WHAT ARE YOU USING ON YOUR LIPS?!

LIP CAUTION!

I have been moved to write this blog because of the large number of patients we are seeing at the clinic who are concerned with congestion around their lips and chin.... even if congestion is not of a concern anywhere else in there skin.

Most patients have one thing in common. They are using a petrochemical or highly synthetic bases product on their lips.  And some or most of these products are not designed to be used on the lips. 

What are these products? 

Listing from most commonly used:

1. Papaw ointment
2. Vaseline
3. Lip Gloss

Papaw ointment: 

The manufacturers of papaw list the benefits as:

• Minor Burns & Scalds
• Sunburn
• Gravel Rash, Cuts & Minor Open Wounds
• Nappy Rash & Chafing
• Insect Bites
• Splinters & Thorns

These are all great ways to use Papaw ointment.  Please note that 'lip balm' is not listed as a use.

Papaw ointment has 2 main ingredients - Carica Papaya 39mg/g Fresh Fermented Fruit
and Pharmaceutical Grade Petroleum Jelly.  Petroleum Jelly is a petrochemical and is also the main ingredient in Vaseline.  Although petroleum jelly is safe and inert (will not impact the body), it is an extreme comedogenic (likely to cause clogged pores/ blackheads/congestion/acne). 

Please only use this product for what it is recommended.  It is a great healer, but should only be used short term, not daily!

Vaseline:

Is a comedogenic and should not be used daily on the lips.  You may notice breakouts/clogged pores increasing when using this as a lip balm, plus you may also find your lips become dryer and need more moisturising.

Lip Gloss:

Please check the ingredients on your lip gloss.  Highly synthetically fragranced & petrochemical based.  Both of these ingredient groups are also highly comedogenic, plus the fragrance can cause added irritations.

My advice:

 Make sure you have enough omega 3 in your diet.  Drink plenty of water.  Cut down or out alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes.  Use your professional product eye balm on your lips. Wear sunscreen. Avoid excessive sun and wind exposure.

Inika do GREAT certified organic lip glosses and lip sticks.

For short term sun protection when you know you are more likely to experience sore lips, such at the beach or snow, I recommend the original Chap Stick with SPF.  Remember, this is only short term, not daily.

Visit your local skin clinic for advice on ongoing dry/cracked/sore lips to obtain the perfect pout!

Then pucker up!! 

Paula :)

3 COSMETIC INDUSTRY ADVERTISING FIBS

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED.....

1.  The ‘pseudo-science’ marketing behind the major cosmetic companies.  These companies stock their products for easy access in supermarkets and cosmetic counters.  These product companies spend an incredible amount on advertising.  Currently the trend is to highlight the lastest "medical/scientific" ingredients which they are including in their products.  When the actual ingredients are looked into, it  has generally shown, the quantities of actual active ingredients that go into these products are so small, they cannot make an improvement to the skin.

 2.      Extravagant Packaging. Unfortunately the packing of the supermarket and cosmetic counter ‘skin care’ companies can be as expensive as - or more expensive  - than the actual product.  This packaging is used to make the product look either like it has a scientific, high end, or a natural basis.  Please beware of any company that look to be putting a huge emphasis on over packaged products.  They may have something they are compensating for.

3.     “Scientific Studies”.  Please listen closely to advertising that have ‘studies’ that back up their claims for improving the skin.  You may have noticed that most advertisements do not state the study size, what group of people they have surveyed and how they measured their results.

We are not saying that all cosmetics in supermarkets and cosmetic counters have no value.  There are some “good brands” and some “not so good brands”.

The 'not so good' brands are highly synthetic with extremely little active ingredient.   The high amount of sythetics can lead to skin becoming redder in appearance, more sensitive, increase ageing, irritations can occur and/or congestion.

If you are interested in buying your product from these places, please try to stick to brands that are certified organic.  So at least you know they are safe.   Saying ‘organic’ on the label does not mean it is organic.  The only way to ensure it is really a natural and partly organic product is to check for an organic certification. 

If this is the way you want to go, please stick to a basic creamy or milky cleanser and a light moisturiser.  Even if this is done, the problem with picking a product from the shelf, is it may not be the correct one for your skin, so you still may end up with more ageing, more sensitivities and more congestion.  Although sticking to the absolute basics should reduce this.

The best and safest option to get the correct product for your skin is to see a Dermal Therapist at your Skin Clinic. 

If price is a concern, please let your Therapist know, and he/she will work within your budget. 

If results are your interest, you will be in the best hands possible J

Collagen Induction Therapy

What is CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy)? CIT is the use of an electronic skin needling device, to re-surface & strengthen the skin. CIT is a skin clinic only therapy. The resurfacing results are outstanding, and a great alternative to laser resurfacing. A topical anaesthetic is used to make the treatment more comfortable. Amazing results are seen for acne scars, oily skin, lines, wrinkles and fine papery skin types. CIT is also very different from most treatments, as the skin directly under the eye can be treated. Call us on 97496261 to book your consult, find out about our launch special package prices & book your treatment. The results are truly exciting!

Congestion, Blackheads

Congestion & Blackheads can be caused by sticky sebum (oil) & excess dead skin cells gathering in the pores & hair follicles. Unsuitable cosmetics can also be a cause.  Treat using the right combination of microdermabrasion/peels, an effective cleanser & exfoliation routine, suitable skincare & diet & nutrition consultations.