Our Top 5 Tips for Treating Maskne

By now, we’re all familiar with the dreaded term “maskne”: breakouts, irritation, and sensitivity from constantly wearing masks has even the most dutiful skincare junkies at a loss.

Now that it’s been a full two years of COVID (ugh) we’re seeing more and more effects of mask-wearing. Even the best and most regimented of us have probably found that we’re suddenly dealing with dry patches, acne where there shouldn’t be, redness and roughness, and textured skin.

It’s not fair to be dealing with the effects of wearing a mask, especially for our health care workers and service industry workers who have been wearing masks daily for nearly two years.

We all know what it is - so HOW do we get rid of it? Don’t worry - we’ve got a few quick tips that are easy to incorporate into your daily (or weekly) routine!

Wash your masks regularly.

You wouldn’t go more than a day without washing your face, right? Same goes for your masks! Dirt, oil, sweat, hair, and all other sorts of bodily runoff accumulate throughout the day, creating a less-than-hygienic environment that rubs against your precious skin all day long.

If you have a few reusable masks at your disposal, wash those puppies on a very regular basis. If possible, try to have a fresh mask available every day. Throw them in on a quick cycle when you get home from work, school, or errands to make sure you have a clean, hygienic mask for the next day. Trust us, this is a big one!

If you don’t have access to enough reusable masks to get you through a few days, look into having a few disposable masks around the house that you can use, just in case. A fresh mask every time you leave the house will do wonders for your skin!

Wash your face after taking your mask off.

This is a tricky one, because you’ll have to gauge the condition of your skin before washing your face. If you’ve been directed to a certain skincare regimen by your aesthetician that includes care for after mask-wearing, listen to them first! If you find that your skin can handle an additional cleanse after a long day wearing a mask, it’s definitely something that you should do to rid your skin of the accumulated debris from the day. Dirt and debris can easily clog your pores and cause unwanted blemishes - a quick post-mask cleanse can keep you free and clear! A gentle or hydrating cleanser is best in this scenario to avoid accidentally drying your skin out further by over-cleansing.

Moisturize more regularly!

Masks, even reusable ones, are made up of abrasive materials like cotton, polyester, or polypropylene (plastic!). These materials, especially rubbing against our skin all day, can cause irritation, sensitivity, and can dry your skin out more rapidly. Some people have been experiencing redness, itching, and acne as a result of the dryness and rubbing. If you work in the healthcare or service industry and have been wearing masks on a daily basis to work, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.

Take care to gently apply moisturizer to your sensitized skin more regularly than you would if you weren’t ever wearing a mask (ah, those were the days!). The same goes here as for washing your face more regularly though - only do this if you’ve got a premium product to apply and if you know it won’t cause a reaction. Typically, you shouldn’t have to worry about a little bit of additional moisturizer, but definitely check with your aesthetician if you’re not sure!

Looking for a suggestion? We love the iS Clinical Hydracool Serum - a winter skincare favourite! The Hydracool Serum is formulated to gently relieve compromised skin and deeply hydrate the skin. Designed for all skin types and ages, this is a wonderfully soothing serum that you’ll notice an instant difference with.

If you’re dealing with contact dermatitis, we recommend the ZO Hydrating Creme, another super-gentle solution for any skin type. This creme provides a bit of a barrier to protect your skin and provide relief to an irritated area. If you are also treating acne but would like to try the ZO Hydrating Creme, we recommend only applying this 1-2 times a week. For other skin types, you can apply daily.

Avoid more advanced treatments or ingredients if your skin is compromised.

Are you dealing with maskne already? Avoid advanced treatments and ingredients for now! Let your skin heal and breathe first with a solid cleansing, toning, and moisturizing regimen. Avoid experimenting with new ingredients - focus on making sure your skin is properly cleansed every day and be sure to protect your skin’s barrier. For example, this might not be the right time to explore microneedling or incorporate a new Vitamin C serum.

Try a masque treatment and/or hydrating mist to help calm blemishes and dryness.

Tried everything and still dealing with stubborn maskne? A safe and effective way to “reset” your skin is to try a masque treatment to help with blemishes, or to opt for a hydrating mist to help provide hydration and ease dryness/irritation that can cause that pesky maskne. Some of our favs for fresh, clear skin are:

1. ZO Complexion Clearing Masque: a 10% sulfur masque specifically formulated to treat and prevent acne. This formula will help to purify the skin and absorb excess oil, while also keeping skin hydrated.

