Blogs
Here’s an expert’s advice on how to do microneedling at home.
While widely available, there a few do’s and don’ts with how to do microneedling at home. Now that staying at home is the new norm with covid19, Temple Skincare & Spa’s team of experts are here to help you with easy, at-home solutions to help you find ways to maintain your skin-health and self-care routines.
Why do microneedling?
Commonly, the home-use micro-needling system offers 0.25 mm penetration. This provides deeper penetration of active ingredients to get bigger results for conditions like pigmentation, lines and wrinkles, skin texture, pore size and non-inflamed congestion like blackheads or trapped oil under the skin.
Learn more about the benefits of Microneedling here.
Some things to Remember
Microneedling kits are fantastic at-home tools for skincare but, it is important that the roller you use has pins made of medical grade stainless steel or titanium to avoid “hooking” the skin.
The procedure must be performed on clean skin, so best to do at night after a thorough double cleanse. It should also be disinfected before storage and before each use. It must never be shared and should be for personal use only.
Steps on how to perform microneedling at home
- Divide your face into 5 sections (see the illustration below).
- Rolling action to take place in a star formation within each section to ensure even coverage (see the illustration below).
- In section 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 roll left to right, up and down, then lastly roll both diagonal angles.
Do’s and Don’ts in microneedling at home
- Do not overwork any of the sections. The total rolling procedure should be limited to 6 rolls per “line”.
- Take care when working directly underneath the eyes, by rolling gently and in one direction only.
- Avoid placing pressure on boney areas and use light rolling action. The microneedles are sharp and do the work without additional pressure.
- Only infuse skin-compatible serums that will not cause skin irritation. Great ingredients are our Vitamin A, C & E Serum, Hyaluronic Acid, Illuma Serum or Max Stem Cell Serum.
- Use the Dermaroller 3 times per week at night to infuse your favorite serum and follow with a Supercharge Results Mask like Vit C Sheet Mask, Hydrogel Hyaluronic Mask or Max Stem Cell Mask.
- Regardless of using a microneedler or not, a minimum SPF 30 with Zinc as the key ingredient should be applied daily. We love the Image SPF Range which offers a variety of Matt or Hydrating product options.
Shop for your own At Home Microneedling Kit with a FREE $25 Voucher here.
Watch Lucille Demo Microneedling here.
Temple is continuously finding ways on how we can support you, our Temple Family, throughout this crisis. We are planning a range of video tutorials to support you with the best program for your skin during the lockdown and beyond.
Be on the lookout too for more blog posts from us with expert advice and the same signature care we have for your skin.
We’ve also established Temple Family Facebook Group. We happily invite you to join us there to keep each other company or to vent. And most importantly, to seek and receive skincare advice.
Here’s to happy, healthy, glowing skin, even during lockdown!
Temple is now open after lockdown in NSW has been lifted since 1st June. For queries, call us at 9634 2411, or send us an email at salon@templeskincare.com.au. Follow us too in Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date with our skin advice series.
Think you’ve got nail fungus? Discover the top onychomycosis treatment options at your disposal and learn how you can keep the condition from ever coming back.
Did you know that nail fungus a.k.a (onychomycosis) occurs in approximately 15% of the population? Many people usually feel embarrassed to talk about it, which means that many suffer in silence.
While the condition is more common in individuals 60 years and older, while younger people are definitely not immune. Find out what causes the condition, what you can do to avoid or treat the condition.
Question 1: How do I get nail fungus or onychomycosis?
Answer: In mature people, the condition is usually due to reduced blood flow to the extremities, cracked nails due to dryness, and/or just more years of being exposed to fungi, particularly if one enjoys walking barefoot while gardening.
Other risk factors include:
- Excess sweat
- Exposure to damp communal areas like showers, gyms and swimming pools
- Previous cases of athlete’s foot
- Skin or nail injuries
- Skin conditions like psoriasis
- Health conditions like diabetes
- A compromised immune system
Question 2: Does the condition only occur in toenails?
Answer: No. While it’s more common in toenails because they are harder to clean under, nail fungus has also been known to infect people’s fingernails.
