make, break down our food to extract nutrients, teach our immune systems how to recognise dangerous invaders whilst leaving friendly species alone, and even produce helpful anti-inflammatory compounds that fight off other disease causing microbes. Friendly bacteria stimulate immune system tissue around the gut, increasing the production of pathogen –fighting antibodies.
At the moment there is an estimated 1000 different types of bacteria growing in the colon, twice the number previously thought. The number of bacteria is in the trillions and at least 10 times the number of cells in our whole body. So when companies sell probiotics that have 5-10 million in one pill or a yogurt drink, it makes you realise just how small that is in comparison.
Our natural bacteria is acquired at birth and during the first 12 months of life this bacteria will permanently colonise the colon tract. This bacteria is crucial to complete health. The bowel is a complex organ and has 4 very important functions: transporting and secreting, nutritive absorption, hormonal secretion and immunologic function.
Disruption of flora can happen in many ways. Medications, high sugar or GI foods and poor hygiene can all compromise the flora. This can cause inflammation, poor digestion, colon disease (chrohns), leaky bowel syndrome and hormone imbalance. Signs of a weak gut also include bloating, constipation, food intolerances, allergies, ridged fingernails, fatigue, depression, arthritis, histamine reactions, irritable bowel syndrome, autoimmune conditions such as, coeliac, thyroid and diabetes and propensity for obesity. Chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers have abnormal levels of a specific gut bacteria.
When looking at the skin we need to remember what we see on the surface is a reflection of what’s happening in the body. Epidemiological evidence confirms there is a definite association between the gut and skin disorders including acne, rosacea, eczema, dermatitis and vitiligo. Evidence links gut health with acne. Hormones, stress, poor eating and even allergies are all aggravating pathways to acne. Once the internal inflammation has begun the acne is very hard to control.
Constipation also has a huge relevance to the pathogenis of acne. Studies show significantly lower levels of fecal concentrations of good bacteria such as lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in cases of constipation as well as intestinal permeability was significantly higher compared to healthy subjects without constipation. Constant or chronic constipation alters the intestinal microflora causing inflammation, which will effect hormonal secretions and the immune system. Depression and constipation are also a link to acne and the same goes for diarrahea.
Rosacea studies have shown a link with celiac, gluten intolerance, chrohns, Helicobacter pylori infection and irritable bowel syndrome. All these conditions are inflammatory which compromise the immune system and upset the endocrine system. So perhaps gut tune ups and lymphatic drainage should be a choice of treatment.
To maintain good bacteria living in the gut:
Probiotics- practitioner only supplements, yogurt (especially greek), kefir, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh. Probiotics act as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents that help eliminate the toxins and free radicals that cause damage and early signs of ageing. They strengthen the skins barrier function and increase and uphold moisture in the skin. Probiotics have shown to improve acne, rosacea and psoriasis and greek yogurt can even be applied on skin twice a week for improved results.
Prebiotics- are substances that create a suitable environment for probiotics to flourish. Our skins microbiome is recognised by our immune system as normal. If we are exposed to harmful organisms the microbiome react by providing an inhospitable environment to the foreign matter or creating by products that stimulate our immune system. They can provide defence mechanisms that our bodies have not even evolved yet to do for itself. By recognising what should be on our skin the t cells in our skin can also develop antibodies to build pathogens so our skin is ready to defend itself. Natural sources of prebiotics include: dandelion greens, chicory, raw onions, leeks, garlic, raw Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, avocados, peas, wholegrain and sprouted grain breads.

At Angelique we offer DMK Regul 8 which is a combination of Pre biotics, Probiotics and so much more.  Please read additional blog for more detailed info about Regul 8 or pop in and see us.

Sources: Womens health mag, Gay Wardle APJ, Belinda Carli, Florence Barret-Hill and Reika Roberts – professional beauty, Gut instincts Matoyla Kollaras, spa and clinic

INTRODUCING DMK
Remove, rebuild, maintain and protect

We are so proud to offer DMK at Angelique Day Spa and Skin Clinic because we know the results this brand achieves is second to nothing we’ve used before.