2. ZO Brightening Sheet Masque: a perfect afternoon hydration boost! This quick-fix sheet masque delivers deep hydration to avoid breakouts from dry skin. Salicylic and lactic acid keep acne at bay, while soothing green tea and arbutin provide additional hydration (plus a brightening effect!).

3. ecoMD Soothing Hydration Mist: botanical extracts abound in this little bottled wonder! Easy to quickly spray on for a hydrating effect. If your daily mask-wearing exasperates your rosacea or redness-prone skin, this is a great way to break up the day and provide some hydration and relief to that irritated skin.

4. Glo Skin Beauty Hydration Mist: another one of our quick-fix favs, and perfect for dry-normal skin! Small enough to fit in your purse, this is a great way to get a burst of hydration halfway through your day. Spray on and pop your mask right back on and let the hydrating antioxidant formula do the work for you.

Still need assistance? We’re here to help! Give us a call or book a consultation to see where we can take that beautiful skin.

Wrapping up 2021!

To our dear clients, new and existing:

As the holidays approach we at Nivali Skin would like to take this opportunity to express how blessed we feel by our clients and how grateful we are not only to them, but our community as a whole.

During another "interesting" year we have seen this community pull together in so many different ways. We have shown our clients how much we value our relationship with them by introducing our new Loyalty Program, and we want to take it a step further by reaching out to those in need in our city as well.

This year, in lieu of sending Christmas cards to all our clients, Nivali Skin will be making donations to several local organizations that do so much to help so many. We wanted to highlight some of these incredible organizations and what they do for our community!

Firstly, we will be supporting and providing a donation to Glad Tidings Church, who's large community outreach has been ongoing for many years. We have a personal connection to the church, their mission, and the good that they do!

We will also be supporting Our Place Society, an amazing organization that provides food, shelter, and numerous other means of support to those who need it.

Our Place Society has been a staple for Victoria’s most vulnerable since 1967, providing services such outreach, meals, housing and shelter, job readiness training and assistance, and more.

Their work has helped countless people in our community get back on their feet, find a community to support them, and receive care and dignity during difficult times.

Our Place Society is always in need of donations from our community to continue providing services to Victoria’s homeless and vulnerable populations - so how can we further help? Visit their Ways to Give page to select a particular mission to donate to or help with, or their General Donation page to make a simple monetary donation to the organization.

Another portion will go to WIN (Women in Need Community Cooperative) who do so much to support our sisters, mothers, and wives in need.

WIN has been helping women through exceptionally difficult crisis situations by providing resources and aid through their five main programs. These include:

The Crisis and Referral Program, the Gift Certificate Program, the New Start Program, and Self Sufficiency Program, and the Transformations programs.

Last but certainly not least, and in light of recent events, we will be donating to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS). The IRSSS provides counselling services, health support, cultural support, and more for survivors, families, and communities of those who have been impacted by the former Indian residential school system.

Their work supporting research, education, awareness, partnerships, and advocating for justice and healing is an invaluable asset to the indigenous community, and deserves recognition and support.

We sincerely hope that we have all begun to learn from the past, and will use it to move towards a more loving and inclusive future.

We'd like to encourage everyone to join us in taking this sense of relationship, support, and community into the new year, with a smile you can see right through our masks! Sending lots of love and light your way this Christmas as we look to the New Year with hope and gratitude. See you in 2022!

2021 Holiday Gift Guide

So here’s the thing: you know that somewhere in the realm of skincare is the perfect gift for your special someone, a friend, a family member, or even an acquaintance.

BUT.

Skincare is so specific! So nuanced! What if you don’t know their skin type? Their preferred products? Suddenly, it’s a bit overwhelming to try and narrow down exactly what that perfect gift looks like.

Never fear, your friendly neighbourhood aesthetician is here! We’ve put together the ultimate Holiday Gift Guide so that you know exactly what you need to get for your person. These gift are must-haves, safe for all skin types, top-selling, and super-effective - everything you need in a gift and then some! Whether you’re shopping for a skincare newbie or a seasoned pro, any of these gift ideas are sure to impress.

Scroll on for all the holiday skincare inspo (and info!) you need.

