Temple Skincare & Spa and Spiritual Athletica are collaborating to provide a holistic wellness experience this month. 

Spiritual Athletica is Dural’s original Boutique Fitness Studio. It was established in 2016 and specialises in female health and personalised attention. “We support improvement for all ages & bodies starting with Reformer Pilates for base core strength & all over flexibility, then three other Studio spaces in the one beautiful location to level up your fitness — Barre, Cycle & Weights,” says owner and Head Fitness Instructor, Amanda Burke. “We believe that your external results — looking FABULOUS — is inextricably linked to your internal (spiritual) health therefore less stressed and pain free from regular exercise is a key component of your regular routine.

“Pilates Reformer has honestly kept me strong & toned but also given me a completely different mindset of how I thought I had to train to keep my body fat down and my strength/fitness up, she continues. “I’m no longer sore every day with niggling injuries, my flexibility and core strength have increased so much my Osteopath never sees me anymore! I get a huge buzz from seeing people discover what they are capable of physically which can then translate in to renewed confidence in other areas of their life.”

This is certainly something that resonates with Rene at the Temple Skincare & Spa — bringing confidence, renewed energies, calm and peace to clients’ mind, body and soul through advanced skin treatments that meet the holistic. “We are a true medi-spa incorporating luxurious day spa treatments with the latest results driven clinical treatments all under one roof to meet your every desire. The Temple is an escape where wellness is our focus; a luxurious medi-spa, hidden beside the pool, in a truly boutique hotel- The Hills Lodge. From the moment you walk down the jasmine lined stairs, a feeling of tranquility will surround you.”

The Collaboration

The collaboration is only the start where clients and newbies, for a limited time only and for a limited number of slots, can avail of freebies like facials, spa treatments and pilates reformer, barre, yoga, cycle, or met con classes. Coming together was easy for Amanda and Rene. They are both passionate in providing women an easy, results-oriented wellness lifestyle that is designed to strengthen women’s bodies, de-stress the mind and uplift the energies of the soul.  Together, the classes and spa treatments offer complementary commitments to one’s health and well-being. Both offer a respite from daily stresses and as women, time to focus on caring for oneself.

Soon, there will be more exciting offers to come out of the collaboration that you and your besties will enjoy.

 

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Spiritual Athletica: Not just results but a fun and supportive environment for all

The stunning Studio space has everyone feeling relaxed or energised (depending on their session) with mood lighting, towels & candles it is really a five-star experience. There is a maximum of eight Clients per session with uber-experienced and qualified Coaches. The environment is fun shared by other like-minded clients. No worries also for those looking for parking, there’s plenty in the area!

The Cycle and Weights Studios are dark with neon lighting and pumping tracks- giving you the prefect environment to sweat, with no mirrors, egos, phones or selfies. There are options for all levels of fitness — and the Spiritual Athletica Team will also make sure you can push yourself to maximise the precious time you get to really burn some calories and kick some fitness goals.

The upstairs mezzanine Barre Studio is light filled with floaty, soft curtaining, a gorgeous floral centrepiece, plush seating to remove shoes & our “we will support you” wooden ballet barres. These classes are fun with a good serve of spice — a fusion of ballet and Pilates you walk away feeling strong and energised.

 

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The Reformer Studio is everyone’s favourite, with wooden flooring and industrial wall lighting. Studio Athletica has seven 5-Star luxury Reformer machines, with all the “props” of jump boards, balls, circles and bands for the ultimate Pilates experience for all levels, with three different styles of Reformer classes — Basic, Flow & Props. You will ALWAYS be finding different ways to work, stretch and connect to your body from head to toe.

 

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The Temple Skincare & Spa is a perfect blend of Luxury Day Spa and cutting edge Medi-Spa

This is based upon owner Rene’s personal philosophy. “I believe that there is something special and healing we can offer through kinetic touch and we can truly bring about change to a client’s soul through that time we have them in our care. As therapists we are privileged to be in an industry that is actually allowed to touch another human being. I believe that we can achieve our client’s best skin yet as well as care for their mind, body and spirit.”

There is something for every skin and body at Temple. Clients come to soothe and relax tired souls and bodies through the many facials and massages. They trust the highly-trained and gifted Temple Therapists to always exceed their expectations. Massages are designed to melt tensions away and replenish energies to leave each client floating, whilst day spa facials keep skin smooth, plump and ageless, radiant and fully hydrated. There are also many who come to achieve results for their skincare journeys, whether for anti-ageing, acne, sensitive/rosacea, scarring, depigmentation and uneven skin tone and overall skin health. The skincare shop (also online) has all the goodies, not only for some retail therapy, but most especially for the much-needed home-care kits that will stretch the results of your facial and to help you achieve your best skin yet!

Read about Temple’s 20th Birthday celebrations here.

Detoxification through Lymphatic Drainage and Dr Wraps treatments also cater to clients looking to feel more revitalised, and to improve circulation and immune response. Empowering and supporting clients with body sculpting modalities in Fat Freezing or RF Coax and Bodysmoothing also bring another level of confidence in their own skin, their body and a step further in their wellness goals.

Each client is treated  like family and is made to feel welcome and special

The Temple Skincare & Spa is dedicated to providing excellence in skin & beauty treatments & personalized service, and it shows in the multitude of 5-star reviews they have in Google and Facebook. The Temple Way refers to the little tiny things that every Temple Therapist does and focuses on to make clients FEEL their heart and give them the extraordinary experience they deserve! These are service-oriented things that EVERY client receives and are maintained to a consistently high standard. Temple is passionate about customer service standards and pepper signature touches throughout the entire visit so that a client receives a truly amazing Temple spa experience. It is all about the little things that count and that aim to exceed expectations at all times. It comes from TRULY caring about each client’s well-being and experience.

Even each Temple spa treatment room is custom designed to provide complete client comfort and privacy. Enjoy ultimate treatments in your own private and tranquil candle lit room, with beautiful, relaxing background music.

Go here for a FREE 7-Class Pack to Spiritual Athletica when you buy and book Temple’s Winter Fit Facial Bootcamp.

The only thing missing is you! Take advantage of the collaboration while slots are still available and start your wellness journey today.

For more information, phone us on (02) 9634 2411 or email salon@templeskincare.com.au.

Read More about Temple Skincare & Spa + Spiritual Athletica Collab for an Inspiring Wellness Lifestyle

In Castle Hill, massage treatments for overall health and well-being are just-a-few-taps-on-your-device away. Day Spa offerings at Temple Skincare & Spa are not only relaxing but unforgettable spa experiences that revive the body and the soul.

Our lives are busier than ever it seems. We slowly leave the pandemic behind and at the same time, embrace new, exciting adventures. As our lives become busier, more digitised (this includes spending more time in front of screens for social media for example), and given the years of social distancing, we are now more touch-deprived than ever.

Touch deprivation or skin hunger occurs when we have little or no physical contact with others. For instance, shaking hands, hugging, pats on the back, and an arm around the shoulder. Humans are social beings and need touch for our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. People who suffer from skin hunger may exhibit aggressive behaviour, body image issues, high stress levels, anxiety, loneliness, fear of attachment and unsatisfying relationships.

Massage Treatments to stave off skin hunger

Leave it to the hands of our professional Temple Therapists to lull you into the most divine relaxation that your body, mind and soul need. Feel your muscles melt with the confident and expert movements from the treatment. Let go of all the tension and stress.

Temple owner Rene’s personal philosophy is, “I believe that there is something special & healing we can offer through kinetic touch and we can truly bring about change to a client’s soul through that time we have them in our care. As therapists we are privileged to be in an industry that is actually allowed to touch another human being. I believe that we can achieve our client’s best skin yet as well as care for their mind, body and spirit.”