About the brand and what makes it different
DMK was developed by botanical scientist Danne Montague King, around 50 years ago and is now in over 30 countries. DMK is a Paramedical range. It works on the structure, function and cause of the skin disorder, NOT just the result of it. All skin conditions are a result of disharmony in the skin. DMK uses only High grade botanical ingredients, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are all recognised by the skin (think eye fillet beef compared to chop beef). DMK is a Pharmaceutical range which means that the actives used are a high percentage compared to base ingredients unlike over the counter ranges. There are no synthetics, polymers, waxes and lanolins. DMK uses a Transdermal delivery system which means ingredients sit in the voids of the skin for up to 8 hours delivering nutrients.

Enzyme mask?…. what’s the big deal?
DMK Enzyme Therapies initiate rapid and effective action. Within 45 minutes of a DMK Masque, a back flushing called reverse osmosis occurs forcing fluids through the membrane around the cells and leaving behind a clear, clean, toxin free environment in which the cells can function more efficiently.
After the initial application of Enzyme masques, the client will experience sensations such as itching and then a regular pulsing as their own body temperature helps activate the enzymatic action on and within the skin. A subtle dilation of capillaries will follow. This is called plasmatic action and will flush out clogged capillaries that are often perceived to be broken. Capillaries are the conduits of oxygen to the cell and oxygen is the principal energy source of the cell. A lack of oxygen leads to malfunction of the mitochondria (battery of a cell) and cell death. When skin is poorly oxygenated angiogenesis can occur. Blood vessels become clogged and dilate, and capillaries branch out and grow as they try and find more oxygen. DMK treatments will irrigate the capillary with fresh oxygenated blood by dilating capillaries and delivering nutrients. The ‘road map’ of capillaries indicates a successful treatment.
Lymphatic drainage improves as the mask tightens. All cells exist in a sea of lymph fluid. It feeds the cells as well as removing toxins but sometimes this waste system can become blocked and an oxygen starved environment is created. Enzyme therapy improves the drainage into the major ducts at the base of the neck and increases healing, strengthens veins and removes inflammation.
DMK is the only company in the world to utilize the beneficial effects of transfer messenger enzymes. Live enzymes are stored in an albium base and are deactivated after 45-60 mins of exposure to air and fluids. Enzymes orchestrate all chemical reactions in skin to bring about removal of dead cells, toxic gases and impurities. They regulate health and work with certain minerals in the body to form anti oxidants and fight free radicals.
Enzyme treatments are the most effective way of hydrolysing dead cell material. As they do not alter the PH of the skin like acids and alkalines they are perfect for reactive skins. DMK Enzyme therapy is also capable of tightening the skin progressively through the voluntary contraction of muscles.

At Angelique we offer a tailored program to suit any skin condition.  It may include subtle to extreme peels depending on your needs and skin condition.  Within the DMK programs we offer solutions for acne, rosacea, ageing, sagging, pigmentation and so much more.  We also will consult with you on supporting skincare to achieve your desired results.  We are super passionate about what we can do with DMK and look forward to discussing with you in a free consultation.

SKIN NEEDLING or Collagen Induction Therapy

Angela Hodgkiss – Angelique Day Spa and Skin Clinic

What is it?
Commonly known as skin needling, collagen induction therapy is the most effective tool for skin rejuvenation. Its scientifically proven to target cells that are responsible for producing GAGS (increasing hydration), collagen and elastin, and increase capillary strength and certain growth factors that are beneficial for skin health. It also produces microscopic channels in the skin for better penetration of ingredients (80% of product is absorbed as opposed to around 7% with just fingers), and most importantly it uses the skins own natural healing process to stimulate cell regeneration. Within weeks you will begin see an improved structure and appearance of skin in firmness, tightness, plumpness and hydration.
Who is it for?
Unlike extreme over peeling or over use of injectables , the results will always look natural. There is no risk of heat injury to the melanocyte (therefore no risk of pigmentation unlike IPL and laser), in fact there is barely any risks at all with this procedure. Just about anyone can benefit from this procedure, and only some active skin conditions such as Acne, eczema, warts, moles, keloids, active rosacea are excluded. Recommended for lax skin, fine lines and wrinkles, poor skin texture, large pores, scarred or pitted skin, thin skin, pigmentation, rosacea (when not too inflamed), baldness, stretch marks, poor barrier function.

