Max’s Summer Blog

December 19, 2020 Max, Personal Brand, Personal Success, Return To Work, Skin Care, Skin Conditions, Your Next PhaseadminLeave a comment

Max’s Summer Blog

Bring On Christmas And Summer Holidays and goodbye to 2020!

How tough has this year been? – I mean, as Chief Happiness Officer I’ve seriously had to work overtime this year. As a “person” who can’t get Covid, it really has been my duty to ensure my adoring staff and fans have not been having a tough time this year. Yes, I am lucky that my team or their families have not been affected, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been worried at times. I then spring into action, and do what I do best.. look cute, run around like a lunatic, make them laugh, and even then, when I’ve had enough, (even Chief Happiness Officers need rest periods!), I make them laugh even more through my sookiness.. it works every time and is a personal favourite of mine.

So, we’re coming to the end of 2020 and the start of Summer time. The Christmas period can be stressful, even without Covid19. So how do I manage to stay totally awesome all the time. Well, here’s a little few secrets for you. Christmas can be stressful, as well as some pretty big rounds of food and drink. Remember the slightly out of hand partying I did with Sid the sausage dog..? Well, I can tell you, I don’t just magically wake up after a big night out with looks as stunning as I have, but I won’t go into my hangover routine here. Some nights, it can take some serious work. Anyway, back to some tips for keeping looking awesome and reducing Christmas stresses. Luckily, I do take the advice from Emily and Chrystal and as I’m so awesome, here my secrets for you:

Drink plenty of water – it’s unreal how quickly the Summer can dry me out. Drink lots of it too! Trust me, I have no ideas how you humans use a cup or glass for your water. Lapping up water as I do, from my bowl is the best ever and I even cool my body as I do this as I cannot hope to drink without it spilling all over me – how efficient is that?

Stay in the shade – now, I love the sun, but with my delicate little paws, being in the sun means the ground is super hot – I always find shade and try to stick with it if on my walks. Which reminds, me, I hold the record for the number of wees I can do in a 100 metre walk – which confirms to me I’m also drinking the right amount of water. How many times do you need to go to the toilet every 100 mtrs?

Sunscreen – now, I have the most beautiful natural sunscreen – ie my awesome fur. Unfortunately, you mere humans don’t, so you have to add sun block regularly and especially of you’re swimming. Now, I would adore swimming if water wasn’t so wet – I even hate getting my paws wet if I have to go into my nannas garden to the toilet after it’s been raining – purely of course so I my fur doesn’t boof up and I become a fluffy puff ball. You have no idea how embarrassing that can be for me. I need to preserve my street cred of course!

Remember also to work stresses out of your day, read a book regularly – my particular favourite is A Dog’s Journey written by W Bruce Cameron. Such a great read, and of course, the dog is the hero and faithful companion, as they should be. Reading 30 minutes a day can do wonders for transporting you away from the stresses of life and into imaginary worlds.

Another of my favourites has to be the art of reflection. I reflect every day. I spend 15 minutes at least every day thinking about what’s happened in the day, what I have to do tomorrow, (such as waking my nanna up at 5am) and how I may have reacted to things (such as that big bully dog, the doberman up the road who I’m sure I’d get him to surrender to me if only I could be allowed to get near him!) . It’s also how I came up with my world famous notion of “Chicken In The Bank” which means, why stress over the food in my bowl when humans have even yummier food that I can look longingly at. You know the look I give that means “I absolutely, totally, MUST” have what you’re having. Once the humans run out, I’ve always got my roast chicken in my bowl and know it’ll be there when I want it – a win win.. for me! Reflection is a massively important tool in keeping me stress free.

That’s enough for me, I have my adoring people to entertain now and make happy – Have a great Summer, and a very happy Christmas (which I love as I know there’s lots of treats just waiting for me!) Max x

Out of my comfort zone and skin shamed! (not really)

November 15, 2019 Personal Success, Skin Care, Your Next PhaseAndrew Paton-SmithLeave a comment

Out of my comfort zone and skin shamed! (not really)

As an entrepreneur and tech startup founder, I often hear people say, that you have to go out of your comfort zone in order to grow as an individual. The other thing I’d like to preface this blog with, is that as a tech founder, I love technology and Gadgets! I am a gadget geek. My role involves meeting prospective clients, as well as potential investors and other interested institutions. There is also an old saying, that you have just a few seconds from when you first meet someone, for them to form an opinion of you. In today’s incredibly busy world, never has that been so true in my experience.

Now, here’s the thing – I was born in a part of London where appearance was never really a big thing for men at the time. It never needed to be! It was a dog eat dog world in many respects. The concept of looking after my appearance and especially skin, at the age of cough, cough 50 odd cough is totally alien to me. Hey, my idea of skin care involves ensuring that I put a band aid on a graze only if I am losing 2 litres of blood and only then does it go on!