Benefits of Massage

Increasingly, there is a growing number of clinically-proven benefits of massage to our health. It is always wise to consult your physician for advice, but some of the benefits of massage treatments are:

• Reduces stress and anxiety — Focusing on the repetitive and soothing movements will automatically put your mind and body at ease. The reassuring and safe touch helps  reduces stress-hormones like cortisol for relaxation.
• Improves sleep —  Our body repairs itself when asleep. Hitting the sack with relaxed and loosened muscles will help you fall asleep easily, and you’ll feel less tired in the morning! Do you know that Temple Skincare & Spa is open up to 8PM on Mondays and 9PM on Thursdays? Highly recommended for an after-work stress-reliever especially if you live in Castle Hill or the Hills District.
• Lessens pain and muscle tension — Tension headaches, tightness and knots in muscles, migraines, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and even Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be eased with regular massage therapy.
• Relieves constipation — If you are constipated or experiencing digestive issues, massage can help you get rid of bloating and the discomfort.
• Detox — Massage stimulates the lymphatic system and releases toxins from the body.
• Ease symptoms of depression — A good massage session releases endorphins and elevates your mood, makes you feel energised and banishes negative emotions.
• Improve cardiovascular health — Massage is good for the heart! 

Read more benefits of massage treatments here.

Ease the symptoms of touch deprivation with Face and Body Massage Rituals at Temple 

Facial massages and treatments at Temple are focussed not only on relaxation but also in attending to your skin concerns like inflammation, ageing, dryness and dehydration, dullness, sun damage, rosacea or acne. Temple is known for the award-winning results and treatments, not only in Castle Hill but also in national Spa and Beauty awards organisations.

Among the most sought-after Day Spa treatments is our Temple Signature Facial which includes a Visia Skin Analysis to take a look at the deeper layers of the skin, or problem areas that we can not immediately see. We then customise the treatment to your skin’s needs. Then, there’s also the Vitamin C Brightening Facial that always wows our clients because of the natural glow and radiance achieved. The Better than Botox Facial is an all-time favourite. Fine lines and wrinkles disappear, skin is plump and lifted, and the luminousity in skin is just a joy to our clients. Even better results are seen with an LED Light Therapy boost.

An even more irresistible add-on (or just as a solo treatment!) is a heavenly Head, Neck and Scalp Massage with Deep Conditioning Hair Mask. This is is an age old healing artform of holistic therapy. It allows for the relief of mental fatigue, the calming of thoughts and easing of stored tension. The warm hair mask provides deep conditioning and invites rest for the mind.

Book ahead to avoid disappointment. Click here now.

 

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Temple Skincare & Spa Body Rituals like the Signature Spa Massage, the Stress Relief Massage, Relaxation Massage and Remedial Massage are all tried and tested kinetic healing therapies to loosen tired and tense muscles, leaving you feeling soft and calm. Many of our clients often say that they are left “floating” and with moods lifted and energies replenished.

Described as one big long hug, the healing Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage (soft and flowing movements) cleanses too by releasing toxins from the body through the stimulation of the lymphatic system. The Native Oil & Hot Stone Massage is also quite popular because of the temperature of the heated stones used. It’s extremely good for muscle aches, fluid retention, and tired stressed souls… definitely brings about balance and well-being. For those seeking to brighten the skin and enjoy a gentle exfoliation, the Organic Body Buff is a must. Not only does it promote better blood circulation, clients love the instantly smooth texture on their skin.

A must-have is the Paradise Foot Restoration treatment. Get your tired feet (and calves) massaged and taken care of with exotic oil infusions and restorative soaks. The feet also has pressure points that activate rejuvenating energies to virtually every part of your body.

Read about Pregnancy Massage and its positive effects here.

For those needing a total escape into calm and welcoming surroundings, there are a number of Spa Packages to choose from too. Luxuriate in an enjoyable and unhurried space. Yes, you can lounge and take a dip in the pool! It is heated during cold months. All you have to do is bring your cossies and you’re all set. Where else in Castle Hill can you get a beautiful spa experience and a swim?!

The moment you walk down the jasmine-lined steps, you’ll already feel peaceful and free of any worries or stress. The Ultimate Indulgence is always, always a special client favourite. Book this one for birthdays, anniversaries, or just about any reason at all! Not only will you feel spoilt and pampered, but you’ll also get some expert touch therapy from head to toe.

Wanting to share the moment with your SO or bestie? Maybe some bonding time with Mum or your sister? The Couple’s Retreat is the number one pick. We have a two-bed suite where we book clients for this so it’s perfect for bonding time. Your professional Touch Therapists will treat you to a revitalising Refresher Facial and a blissful full body Relaxation Massage. Feel a sense of balance and a release from stress instantly. Then, savour the moment with a light lunch from our Spa Menu by the pool; maybe order some champagne for a celebratory feel.

Another popular pick is the Temple Signature Massage. You’ll have a memorable time with an:

• Aromatic foot soak scrub
• 90 min Signature Body Massage
• Paraffin infusion to trouble areas
• Pressure point face massage
• De-stress scalp massage

For a touch-deprived individual, committed to a day of relaxation and the full benefits of massage, this spa package is it. Or try the Ecstasy Combo for a longer spa experience. Too busy? Opt for the Revive Massage treatment instead.

Wake up the senses and the spirit with a Reinvigorate session. Feel the fatigue slip away with a beautiful scrub and body rub, focussing on tense shoulders and a headache-busting head and scalp conditioning massage. Finish off with a facial and then a pretty pedicure.

Transport yourself to an exotic island with wild scents and oils with the Coconut Lime Blossom Skin Renewal or Royal Milk and Honey Ritual. Both will not only bring you the benefits of calming, reassuring kinetic touch, but also skin nourishment (antioxidants) and soothing hydration. Dry brushing will exfoliate and promote good blood circulation on the skin for health and overall well-being.

 

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Book ahead to avoid disappointment. Click here now.

Touch Sensitive from Skin Hunger? 

Ease yourself into the massage treatment experience. Rest assured that at Temple, we continue to maintain strict safety protocols so that all you have to do is enjoy the moment. We genuinely care about your safety and well-being. In fact this is why we foster a caring, kind, non-judgmental and family space. Here are also some pieces of advice to make you feel comfortable:

• Please arrive at least 15-minutes ahead of your appointment. This will give us an opportunity to get to know each other; to walk you through what to expect; and, address any questions or concerns you might have.
• You don’t need to bring anything to your appointment except yourself.
• We are an inclusive community. Our clients are part of our Temple Family whom we treat with love, kindness and respect.
• The in-spa dress code? Robes!
• Let us know when you book if you are going to use the pool so we can prepare. Don’t forget your swimmers.
• If you are uncomfortable with nudity during a massage, you can leave your undergarments on. Temple also provides disposable underwear that you can use. Temple Therapists are also trained to drape correctly to protect your dignity and modesty.
• The Temple Team is an all-girls team. You are safe with us.
• Some clients fall asleep, snore, drool or pass gas… these are all okay! The Temple Team members are professional, discreet and are very understanding.
• Communicate with your therapist to let her know if the pressure is too hard or too gentle. It’s okay to chat, but we often notice that clients naturally become silent in the first few minutes as they begin to appreciate the treatment.
• Need to cancel? Please call at least three days ahead of your scheduled booking. Otherwise, fees will apply. As a small business, this courtesy will allow us to contact people who are in our waitlist to take your place.

See you in spa soon!

Castle Hill massage treatment options are many but the signature Temple Touch is unparalleled. We are proud of the unique amenities we offer and the thoughtful Day Spa services that you can choose from for a healing and re-energising spa experience.

Rene best expresses it by saying,

Everything we do at The Temple is aimed at exceeding every client’s expectations on every visit… this is the “Temple way.” Each and every treatment performed at The Temple, is performed with love and a true passion for what we do. It doesn’t matter if you are having an $18 brow wax, a complete day spa ritual or a medi-spa bootcamp… we love and care for all our clients the same. Our clients and our staff are our “Temple Family.” We are blessed for you to be a part of our purpose… [It’s] something bigger than us.

Click here to book your massage treatment.

For queries on bookings and services, or to consult on a skin concern, please phone us on (02) 9634 2411 or send us an email at salon@templeskincare.com.au.

 

Read More about Castle Hill Massage Treatments for Overall Health and Well-being: Staving off Touch Deprivation

Temple spa, skin and soul transformations from 20 years in the beauty industry humble us and at the same time, fill us with excitement as we look to the future.

This year is Temple Skincare & Spa’s 20th year in the industry. We celebrate exceptional customer service, innovation, love and kindness, education, cutting edge Medi-Spa services and indulgent Day Spa Rituals.

