The Heat Is On
- Written by
- Deepika Sulekh
Skin prepped and ready to party into the warmer months . . .
If you’re braced for that long awaited Kiwi summer, don’t forget to pack your protection and up your knowledge on skin dos and don’ts before you step into holiday mode. Sun, salt water, chlorine, sand and wind can take a toll on your skin, even when you religiously practice sun safety.
Warm weather brings a mountain of skin challenges – sunspots, wrinkles, dry skin, and other health conditions – but there’s more to achieving a healthy, glowing appearance than creams and lotions can deliver. Fortunately, we know a few experts who are primed at combating sun damage and restoring youthful skin. So, we pinned a few skincare questions to local skin professionals. Here’s what they shared . . .
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen
“The best thing you can do for your skin during summer is wear a good quality mineral SPF every single day,” emphasises Ashley Crawford of Evoke Beauty. “I recommend people to think of their sunscreen as their skin’s biggest insurance policy.”
Sunscreen application is the first step in preventing premature again as UV rays (especially UVA) cause a breakdown of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.
“I prefer clients to use a mineral based SPF as opposed to a chemical one due to the fact that mineral sunscreens reflect UVA rays, creating a physical barrier,” says Ashley. “Chemical sunscreens work differently by absorbing UV rays into the skin and neutralising the radiation within the tissues. This process produces free radicals and heat within the skin which can still lead to pigment formation and cell trauma.”
Evoke stocks a range of mineral sunscreens of various textures, tints and prices so there’s something to suit everyone. They work on holistically treating the skin, ensuring you look at the full picture of why you may be experiencing a skin concern or disorder – not just treating the symptoms.
Revitalising facials
If your skin needs a reset post-summer heat, facials are the perfect way to prep your skin for the next season by clearing congestion, infusing antioxidants and smoothing out the texture of your skin.
“Facials work in various ways,” say the team at Taupo’s Skin Sanctuary. “Helping prevent and delay signs of anti-aging, addressing the underlying causes of acne, and just keeping your skin looking soft, supple and youthful.”
Try Skin Sanctuary’s range of Pure Fiji Facials which are designed to hydrate your skin with a botanical blend of oils and powerful plant actives. These blends rejuvenate and nourish skin whilst reducing the appearance of fine lines.
“The right facial will unclog your pores, slough away dead skin, repair and rejuvenate, so you can step out of summer with ease,” say the team.
Skin Sanctuary is a Gold Pure Fiji Day Spa offering the entire Pure Fiji facial and body range. Visit the clinic in Taupo to treat yourself to the most luxurious body treatments and facials with Pure Fiji’s beautiful Island scents.
The power of injectables
Regular exposure to sunlight and pollution advances ageing over time, and when those signs become impossible to hide, that’s where injectables are beneficial.
Many people believe appearance medicine treatments – like Botox and dermal fillers – are mainly used for anti-aging and reducing wrinkles, but their benefits extend beyond younger looking skin.
“The key benefit from Botox and dermal fillers is the hydration your skin receives from within,” explains Nicki McInnes of Enhance Injectables. “We use hyaluronic acid in our fillers to fill in or plump areas that have lost their volume or smoothness.”
Botox and dermal fillers are cosmetic treatments administered via injections and are minimally invasive. Botox works by relaxing the muscles in the face, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, whilst dermal fillers work to add fullness to areas that have lost volume – common areas include the cheeks, tear troughs, lips and nasolabial folds.
“I believe that aging gracefully gifts the best version of yourself, and cosmetic injections can help do that by rejuvenating and restoring in line with our natural facial anatomy,” adds Nicki. “I am able to treat all areas of the face and I am expert in anti-wrinkle and dermal filler treatments including advanced procedures such as tear troughs, jaws enhancement and fat dissolving chin injections. I only use the best products on the market, those that have been tried, tested and proven for safety and longevity.”