Like A kid at Christmas

So, with my role, and with my need to always look the best I can (says someone with a face for radio!), I decided to have my skin professionally assessed and treatment options specific to me recommended. I mentioned earlier that I am a gadget geek. Well, I was like a kid in a toy store when Chrystal, the therapist at Le Sands Clinic, walked me into her consult room and introduced the digital skin analysis machine!

I was not really sure what to expect when walking in, but Chrystal explained the process to me beautifully. The digital skin analysis assesses multiple areas of my skin health, through a series of very easy and painless! Tests. The analyser can see below the surface of my skin, giving her a really good assessment of moisture content, how deep my wrinkles are, blocked pores and the like.

Digital skin analysis output from a male client at Le Sands Clinic

The results – ha!

The analysis took about 45 minutes in total and was a real eye opener. Based upon the results, I was skin shamed! Well, not really, and in fact, Chrystal uncovered a deep and long standing issue with my skin, that I had really known about for many years. The 7 areas for investigation were then tested and then results discussed with me and the implications of the results. The great news, and I am going to brag about this now, my wrinkle depth, was very low! Ha! Revenge from this 54 year old at last! My skin hydration was also pretty good considering I drive a lot – did you know that if you drive a lot, then often, one side of your face will be less hydrated than the other if you are heading north in the morning and south of an evening… hadn’t even thought of that.

A bit of a revelation

Back to the serious side of the blog for a moment, the results that Chrystal obtained, plus the questioning of my life style for instance, led her to make a really clever discovery about my skin and therefore how it should be treated. Chrystal epitomises the diagnostic type approach that Dr Saliba advocates and carries this out very professionally. In fact, her explanations of not only the process and use of the analysis, but also the reasons why we were witnessing some of the results were enlightening, especially to a geek like me that likes to know everything that’s going on.

At the end of the analysis, I now have a pretty solid treatment plan for my skin specifically and a well defined path to where I need to be as I continue on my founder journey.

Andrew is a founder and CEO of a Sydney based innovative tech startup https://jazoodle.com

6 Things You May Not Know About Skin Needling

September 30, 2019 Skin Care, Skin Conditions, Your Next PhaseAndrew Paton-SmithLeave a comment

6 Things You Should Know About Skin Needling

Here’s 6 things that you should know about skin needling and Dermapen but may have been too afraid to ask! We’ve launched the Dermapen 4 in clinic

1. What is skin needling?

Skin Needling is a non invasive clinical treatment, that uses micro needles to penetrate between the very top layer of the skin and the deepest layers underneath. This treatment is also known as CIT / Collagen Induction Therapy.

2. What is Dermapen 4?

Dermapen 4 is currently the leading skin needling device . It is TGA approved and made and developed in Australia. The device is surgical grade stainless steel that utilises 16 fine needles. The design of the Dermapen 4 means less trauma to the skin when compared to other needling devices, giving a more effective, efficient and safer treatment for all skin types.

3. What conditions are best treated by Dermapen 4?

The Dermapen is best used in treating facial wrinkles, minor scars, stretch marks, acne scars and other facial lines.

The Dermapen is best used in treating:

fine lines and wrinkles
acne scars
trauma scars
stretch marks
pigmentation
enlarged pores
rosacea

4. How many treatments are required?

The number of treatments needed will depend upon your individual skin needs. For best results, we give all of our clients a free digital skin analysis as part of our initial consultation

5. Is there any downtime with Dermapen and skin needling?

There is no downtime with Dermapen 4. You may experience swelling or redness for 1-2 hours after the treatment but this should quickly subside.

6. How will I know if skin needling with Dermapen is right for me?

At Le Sands Clinic, we pride ourselves on first understanding your particular concerns or treatment needs. We would not recommend Dermapen 4 treatment without first seeing you. Call us on 02 9567 0399 to book your individual consultation

What’s REALLY going on with your skin?

September 27, 2019 Skin Care, Skin Conditions, Your Next PhaseAndrew Paton-SmithLeave a comment

What’s REALLY going on with your skin?

Have you ever wondered how healthy your skin is? I’m sure that you know to moisturise, drink plenty of water, avoid smoking and direct sunlight. Furthermore, do you really know what is really going on with your skin? How healthy is your skin, deep down under the surface?

What is happening under the surface? We’ve recently invested in the Skeyndor digital skin diagnosis system. This device is a highly advanced system for detecting underlying skin conditions. Every client receives a free digital analysis and these are used by Le Sands Clinic to build your personal treatment plan . Why is this important for your skin health and management plan?