Luxury Gifts

A relaxing experience for your loved one, plus medical-grade results for radiant skin

Premier Hydrafacial

The Essential Hydrafacial ($195): suitable for normal to dry skin, this facial has everything you want in a treatment! Get exfoliation, peeling, extractions, and booster/fusion serums for the ultimate nourishing skincare experience.

Premier Hydrafacial ($295): double the benefits with our most premium Hydrafacial available! Get all the steps of our Essential Hydrafacial, plus LED light therapy, Derma Builder and skin brightening booster serums, and your choice of a relaxation massage!

Learn more about HydrafacialMD HERE.

ZO Brightening Facial

ZO Facial (from $149): Choose from a variety of facials featuring medical-grade products from ZO Skin Health. We offer Acne + Oil Control, Redness/Rosacea Relief, Ultra Hydration, and Skin Brightening facials; choose the ones that suits your giftee the best and let this treatment do the rest!

Oxygen Facial ($165): give the gift of instant results! Circadia Oxygen Rx Facials are administered by an oxygen wand that releases a controlled, optimal level of oxygen into the top layer of the skin. This gentle treatment is beneficial for all skin types, including sensitive skin. There is no downtime following an Oxygen Rx Facial.

Firming Oxygen Facial ($195): Our Firming Oxygen Rx Facial combines the incredible Oxygen Rx Facial technology with Circadia’s highly effective Firming Peptide Mask for instantly smoother, brighter, and firmer skin. Following the Oxygen Rx Facial, a Circadia Firming Peptide Mask is applied. This gentle mask helps to tighten and firm skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles immediately. The Firming Oxygen Rx Facial is beneficial for all skin types, including sensitive skin. No downtime is required following this treatment.

Learn more about our clinical facials HERE.

Flexible Gifts

Show you care while giving the gift of choice!

Gift Certificate ($150+ recommended): give the gift of self-care, but with a bit more pizzazz than the usual Starbucks gift card!

Lucky you - we’ll have gift certificates on promotion for the entire month of December! Purchase min. $200 on a gift certificate and you’ll receive an additional $50 credit for you (or, add this to the purchased gift certificate for your friend or family member!).

With this, your friend or family member will be able to use your gift to attend a consultation where they’ll be recommended a treatment and/or products that are safe and effective specifically for them to use.

This could be a relaxing facial, products for a new home care routine, or laser treatments for nearly any skin concern. The best part? They’ll be able to choose! Let your special someone select from our menu of services and get expert advice with a Gift Certificate!

Stocking Stuffers

Small essentials that pack a punch! Perfect as the final touch in your gift.

Colorescience Hydrating Cleansing Cloths ($25): Cleanse on the go with convenient cleaning clothes! Fabulous for traveling, or for removing makeup before your regular cleansing.

ZO Skin Health Brightening Masque ($7-$18): Step up the wine-and-facemask girls night in! These face masks contain all the nourishing and soothing products that the rest of the ZO Skin Health line boasts - don’t compromise with dollar store face masks just for that relaxing and soothing feeling! Purchase one for $7, or save on a pack of three for $18!

TIZO Tinted Lip Protection ($16.20): don’t forget about the lips! Protect your lips from UV damage that causes premature wrinkles with an SPF lip balm. An inexpensive and effective way to keep those lips youthful!

Colorescience Brush Cleaning Wipes ($14): The secret to avoiding breakouts after makeup application! Brush cleaning is crucial to keeping your makeup clean and avoid transferring debris and bacteria to your skin. Wash your brushes regularly with these easy brush cleaning wipes!

Peptide Aqua Gel Mask ($30): The ultimate luxury face mask. A fabulous after-care product for home care following treatments, this mask can also used anytime you feel like your skin needs a boost of hydration and nourishment. This mask will give you an instant glow and relieve dry, stressed skin.

Legendary Lashes ($24): Your natural lashes have never looked better! Fibre mascara that builds on your natural lash to perfectly enhance for the ultimate “just got my lashes done” look.

Need more gift ideas? Shop our Holiday Gift Guide storefront!

Christmas is just around the corner, so make sure you get started early and don’t miss out on the perfect gifts for your loved ones! Contact us if you have any questions on treatments or products - we are always happy to help! Need more ideas and inspiration? Check us out on social media - follow us on instagram or like and follow us on Facebook!

The Importance of Eye Creams

What’s the deal with eye creams?

