More than a beauty treatment

The industry of aesthetics and beauty is abundant in the world we live in. From superficial “fluffy” facials to cosmetic surgery, there is a vast difference in the treatments available.

As a Dermal Clinician, a facial is so much more to me than a few products placed on the skin with some massage added in. A facial is a skin treatment based on years of study and experience, taking many factors into account.

What is a Dermal Clinician?

Not many people are aware of what a Dermal Clinician actually is. It involves completing a three-year Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Aesthetics or Dermal Therapies and is centred around all things skin.

Throughout this degree, we study:

• Complex skin conditions
• Anatomy and physiology
• How the body and skin interact
• How medical conditions affect the skin
• Stress and the psychology around the skin
• Nutrition
• And so much more

This education is the foundation of everything I do in the clinic.

Learning the language of the skin

I like to think of the skin as a language to learn.

The skin sits between your internal body and the external world. While it can’t communicate through words, it can show signs of what may be happening within the body.

For example:

• Low iron may contribute to dark circles under the eyes.
• Perioral dermatitis or itching can be an early sign of perimenopause.
• Acne may indicate lymphatic clearance issues, hormonal imbalances or gut health concerns.

Learning this language of the skin is certainly an undertaking, but it sits at the heart of what I do.

Why a skin consultation matters

This is why a skin consultation is an essential part of any skin journey.

A consultation allows us to understand what your skin is communicating and why certain things are showing up. It is almost like detective work. We identify what is being presented, find out all the details and actions in the lead-up to the “crime”, and put together the missing puzzle pieces.

Just like solving a crime, sometimes all the pieces don’t come together straight away. It can take time to uncover the underlying trigger.

Why I take a holistic approach

When it comes to treating the skin, this is why I take such a holistic approach.

You’ll often hear me talk about foods to include or avoid, stress management, caffeine, daily habits and the importance of sleep because all of these things play a role in skin health.

I also take pride in making the treatment itself feel balanced. We all have so much going on in our lives, so reducing stress wherever possible is important.

This is where my background in beauty therapy comes in handy. While your skin is always the priority, I also want each treatment to be as calming as possible for your nervous system.

That might look like:

• A scalp massage while your peel is processing
• A shoulder massage during LED therapy
• A comfortable treatment bed with pillows and blankets
• The lights dimmed where possible

Just because a treatment is science-backed and methodical doesn’t mean it has to feel cold or clinical.

Bringing it all together

Hopefully this has given you a little more insight into why a skin treatment is not just a glorified self-care ritual.

It is one of the puzzle pieces in understanding, solving and treating complex skin concerns and conditions.