Question: What are the symptoms I should watch out for?
Answer: In most cases, fungal infections cause one or more nails to thicken and have brownish discoloration or a whitish or yellow-brown tint.
Other symptoms include:
- Brittleness and raggedness
- Distortion
- Debris build-up under the infected nail or nails
- An unpleasant smell
Question 3: How do I prevent nail fungus issues?
Answer: Aside from practising good hygiene (i.e., regular washing of your hands and feet), moisturising the nail plate with tea tree oil can help prevent the condition as Tea Tree is antimicrobial in nature. However if the fungus is already present 10 Volume Hydrogen Peroxide dropped underneath the affected nail, will help kill off the fungus, as fungus cannot live in an oxygen rich environment. Even though some success can be obtained with topical solutions, sometimes laser is required for the more stubborn conditions.
Helpful Tip: When you cut your nails, be sure to do so straight across and file the edges to smooth them out. Remember to disinfect your clippers after every use and dispose of used nail files that have been used on infected nails.
Other things you can do include:
- Changing your socks throughout the day or switching to sweat-absorbing ones
- Disinfecting and treating old footwear with antifungal powders or just throwing them out
- Switching to shoes made with breathable materials
- Never going barefoot in damp communal areas
- Cutting back on or stopping your use of nail polish and artificial nails
- Staying away from salons that don’t use sterilised manicure and pedicure tools
Question 4: What should I do if I have the condition?
Answer: If you discover the symptoms of nail fungus, your first step should always be to consult an expert, such as a medical doctor for a proper diagnosis. Self-medicating exposes you to the risk of either aggravating the condition or wasting money on the wrong medicines or treatments.
With that said, for mild cases where the fungus is not hidden inside and underneath the nails, topical solutions like antifungal creams are normally enough to fix the issue. For more serious cases, advanced MediSpa treatment like the Doctor Nail Fungus Treatment at Temple Skincare & Spa may be the better option.
The treatment we provide is clinically proven and FDA-cleared. It uses a laser that is specially designed to penetrate the nail plate and go straight to the nail bed. The procedure is reasonably comfortable and very quick. You may need 4 to 8 sessions, depending on the severity of the fungus. Our clients have had excellent results!
Question 5: I’m too embarrassed to get treated for nail fungus. What should I do?
Answer: Absolute discretion is applied at all times and don’t worry, we have seen this condition on many occasions. It is our absolute pleasure to provide a treatment will have you stepping out with confidence within a few months. It takes about 4 months for damaged nail tissue to grow out and to be replaced by a new healthy nail plate.
When it comes to nail fungus, it’s all about getting the right treatment as soon as possible.
Nail fungus is just like any other health condition. The sooner you have it checked and properly treated, the less resistant the condition will be.
Book a nail treatment at The Temple Skincare & Spa today.
What is the cause of acne? Can it be avoided? Is there any way to get rid of it for good? Read on to discover the answers to these questions.
If you have acne, you’re not alone. This common skin problem affects people of all ages, races and lifestyles. But what is the cause of acne? And is there anything you can do to get rid of it once and for all? Let’s find out.
What is the cause of acne?
Acne happens when oil and dead skin cells seep into and clog the follicles in your skin. For most people, the uncomfortable condition appears on the forehead, face, upper back, shoulders and chest.
The most common symptoms of acne are:
- Tiny red and tender bumps called papules
- Pimples, which are just like papules but with pus
- Big, painful, solid lumps under the skin’s surface called nodules
- Pus-filled painful lumps under the skin’s surface called cystic lesions
- Closed, plugged pores called whiteheads
- Open, plugged pores called blackheads
Can Facials really Cure Acne? Click here to read more.
While keeping your skin clean—especially the areas that are most prone to the condition—is a great way to minimise the risk of acne, there are also some non-hygiene-related factors you should take note of:
- Your diet – Research shows that substances like skim milk and foods rich in carbohydrates—such as white bread, chips, and chocolate—may worsen acne. Further study, however, is needed to determine why and whether or not eliminating them from your diet would help. Some people find a diet change makes a big difference. Others still have acne no matter what they eat.