Maybe the skincare hack TikTok you just watched said you can use a moisturizer as an eye cream, maybe you’re not sure what the difference is, or maybe it’s not something that you’ve considered using before! We’ll help you de-mystify the world of specialized eye care and explain the how’s and why’s of incorporating an eye cream.

How is an eye cream different than moisturizer?

Eye creams are actually an entirely different sector of skincare - they’re a targeted treatment formulated for the extremely thin and delicate skin under and around the eyes. Not surprisingly, eye creams are vastly different from a moisturizer that you’ll be using all over your face, neck, and chest. They’re typically less irritating, carry ingredients that won’t cause harm to the extremely thin skin, and allow for deeper moisture penetration.

Wait, the skin around my eyes is different?

Yes! Not only is it thinner, but it’s more vulnerable to damage like UV rays than the rest of the face. It’s also more prone to irritation and allergic reactions, meaning that a product you use for the rest of your face without issue may cause a reaction in your under- or around-eye area.

Your muscles also work extremely hard in this area, making the surrounding skin move and groove far more often than our forehead or cheeks! This skin, especially when not moisturized frequently enough, starts to form more permanent wrinkles and fine lines with time. This is why you’ll see conditions such as crow’s feet or other expression lines forming as your skin ages.

Formulation, formulation, formulation.

Ingredients that we use on the rest of our face aren’t necessarily safe for use in the under-eye area. As an example, hydroquinone is a fabulous ingredient to help with aging and brown spots, but should never be used close to the eye as it’s harsh and can have a degrading effect on the skin. Another ingredient we love (for fighting acne!) is salicylic acid, but this isn’t something that we want to bring up to the eyes.

When you select an eye cream to protect and moisturize this specific area, you won’t have to worry about the inclusion of ingredients that are too harsh for this super-delicate skin. Among the examples we gave, there are a host of ingredients that, while effective and safe for use on your skin, aren’t the best option for around the eyes. Something to watch out for!

De-puff me!

Another huge benefit of investing in a dedicated eye cream is the de-puffing benefit it brings! Eye creams like the Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Care and the Growth Factor Eye Serum come with a metal tip/applicator that provides a cooling, soothing effect on the eye area when applying. Powerful ingredients like caffeine (present in the powerhouse ZO Eye Brightening Creme!) provide a boost and help to soothe and de-puff the skin, taking away that tired appearance.

If you’ve ever wondered about the effectiveness of jade rollers or other skin-cooling methods, this is a technique that’s proven to help decrease puffiness along with the actual ingredients in your chosen eye care serum or cream!

Light and Bright.

Dark circles got you down? Another huge benefit of a dedicated eye cream is the inclusion of ingredients like kojic acid! Kojic acid, in an appropriate percentage, naturally helps to lighten and brighten the skin to help with dark circles. The ZO Eye Brightening Creme also includes kojic acid in its formulation, making it a fabulous choice if you’re struggling with a dark or dull under-eye area. Things like fatigue or dehydration can make dark circles appear more pronounced, so make sure you’re pairing your chosen eye cream with a proper sleeping routine and lots of water!

Bye bye, crow’s feet!

Naturally, one of the top reasons you’ll want to incorporate a designated eye cream is for the anti-aging benefits. Plumping this area and increasing collagen production with ingredients like peptides and growth factors will give you a youthful glow and help keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay!

Because this area is prone to so much movement and creasing like we discussed above, this is an extra-important step in keeping your aging skin nourished and moisturized for the maximum anti-aging benefits!

When should I start using an eye cream?

There’s no time like the present! With skincare, earlier is usually better - prevention is easier than correction, after all. If you’re starting in your 40’s, 50’s, or even 60’s, it’s still extremely beneficial and will keep those lines, wrinkles, and puffiness from becoming deeper and more pronounced. If you’re starting in your 20’s or 30’s, lucky you! You’re ahead of the game and you’ll have to contend with fewer deep lines as you age.

Questions?

Never fear, your medical aesthetician is here! Contact us any time to get in touch with our skin master and founder, Charmaine. You might need a professional consultation to introduce or change a product in your everyday routine, or even just a quick conversation about your current treatment plan - let us help! We’ll make sure that no matter what your skin goals are, you’re getting the correct level of care, the ingredients your unique skin craves, and a master plan for long-term skincare success!

Collagen: What Is It, and Why Is It Important?

Oh, collagen.

