International Women’s Day Event 2022
Women’s Health and Wellness Event At Le Sands Clinic
Please note, due to unforeseen circumstances, we will reschedule this event for later in the year. Please watch this space
Please note, due to unforeseen circumstances, we will reschedule this event for later in the year. Please watch this space
It’s been a while since I last wrote, and Max’s Christmas Blog is here! Time waits for no man, or in my case, Chief Happiness Officer. I am now officially a senior dog. How can that be? It is true, I am living a very rich and full life, but I am also blessed with being surrounded by my personal human servants who cater for my every whim. I mean, senior dogs cannot have any stress in their lives can they? It seems like 5 minutes ago when I was burning the candle at both ends, and my adventures with Sid the Sausage dog and Bessie.. ah Bessie….
Nowadays, a big night for me means 2 recovery days! How did that happen? Having said that, I am not alone in needing extended recovery periods. My mum recently went to a Christmas party and my word.. let’s just say she needed those two days also to recover from the Margheritas that were flowing that night. If only Nan and Pop knew she had a penchant for Margheritas – best left unsaid I think.
One thing that hasn’t changed for me since I was a mere pup, is my dislike of thunderstorms. I do have a great coping strategy now though, and the gap between the two lounges make a great storm haven. Which reminds me, my nan and pop had the audacity to leave me alone in my humble abode the other day when a storm struck. I tried to remain brave, but my botty burps probably would have given the game away if anyone else was at home. Ewwww, storm induced botty burps are not the most pleasant! Anyway, they arrived back home after about an hour and I just had to tell them off for leaving me alone. I made my thoughts very clear that I was not impressed and each got a personal dressing down from me. They got it!
Now, where was I…? Ah yes, my senior dog status… see, my memory does let me down now and again – it’s an occupational hazard I guess. One thing I have noticed recently, is my skin is not as plump and supple as it once was. Yes, I still love my tummy rubs, but something’s changed. It’s not as elastic as it once was, but my mum did tell me that she can help with this. She has some amazing treatments given by her wonderful team, and incidentally, my other human servants, at Le Sands Clinic. They can do wonders for ageing skin, and have told me they have a range of wonderful skin boosters that will help me. I mean, as Chief Happiness Officer, I have to look my total best at ALL times. I have a confession to make – and please don’t tell everyone. Although I am a vitally important member of my mum’s team, and provide great happiness to my many adoring fans, I haven’t been into work for ages. I mean, I was busy at the start of the year, then lockdown came, and now… I need to spend time just being seriously cute for my nan and pop! Which reminds, me, with the Summer holidays coming, I think I need to see my personal hair stylist too. I mean, if I sneeze, my hair just drops over my eyes and I can’t see a thing. It is so annoying. Besides, the absolute panic induced with me sneezing, from those around me, and thinking I have Omicron is pretty embarrassing. Also, with the with the Summer heat, I definitely don’t need the equivalent of 3 winter jumpers on and looking 4 times my normal size with all that fluffy white stuff. Life can be tough sometimes!
As we head into the season of over eating and drinking – pffft.. how can you ever over eat I ask you? Oh yes, as we head into that season, don’t forget to hydrate well, drinking plenty of water, and make sure you apply sun block and limit direct exposure to the sun.. I wouldn’t want you to get burnt and not be able to pamper me now would I?
Merry Christmas and A Happy New year to all of you, my adoring fans and happiness lovers. I hope you’ve enjoyed Max’s Christmas Blog 2021
Love to you, my adoring humans
MAX xx
Author: Andrew – Company Director
A short diary of my personal journey to eradicating the demons of eczema and steroid cream usage over many years. This little diary has been written in order to document my journey as I remove something that I know now, has been damaging me, almost since birth. I am 56 years old now and have suffered with eczema since birth. Over the years, this has reduced significantly, however, my face and upper body is always prone to flare ups, especially after shaving. I have since found, this is almost certainly linked to my use of steroid cream throughout my life. Looking at some of the research into this, called Topical Steroid Addiction, it is apparent, that the journey to removing this harmful cream from my body, may not be an easy one, but one which must be done. Here is my first two weeks on this journey.
Today was the last time I used the steroid cream I had used since I was a very young lad. I remember being smeared in it to within an inch of my life everytime I had a bath. Going to bed all slippery from it in my PJs. In the intervening years, as my eczema got better, I only really needed to ease my skin on my face, and after shaving. It was something I did that provided almost instant relief from the ravages of shaving. Shaving, just dried out my face, and skin care was not something I’d even considered as a man, not even moisturiser. I had, over the years got a hint of what damage the steroid cream was doing to me. If I had run out of the ointment, within 2 days, my face would go red, become very angry, and then more recently, the bags under my eyes would appear, and then swell. But, never fear, steroid cream would come to my rescue, and within a day or so, all would be good with the world again.