Recommendations
It is essential that Collagen Induction Therapy be accompanied with a skin regime that will support the rejuvenation process your skin conditions requires, because needling will initiate an injury that will zap the cell of local resources that are needed to rebuild and repair. The more you use the required products the better the results will be so why wouldn’t you anyway??
3-5 treatments, 6 weeks apart, are usually recommended for to achieve optimal results. (Collagnese in the enzyme that peaks at around 14 days in the wound healing process, so to do more frequently than once a month means the enzyme is constantly peaked and will have a negative effect long term).
Use of at home dermal roller 2-7 nights per week for 5-10 mins will also increase the results.
Will it hurt and is it safe?
Your safety during this procedure is our priority. Our pen has a bio-sleeve technology to prevent cross contamination and of course single use sterile needles are medical grade and 100% sterile. Some discomfort will be experienced during procedure in bony areas such as forehead and chin, (it will feel like slightly stingy or prickly). Redness and slight stinging may be experienced for 24 hours. Makeup is not recommended before 30 mins after treatment but preferably not applied until next day.

PRICE
$225 PER TREATMENT OR $550 FOR 3. Treatment also includes application of serums and LED treatment to improve healing process by 200%
**PLUS purchase an at home skin care kit for 15% off with any treatment including Dermal rollers, and serums

Is your skin dehydrated or dry?
Angela Hodgkiss –Angelique Day Spa and Skin Clinic
Its winter and your skin feels tight, flaky, sensitive, dull, itchy and irritated. But is it dry or dehydrated and what is the difference when they both feel and look the same?
Dehydrated skin is a loss of water not oil. It is a ‘condition’ which means we can change it, unlike dry skin which is a ‘type’ and we are born with it. It can come and go. You can still experience breakouts because skin can still produce oil (unlike dry skin which typically does not have much sebum) and dehydrated skin can be both oily and dry at the same time and is common in oily skin types because we tend to dry it out with harsh products that strip the oil. If skin is pinched into a fold it doesn’t bounce back because the epidermis cannot retain water efficiently. It appears dense and dull and with a light touch on the side of cheeks the skin looks crepey. The pores can appear large and open because they are thirsty, whereas dry skin will be tight and small because the follicles are not dilating due to lack of producing oil. Dry skin can be dull looking, flaky and scaly and feel tight after washing. Dry skin can be sensitive and inflamed which leads to collagen and elastin breakdown and premature ageing.
Because we cannot change our skin type there is not a lot we can do with a dry skin apart from use gentle cleansers and nourish, nourish, nourish with good serums and moisturisers. They ARE some things however we can do to change a dehydrated skin. A few tips below will be useful for both.
As we age cells are replaced by other cells that do not hold as much water. A new born is 80% water an old person is 50%. There are also external causes such as cleansers that are too alkaline and strip the hydro lipid film, not drinking enough water, smoking that will constrict blood flow and nutrients, medication such as diuretics and illness, inadequate moisturizers and alcohol based toners, Air conditioning and dry climate, hot showers, too much salt, alcohol and excess sugar and caffeine in our diet are also big contributors.
It’s not just our skin that is affected when we are dehydrated. Our blood becomes sticky and thick which affects the transportation of oxygen around our body. It affects oxygen to our brain so that we are not as alert and it makes the heart work harder. Water helps our bodies to get rid of toxins. Not enough water can lead to an unwell feeling, increased risk of urine infection, constipation and kidney stones. Headaches occur because our brain is mostly water and when it is dried out it shrinks from the skull causing pain. Muscles become tight and cramped so are at greater risk of injury.
To combat dehydrated skin it’s necessary to treat the condition internally as well as externally. Our skin is our largest organ but it is the last organ in the body to receive nutrients and water. The epidermis can only draw what it needs from within the body. In winter it needs extra care as it’s more likely to become dehydrated due to increased time in central heating etc. Skin becomes patchy, itchy, flaky and tight and it can become rougher. First step is to restore the acid mantle and ensure the keratin cell membrane is in optimum condition so that our skins barrier is water tight and there is no additional water loss. Use serums because they penetrate deeper as they have smaller molecules. A light peel followed by moisturizer is recommended. Lactic peels are particularly good for dehydration as they are a natural hydrator and will help to exfoliate dryness and fine lines and will increase production of skin protecting ceramides.
Look for humectant ingredients such as glycerine, urea, BHA and shea butter as these are water soluble agents that work by drawing water into the skin. Be careful though because in dry weather the action can be reversed and they will suck the moisture the other way (because the air is dryer than the skin). For this reason they work best with occlusives that will stop water from evaporating such as lanolin, jojoba oil, petrolatum, evening primrose and sunflower or olive oil. Hyaluronic acid is another extremely important ingredient as it increases the natural moisturizing factor and it will hold 1000 times it weight in water and will form a protective barrier in arid enviroments. Vitamin C assists in further penetration. It is found naturally in skin, joints and tissue and it cushions and lubricates. Diet and smoking however can affect hyaluronic levels.
Essential Fatty Acids or omega 3’s are also vital in increasing epidermal lipids by protecting the keratinocyte membrane. The body does not normally produce EFA’s so they must be obtained through food. EFA’s improve blood flow in the layer below the skin so there is an increased supply of nutrients for the creation of healthy skin cells and they prevent arteries from clogging with increased deposits of bad lipids. They are anti-inflammatory and aid body’s own defence against other skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. If our diet is too high in sugar, alcohol or trans fats the enzyme levels are most likely to low to allow our system to convert the fatty acid into what body needs. Smoking, stress and viral infections also affect conversion. Krill oil is a rich EFA and maintains cholesterol levels and is a strong antioxidant and reduces inflammation, minimises skin degeneration, and sustains healthy skin tissue. A fishy aftertaste means it is poor quality. Other good sources are Evening primrose, stearic acid, ceramides, safflower oil, salmon, fish oil, tuna, flaxseed oil, nuts, sardines, avocado and green vegies.
Food that will help restore collagen after damage has already been done, are soy, turkey, dark chocolate, manuka honey, avocado oil, dark green vegies, beans, red fruit and vegies, citrus, prunes, omegas (flaxseed, salmon, tuna, and nuts)and things high in sulphur such as olives, cucumber and celery. Supplements that will help restore collagen and promote the GAGs are flaxseed oil, copper peptides, silica, vitamin e and c, selenium, zinc. Alpha-lipoic acid can also provide the greatest protection against free radicals than all other antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to help fight future skin damage and also help repair past damage. Alpha –lipoic acid is soluble in both oil and water which means entry is permitted in all parts of the cell diminishing fine lines and giving skin healthy glow.
And of course drink LOTS of water with your DMK EFA Ultra supplements (details in previous blog)

