International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.

We love this year’s campaign theme #EmbraceEquity. The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren’t enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.  

Indulgence Skin, Laser & Beauty Clinic has always strived for equality for our Staff and Patients but now our consciousness is elevated to the next level so we will ensure we ask ourselves “Will the action I’m about to take result in the best outcome for individual members of our Staff / Patients?”  

Here is a link to www.internationalwomensday.com to explain more about their #EmbraceEquity 2023 campaign and below is a video explaining the difference between Equality and Equity … very inspiring!

Have a look at the second video and see if you can work out the riddle – let us know if you got it right .. fascinating!

History Of World Menopause Month

“World Menopause Month was created as a means to raise awareness of the stage in a woman’s life when she stops menstruating. It helps women understand the possible health issues associated when approaching, during, and after menopause. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Menopause Society designated October as World Menopause Month. October 18 was also dubbed as World Menopause Day.

In England in the 1800’s doctors prescribed a pre-meal mixture of carbonated soda to their menopausal patients. Opium and cannabis were also prescribed by doctors to curb menopause symptoms. Other remedies included a large plaster (belladonna) placed at the pit of the patient’s stomach, and some even gave out vaginal injections of acetate of lead. Doctors were then surprised when hysteria was one of the many symptoms presented.

In the 1890s, Ovariin was prescribed by doctors. Ovariin was made by desiccating and pulverizing cow ovaries. It was one of the first known commercially available treatments for menopause symptoms. By the 1930s menopause was being described as a deficiency disease. Over time Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) became commonly used and is the most sophisticated remedy for menopause symptoms to date.” Source: https://nationaltoday.com/world-menopause-month/

Have you ever gone to bed looking like a flawless princess and woken up to find a spot or two has erupted on your face?  Well you’re not alone.  

In this blog we explain why this happens and how you can avoid it happening to you.

Delve into the real cause of warts, skin tags, etc. and learn how we can easily remove them if they’re bothering you ….  

Thought we’d share with you this great read on the benefits of exfoliation published by our product partner, AlumierMD.

AlumierMDs  products are formulated with an approach to clean science and they source ingredients from sustainable and ethical suppliers.

Exfoliation: The Breakthrough Step You Need For Glowing Skin 

“I love it when my skin looks dull, dehydrated and lacking radiance,” said no one, ever.

Often, dull skin is caused by pollutants, make-up and dead skin accumulating on the skin leading to dullness and breakouts, stealing your skin’s natural glow but a good buff comes with the promise of revealing a glowing, brighter complexion underneath!

Why do you need to exfoliate?

The outermost layer of skin is where the dead skin cells gather and eventually shed naturally. As we age, our rate of natural exfoliation slows down, and sometimes, they just need that little helping hand to let go.

Exfoliating can do wonders for your skin – if you do it right. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single skincare potion that will give you the glowiest skin of your life, however understanding the diverse types of exfoliation and which is best for your skin is KEY to getting maximum results and that glowy, dewy skin.

Exfoliants are your friend

There are two types of exfoliation: physical exfoliators, like beads, blades or buffers, which physically remove the dead skin cell whilst chemical exfoliators, often liquids, loosen the bonds that keep dead skin cells attached and can even get inside the pores too.

Chemical exfoliators mimic our natural exfoliation by gently dissolving the velcro-like bonds that keep dead skin cells attached to the face and body by dropping the skin’s pH. Acidic ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), lactic acid and/or fruit enzymes are used to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote skin renewal, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discolouration. Think AlumierMD Enzymatic Peel and AHA Renewal Serum), both clarifying formulas with an Alpha Hydroxy Acid. In the hours and days that follow, the dead cells naturally come away.

Physical exfoliators for smooth skin

Remember when we said earlier that a good buff comes with the promise of revealing a glowing, brighter complexion underneath? Mechanical products contain rough granules or beads that buff away skin cells, so if you have sensitive skin that needs something gentle and less abrasive, or you want an instant deep-cleansed effect, this kind of scrub can have a place in your routine. Enter MicroDerm Polish, a microdermabrasion formula that actively exfoliates and retexturises the skin and is rich in skin conditioning agents to maintain the skin’s natural barrier. It also has 100% natural/bio-degradable beads – just saying.

Exfoliation is KEY to looking fresh-faced. However, winter and summer exfoliation need to differ a little. During summer, your skin is getting increased exposure to the elements thanks to rising temperatures, stronger sun and summertime heat.

Your skin’s sun sensitivity can increase from exfoliation, so if you work outside, or are planning to spend a few days on a vacay or staycation, we always recommend a consultation with a skin professional beforehand. This way, you get exactly what your skin needs and detailed advice on what, when, and how much to use, it’s a personalised regime that leads to your skin looking and feeling amazing every day.

Chemical peels are an affordable procedure for patients and provide significant results. Chemical peels are a safe procedure if performed by a qualified and trained professional

Chemical peels can be used to treat a number of skin conditions such as:

• Pigmentation
• Acne
• Uneven skin tone & blemishes
• Surface/fine lines & wrinkles
• Dark circles

History of chemical peels

It has been recorded that skin peels were used by woman in ancient Egyptian times. They applied sour milk (containing lactic acid) , animal oils, and alabaster (a soft mineral rock) to their skin to improve the skin’s texture [1].

During Roman times, people used fruit (such as grapes which contain tartaric acid) to exfoliate their skin. They would also make poultices containing substances such as sulphur, mustard and limestone, which were used to fade freckles and to even the skin. [2]

In 1874, a dermatologist in Vienna called Ferdinand von Hebra, used peeling techniques to treat pigmentation conditions such as melasma, freckles and Addison’s disease. In 1882 in Germany, Paul G Unna described the use of salicylic acid, resorcinol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol on the skin. [3].