We’ve seen creams, serums, and gels all claiming to be chock-full of this buzz-word ingredient, promising plump skin, a glowing complexion, and ultimately your skin’s eternal youth. This word is often used to capture attention and promote products that, in all honesty, may or may not work. We’re here to clear that up!

What Is Collagen?

The body naturally produces collagen, which is a protein that helps bind together bones, muscles, skin, hair, ligaments, and tendons. It’s made up of amino acids - glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline (1) - that combine with other collagen molecules to form a network in the dermis (the layer of skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous fat). This network is what provides a level of support and structure to the skin (almost like a framework) that keeps the skin lifted.

In the skin, collagen is what gives the skin a bouncy, youthful look and feel; it’s responsible for the skin’s structure and strength, keeping the skin from sagging and wrinkling. Collagen is even more present than you might think - it makes up about 75% of the skin’s support structure! (2)

Unfortunately for us, collagen reserves start to deplete in our 20’s; this is a natural process that takes place as the body starts to age. This is why you start to see fine lines and wrinkles starting to form and stick around; the body doesn’t have the same level of collagen available to support and lift the skin as it did when we were children or teenagers.

How Can You Protect Your Collagen Reserves?

The first step in maintaining youthful skin is this: preserve and protect your existing collagen!
Because we lose collagen as we age, we need to remain mindful of how to preserve these precious reserves (Sunscreen! Retinols! Peptides! Hurray!) as well as using methods to help the skin naturally build up collagen again.

Daily items for preserving & protecting include:

1. Use sunscreen every day: this one everyone knows, but we have to say it anyways! Use sunscreen daily to avoid UV damage and free radical damage to the skin - these degrade your skin’s collagen and elastin, resulting in premature aging.

2. Look for makeup and daily care items that incorporate SPF; think lip balm, foundations, powder SPF, lip gloss, and more! You’ll easily be able to find makeup and additional skincare that have at least SPF 30, giving you options for protection your face even when you want to apply lip care, makeup, or add extra coverage. This is an easy win - most of the time, you won’t feel like you’re wearing sun protection.

3. Keep your skin hydrated. The backbone of any great skincare routine starts with keeping your body hydrated - and it’s as simple as drinking enough water every day! Good hydration supports your existing collagen to help you with the all-important maintenance of your existing collagen reserves.

Is It Possible to Build Additional Collagen?

The short answer is yes! However, it does take time and patience to see your results; your skin can’t produce this overnight! With care, attention, and patience, you will see the difference in your skin that greater collagen production promises: fewer fine lines and wrinkles and a smoother, plumper complexion!

The trick here is that you want to engage in practices that build healthy, high-quality collagen. Our body’s ability to produce high-quality collagen decreases with age, so we need to be mindful of using quality products and proven treatments!

What Treatments Should You Be Doing?

While consultations are the best way to find out what will work for your skin in particular, there are some treatments that are universally accepted as fantastic ways to increase collagen production. They all work in different ways to reach the deepest layers of your skin and stimulate fresh, healthy collagen to produce naturally.

1. Microneedling
   Microneedling utilizes a tool with very short, fine needles that create tiny micro punctures in the skin. When the tool creates these pinpricks (we use the Eclipse MicroPen®) the body reacts by rushing to heal these micro wounds - and in the process, the skin is plumped by the stimulation of collagen production (among other healing processes). While this might sound intense, this is actually a minimally invasive and extremely safe procedure, and the downtime typically lasts a maximum of about 3-5 days.

2. Radio Frequency Microneedling (Fractora)
   Fractora combines the magic of microneedling with radio frequency treatment to penetrate deeper into the skin and provide more dramatic skin tightening results. This process can also be used to treat cystic acne and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and will typically deliver results for deeper lines and wrinkles than its counterpart.

3. Laser Genesis
   Laser Genesis, one of our most popular treatments, uses micro-pulses of laser energy to active collagen and elastin remodelling and production in the deeper layers of the skin. This is a completely non-invasive treatment that’s quick, easy, and painless. Often called the “lunchtime treatment” it can be done quickly and there’s no downtime! It’s a pleasant treatment that feels warm and offers fabulous results. Typically, you’ll start to visibly see your results after a few sessions!

