NSW is home to all kinds of bunnies, the furry-tailed cuties that hop about, as well as skin bunnies and snow bunnies. All these bunnies have something in common: they love being outdoors, but they need to be mindful of the sun. At Austin Clinic, we leave animal skin care to veterinarians, and focus on what we can do to help the two-legged bunnies we see at our offices in Balgowlah to help them avoid:
- Sunburn
- Dilated capillaries
- Visible signs of premature ageing – fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun Damage – pigmentation, age spots/sun spots and freckles
- Skin cancer
Extreme cold, wind, and mountain altitudes can also lead to dry skin, not to mention chapped lips and even dehydration. Therefore, with winter upon us, Dr Austin and the team at Austin Clinic share tips on how to keep your skin bunny-soft and bunny beautiful, including a look at a dynamic skin laser that helps us help our patients.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen…EVER!
UV rays that you’re exposed to when you’re soaking up the sun can cause permanent damage to your complexion. “Look for a sweat-proof, sport-appropriate sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30,” says Dr Austin. “It’s the most valuable protection you can give your skin any time of the year.” Pro tip: Be sure to apply liberally in the morning and re-apply regularly throughout the day, whether there is an abundance of sun or not.
When lips dry out from the sun, most people lick them, thinking they are adding moisture. Think again! “The digestive enzymes in saliva leech your lips’ moisture,” explains Dr Austin. She recommends that you carry a tube of lip moisturiser with you so you can re-apply frequently, before your lips start to feel dry.
Bend Your Elbow Frequently
We do love a good light beer now and then, but in this instance, we’re talking about water consumption. “Proper hydration is essential to skin health and vital to total body wellness,” reports Dr Austin. “Pure water is best.” If you find it difficult to down eight 8 glasses of water a day, take heart. You can also get fluids from food high in water content, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and salads.
Don’t Wait to Wash Away the Slopes
TLC should always be on your agenda after a day of activities in the sun, on the snow, or both. “Wash your face and neck as soon as possible,” recommends Dr Austin. “Dried perspiration can irritate the skin.” A gentle cleanser followed by a moisturising night cream goes a long way towards keeping sun soft and radiant.
Emerge Laser – Austin Clinic’s Winter Weapon
Laser skin treatment is getting better all the time. One of our favourite new-and-improved devices is the Emerge Laser. Emerge is a non-ablative, fractional laser resurfacing treatment that uses your body’s natural processes to improve skin health and appearance. Unlike ablative lasers, Emerge
- Causes less skin damage
- Requires less down time
- Is safe for use all over the body
The Emerge emits fractional laser micro-beams or columns of heat into the skin. Like other laser treatments, micro-beams have the ability to accelerate skin rejuvenation. First, the Emerge breaks up old, dead and damaged skin cells. (Since the micro-beams are highly targeted, there is no damage to skin tissue that doesn’t require treatment.) After the laser beams do their job, your body naturally kicks into high gear to rebuild the treated area with an increase in collagen and elastin production. Why is this important?
“Collagen is a natural body protein responsible for skin firmness and suppleness,” explains Dr Austin. Elastin is another protein that gives structure to skin. “It allows your skin to resume shape after stretching or contracting,” says Dr Austin. Emerge is an ideal treatment for fine lines and wrinkles as well as scarring; in particular acne scarring. It has very little downtime and you can get straight on with your regular routine.
Would you like to know more about the Emerge Laser and other options we offer that will help beautify your skin? If so, please call us or use our online contact form. Your skin will thank you!