We look back with so much fondness for all the milestones that we’ve achieved over the years, as well as cherish the many lessons learned. We’ve overcome recessions and pandemic lockdowns; survived location changes and renovations; won awards; and, have grown from a few to now eight treatment rooms and three shower facilities including a couple’s suite. We fondly remember the many awesome therapists who’ve come our way, empowered in their various careers in beauty; and, welcomed new amazing team members who impress every day. Throughout all these years, we always emerge smiling, stronger and with a renewed passion for skin.

Click here for our 20th Anniversary Offers with 20% OFF our Tap-selling Services and a FREE Facial Cleanser

Rene best sums it up by saying, “I am so deeply honoured and proud that, The Temple Skincare & Spa is celebrating 20 years of doing what we love, and loving what we do! 20 years of aiming for exceptional customer service, 20 years of innovating what we bring you, 20 years of opportunity to show you love and kindness in everything we do, 20 years of education to empower our team, 20 years of offering cutting edge Medi-Spa services and indulgent Day Spa Rituals. I can honestly say that I feel privileged that you have chosen Temple as ‘your’ place, and that you have trusted me, The Temple brand and the Temple team, with your skin, mind and body.”

 

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We have a purpose greater than us 

Like most other businesses, we have a purpose greater than us. We create a space of TRUST… where our clients TRUST in the consistency of their experience… TRUST in our expertise as we value education… and TRUST in our honesty & integrity. We have created a culture of FAMILY that attracts a woman like you, into our tribe as we live and breathe our strong core values. Each and every team member is committed to exceeding the expectations of each & every client. YOU are loved and valued by us, and you deserve only the very best in experiences, and only the best results with your skin and body. Our Day Spa and Medi Spa is the vehicle that allows us to gift this to our client family… to you.

Rene says, “I hire off personality and train them at skill set. I do this because I can teach the team how to perform a kick-arse facial and master their craft, but I can’t teach them to be kind, caring, honest or considerate and that’s what it takes to give you the experience you deserve.”

At The Temple Skincare & Spa, we live and breathe our core values into everything we do so you leave feeling loved and cared for, feeling that you are valued and appreciated as you are.

Our Core Values:

• Family is everything
• Love and care
• Education is key
• Trust and integrity

 

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Staying true to our roots

“20 Years ago, I started out with the vision to create a spa with a difference — a spa that combines a perfect unique blend of Luxury Day Spa and cutting edge Medi-Spa services all under one roof; a spa you can trust for all your skin, mind, and body needs… where advanced skin treatments meet the holistic,” Rene says.

We believe Temple is one of a kind, a reflection of Rene’s personal philosophy. “I believe that there is something special & healing we can offer through kinetic touch and we can truly bring about change to a client’s soul in the time we have them in our care. As therapists we are privileged to be in an industry that is actually allowed to touch another human being. There is nothing more magical than when your client rushes through the door for her 2pm facial to redeem a voucher she has received almost a year ago. She is in the mindset that she is simply ticking a box to use this voucher before it expires and stressed to the max thinking that she has one hour for this, then needs to rush to the school pick up, then take the kids to after school practices, whilst thinking what she will cook for dinner, then fit in kids homework, argue with the kids to shower then open her laptop to get some of her work done too.

“Then the magic happens… within the first 5 minutes as we lay our hands on her face and caringly cleanse her skin, the transformation happens. She feels home, like she is in the exact place she needed to be in this moment. I love the way our clients can feel the love, kindness and pure intention behind our touch. Despite the millions of other things that we’re hanging over her head like clouds, she surrenders to the experience and emerges transformed and floating… we are privileged to have made a difference in her world, even if it was only for that one hour. Her skin is glowing, her stress levels are reduced and her soul is rebalanced. That’s why I love what I do!”

Temple Spa Treatments — holistic Day Spa Rituals with cutting-edge Medi-spa Modalities

We blend the Day Spa Rituals with the cutting edge Medi-Spa Treatments, to guide you to achieve your best skin and body yet. We pride ourselves on education so that we are specialists in our field to have the knowledge to best advise you on how to achieve the real results you deserve. We constantly research latest global technology so there’s almost nothing we can’t help you with… Fat Freezing & body sculpting, HIFU, advanced peels, LED, Plasma, medical grade Laser, skin needling, micro’s & hydrabrasion, Medi Spa facials, Acne treatments, RadioFrequency, and more.

Temple Signatures 

Signatures are the little tiny things we do and focus on, to make our clients FEEL our heart and give them the extraordinary experience they deserve! These are service-oriented things that EVERY client receives and are maintained to a consistently high standard. We are passionate about our customer service standards and pepper signatures through the entire visit so our client receives a truly amazing experience. We believe it is all about the little things that count. We have many signatures and aim to exceed expectations at all times. Our customer service is just a natural thing that happens because we all TRULY care about our clients and the experience they have with us. Our signatures are designed to reflect how the Temple purpose, the Temple values and the Temple culture is seen and felt by our clients. 

Examples are: the way we greet and escort our clients around the spa; branded chocolates on every bed; Visia Skin analysis; infused water, herbal tea and snack for each guest; Healthy Lunch menu offered; pool access to relax and savour the moment; the candlelit rooms; service enhancers; and even the way we caringly hold the clients leg as we lower the bed on completion. 

Part of the culture that our Templle Family of clients love are our signature touches, experienced hands, unparalleled experience, high quality products and the nurturing, healing environment we have created at Temple Skincare & Spa. 

Click here for our 20th Anniversary Offers with 20% OFF our Tap-selling Services and a FREE Facial Cleanser

Welcome to your healing space

Clients are welcomed to a tranquil, environment with beautiful refreshments and shortly after completing a Visia consultation form the appointed therapist collects her client and accompanies them to their tranquil treatment room, with soft hues of blue light to relax the eyes and little welcome touches like gourmet chocolate hearts and sanitation prompts set out on a tray.

In the privacy of the treatment room, the treatment is explained, and the therapist assesses the client’s needs and goals to make recommendations for adjustments and enhancements to the session. Temple Skincare & Spa therapists are well versed in providing results and relaxation. This balance between imparting knowledge or advice and knowing when to give the client peace and quiet to enjoy the healing benefits of their treatment session allows us to achieve the clients’ skin and body goals, while providing mind blowing treatment experiences.

Strong through challenging times

WOW what a ride the last 20 years have been! We started as a one-man band in 2002 and have grown to currently employing 13 team members. Rene established The Temple Skincare with nothing more than a passion for what she does and a desire to touch the lives of each and every client she saw, to give them the confidence of having their best skin yet, and to give them a place they could come to feel loved, special and valued.

As many of you know, The Temple Skincare was born originally on the outside of Castle Towers shopping towers where we remained for 12 years before moving into our current home in the Hills Lodge. Rene, alongside her small team including Mumma Temple, Lyn, and Sarah that is back in our team again now, worked hard to build a spa that meant something.

Things went well and we experienced steady growth over the first 5 years, but this soon changed over the next few years when the Government party changed people became hesitant, and then the GFC hit all. We found a lot of our clients households hit hard where they were forced to survive on one wage and in some cases, both husband and wife lost their jobs…it was so sad to see our much loved clients so despaired.

Our business hit rock bottom like many others, a time Rene says she never wants to experience again. She says that the GFC was the hardest thing she had ever been through in life. At the time her husband was also made redundant like many other households, and she had three young babies at home… Waking at 3am with heart palpitations, drinking wine to be able to sleep, and finding it hard to keep her mindset of gratefulness and giving, when things seemed so dim. Her accountant told her to shut the doors and go and get a job but thankfully, Rene is stubborn and pushed through.

It took years of pivoting and micro-managing for The Temple to recover, and we are so grateful to have such amazing clients like we have, that their loyalty carried us through!

Over the past 20 years we have enjoyed the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Rene believes that you must experience the hardship to truly appreciate the great and it’s the journey along the way and the lessons learnt that have forced her to evolve from being simply a passionate and educated Beauty Therapist, into becoming a market leader in our industry.

In 2014 we were told we had to move from our location outside the towers as their renovations were beginning (they still haven’t done this, crazy!). Even though our business was slowly recovering, we had no more savings as the GFC debt had taken it all so had no idea how we would afford a new fit out in a new location.

After hitting quite a few brick walls, we found the Spa at The Hills Lodge… now all we had to do was convince them to hand it to us, lol! With a lot of convincing and a little negotiating, we ended up moving into our new home, nestled down by the pool inside the Hills Lodge Hotel where we absolutely love now! We were so grateful to have experienced massive growth and doubled our size with our expansion and renovation into the spa you now know.