I knew nothing of topical steroid addiction. I just put the angriness and swelling down to not getting the treatment I thought I needed. A while back, I was advised that using steroid creams on my skin would have serious, and very bad outcomes for my skin, and that I needed to stop using it altogether. I remember the anguish I go through every time I miss a “dose”, and this filled my head with dread. Come on, what damage could it do I asked myself on more than one occasion. I had obviously dismissed the fine veins that had been with me since a very young age, and that as I got older, looked like I was an alcoholic. I had also dismissed the times, when I had banged my head or face on a not fully open car boot, or cupboard door, and my skin would peel open, like a tearing a bit of paper up. No, this was just me, and how I was? Thursday 29th April, was the day I was determined to start the journey to weaning myself off of steroid treatments. I was scared, worried about what would happen, and worried about what was next.
I consulted Chrystal at Le Sands Clinic and did another skin analysis. My skin was way out of balance, and was seriously dehydrated. I was recommended that I undertake LED light treatment, plus a morning and evening regime of Skeyndor AquaTherm, a treatment designed to take heat out of the skin, cool, and moisturise. It sounded fantastic. I was worried that dehydrated skin was result, and that this option would help overcome this. I felt great afterwards, and determined to see this through, and finally wean myself off of the nasty treatments I had used for the past 50 odd years. The other benefit was how relaxing the LED treatment and facial actually was.. wow!
No reaction as yet.. woo hoo! My skin felt great. It was smooth, very relaxed, and not at all as I had feared. My morning and evening treatments are actually being kept up, and I am remembering to do them… that’s a major bonus!
Still feeling good. Maybe, just maybe, I may have dodged a bullet with coming off of the steroid cream. Am taking anti histamines too just in case. Morning and evening routines are progressing well
It is now 4 days since I last used that nasty stuff. Am feeling pretty OK, although am having a few hot flushes but nothing really to worry about. I may just have beaten this!
Oh crap. I’ve woken up and my forehead and eyes are really, really dry, and a bit stingy. I hope this isn’t a reaction. As the day goes on, I feel my eyes start to swell up and those bloody bags are getting big again. Surely, after 5 days, I shouldn’t get a reaction like this. The day progresses, and I feel very hot, and my skin is really angry. I feel my eyes close up a little from the swelling. This is not good. Head back to Le Sands Clinic, and undergo another LED light session, plus hydration to try to ease things. That really helps, but I head home with very red head, and looking like I’ve been hit in both eyes. Not what I’d envisaged. There must be more to this than meets the eye. Surely, I can’t be the only one in the world to suffer like this when withdrawing my steroid cream? Can I?
Woke up. Eyes swollen even more. Face very angry and red. I look like a red version of Shrek. My face is not itchy though which is really weird. Just hot, just angry, just swollen. I get to the office, then things ramp up a notch or 100. If I thought I looked like a red Shrek this morning, I look 10 times worse this afternoon. More LED treatments, more facial products. I feel like a freak. I cannot look anyone in the eye. The hit to my confidence is enormous. I feel so self conscious, and this is made worse when having to go to Coles. Everyone is staring at me. They are probably repulsed. They probably think they will catch whatever I have. They are probably glad they are not me. I put my head down as I walk through the aisles, not making eye contact with anyone for fear of scaring them. This is the low point so far. I need to get back on my steroid cream, surely, that will take this away and bring back the old me. The confident me. The perfectly imperfect me. The amiable and friendly me, not the grumpy person who has had every bit of confidence oozing out by the second. This even affects my work. I re read emails I have sent, and they are devoid of personality, devoid of warmth, devoid of humour. How the hell can a Shrek face affect the way you write..? I end the day, really down, really grumpy. We research what the hell this can be. Ah ha.. there is a known condition that affects people in exactly the same way as me. It is called Topical Steroid Withdrawal. Steroid creams, we read, can do enormous damage to the skin, and in effect, suppress the skin’s immune system. Prolonged usage of it, will mean, on withdrawal of the cream, the skin has no protections to it. The skin’s balance of oils is shot to pieces, and often, hydration is also reduced as the skin’s oils run amok. The only really long term treatment is withdrawal. This can take any between a few weeks, and months and months. Not what I wanted to hear. The recommended treatments are exactly as we had been doing, and the wonderful team at Le Sands Clinic had advised.