- Your stress levels – When you are stressed, your body releases a substance called corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), which, in turn, triggers your skin to produce more oil. More oil, of course, is not only known to increase acne risk, but also worsen the condition in people who are already diagnosed with it.
- Medications you’re taking – Some drugs, especially those that contain corticosteroids, lithium, or testosterone, have been shown to worsen acne in some people.
- Your hormones – Androgens and other hormones that can trigger increased oil production are also known to exacerbate the condition. Some teens notice their acne clears as they get older; this is thanks to hormones settling down.
- Your genetics – If both your parents had the condition, there’s a big chance you’ll get acne too.
- Pressure or friction on your skin – Scratching and contact with items such as smartphones, helmets, backpacks, and tight shirt collars can trigger or worsen acne.
- Oily or greasy substances – Contact with products like oily creams and lotions or even cooking oil may increase your risk for acne or aggravate what’s already there.
Seeking Acne Treatments? Check out your Temple Acne Treatment options here.
Who gets affected by acne?
While acne is more common in teenagers due to the increased androgen levels puberty brings, it can actually affect everyone. In fact, adult acne is becoming more and more common in Australians.
However old you are right now, it’s important to always keep your skin clean and avoid things and substances that can increase your risk for the condition.
If you can’t control your acne yourself, a consultation with a Skin Expert at a reputable MediSpa can help. Following a thorough analysis of your skin, using a special digital scanner they will provide you with an ideal homecare routine and a professional in-clinic program unique to you.
What acne treatments are available?
While there are many drastic Acne Treatments available, such as the ones listed below, you should consider using the right approach for your skin and the possible side-effects that accompany many of these prescriptions. Our goal as skincare professionals is always to protect the overall health of our clients and while we would never contradict medical advice, we have seen amazing results using products and treatments that support the skin and without the harsh side effects presented by more intense approaches.
Check out our Acne Intensive Programmes here.
We agree that in some cases these medications are essential to get the Acne under control, but it is always a last resort in our opinion and to be monitored by strict medical supervision.
Non-encapsulated Retinoids are prone to causing skin sensitivity, cracking and bleeding of the skin. Oral Antibiotics may have an impact on gut health and produce other unwanted side effects too. Dapsone, a type of antibiotic, may cause mood or mental changes as well as physiological changes such as yellowing of the eyes and skin. Combined oral contraceptives although a common quick-fix have a long list of possible side-effects too, from mood changes to long term systemic changes and weight gain. Isotretinoin that is commonly prescribed to people who do not respond to other types of oral medication and treatment may have severe long term side effects. Certain variations of Isotretinoin could even have long term side effects on the reproductive system of male and female users.
What is the best approach for my Acne?
- Encapsulated Retinol provides a stabilised form of Vitamin A, enhancing cellular renewal and further controlling oil production.
- Benzoyl peroxide is used to control bacterial growth, as it delivers a high dose of oxygen to the skin.
- Azelaic acid has antibacterial properties and is more effective when used alongside anti-inflammatory ingredients such as liquorice and Vitamin C
- Salicylic acid dissolves the pimple-causing plugs that form in pores over time and due to excess oil
- Glycolic Acid works alongside Salicylic Acid to help refine skin texture and reduce pore size, but salicylic acid is more effective in decongesting the skin.
- Anti-inflammatory Ingredients such as liquorice and Vitamin C reduce the redness in the skin and aid quicker healing.
Oral Supplements to support Acne Skin:
- Zinc – Immune Support for Skin
- Magnesium – Supports the Adrenal System
- Vit C – Brightening & Anti-Inflammatory
- Omega 3, 6 & 9 – Regeneration & Skin Health
- Saw Palmetto – Reduces DHT, a form of Androgen Hormone that causes Acne
Skin Fit : Reprogramming Your Skin
At Temple Skincare & Spa we have a very effective program which spans over 12 weeks. It involves 6 Skin Treatments tailored to meet your skincare goals with each visit. The program also includes 12 LED lights to help build the skin’s immunity and increase the rate of healing.