 

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The better it gets, the better it gets!

We are humbled and grateful for the level of success we have experienced over the years and it is only because of YOU, our amazing clients, who trust us with your skin and who are fiercely loyal. THANK YOU to each and every client for your support. We don’t care if you only come for your brow waxes, or if you come monthly for your skin or day spa packages, we love you all the same and we are deeply grateful for your support.

Rene says “It makes me a little teary to think of all the clients we still have to this day that have been coming since the beginning. We have experienced the highs and lows of life together. I have watched some of them grow from being a teen coming to us with pimply skin, to now being a 30 year old needing advice for wrinkles, lol. We have been through break ups together, babies together, marriages and heart aches together. These are some serious long term relationships, lol. I am so very grateful and deeply honoured that YOU, and yes you know who you are, continue to trust me and The Temple. Thank you to each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart. The better it gets, the better it gets!”

Click here for our 20th Anniversary Offers with 20% OFF our Tap-selling Services and a FREE Facial Cleanser

Spa, skin and soul transformations that WOW!

It has always been a matter of pride that we make a deliberate effort to demonstrate excellence on a daily basis. It is actually not an effort, it is simply the result of the Temple Team being authentic in representing our core values. We are honored and grateful that our clients have chosen Temple as their spa, and we ensure they feel loved, welcome and positive that they have made the right choice. Our client experience oozes excellence. 

Although Temple has received many awards, we never rest on our laurels. As a family business we are very mindful of how fragile any business can be and extremely grateful for the opportunity to touch the lives of our team, clients and those we are able to support who have less than us. No business becomes a success without the love and support of the industry and the community we serve, so we are immensely grateful.

 

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Over the years we have been blessed and extremely thankful by the recognition from industry greats like the Australian Beauty Industry Awards through Mocha Publishing, Professional Beauty Solutions, Germaine de Capuccini, Local Business Awards , Australian Champion Beauty Services Awards, and more. To know that we have been nominated alongside so many incredible colleagues and peers in the industry is always a sincerely humbling experience.

• WINNER 2021 PBS Salon of the Year
• Lucille Ferriera WINNER 2021 ABIA Therapist of the Year
• WINNER 2021 PBS Best Skin Transformation of the Year Award
• PLATINUM status achieved for 2021 Germaine De Capuccini
• PLATINUM status achieved for 2020 Germaine De Capuccini
• WINNER ABIA 2019 – AUSTRALIAN Salon of the Year (4 rooms and under)
• WINNER ABIA 2019 – NSW Salon of the Year (4 rooms and under)
• PLATINUM status achieved for 2019 Germaine De Capuccini
• Laura Browne WINNER 2018 – PBS Retailer of the Year
• PLATINUM status achieved for 2018 Germaine De Capuccini
• WINNER ABIA 2018 – Australian Salon of the Year (4 rooms and under)
• WINNER ABIA 2018 – NSW Salon of the Year (4 rooms and under)
• WINNER ABIA 2017 – Australian Salon of the Year (4 rooms and under)
• WINNER ABIA 2017 – NSW Salon of the Year (4 rooms and under)
• WINNER Champion Business Awards 2017 – Best Beauty Services
• PLATINUM status achieved for 2017 Germaine De Capuccini
• WINNER ABIA 2016 – Beauty Salon of the Year!
• WINNER ABIA 2016 – Business Owner of the Year!
• WINNER 2016 – Platinum Germaine Stockist level, won a trip to Spain!
• WINNER 2015 – Local Small Business Awards!
• WINNER 2015 – Australian Champion Beauty Services Awards!
• WINNER 2015 -Australian Business Person of the Year!
• WINNER 2014 – local business awards Business person of the year
• WINNER 2014 – local business awards Temple
• WINNER 2013 – local business awards
• WINNER 2012 – local business awards

 

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Looking back at other milestones

There have been so many memorable moments in the last 20 years but here are some recent ones: In October 2019 was a real highlight for us, as we launched our first International Women’s Retreat  — “Temple Retreat.” Hosted in Spain, we provided a 5-star wellness escape for our Temple clients that was a huge success. 

The Retreat is a lavish wellbeing retreat for independent women who love to travel and experience truly breathtaking moments experiencing Spanish Culture, Cuisine, Entertainment, Exotic Spas and Nature, woven around Personal Development workshops and a guided, Personal Shopping Experience in 10 amazing days. It is an exciting new venture of the Temple brand and we had the second one all planned and ready to go, with a waitlist of clients to attend Temple Retreats 2020 before COVID. While  we will have to wait for a little while, we are able to celebrate the success of our first Temple Retreat held in Spain in September 2019.  By the following month, we were flooded with fanmail from our attendees and new clients expressing how they wished they had not missed out on the opportunity.

Two months later, we completed a renovation/extension, doubling our capacity and now offering a total of eight treatment rooms, three shower facilities and a stunning relaxation area. 

 

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March COVID closures brought success in another light. Rene states, “If there is one thing that I have learned in business it is that during a time of crisis one needs to accept change and pivot quickly if you are going to survive. The very next day after the announcement, my team and I got to work developing hugely successful DIY homecare kits for our clients. These kits were accompanied by instructional YouTube videos. We developed a range of kits from Skin Needling Infusions, Power Peel for skin resurfacing, At home facials, Lash Repair Kits, Heavenly Soles Pedicures, Spa Body Rituals and Rose Quartz Lymphatic drainage for all those stressed inflamed skins.”

The Team reached out to their clients to check on their wellbeing and started a private ‘Temple Skincare Family’ Facebook group for all women to connect and support each other through these uncertain times. We shared recipes, reassured each other, and they simply found comfort being able to connect as well as share their positive reviews on our kits. Our therapists moved out of their comfort zones, exchanging their pretty made-up faces with live demonstrations of skincare routines. While some became social media experts, the rest of the team worked hard to exceed our clients’ expectations with home deliveries and regular follow up calls and texts. 

An Emphasis on Green  

Over the years, we have recognised and pushed for a more environmentally conscious spa. We try our best to limit our carbon footprint and partnering up with skincare brands care about our planet. We carefully source our products from companies who have a strong sustainability ethic like ours. We are aware and conscious about using sustainable ingredients that also empower local communities where these are sourced. For instance, the story of Pure Fiji is an inspiration to us. Also, Image Skincare’s Ormedic range has been reformulated into ‘clean’ beauty made of organic ingredients making the products even more gentle and soothing, perfect for those with sensitive skin. All their product boxes are Forest Stewardship Council®-certified and sourced from responsibly managed forests. Advanced Nutrition Programme, invests heavily in sustainable practices with their packaging being fully recyclable and the dyes and inks 100% environmentally friendly. 

We have access to the Hills Lodge recycling systems, which meets international hotel standards. We only purchase eco-friendly bin bags and reuse empty containers where bulk decanting is involved. We have gone paperless for many years now, opting for iPads for in-spa marketing and so that check in and record keeping at the spa is completely paper free. We only provide disposable spa wear for wet-treatment rituals and opt for reusable sterile spa slippers. 

Overall, our spa operates on green principles which means that we are mindful to switch off electrical equipment, lights, and appliances overnight. We use energy regulating LED globes throughout the spa to reduce electrical consumption. We make use of rechargeable candles instead of battery-operated candles and have sourced non-acid causing laundry detergent and cleaning materials to prevent soil contamination through water sources. 

We regularly give back to initiatives through our charity arm, Temple Hearts, because people and animals are as much a part of the environment as the beautiful scenery and resources, we all enjoy.  

Click here for our 20th Anniversary Offers with 20% OFF our Tap-selling Services and a FREE Facial Cleanser

Gratitude and giving back

Temple Skincare & Spa has a culture of generosity, which is known and loved by our clients and team. Our Emerald and Diamond Reward Programs are examples of this, where clients received product and treatment discounts, freebies, gifts and special promotions as part of their loyalty rewards. We also love giving back to the general community and often provide high quality hampers and vouchers for fundraisers in aid of worthy causes. Giving back to those in need is very much a part of our DNA at Temple and we have a charity arm called Temple Hearts where we assist handpicked projects each year.