Le Sands Clinic uses the My Skin Diagnosis system on each of our clients as a complimentary service

Why a digital skin diagnosis?

Our senior dermal therapists believe that having a full picture of skin health is critical to understanding the best course of treatment for each person. Our digital analysis assesses:

Skin type and oil content of skin – this is important in that the naked eye can only see so much! the digital analysis lets us get under the skin to assess the amount of oil, extent of dead skin cells and the like

Hydration and moisture content – how well moisiturised your skin is deep within your skin

Health of pores and visibility – how dilated your pores are

Bad bacteria under the skin

Pigmentation / Uneven Skin Tone – Pigmentation comes in different forms and caused by a number of factors. Our therapists can determine what types and causes and our machine confirming how deep it is under the skin.

Keratin – we look to understand the build up of dead skin cells

Wrinkles – we need to understand how deep these are and the extent of them

Snapshots of your skin health

The analysis, when taken over time will also mean that you will be able to see the changes in your skin over time during your treatment journey. We use this to understand your exact skin type and treatment options. What’s more, we have a digital record of your skin as it is now as well as how it responds to treatments and products over time, so that we can modify treatment plans if need be

We believe the skills and knowledge of our therapists, along with the confirmation from our digital skin analysis is so important in the correct diagnosis and treatment of individual skin as part of a consistent skin care treatment plan, that Le Sands Clinic has started doing this for every one of our clients as either part of our initial consultation, or prior to other treatment appointments being done when client’s visit us. There is no charge for our digital skin analysis system

For more information talk with Emily, or Chrystal or arrive a few minutes early for your next appointment and we’ll arrange this for you

Max’s Blog: Summer loving, Summer living and Those Endless Summer Dog Days

June 8, 2019 Max, Skin CareadminLeave a comment

In my last blog, I wrote about a seriously bad decision I took. It was after a night out with Sid the sausage dog. Luckily, Dr Saliba, my mum, erased Blossom from my delicate skin, and Bessie was none the wiser. I still don’t know who Blossom was that night.. eek! So, winter is here, and after a summer of partying, I am certainly in need of a little rejuvenation. I mean, there’s only so many good times someone as cute as me can take without it taking its toll!

The Ravages Of Last Summer

Ah… last summer…endless days spent cruising Grand parade in Brighton, top down on the car, eyeing potential suitors – I mean, who wouldn’t want to be with me – it’d be an honour for every pooch in Brighton, Sydney, THE WORLD! Those endless summer days, the wind in my fur, walks along the beach, the sun, sand, and watching other lesser dogs run into the sea chasing sticks that their humans had thrown. I’ve never really seen the point of that – I mean, I’m canine royalty… now, If it had been chicken, or cake, or lasagne thrown – now that would have been different – I’d have been there like a shot! I may be the cutest thing alive, but I’m not too proud to go chasing chicken – anything else though.. nah!

The Great Blossom Tattoo Incident Recapped

Back to those summer days there was one very memorable day. It involved Sid the Sausage dog again – and yep, I was only grounded after the great Blossom tattoo incident, for a short time. Sid has a tough exterior, but deep down, he’s the bestest of friends – but he does tend to lead me astray though. We were on Sid’s speedboat in botany bay. Cruising around, sunning our paws, the wind whistling through our fur as we sped around the bay. It was an awesome day. We moored up and Sid then bet me that I couldn’t get in the ocean. Wow, I’m royalty and that would mean getting my fur wet. Besides, I won’t even go out for a wee at home if it’s raining outside. Me and H2O just do not go together. I do of course love drinking water, but being in it… nah!

How was I to get out of it. I couldn’t, I had to shut my eyes, cover my nose with my dinky little paws and hey presto.. splash! (not a big splash of course, as I’m pretty dinky). There, I did it. Now, I couldn’t let Sid see that I was just too precious for swimming. I paddled around for a bit, then got back in the boat, looking like a drowned rat. I was not looking my finest to say the least. All that salty water was playing havoc with me.

The Problem With Summer Partying

After, we got back to shore, we fired up the barbie and scoffed lots of yummy chicken until we were both laying on our backs, belly the size of a basketball and feeling very content with ourselves. After a summer of partying with Sid, I noticed that I was not looking my majestic self. I was not looking like the royalty that I am. My skin was dry, my fur a bit limp, I didn’t have that cute glow that my mum loves and adores. By the way, talking of mum, she once gave me some great advice – she told me, no matter the situation, or the trouble you’re in, just stay classy – Sid makes me challenge this advice each and every time!