In cases where people have post-acne scarring more clinical procedures such as skin needling and IPL/laser rejuvenation are available.
Don’t let acne get the best of you
With so many effective treatments at your disposal, it is likely there is one which will minimise your acne. When you work with a specialist, they will be able to determine the cause, give you lifestyle recommendations and find a cream or treatment process which works for you.
Book an appointment today at The Temple Skincare & Spa or contact us to find out how to minimise your acne. Shop for amazing skincare for acne-prone skin here.
The Temple Skincare & Spa turns 18 this month! It is by far, the most exciting, utterly courageous and extremely satisfying adventure ever. And, we’re ready for many more years of pampering bliss with you!
18 years ago, Rene opened a small spa offering Castle Hill facial treatments, with the hope of combining her two true passions… results in correcting skin concerns, and nurturing her clients’ souls through her healing kinetic touch. Through all the ups and downs, the Temple Skincare has grown into the best choice for the most relaxing haven for tired souls and stressed out hearts.
Furthermore, Temple Skincare & Spa has grown to be the ‘trusted-go-to’ place for men, women and teenagers in the Hills. They come for honest advice when desperate to correct their skin concerns. Supported by their tribe of thousands of (mostly) women raving fans that they call their Temple Family, the once small day spa has now blossomed into a multi award winning luxury Day Spa and cutting edge Medi-Spa with treatment modalities from all over the world. Temple Skincare & Spa is the perfect place for a girls’ day out with packages including high tea and a replenish by the pool, or simply some much deserved ‘me time’. It offers 8 tranquil treatment rooms including a newly added Couples Suite.
See images of the Temple spa renovations here.
Looking back, there are so many milestones that could be shared. So, here are 18 stories that Rene, the Temple Team and the Temple Family can share about being a part of the Temple Tribe.
- From Yagoona to Castle Hill
Call it synchronicity or a message from the Divine… but early on in my career as a therapist, I was doing a treatment on a client and was asked, “If you’d open your own spa, where would it be?” And I said Castle Hill!… Never been there, and I grew up an hour away. But for some reason I said that I’d like a place in Castle Hill. Years and years later, a former boss of mine, she now owned a Day Spa in Queensland, just rang me out of the blue and asked whether I’d like to take over the lease of an existing shop, and I said yes!
18 years later (and counting), I have an amazing spa, with an equally amazing team of women who share in the same passion for beauty, love and kindness. Most especially, I am so proud to have you, our Temple family of clients and superfans who have made every single day worthwhile. It has been an incredible journey together! — Rene xx
- “My passion is skin… and the magical things we can do with our hands.”
I’ve always felt passionate about correcting skin and touching souls of my clients through kinetic touch in holistic treatments. I believe in the unique, giving and healing powers of touch, and the gift that comes from pure intention. In such a busy and fast-paced world we live in, many of us are touch-deprived and missing that connection with other human beings. When you come to The Temple, our therapists have been trained to make you feel like you’re home and about to embark on only the best, most spectacular spa experience. A spa experience to make you feel loved and valued just as you are. My philosophy has always been ‘where advanced skin treatments meet the holistic’, meaning we love to bring you that holistic nurturing experience as well as offering you advanced, results-orientated skin treatments to help you achieve the real results you deserve. — Rene xx
Watch Rene talk about how Temple Skincare started
- Love and Kindness
The beauty industry was known to be shallow. There was a standard of beauty that is often very unattainable for ordinary and real women out there. These “standards” caused women to feel alienated from their own beauty and their bodies. The Temple Skincare & Spa treatments, plant seeds of healing and cultivate empowerment in breaking the shallowness. The professional therapists are always very caring and considerate of your needs. And even without much talking, we understand what you need — no judgements, no fuss, only love and kindness. You will also often hear Rene refer to her leadership style as one based on love and kindness. In fact, Love and Kindness is one of their core values and behaviours that the Temple Team live by. At The Temple, all clients are treated with love and kindness, as are all team members. We all live such busy lives that a little essence of love and kind intentions are welcomed by everyone’s souls. — Karina, Temple Team
- See results that matter
Rene puts a huge emphasis on training to become specialists in our field. All of us at the spa have skills and are passionate about what we do. Truly, we love pampering our clients. But, Rene also helps us grow in our careers. She regularly takes the time to sit down with each one of us and asks us what we want for ourselves or our careers. And she supports us and opens up opportunities for training to allow us to achieve the goals we set out together. The training of course, only benefits our clients — whether it’s a brow lift or an Uplift HIFU Glow Facial; a massage or a foot scrub — we are confident that we can provide our clients with the very best care and advice for their skin or body goals. All of our Temple team members are encouraged to be experts in skin and skin conditions, so we can best offer honest advice to avoid wasting our clients’ time or hard earned money.