Excited for many more years in beauty

The future is bright, and oh-so-exciting for Temple Skincare & Spa! Throughout our birthday month in March, we have slashed prices off our  Top-selling Services and are giving away free cleansers in our shop.  And, as we embrace the coming months and years ahead, Rene is in the midst of hiring more Temple Therapists and engaging the Team in more training for new treatments and services. Brides will be happy to note that Temple will make sure your skin is glowing and picture-perfect for your big day. With more and bigger groups opting for a day at Temple, expect more fun and pampered relaxation for families and besties.

Stay tuned too for the launching of our mobile app in the App Store (already available to download in Google Play Store) so booking will be a cinch!

Most of all, we continue to look forward to seeing your beautiful faces in spa, excited to pamper and spoil you, and with hearts full as we watch you emerge after a treatment floating, fully relaxed and with healthy, glowing skin you deserve.

 

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Read More about Temple Spa, Skin and Soul Transformations from 20 Years in the Beauty Industry

or

Broken Capillaries, Spider Veins, Visible Vessels and Sun Spots Laser Treatment is fast (only takes 15 minutes!), effective, painless and safe.

The main reason that we see broken capillaries on the surface of the skin is due to physical trauma to the skin. By physical trauma I mean something as simple as popping a spot, running your face under a hot shower, using too harsh of a physical exfoliant and having a mechanical treatment to often such as microdermabrasion.

• Clients with paler complexions, reactive skins clients who suffer with rosacea are more prone to broken capillaries.
• Broken capillaries are more likely to occur in smokers also as smoking constricts the blood vessels leading them to become weaker.
• Clients who work outdoors may also suffer with broken capillaries due to extreme heat wind or sunburn.

Let’s get into how we treat broken capillaries!

As the damage to the capillaries is directly beneath the surface of the skin topical skincare won’t actually get rid of them. You can use soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients in your skincare routine to calm the redness but that is only a short-term solution the broken capillaries will remain.

At the Temple Skincare & Spa, we have the solution to actually get rid of these broken capillaries completely.

We use nd YAG laser to remove the broken capillaries and they instantly disappear before our eyes. You may need 1 to 3 treatments depending on the severity of the broken capillaries.

In this treatment we trace over the vein with a tiny laser and a burst of energy and heat seal the vein. The blood and fragments of the vein then removed by the body scavenger cells. This treatment is completely safe and effective the laser is set on a wavelength that will only treat the vein and the surrounding skin is left unharmed.

After this treatment we would advise a solid skincare routine to prevent the broken capillaries returning including some vitamin C to ensure we strengthen weakened  blood vessels  and also ensuring  you are aware of how to prevent causing any further physical trauma to the skin that may have caused the broken capillaries in the first place.

Want to learn more about painless Laser Treatments here at Temple? Visit our FAQ page here.

Ready to undergo your Laser Treatment? Book in an Online Consultation with our Skin Experts so they can advise you on the best treatment course and walk you through the procedure so you know what to expect. Learn more about Temple Skin Subscriptions too and get more mileage for your skin-vestments. 

Read More about Broken Capillaries, Spider Veins, Visible Vessels and Sun Spots Laser Treatment

Collagen Supplements, facts or just hype? Perhaps it’s the celebrities making all the hype that collagen supplements are the newest craze, however the facts are, collagen supplements have been around for decades in the form of bone broth when we are unwell and topical collagen infusions in the beauty industry … So here are some facts to help you choose wisely. 

Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids that are found in the human body. The word collagen comes from the Greek word “kolla,” which means “glue,” and it is these collagenous fibres that help to strengthen connective tissue. Together with keratin, collagen gives the skin its strength, waterproofing, and elasticity. Loss of it is a cause of wrinkles because as we age, production of it declines, and the protein can be damaged by smoking, sunlight, and other forms of oxidative stress. Because collagen is such a large protein, it is not easily absorbed through the skin.

Which form is better – powder, liquid, pills…

Well it’s actually the QUALITY of the collagen supplement that is important, as well as the manufacturing process and certainly the actual source of collagen that you need to consider when buying a collagen supplement . 

At Temple Skincare & Spa, we prefer super food blends of liquid or powder as they are the best forms to be absorbed by the body, however they should all be taken with food for best results. 

The source of the collagen is also very important and sometimes controversial. There are two main types of collagen supplements… Bovine collagen from pork and beef which is the stronger type, however it has a shorter half life and a large molecule that is not easily absorbed into our bodies… not to mention the ethical elements you will need to consider.

The second is what we prefer, and that is Fresh water marine collagen. This has a much smaller molecular weight for better absorption. To give you an idea, collagen peptides should be smaller than 2000 daltons to be best absorbed by the body. Bovine is larger than 2000 daltons, however our beautiful fresh water marine collagen is normally between 1000-2000 daltons hence its far more bioactive in the body. We believe this is not only more sustainable as it is from nature, however it is a better quality, with a longer half life and a much more stable form of collagen supplement.  We highly recommend the Bestow Collagen Boost in spa. 

What are effects and benefits? 

A good quality collagen supplement definitely helps reverse the visible signs of ageing. 

There have been many international Clinical blind studies and one of these as an example for you that was comprised of 72 women over 35 yrs to 75 years old. As a blind study, this meant that half the group were given a placebo and the other half the collagen supplement for a 12 week period. 

This showed that taking the collagen supplements will not replace the collagen in your body, however it will help to prevent your collagen breaking down, and it also boosts your body’s own collagen production! 

I don’t know about you but I am all for looking as naturally youthful as possible. This study showed that after 12 weeks there was: 

• 28% improvement in the skin’s hydration
• 24% improvement in the skins density, which is the thickness of the epidermis
• 18% improvement in elasticity, which is the skins bounce

Along with these attractive anti-aging benefits, taking a good quality collagen supplement will also assist in wound healing , joint pain, muscle improvement and of course hair and nail health.

 

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Collagen Skin Supplements

Aside from the Bestow Beauty Collagen, another easy way to incorporate collagen daily is to take it as a supplement.

The Advanced Nutrition Programme supplements journey starts in the Skin Health Research Centre at the International Institute for Anti-Ageing to research, trial and test beyond expectations to synergise supplement solutions for all types of skin. Every capsule delivers clinically-proven results while also working with a sustainable mindset to protect our planet.

How often to take it

The Bestow Collagen Boost we suggest is a blend of drinkable nutraceuticals and must be taken with a meal. It is a powdered blend of not only those fresh water marine collagen peptides, but also zinc, vitamin c, and biotin.

For any collagen supplement to be effective the minimum recommended daily dosage is only 2.5g, however if you really want to bring about change, we suggest 10-15g daily for optimal results. 

Things don’t happen overnight though, so we highly recommend taking these supplements for a minimum of 3-6 months before going onto a maintenance dosage. They also don’t work if they just sit on the kitchen bench so be sure to take them daily.

 

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Other supplements we suggest for healthy youthful skin… 

Collagen supplements are most effective if coupled with other vitamins and minerals. In fact, the body cannot make collagen without zinc. Vitamin C is also vital. Your skin needs it to make strong collagen. 

Most people in Australia & New Zealand are zinc and Vitamin C deficient due to our modern diets. These are two vital minerals we need in our bodies to create our own collagen. 

Similarly, most people lack the 3000mg of Omega 3 their skin and bodies required per day for healthy skin.

The Ultimate may not be collagen peptides however they offer the ultimate nutrients for healthy youthful skin and they contain a combination of five specific supplements Skin Vit A+, Skin Omegas+, Skin Antioxidant, Skin Asta-Boost (a natural carotenoid) and Skin CoQ10+ (for energy boost), which will stimulate collagen as they are precursors to your bodies collagen synthesis. They will replicate the skin’s function.

 

Needing more information or advice on Collagen and how to address your skin concerns? Phone us on (02) 9634 2411 or for a more intensive talk and skin analysis, book a Virtual Consultation with us today. 

Read More about Collagen Supplements, Facts or just Hype?

Adult Acne and Teenage Acne causes and treatment depend on many factors and Acne Grades. However, this is a very common skin condition that we see a lot of at the Temple Skincare & Spa… much more than you think!

Acne is often thought of as a teenager’s skin concern. However, many adults also suffer from this problem and in fact, pimples can affect you at any age and even become a chronic skin issue that follows you throughout your adult life. While the primary reason you get pimples is the same whether you’re a kid or a grown-up, there are some differences that determine your risk for developing acne as you age.