4. Deep Dermal Tightening
   Deep Dermal Tightening is a laser rejuvenation treatment that stimulates the dermis, a deep layer of the skin, using light and heat energy. This is a gentle treatment but the skin responds dramatically to the stimulant; the heating tightens the existing collagen and helps keep the skin from wrinkling and continuing to fall with age. Think of this almost as the natural, laser version of a facelift! This treatment typically results in having a tighter appearance and smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles. This is an incredibly satisfying treatment because you’ll typically see some of your results right away! You’ll also begin to produce new, healthy collagen within a few weeks of treatment.

5. Photo Firm
   Photo Firm is truly one of those all-in-one magic treatments! If you want to stimulate new collagen but also need to treat skin redness, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles, this is the treatment for you! A hybrid laser combined with the laser application for Deep Dermal Tightening is used, giving you a widen range of benefits in one go. This allows for the first set of lasers to calm redness and reduce brown spots; this process is followed by the Deep Dermal Tightening application to tighten and firm the skin.

What Products Should You Be Using?

Topical treatments like retinol and tretinoin are scientifically proven to promote collagen formation. Additionally, antioxidants such as vitamin C can reverse the inflammation that causes damage to the collagen in your skin. While you don’t necessarily have to use all of these, incorporating some into your routine is a great way to ease into an elevated skincare regime that actively promotes collagen formation for healthier skin. Always ask your esthetician to make sure it’s right for your skin before starting any of these!

1. Introduce a retinol into your routine
   Retinols are a nighttime routine must! Retinols are proven to stimulate collagen production in the skin and thicken the epidermis (3), providing a smoothing, resurfacing, and plumping effect.

2. Introduce a vitamin C serum into your routine
   Vitamin C serums use this powerhouse ingredient to encourage new collagen production. Vitamin C applied topically with a product help protect the structure of your existing collagen and protects it from damage!

3. Marine collagen supplements
   Ingesting collagen supplements is a way to allow the additional collagen into the dermis, a deep layer of the skin (sometimes called our “true skin”). This allows a boost to collagen production from a cellular level, providing the dermal layer with additional support.

4. Periodically use products with AHAs/BHAs
   Among a host of other benefits, AHAs and BHAs encourage collagen synthesis. AHA’s in particular work in both the epidermal and dermal layer, penetrating deep to promote cellular renewal and allow collagen production and new formation.

5. Growth factors, antioxidants, and peptides, oh my!
   These are more than just buzz words - products like the Growth Factor Serum, Renewal Crème, Copper Firming Mist, and Poly-Vitamin Serum provide essential nutrients to the skin and help to both preserve and build collagen!

What Other Daily Habits Can I Do?

Eat a healthy, protein-rich diet! Protein will provide your body with amino acids, which are necessary to build additional collagen. Look to incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meat and seafood, nuts, and beans. You’ll also get a boost of other great vitamins and minerals from these foods that help your skin glow - you can’t go wrong by eating right!

I Need More Info!

Contact us any time! We’re always happy to provide more comprehensive education on the products and treatments that we offer at the clinic. We’re committed to not just providing treatments that work in general - we want to get it 100% right for your specific skin concerns! Call, text, or email anytime, or book in for a consultation to get a personalized approach to skincare created for you.

References:

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21475/

(2) https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961619P0009X

(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26578346/

Cindy's Story

Cindy’s Struggle with Acne

Acne can be heartbreaking, distressing, and demoralizing.

For some people, it’s a phase during adolescence. For others, it’s a condition that lasts decades. This was the case for Cindy, who started having trouble at age 14. By 21, she had developed chronic cystic acne, which continued in varying degrees of severity until she was almost 50, when she met Charmaine.

“It’s been a life-long journey,” says Cindy. “When you are living the experience of managing chronic acne, everything seems to matter, but I recognize each person’s experience and perspective is unique.”

It is important to note that, particularly within the past 10 years, Cindy has followed a healthy, active lifestyle with a clean eating protocol and regular physical activity. In 2016, she was in a figure competition and is planning to compete again.

“This matters because many acne sufferers face scrutiny: ‘If you cleaned up your diet, or if you were more active’ etc.,” she says. “For those who take that to heart, it can foster an unhealthy relationship with self and food.”

She knows because she has researched nutrition, cleanses, and supplements extensively.

“While I do believe diet and exercise play an important role in overall good health, they are not the only cause of, or solution to, acne,” she says. “Hormones wreak havoc, as does stress, environmental exposure to toxins, and other factors.”

She also researched and tried almost every acne remedy out there.