Woke up, my eyes hardly opening through the swelling. That set me off again on a downward spiral. Routines were done, and that seemed to provide a little relief. The redness has gone down my face now. My eyes look as if they had been hit by a hammer. Who knows where this will end up.
No improvement, and now my angry skin is getting angrier lower down on my next. This is still really affecting my confidence, and I find it difficult to look anyone in the eye. I am not sure how much I can stand of this, or for how much longer. I am tempted to go back to my steroid cream, to give me some relief, but no, it is that which has done this damage all of these years. It would be like an alcoholic having just one drink to ease the pain. No, I must remain strong, despite this obviously affecting me, my work, my social relationships. Another Omnilux LED Light therapy session, and this brings a little immediate relief. Today I also started a course of oral cortisone steroids, the research into this condition indicates that a short, and reducing course of steroids are not likely to keep my skin hooked on them. So long as the course is short, and reduces after a week. Dr Saliba prescribes the course, and I start on them. Keeping fingers crossed.
Day 2 of the additional steroids and no real improvement as yet. In fact, my neck is getting worse. The angriness in my skin is spreading lower down my neck. When will this end?
Oh my word, my face feels a little less tight, and definitely not as angry this morning. I am religiously keeping up with my home care skin routine; morning and night. I am even managing to shave now. My neck is in a bad way, but, as the days pass, I am confident this will ease now. The downside to today, is that my skin is getting really flaky. Gross! I have read and been told that this is really a good sign, and a sign that my skin is starting to recover. This will not be a pleasant phase of my recovery.
Wow, my face has cleared. The Puffiness in my eyes has gone, but they are incredibly dry and look like an elephant’s eyes. They look bloody awful. I double and treble down on my Skeyndor Aqua Therm moisturising cream. In fact, I moisturise every hour or so. It is weird, every time I do this, within 10 minutes, the skin around my eyes and upper cheeks just sucks the cream in and my skin feels like glass paper again. It is relentless, but shows how much damage has been done over the years. Keep going…
Really great improvement today, and my neck is starting to ease. I almost look normal and not like a red Shrek any more. I can feel my inner confidence coming back. The dryness in my skin is not quite so bad now, and I no longer have to use my Aqua Therm every hour! I drive back to Le Sands Clinic and have another Omnilux LED light therapy. This, apparently, helps to repair the deepest layers of my skin, and will be critical in me helping completely remove steroid cream from my life. The idea is that once my skin’s natural barriers are built up, I will retain hydration better, and also be able to withstand times of dryness.
Woo Hoo – I am now almost completely rash free on my face and my neck. One massive thing I’ve noticed too, is my wrinkles around my eyes are now barely noticeable. That is one thing I didn’t expect to find. In fact, my skin looks fuller, and healthier. My big worry, is that this is only down to the oral steroids I am still on. The critical time, will be tomorrow when I start halving my dose for a few days, then halve again so that I am free of them by next week. This will be a real test I fear. On the plus side, there are some very visible signs that my skin is healthier, and who knows, maybe better placed to withstand real life. So far so good.
I will complete my journey now on my own, and continue with the treatment plan that Chrystal and Dr Saliba has given me. I also up my treatment today, with LED light Therapy, a deep moisturising facial, and even getting rid of any dead skin I have shed as part of this with an exfoliation. My confidence levels are back to normal, and I feel human again. These past 2 weeks have been difficult. I won’t candy coat this, really difficult, however, I can feel a completely new future coming on, and one where I am not dependent upon steroid cream. Thank you for listening to my current journey, This is the start My Next Phase, a phase in which I do not suffer issues with being able to look people in the eye, can stand proud and tall, and not have to bloody well scratch my face, or look like red Shrek again.
When it comes to taking care of your skin, one size does NOT fit all. Here, we discuss why you may want to use a professional approach to skin care. Your skincare routine and facial treatments should be as individual as you are and tailored to your needs. It should also be influenced by environmental factors affecting your skin. At the beginning of your skin journey, our highly trained and certified dermal therapists will take you through an in depth consultation process to really understand you and your skin. We establish your primary concerns, such as Acne, pigmentation, and dryness and then understand your current skincare regime as well as your ideal desired results. We have 100’s of clients who love the attention we pay to you as an individual and your personal skin care goals
Our second approach, involves our sophisticated digital skin analysis technology where we are able to see your exact skin type. It also establishes any skin conditions and concerns that the naked eye cannot see. The next stage, is to plan your individual treatment plan in ensuring your skin goals are met. As importantly, how to maintain your skin results that we achieve together.