If you have a adult acne it will be one of two types: Continuing  Acne meaning that it has carried on from acne that you had in your teenage years without going away. Or, Adult Onset Acne, meaning that it begins suddenly when you are past the age of 25.

Seeking acne treatment? Check out our Acne Facials and Treatment Programmes here.

So let’s get into what can cause Adult Acne

1. Hormones

A hormone imbalance of any scale can cause breakouts. You may be more likely to have breakouts during your period, during pregnancy and even during menopause. Clients with polycystic ovaries and endometriosis can also suffer with breakouts hormonal breakouts tend to occur on the lower half of the face along the jaw line, chin and mouth.

Men can also suffer with adult acne if they have a hormone imbalance. Men use anabolic steroids to build muscle mass quickly will develop acne as steroids contain synthetic testosterone.

Learn how out Temple Skin Expert Lucille cleared up her hormonal acne in 10 days.

2. Genetic Predisposition

Clients may be more likely to be an acne sufferer if it runs in the family.

3. Stress

Stress can play a big role in affecting our skin. When we are stressed our body responds to stress by producing more androgens in the body. These androgens stimulate sebaceous glands leading to them producing access oil which can lead to the possibility of papules, pustules and blackheads appearing on the skin.

4. Products

You need to make sure your products are non-comedogenic meaning that they will not block your pores this includes make up and skincare.

5. Diet

Your diet can also make breakouts form on your skin. It may be because you have an intolerance to a certain food which if you think you do we would advise that you have an intolerance test to find out what intolerance you have or to rule it out. Sugar can also cause the skin to break ash as sugar raises insulin levels in the skin which may trigger hormones which can lead to and increase in oil production.

Read more about Causes of Acne what you can do about them here.

 

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Teenage Acne

If you’re going to suffer with acne it normally begins when you reach puberty.

During puberty the body increases the production of a hormone called androgen. This hormone increases sebum (oil)  production in the skin. This then leads to the increased sebum mixing with the dead skin cells in the follicle and this build up forms breakouts.

It is important to treat teenage acne quickly even if it’s mild, if it is left on treated it can progress to a more severe form of acne leaving behind scarring and making the acne harder to treat.

When treating teenage acne it does depend on the grade of acne the client has. We would prescribe salicylic based products for to speed up cell renewal and also because of salicylic acids antibacterial properties , anti-inflammatories for any redness in the skin, benzyl peroxide to dry out and kill the breakouts  and hydrating ingredients such as essential fatty acids and hyaluronic acid to nourish and soothe the skin.

Read more about Salicylic Acid here.

Also depending on what grade of acne the client has we would treat the skin using LED light therapy skin peels and clear skin treatments including extractions. If the acne is severe or cystic and infection is present we would recommend you see your doctor and possibly start on an antibiotic.

Here are some general tips for controlling teenage acne:

• Wash the face twice a day using anti bacterial ingredients such as salicylic acid.
• Don’t bust or pop pimples. (This is a big no-no it can make the bacteria spread, make breakouts worse and it can also cause scarring)
• If you wear glasses wipe them down daily with an anti bacterial wipe and also wipe your phone down daily with an antibacterial wipe.
• Avoid touching the face.
• Avoid wearing make up that maybe too heavy on the skin or that may contain minerals oils and talc. If you want to wear make-up used a mineral make up only.
• Wash make up brushes regularly at least once a week.
• Keep your hair clean and off the face especially when sleeping at night.
• Change pillowcase regularly every maybe 2 to 3 days.

Stress can be a huge trigger for acne on teenage skins this is because of the raised cortisol levels leading the skin to produce excess oil, we see a lot of this when teenagers are stressed because of school and exams so try and keep the stress levels under control as it will show on your skin.

@thetempleskincare ????Dermalux LED Therapy ???? Medi-spa technology that maintains the structural framework of our dermis to reveal optimum freshly hydrated skin. #glowup ♬ original sound – thetempleskincare

So how can we treat Adult Acne or Teenage Acne?

When it comes to adult acne or any form of acne for that matter, there is no one size fits all prescription or treatment plan. Every skin is different so treating acne is a process and unique to each person. It all depends on what Grade of acne you have as well. By Grade of acne I mean whether it’s a mild form of acne  or more severe and cystic it also depends on what is causing the acne to form.

Of course we can recommend antibacterial ingredients for the skin, anti-inflammatory ingredients for the skin and supplements to improve your skin and help you find the cause of what is causing the acne to form.

So the best thing to do is book a consult with your Temple Skin Therapist so together we can decide what ingredients topically we can put on the skin and what treatment plan would be best for you. The first step is always a consultation to discuss the best prescription no treatment plan for each individual giving us the best chance of reaching your skin goals together.

Shop the Temple Clear Skin Lockdown Kit to keep your pores clear and face, acne-free.

The 4 different grades of Acne

Grade 1 (Mild)

This is the most mildest form of acne. This grade of acne is mainly due to excess oil production in the skin. It’s mainly just blackheads and closed comedones that aren’t raised or inflamed.

Grade 1 acne is most commonly seen on the t-zone area and it generally doesn’t need intensive treatment just a solid skincare routine to control the oil production and facials every so often including extractions will keep grade 1 acne under control.

Grade 2 (Moderate)

With grade 2 acne there will be more blemishes present on the skin including white heads with some inflammation. This is where you may see more papules (these type of spots are small and headless) and also some pustules (these type of spots are larger and usually grow a yellow or white head). Grade 2 usually affects the t-zone, cheeks, chin and jaw area.

A more active skin routine may be needed at this stage and also some intensive treatments including peels to prevent this grade of acne worsening.

Looking for effective Acne Treatment? Click here.

Grade 3 (Severe)

With Grade 3 acne the papules and pustules occur in larger numbers and are more visibly inflamed. The spots will appear closer together in an area rather than coming from a single pore and this will lead to the skin becoming infected. The structure of the skin is compromised and because of the inflammation and collapsing of the pores scarring can occur.

You can still treat the P.Acne bacteria on the skin with anti bacterial ingredients and treat the inflammation with soothing anti inflammatory ingredients and even incorporate some LED light therapy in your routine but as there is an infection present we advise you see your GP before commencing treatment with us.

Grade 4 (Cystic)

This Grade of acne is very angry and can be the most difficult to treat. It is deep and the breakouts can be very painful, the spots usually have a smooth texture and are very tender. There may also be nodules present which a solid painful bumps that contain no fluid, this grade of acne can last on the skin for a long time and even when treated can reappear. 

Due to the severity of this grade of acne, we would suggest you see your GP as you may need to go on oral antibiotics such as Roaccutane (prescription only) when on oral antibiotics we are greatly restricted on what ingredients we can prescribe and what treatments we can do so we would only prescribe and try to help reduce the inflammation after your visit to the GP.

For more advice and for how you can get your acne under control, book a Virtual Consultation with our Temple Skin Experts. We’d love to help.  

Read More about Adult Acne and Teenage Acne Causes and Treatment… the Struggle is Real!

Cosmetics vs cosmeceuticals… what’s the difference? When doing consultations especially with new clients they are often baffled as why they aren’t getting the result they desire with the products they are using at home. 

9 times out of 10 it’s because they are using cosmetic products instead of cosmeceuticals. So rather than wasting your hard earned money buying the wrong types of products let’s get into the difference between the two.

Cosmetics vs Cosmeceuticals

Cosmetics are products that are sold over the counter and are found in supermarkets, chemists and big department stores. Cosmetics cannot penetrate through the epidermis to reach the deeper layers of the skin meaning that they can’t successfully treat a skin condition or concern you may have. These products may smell amazing and feel great on the surface of the skin but unfortunately you will not be able to get long term results as the products aren’t active enough and cant go deep enough.

Cosmeceuticals on the other hand, is when cosmetics and pharmaceuticals come together.

These products cannot be bought over the counter and must be prescribed by a skincare professional. The reason for this is because cosmeceutical products contain highly effective and active ingredients such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), Retinol, Beta hydroxy acids (BHA), vitamin C and much more.

These ingredients can penetrate through the epidermis deeper into the skin down towards the dermis, cosmeceutical products also have different delivery systems and ingredients can be encapsulated to achieve structural changes, correct and treat skin conditions and concerns and give the client visual results.