Reversing The Ravages Of Summer

So, realising that I was in need of a bit of rejuvenation, I decided to visit mum’s clinic. I mean, as Chief Happiness Officer there I do need to make an appearance every so often – what a great job I have! Taking one look at me, my adoring team mates at the clinic told me that my summer fun had taken its toll on me big time!

Emily took matters into her own hands and laid me down on one of those wonderful beds in one of the consulting rooms. She started with a bit of light therapy – how good was this. If you’ve never had an Omnilux, you have to have one! It’s not only brilliant for refreshing my pink bits, but I swear, it has an hypnotic effect. I remember laying there one minute, then the next, I could hear “another dog” snoring – but it can’t have been me as I’m sure I don’t snore although mum says I do all the time.

How could I be asleep but conscious of sound around me at the same time?? I had a lovely dream too…. Imagine wooing Bessie, champagne and flowers, succumbing to my natural charms… ahhhh.. Next, I had a furcial (like a facial, but specifically for cute fluffy white fur balls). I was pampered big time (as I should be of course – I mean, why wouldn’t my adoring humans not want to pamper me??

Bringing Summer To An End

If like me, you’ve had a long hot summer, partying a little too hard, and in need of a little rejuvenation to get your zen back, you need to speak to my adoring team at Le Sands Clinic. Next week, I’m having a laser rejuvenation session to get my skin in tip top condition and ready to do it all again in a couple of months.

Have a great winter,

Your Adorable Max

Max Saliba — Chief Happiness Officer Max

Max’s Blog – Skin Care for Chief Happiness Officers

November 3, 2018 Max, Skin Care, Skin ConditionsadminLeave a comment

My role involves making people happy. I make people happy in a number of ways. I love making people happy but in doing so, I must really look after myself. Indeed, I need to be in my prime happiness mode for my adoring peoples. So how do I do that? My skin is an important part of me feeling and looking my best. It’s not all about white fluff, and cuteness you know! White fluff ball skin care is highly important to me. Underneath that ball of fluff, I have very delicate and pink skin, which must be looked after.

Max’s Diet

My diet is the first place to start. I survive on a regime of yummy, but generally nutritious food. Chicken is extremely important to me! One day, I will explain my theory of chicken in the bank, but that’s not relevant here. Chicken, along with plenty of water keeps me in tip top condition. In fact, my personal servant, my mum Dr Saliba, reminds me constantly to drink more water. “Max, go and drink more water” she tells me. She knows what’s best for me and my skin and I dutifully trot along and lap up that lovely H2O.

My nan and pop think it’s hilarious that I drink on demand. Little do they know, I am more than happy to, as it keeps my skin clear, and moisturised! I would prefer to drink when I’m told, rather than have to take care of my pinkness after it gets all dry and itchy. I do love a good scratch though – there is nothing like a good scratch and clean – although, that may be a little embarrassing for mere humans to have to do that every day, but for little white fluff balls, it is heaven! So, my advice for you humans, is don’t get caught short needing to roll on the floor scratching your ears or face, and never need to have to clean yourself whilst lying on the ground in the middle of the street. Great for Max, not great or you!

Skin Care and Vices

I do have my vices though, like all humans! I love going for walkies in the sun. That does cause a problem though with my fair coat and pink skin! I do minimise this though by getting way too tired when walking in the sun, and have to be picked up and carried home after a short distance, that generally keeps me in the shade of my mum, and the nasty sun, doesn’t get to me! Now, I do realise that is not an option for mere humans. Max’s advice is, stay out of the sun unless you can be picked up after a short while when you’re tired and put in a little bag, out of the harmful UV! Not really practical for humans though.

My other vice is cake… mmmm…. Mmmmmm….. cake… CAKE!! I have been told so often that it isn’t good for me, I mean, since when have you seen the Chief Happiness Officer break out in doggy pimples after eating cake. I am told though, that some foods, if you have too much of it, can cause pimples in humans, but, as a furball, will not worry about that too much as cake is just so amazing, besides, I always have Dr Saliba to tell me when I’ve had enough. Unless you have Dr Saliba with you all the time, I would advise, not to eat too much cake as it could play havoc with your skin too!

Final Thoughts

My final thoughts for the day are this. If you don’t have my mum, Dr Saliba with you all day, and every day, or my nan and pop – who are really good at keeping me in shape, in order to feel your best, your skin needs to be in tip top condition. Healthy white fluff and pink skin is so important to making me happy, and then in turn, I can do my job as chief happiness officer. My advice is this, If you’d like your skin to be as good as mine (well I know it probably can’t be as cute as mine), then you too can have my mum, Dr Saliba on your side, and helping you feel as great as I do, and you won’t need to lay on the floor scratching or cleaning yourself in Coles!