Electrolysis what is it?

Angela Hodgkiss – Angelique Day Spa and skin Clinic

We get a number of enquiries a week about electrolysis and even have clients driving 40km to us because there are so few salons around these days that still offer the dying art of electrolysis. Why? Firstly because few schools still offer this subject as a core unit and secondly IPL and laser are by far the quicker and easier modality. However, electrolysis definitely still has its place in the beauty industry. It is the ONLY modality that will permanently remove unwanted hair for good. IPL and Laser are only permanent hair ‘reduction’ methods. All modalities will take at least 8 sessions to remove hair and IPL and Laser will generally have a once a year follow up.
How does it work? Hair follicles have 1000’s of growth cells around each hair follicle and with every treatment and few hundred are killed off each time. Once they are dead they are dead forever. However clients must be loyal to the process (as per IPL and laser) and need to come fortnightly so stunned growth cells that are left do not have time to rebuild. There are two types of electrolysis methods. Galvanic and thermolysis. Galvanic creates build up of alkali to destroy hair follicle and can take up to a minute each hair. Thermolysis is the chosen method at Angelique’s because it’s much faster at around 5 secs per hair. It uses current to destroy hair follicle.
Advantages: It is permanent. It doesn’t rely on pigment in the hair to work so it is the only method that can effectively work on grey and white hairs too. Unlike IPL and laser, skin is not more sensitive to UV.
Disadvantages: It is a lot slower than laser and IPL so definitely not recommended for large areas, histamine is sometimes triggered which results in hive like bumps for a few hours (nothing a telfast doesn’t fix), it is uncomfortable (but so is laser and IPL).
So if you are interested in removing body or facial hair once and for all give the experts at Angelique a call for a free consultation to determine what method is best suited to you. 9326 2339