 

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Let’s talk about ingredients: Vitamin C

Vitamins are essential organic compounds that our bodies need to function in a healthy manner. Vitamins are key when it comes to our overall health and they can also have an impact on our skin too.

Vitamin C is definitely a celebrity in the skincare world and rightly so due to its amazing benefits and results we can get for the skin. So let’s get into what Vitamin C is and how it will help your skin.

Also known as L ascorbic acid, it comes in many different forms such as ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorabte and many many more. In all its forms is essential for protecting cells and keeping them healthy as well as looking after your connective tissues. Our bodies don’t naturally store this essential vitamin which is why we need to take it through our diet and apply it topically on our skin too.

Shop all the Vitamin C products we recommend for your skincare routine here.

It’s also a powerhouse antioxidant, antioxidants protects our skin from the dreaded free radicals. We can’t hide from free radicals they are everywhere they are triggered by UV rays, cigarette smoke and pollution in the air. Free radicals cause the skin to enter a state of stress which can cause cell damage and lead to premature ageing.

So what can vitamin does Vitamin c do in the skin…. The simple answer is a lot, but let’s get into the main benefits of having vitamin c in your skin routine:

• Vitamin C boosts collagen production it will plump your skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. 
• Vitamin C also helps soothe redness and it can even help those who suffer with rosacea, vitamin c helps by supporting the weakened blood vessels in turn calming the inflammation and redness.
• Vitamin C also helps lighten and brighten pigmentation, vitamin c inhibits tyrosinase and reduces melanin production which means it can interrupt the formation of new pigmentation and help reduce the appearance of existing pigmentation.

Here at Temple Skincare & Spa, we truly believe Vitamin C is a hero ingredient that should be in everyone’s skin routine, to put it simply vitamin c in all its forms is key to protecting and maintaining beautiful healthy skin.

 

Let’s talk about ingredients: Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is quite a well known ingredient by skincare lovers. But what actually is glycolic acid and what does it do? 

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha Hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugar cane. It joins other acids in the AHA family such as lactic acid, tartaric acid and Citric acid. But what makes glycolic acid stand out from the rest is that out of all the AHAs glycolic is the simplest in structure and the smallest. It has the smallest molecular weight meaning that it’s easy for this ingredient to penetrate into the skin and be super effective.

Shop all Glycolic acid Skincare here.

So let’s get into what glycolic acid does for the skin?

First and foremost, glycolic acid is an exfoliant, it helps reveal the newer brighter layers underneath by acting on the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin).

Normal and intact stratum corneum consists of tightly packed layers of dead skin cells that are tightly bonded together. Glycolic acid loosens these bonds by dissolving them so those tough, rough layers of dead skin can be eliminated.

Also because glycolic acid is smaller in molecular size it can get deeper into the skin where it can do some serious work. It stimulates the fibroblasts in the dermis to produce increased amounts of collagen, by stimulating collagen production it helps the skin feel firmer and minimises fine lines and wrinkles. Between the superficial action on your stratum corneum and the work it does below by stimulating the fibroblasts will leave your skin looking more radiant, feeling smoother and looking more even toned.

It is a multi purpose ingredient it can treat breakouts, pigmentation, dullness and fine lines and wrinkles, and that’s why us Temple Skin Therapists love it so much!!!

Learn more about other essential skincare ingredients like Salicylic Acid here.

Don’t make the mistake of incorrectly layering products

You might have the most amazing skincare products in the world but if you’re applying them incorrectly in the wrong order you could be wasting your time and money without getting the results you want!

When you don’t follow the correct order to apply your skincare products you can run into three problems:

• The products may not penetrate. This is a problem if you are putting thin or water based products on top of thick creamy or oily products. The thicker richer products will form a barrier on the skin that prevents anything else from penetrating through.
• They will be less effective. If certain products aren’t able to penetrate your skin properly you obviously can’t get the products full benefits and your routine won’t be as effective as it could be.
• You could actually cause harm to the skin. Using products out of order could even create new skin issues, for example applying serums on top of oils could leave your skin dry and dehydrated since not enough water is reaching your skin, or if you are layering your serums, creams and oils on top of your sunscreen would lead to disturbing the coverage and diluting the protection of the sunscreen.

Read more about the 6 Dangerous Sunscreen Mistakes here. 

So our two golden rules of product layering are:

• Thinnest to thickest texture always. Move in the direction of light to heavy. Start with your lightest products such as toners and water based serums then move on to the more moisturising ones such as richer serums, creams and oils and if you use any of these richer products during the day sunscreen will always come last.
• Water based before oil based. Oil and water do not mix. Oil can block water from penetrating that means water based products must be applied first, let then absorb into the skin then apply oil based products on top.

 

Your Temple Skincare & Spa Skin Experts are here to guide and give you personalised advice on your skincare concerns. Phone us on (02) 9634 2411 or email us at salon@templeskincare.com.au for questions. Join us too in our Temple Family Facebook Group and let’s talk skincare there!

 

Read More about Cosmetics vs Cosmeceuticals, What’s the Difference?

Sun damage and other Hyperpigmentation causes and treatment vary depending on genetics, hormonal issues, sun exposure, even medication that you might be taking. Read on to learn more about the various causes and types of hyperpigmentation, and at-home and in-spa treatments to save your skin from dark patches.

Let’s talk about pigment in the skin, more specifically what we call hyperpigmentation. This means excess overstimulation of pigmentation (brown discolouring ) in the skin.

Pigmentation is actually in our skin for a reason, and that is to shield and protect us like an umbrella from the damage of external factors such as the sun. The body is such an amazing healing and protective mechanism, it will increase an enzyme activity within the skin in an attempt to create an umbrella effect to protect the DNA of our skin cells when they are exposed to UV.

Generally there are four types of pigmentation that most clients come to us and are concerned with. Your hyperpigmentation you are concerned about generally falls into either Melasma (also known as Chloasma on pregnancies) , freckles, lentigos or Post inflammatory pigmentation (PIP).

1- Melasma and Chloasma

Melasma and Chloasma appear like an ununiformed tea stain on your skin and is normally about two shades darker than your natural skin colour. It appears as a butterfly mask on your skin. Generally under your eye and cheek area is most common during pregnancy and a shadow on the top lip area is common from the pill.

Melasma is generally caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, the Contraceptive pill, HRT and other strong steroids or arthritis medications, thyroid medications and even menopause. Internal inflammation is the key factor here hence, addressing the internal is an imperative part of our treatment plan to reducing that pigmentation.

To treat this at home we suggest:

• Address the cause. This may mean a visit to your local doctor to discuss your contraceptive pill and medication alternatives.
• SPF needs to be your best friend and the last thing on your skin every day even if you are indoors outdoors winter or summer. This is to protect your skin from being even further stimulated by external inflammation such as the sun. At the Temple Skincare & Spa we have five beautiful sunscreens that are light on your skin and will not clog your pores. They are all moisturisers and sunscreens all in one so we recommend to use a great quality serum underneath it and then this alone is enough for you during the day. We have Matt, tinted and hydrating formulas to suit all preferences.
• Professional strength skincare products is recommended. It is vital that you use a professional strength tyrosinase inhibitor along with 1% retinol palmitate (Vitamin A). Tyrosine, is an enzyme within the body that increases the production of melanin. What that means in English,  is it controls the amount of excess brown colour your skin produces. Therefore we need to inhibit that enzyme if we want to break down the excess pigmentation. Retinol is imperative to normalise self function and renew healthy skin cells. At the Temple Skincare & Spa we prefer to recommend the Image Iluma Brightening Serum as your tyrosinase inhibitor , and we have three different Image Skincare Retinol blends to prescribe that all have 1% retinol palmitate. If your melasma is persistent and has been there for quite some time however, we would generally suggest the Mesoesthetic Cosmelan2 cream instead of these two above, as it is a powerful blend of inhibitors and peeling ingredients that is guaranteed to brighten and lighten the pigmented skin.
• We would treat Melasma in the spa with our 12 week to pigmenting program as we find that offers the very best results we have ever seen in the market

Read our blog on “How do I get rid of dark spots on my face?” for more information and what to expect from our Depigmentation Program.