A Long List of Ineffective Remedies

“I was never willing or able to accept it, and so pursuing endless remedies gave me some sense of hope and control over what otherwise felt like an utterly powerless situation.”

She was under the care of several dermatologists over the years and was prescribed Accutane three times. It cleared her skin, but the results lasted only about two years. It was drying, and she was also concerned about the effect on her liver. She tried vitamin A creams, which also dried out her skin, as well as several brands of birth control pills noted for targeting acne. For many years, she used topical Clindamycin (the oral version led to side effects), first in a lotion and later in Dalacin-t.

Cindy knew her condition was connected to hormones, a fact confirmed when her skin cleared completely during both her pregnancies. Upon analysis by an endocrinologist, she learned her hormone levels were within range but that she was very sensitive to normal hormonal fluctuations. That led to six years of Spironolactone (Aldactone), an androgen blocker developed for heart disease but which also acts as a shield to hormonal fluctuations.

When she was training for the figure competition, she sought nutrition guidance from a naturopath, who recommended a mixture of castor and olive oil as a spot treatment.

“I was surprised at how quickly castor oil helped. It didn’t prevent breakouts but it worked to speed up the healing process.”

Because castor oil worked well as a spot treatment, Cindy — of her own accord—started applying it all over her face, which led to the rough texture and tiny bumps symptomatic of congested skin. Then one of her go-to remedies, Clindamycin in Dalacin-t, was unavailable.

“I panicked because I had nothing that was working for me,” says Cindy, who was in her later 40s by this stage. That panic and stress made her especially vulnerable when a salesperson at a department store cosmetic counter pitched a product line.

“I threw caution to the wind because I didn’t know what I was going to do. I ended up spending a bunch of money on skincare products, but things went downhill from there and got worse.”

Discouraged and distressed, Cindy’s trust issues, common among acne sufferers, deepened.

“I looked at everything with cynicism and suspicion, not knowing whether it was going to help or make the situation worse. The thought of it getting worse is almost immobilizing. It was almost better to do nothing than to risk it becoming worse.”

Cindy Meets Charmaine

Cindy attributes meeting Charmaine to intuition and meeting the right people.

“As luck would have it, my husband and I did an overnight stay at a resort and he treated me to a pedicure.”

She had never been to an esthetician before but felt an instant connection to a young woman at the spa: she had lovely skin but had experienced similar issues with acne. She suggested Cindy see Charmaine. In April 2018, Cindy had her first appointment.

“When I met Charmaine, one of the first things she said — very gently, because Charmaine is always gentle – was that I should stop using those department store products and start using her products.”

Of course, Cindy was skeptical — the department store salesperson had just told her the same thing. But she followed Charmaine’s advice and changed to a mix of medical grade skin care products and agreed to a treatment plan.

“I was really eager for good results, and I wanted Charmaine to do the Laser Genesis but she said we shouldn’t because the foundation of my skin wasn’t strong enough. We needed to build up the health of my skin before we subjected it to that level of treatment.”

The Nivali Treatment Plan

Charmaine started Cindy with HydraFacial MD treatments and laser light therapy to calm the skin, kill bacteria and slow the production of skin oil (sebum). This was eventually followed by a mild chemical peel to clear the congestion in the pores. It was after this process that Cindy’s skin was ready for Laser Genesis.

“With Laser Genesis, I have noticed a huge, huge difference in collagen buildup, and I have the lips of my youth.”

Currently, Cindy has Laser Genesis every six or seven weeks, with occasional Hydrafacials. For deep hydration, extractions, and a fusion of antioxidants and peptides. She also uses a derma roller at home, using a device approved by Charmaine, to further increase collagen, speed up exfoliation and help products penetrate deeper into the skin. Her next step: Fractora Skin Resurfacing, to address scarring, large pores, and fine lines and wrinkles.

“Charmaine is very patient with me,” says Cindy, who calls herself a “why” person because she asks a lot of questions.

Charmaine is always well prepared to answer those questions.

“She is extremely knowledgeable, and it was her knowledge of treatments and how things work and why they work, right down to the science behind it, that was instrumental in my developing trust in her.”

Cindy adds that Charmaine never pushes or tried to “sell” products and treatments, but instead gently educates and suggests.

“Charmaine’s recommendations have led to the skin I always dreamed of and love,” says Cindy who is now 100% medication free. She adds that she is a living testimony of Charmaine’s motto for improving skin health and appearance: slow and steady wins the race.