Introducing DMK EFA Ultra supplements
Because your skin is just a mirror of what’s happening within. Packed with over 100 nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory’s it balances the whole body. The root of every disease is inflammation and preventing that is key. EFA ultra can assist with:
Skin conditions: Dehydration, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, poor skin healing, regulates cell function, better oxygen transfer at a cellular level (oxygen magnet effect), Psoriasis dry scaly skin,Brittle nails, dry hair
Health and inflammatory conditions: nerve and immune function, balances insulin levels, rheumatoid arthritis- EFAs moderate inflammation by reducing the production of the cytokine messenger that cause inflammation, retards cancer cell growth, Balances thyroid function which is primary in eliminating cholesterol by protecting progesterone (master hormone), decreases blood clotting, Autoimmune diseases, Cardio and gastrointestinal disease
Weight issues: normalizes fat metabolism and burn off, reduce risk for obesity and diabetes type 2 by assisting insulin response through stimulating leptin secretions, a hormone that helps regulate food intake, body weight and metabolism
Mental health: Helps reduce stress, and anxiety, Improves ADD, ADHD, alzheimers, depression, learning deficits, memory loss and lack of concentration
Hormonal conditions: relieves symptoms of PMS and menopause
Self abuse: Prevents liver damage from excess alcohol consumption, Preparing for, and recovering from excess UV ray exposure (sunburn)
Key Ingredients:
• Seabuckthorn: is an outstanding rich source of vital nutrients, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. It is complete with everything needed for skin, from healing, anti inflammation to age prevention. It provides more than 190 nutrients to build the skin’s immune system. Including: Omega 3, 6 which reduce oxidative stress in cells, Vitamin A, E ,C,D (bone health) and K (all antioxidants essential for skin health and immune system) carotenoids, Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Amino acids, Riboflavin (for red blood cell production and antioxidant), Folate, Lignans (plays a role in preventing some cancers including breast cancer), Seratonin, copper, manganese and selenium, iron (essential for red blood cell health), zinc, calcium… It is invaluable in scar and CIT revision treatments. Also has a full family of vitamin A which folliculitis (chicken skin arms) are deficient in.
• Evening primrose: known to regulate hormones so useful for menopausal women. Most of the Evening Primrose Oils on the market is cold pressed, which works well for larger seeds but Evening Primrose seeds are microscopically small. The increased revolutions needed to extract oil from such tiny seeds increase friction, which in turn becomes heat. It is this heat that destroys about 60% of the powers of the golden Evening Primrose Oil which renders the oil inefficient. DMK evening primrose uses carbon dioxide process to ensure highest level of nutrients remain.
• Pure Spanish virgin coconut oil – Medium chain monoglycerides found in coconut oil is the same as breast milk. Coconut oil is known to have the highest level of medium chain fatty acid, lauric acid in the world (50%). It can actually destroy lipid coated virus’s such as HIV, herpes, flu, bacteria and thrush. It is well known to help digestive system. Assists in cholesterol, cardio disease, diabetes, weight loss, healing, brain boosting, antioxidant.
• Melcabu seaweed extract- with Fuccidans is anti-inflammatory, anti viral and anti bacterial and is rich in minerals and vitamins and amino acids. Seaweed is high in iodine which absorbs radio activity and detoxifies body from harmful metals. Studies have found Japanese, who consume the most seaweed, have lowest rate of cancer and tumours. Fuccidans have been found to prevent binding of breast cancer cells. It is high in magnesium which relaxes muscles, transport energy and helps with protein production. It improves insulin resistance, burns fatty tissue and fights free radicals. it protects against Alzheimer’s, arthritis, kidney disease, inflammation, thyroid disease, breast, brain, lung and colon cancer, diabetes, Hep C, high blood pressure, HIV, protects immune system during chemo, stimulates stem cells and cancer cell death. It regulates cholesterol, suppresses sugar levels, promotes hair growth and ensures healthy liver function. Anti H pylori bacterial infection (stomach inflammation and suspected cause of rosacea). It is skin moisturising, increases thickness of skin through protein production, inhibits tyronase (cause of pigmentation), increases fibroblast activity and fights glycation. In 2008 the Australian government paid 1.5 million to investigate Fucoidan benefits. To read more about Fucoidan look at published papers : ncbi.mlmsnih.gov.pubmed (1026 research articles to date)
Take 2 in the morning and 2 and night and start to feel the difference in 3 weeks.