2- Freckles

Freckles are prevalent in the skin of those we generally have less melanin already. Freckles can be genetic or they can be induced by sun exposure. Generally wearing sunscreen will fade them, they are not normally a damaged DNA of the skin cell so can be quite easily reversed if they are not genetic.

To determine if your freckles are genetic, think back to photos of when you were a toddler, did you have freckles then before your beautiful face was exposed to the sun? Simply staying out of the sun and protecting against sun exposure (and thereby, sun damage) will dramatically reduce the freckles visible on your skin. However if they are persistent and you would like to accelerate the process then this is what we would suggest for home-care.

To treat this at home we suggest:

• Professional strength to tyrosinase inhibitors are imperative to calm down the melanin producing cells. Vitamin C is an amazing tyrosinase inhibitor and at Temple we love the Germaine vitamin C ampoules for home-care if you’re after brightening and hydrating. We also recommend the image skincare Iluma Intense Facial Illuminator Serum as a powerful to Tyrosinase inhibitor as it also has a blend of alpha hydroxy acids to help to exfoliate the pigmented cells off At the same time as it calms down the production of access melanin.
• Retinol. As we mentioned above when discussing Melasma, we also recommend 1% retinol palmitate (Vitamin A) to repair and renew the skin cells. Image skincare has three blends we love.
• Glycolic Acid. This type of skin also needs glycolic acid to exfoliate gently off the pigmented skin cells in the top of the epidermis. You can add this ingredient in a form of a cleanser or a serum from the Ageless Range in image skincare. If you are using the image skincare Iluma Exfoliating Serum however, this already has your acid in the blend.
• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! You cannot expect to reduce freckles if you are not protecting against the damaging UV rays. Check out our sunscreen collection here.
• To treat freckles in the spa we would generally use our IPL laser machine for the fastest results however we can also use a combination of LED light therapy and peels to reduce the freckles.

3- Lentigos

Lentigos are the correct name for what is commonly called age spots or liver spots. Despite the common used name, they have nothing to do with your age or your liver. These are the small defined round marks of pigmentation on your skin that are a result of sun damage. This is where your skin has been exposed to excessive UV rays and the DNA of the skin cell has been damaged. When the skin battles and aggressor such as the sun, at night time your cells will try and repair the damage, however sometimes the damage is too much and the DNA has been permanently damaged. You cannot completely turn that back or repair that DNA at that point.

To treat this at home we suggest:

The treatment at home for lentigos is exactly the same as what we have prescribed above for freckles. The treatment for this in our spa would generally be incorporating the use of our Q switch laser which will shatter The buildup of Melanin for the body to breakdown. You normally would need 1 to 3 treatments on the spot.

4- Post Inflammatory Pigmentation

Or as we call it as therapists, PIP, is exactly what it sounds like. It is where the skin has protected itself from a trauma or inflammation and then afterwards you are left with pigmentation in the cells. This is very common in European, Asian and Indian skins as the Melanocytes, which are the pigment producing organs, are more active and excited than an Anglo fairer skin. It is very common to experience PIP after a break out where there has been lots of infection and inflammation present under the skin; or where there has been a cut, burn or wound on the skin, Or even as a result of too much heat, trauma or stimulation from the wrong types of treatments by in-experienced beauty therapists on these types of skins (obviously never from Temple )

To treat this at home we suggest:

This type of pigmentation has to be treated very carefully by an experienced therapist that understands skin and the way that it operates. It needs to be treated slowly and carefully not to add further trauma to the skin.

In regards to your home care, we would suggest the same as what we have suggested above for Lentigo spots and freckles, or even just a top shelf sunscreen and the Mesoethetic Cosmelan2 product we mentioned when talking about Melasma.

At the Temple Skincare & Spa we would treat this type of pigmentation slowly with either the Depigmenting Program if the pigmentation was old enough and the skin was resilient enough to cope, otherwise if the trauma was quite recent, we would prefer to treat with a course of LED light therapy and gentle peels to renew the skin cells and strengthen the integrity of the skin while calming down those pigment producing cells. It is imperative to be in the hands of an expert in this case.

I hope you have enjoyed becoming skin experts and now have the information you need to get the results you deserve with your hyperpigmentation.

Read More about Sun Damage and other Hyperpigmentation Causes and Treatment

Let’s talk about skin ingredients…. Salicylic Acid. If you are struggling with acne, excess oil production and stubborn blackheads, this is the skincare ingredient for you.

You may have seen or heard of this ingredient in many skincare products. This ingredient is best known for its exfoliating and bacteria fighting powers. Salicylic acid is a BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) meaning it is oil soluble so it can penetrate deep into the pores which is why it one of acne’s biggest enemies.

Main benefits of Salycilic Acid

Salicylic acid is your BFF to keeping your pores clear and deeply cleansed to:

• Fight acne 
• Remove dead skin cells 
• Decrease oil secretion 
• Reduce inflammation and redness

Once it penetrates the skin salicylic acid dissolves skin debris that clogs pores, it also acts as an anti inflammatory which in turn helps to calm red inflamed pimples and pustules and helps them clear faster by directly dissolving the keratin plugs and by regulating  the skin cells. 

Read more Skin Ingredients good for your skin here.

 

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It is also particularly effective on keratosis pilaris also known as chicken skin, it is a great option for reducing those little bumps that can appear on the top of the arms and on the top of the legs.

When you start incorporating salicylic acid into your skincare routine it is important it is prescribed and used correctly as it is a strong active ingredient, if used incorrectly it has the ability to make the skin dry as it is removing oil from the skin.

It is important it is used with a balanced skincare routine to ensure the skin keeps hydrated and nourished.

Salicylic Acid for Acne Prone Skin

Acne is a very personal, not to mention, annoying skin condition. For many sufferers, it can even affect not only their skin, but also their self-confidence. Sufferers are both young and old alike — with many adult Australians affected by adult-acne cause by a number of factors. Hormones, stress, poor nutrition choices can all lead to breakouts.

At Temple Skincare & Spa, our therapists are skillfully trained with decades-long specialist knowledge on treating acne. We have a variety of modalities that help address thee severity and type of acne that affects your skin.

At home, our acne products provide a powerful dose of salicylic acid to remove impurities and clear acne quickly. Combined with soothing botanicals to calm irritated acne blemishes, you will notice a difference in your skin the very first time you use these products. 

CLEAR CELL Salicylic Gel Cleanser – This foaming, salicylic-based gel cleanser gently removes makeup and eliminates excess oil while lightly exfoliating dead skin cells and keeping skin smooth, soft and shine free.

AGELESS Total Retinol-A Crème  – A highly concentrated blend of retinol and polypeptides that resurface and rejuvenate aging and acne-prone skin. This powerful crème will leave your skin feeling smooth and properly exfoliated.

ORMEDIC Balancing Gel Masque – An ultra-gentle gel masque developed to soothe and hydrate unbalanced skin. Formulated with aloe vera, green tea and arnica montana this masque immediately quenches the skin with hydration, nutrition and super antioxidants.

MESOESTETIC Pure Renewing Mask — Intensive purifying mask that exfoliates and cleans the pore to prevent and reduce imperfections. Amazing at blemish-fighting and refining pores.

MESOESTETIC Purifying Mousse — Lather up with this balancing, anti-pollution cleansing facial foam. Enhances unclogging of pores and prevents imperfections. Oily and acne-prone skin.

CLEAR CELL Medicated Acne Lotion – Use this as a daily, oil-free lotion to control over-production of oil and bacteria and reduce the appearance of redness of acne lesions. The antioxidant blend improves the hydration and health of acne-prone skin. Plus, the lightweight formula soaks into your skin in seconds, leaving your skin smooth and hydrated.

PREVENTION+ Daily Hydrating Intense Moisturizer SPF 30 – Finish your routine with this long-lasting, deep moisturizer with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Its sheer formula spreads easily and evenly without any residue. Enriched with a blend of antioxidants, vitamins and green tea to defend against free radicals.

Below — Before and after use of in-spa Mesoestetic Acne treatment. Reduction in the number of lesions after 2 weeks of treatment. 

Above — Before and after use of in-spa Mesoestetic Acne treatment. Reduction in the number of lesions after 6 weeks of treatment

Who should avoid using salicylic acid?

 

Read More about Let’s talk about skin ingredients…. Salicylic Acid