One factor that we really take into account, is environmental factors, such as changing seasons. Changing seasons will affect the skin in different ways. We certainly recommend at least a new skin diagnosis every 6 months. For some, changes to the seasons, can affect the skin in more subtle ways, but for others, this can mean more profound changes. Conditions can appear that you have newly acquired, or never had to deal with before. For instance, getting checked after the Summer months is highly recommended in order for you and us to evaluate any damage that the Summer sun may have done to your skin and have accumulated over the period. Autumn is also the perfect time to book your complimentary skin consultation to re-evaluate your skin needs, assess Summer damage, and to start preparing your skin to withstand the cold weather that is coming.
One last thing to consider is never to underestimate the benefits of sleep for healthy and vibrant skin. It is easy to slip into a pattern of sleeping less and less. A late night at work here, a dinner out with friends there, and suddenly you’re averaging far less sleep that you should be. The quality and length of sleep you receive every night can have an impact on your skin’s overall health. When we sleep, our bodies recharge. Not only do our bodies recharge, our skin does too. During sleep, we heal, restore and eliminate toxins from the skin. If sleep is compromised, so is your skin’s ability to carry these essential repair mechanisms. Constantly not getting enough sleep each night causes our skin to be sluggish, damage your skin’s natural barriers and can have damaging effects on your skin.
Your skin does not remain the same over time, it is constantly changing. Having a professional approach to skin care means that you always can get the best results. Changes in the weather, pollutants in the air, your sleep patterns and even the amount of water you drink. In order to really look after your skin, a professional assessment should be undertaken, at least twice a year. This way, you can be sure that your skincare regime is always the right one for you
Chrystal Hilton is a senior dermal therapist at Le Sands Clinic. She has a huge knowledge and skillset in treating the skin. She understands the changes that the skin goes through over time.
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2021, Le Sands Clinic are offering three lucky people the chance to experience the Le Sands Clinic’s Signature Tranquility Experience. Tranquility Experience combines meditation, and LED light Therapy to bring a wholly relaxing and unique experience, that can also do wonders for your skin and your wellness. Each prize includes our full Tranquility Experience:
2 x Facial Cleanses
Active Cleanser
Exfoliation
Thermal Concentrate Spray
30 minute Tranquility Omnilux LED Light Therapy
Serum
SK Algae Mask
Serum / Sunscreen / moisturiser eye cream
Tranquility is normally priced at $154 each.
International Women’s Day celebrates the empowerment of women, toward true gender equality and equal rights globally. It celebrates the role of women in society.
To win, simply tell us, before midnight on 5th March 2021 what simple things in life make your life more beautiful for you.
Email your answer to info@lesandsclinic.com.au with your answer. Here’s a couple of suggestions – the sound of the ocean, which can be calm and tranquil, which helps set your mind free, or even the crash of a stormy sea which may embolden you against the troubles in your day.
The lucky three winners will be notified on Saturday 6th March 2021
Taking care of your skin the right way is vital to naturally keeping your skin looking healthy, hydrated and smooth says our dermal therapist, Chrystal. Here she highlights 7 things you may not know about skin and skin hydration
To find out more about your skin and your skin’s needs call Le Sands Clinic to book your complimentary skin consultation 02 9567 0399
The skin is the largest organ in the body providing protection and communication with the outside world.
Sensitive skin is a common condition that can affect men and women of all ages and skin types. The skin may appear inflamed, irritated, dry and red. It may itch or be painful. Underlying general health conditions or skin conditions such as eczema, acne and rosacea may be associated.
Factors that can contribute to skin sensitivity include lifestyle (smoking, alcohol, stress and lack of sleep), diet (lack of fresh food, nutrients and water), genetics and environment (sun, wind and cold exposure). Seasonal changes can affect the skin. Heat during summer can create inflammation and dehydration of the skin. Exposure to chemicals and fragrances in certain products can increase skin sensitivity.
These factors cause a breakdown in the barrier function of skin. The skin is not protected and becomes weaker making it susceptible to further damage of deeper skin layers.
A number of steps can be taken to avoid and manage sensitive skin. These include avoiding sun exposure by staying out of the sun, wearing a hat, using hypoallergenic 50+ sunscreen, maintaining hydration with adequate water, eating fresh nutritious food and getting adequate rest and relaxation.
Take time to look after this vital organ in the body. A professional skin consult and analysis will guide you to the best professional and homecare products and routines to help mange sensitive skin ensuring beautiful, vital, glowing healthy skin.
This post was written by Emily Baratti, dermal therapist at Le Sands Clinic
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
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!
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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:
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
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.
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