Acid intake and why it’s so important to regulate
Angela Hodgkiss – Angelique Day Spa and Skin Clinic
I read an article last month that really resounded with me and got me thinking about my diet and the impact it has on my body and skin in a way I’ve never considered before. Acid…..There is not a pore or molecule in our body that isn’t corrupted by it. Our bodies were not designed to deal with the amount of acid that mass food production have brought us and ALL food EXEPT fruit and vegetable are acidic. WOW!!!
Acid leaches vital nitrogen from our muscles and calcium from our bones. An acid surplus compromises the function of insulin, one of our master hormones. Insulin gives us our energy but also oversees the brain centre that governs our emotional and mental faculties, as well as sleep function. Derailing insulin makes it harder to burn fat and affects our emotional stability.
Too much acid makes us more sensitive to pain because ion channels are opened up heightening our sensitivity. It increases inflammation, paving the way for osteoporosis, heart disease and dementia. Inflammation is also the number one cause for skin concerns such as advanced ageing, rosacea, dermatitis, eczema and simple rashes and sensitivity. There is even evidence that TIA proteins, some of the toxic substances associated with Alzheimer’s, multiply in a toxic acidic environment. Joints become stiffer leading to gout and arthritis. Back and joint pain, headaches, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, nausea, and confusion all point to acid overload. Cancer cells flourish in a non alkaline environment. Acidity decreases your body’s ability to absorb the vitamins and minerals from your food. It interferes with your ability to detoxify. It disrupts your metabolism and it makes you more prone to fatigue and mood changes. It can make our hormones go on the fritz. Cortisol is a hormone that gets us out of bed in the morning, but at night we need to reduce it to get a good night’s sleep. When acid is high cortisol goes into overdrive thus making sleep harder. Too much cortisol also leads to depression and anxiety. Our thyroid works the opposite way with too much acid. We need it for our energy but too much acid slows it down, making us sluggish, cold and flat. It also interferes with hormones like oestrogen and testosterone by disrupting menstrual cycles, drying out skin and triggering emotional turmoil. Men experience decreased libido and depression.

Do the acid test:
You can test your body fluids using litmus paper strips ( remember chemistry classes). Test your PH first thing in the morning.
• Saliva: before brushing, fill your mouth with saliva then swallow; repeat, then spit onto PH strip. Measure in same manner again later in day at least 2 hours before eating.
• Urine: wee in a jar first thing in the morning and dip PH strip into container.
• A healthy reading will be 7.2-7.4 for saliva (usually dark green or bluish depending on the brand of PH paper) and for urine 6 in the morning(because the body is eliminating waste) and 7 at night. Anything under this indicates acid build up.
• A further medical test can establish acidity with an estimation called the anion gap. This is calculated by using a blood test which calibrates kidney electrolytes and then adds sodium and potassium and subtracts chloride and bicarbonate. An elevated anion gap 13 or greater confirms acid levels are too high.
Reducing Acid Levels
To help rebalance your body’s pH levels you should:

• avoid acidic foods and opt for alkaline foods such as potato, Green vegetables, coloured vegetables (except tomatoes),Milk, Almonds, Brazil nuts, Bananas, millet, quinoa, soy, wild rice, avocado, and plenty of water
• Reduce high protein foods, processed cereals and flours, sugar, coffee, tea and alcohol which are all acidifying
• Upon rising, before bed and prior to meals, drink the juice of half a lemon and some ginger in warm water because lemon is naturally alkalinising.
• Choose fish and lamb over beef and chicken because they are less acidic.
• Choose olive oil over other oils
• Vit c powder (half a teaspoon per in day in water before bed to alkalinise your body)
• Or a teaspoon of bi carb soda in water before bed
• Finally as you would need 12 serves per day of green leafy veggies to counteract the acid invasion thankfully supplements of magnesium and citrate have been shown to also have significant alkalising effects. It has been used in trials to demonstrate they can help with weight loss, bone mineral density, reduce pain and turn on endorphins (the brains happy molecules).

• Sources:
Dr Micheal Elstein specialises in anti ageing medicine, Naturaltherapiespages.com, Natasha Turner N.D author of Hormone Diet