- Translation Bloopers
Temple has always enjoyed the diversity of a multicultural team and although our team members are mostly Australian, we love recruiting global talent too. This has led to some funny “lost in translation” conversations at Temple and hilarious team shenanigans.
We were first amused by the lovely Laura from Ireland, who asked“ Am I in room tree..?” of course she meant room three, but we did wonder what she was saying for a while.
Similar to this, one of our therapists with a strong Czech accent was quite surprised, when we did not understand why she needed “boiled eggs” for her spa therapy client. She said they use them in most spas for client comfort… and after wondering how the boiled eggs might help our clients relax, since we are always open to improvement…we realised she was referring to “Boy Legs” which are a type of spa pants provided during body scrubs and yes… of course we have those, LOL.
- Team Adventures
Lucille did mention she does not have great balance, but we thought a Segway Tour in the Hunter Valley would be fun anyway! Little did we know how much entertainment this would provide as she turned around and around for hours in one spot , the camera guy could not get a single pic of her facing the right way… and moments later she ended up under a bridge with Kangaroos staring at the whole performance. No therapists were injured during the making of this memory.
- We relax your pants off!
One of my favourite spa memories is when Elouise, one of our senior spa therapists did such a great massage on a client, he walked into reception wearing just his shirt and boxers… Elouise found the pants on returning to fix the room for the next client, so she left them in the waiting area for the guest to collect, but that’s our Elouise… she will relax the pants off of ya!
- Our Massages are as good as a sleeping tonic
Another of our fabulous senior spa therapists is so gifted, 9 out of 10 of her clients fall fast asleep. Katherine’s favourite and slightly stressful funny moment was when she came into reception a little flustered one day to say that she does not know how to wake her client up. The client had fallen asleep during Katherine’s massage and was so deeply relaxed that they were not responding to her gentle knock on the door to offer a glass of water.
- Memorable comments after treatments
“That was so beautiful, I just want to cry, but I feel too relaxed to cry.”
“That was better than chocolate!”
“OMW – My whole body is floating, I can’t even walk straight.”
“You have the hands of an Angel!”
One that all of us have had at one or another time… “I hope your hands are insured, because they are worth gold!”
- There’s only the language of healing hands at the Temple Skincare & Spa
I’m very happy to be working at The Temple Skincare & Spa. I’m a holistic therapist and I love what I do, because it isn’t just a job, it’s my way of being in the world. So I want to specially thank René for seeing me and for letting me be. Since I started, I’ve been lucky enough to receive a few treatments from my colleagues. They are amazing. I could feel their energy, their knowledge and their experience working on me at once. Every movement is in a perfect rhythm, a beautiful dance of arms, hands and fingers with super duper products, water, aromas and warmth. The whole experience is amazing because our angels in reception always have a smile and a solution to whoever needs it, even if they don’t get you at first because you have a strong accent like me. Muchísimas gracias ❤ — Carmen, Temple Team
- No competitors, only Family
“Rene & her Temple Skincare & Spa Family are absolutely wonderful! Being an award winning Spa ourselves we know what treatments and service are outstanding — and you get that all here at The Temple. The beautiful staff are delightful, caring and nurturing — the spa menu and range of treatments…Amazing!!” — Jorja James Spa, Industry Pillar
- The Temple Skincare is the best in the industry
“There is a very low turnover of staff, which creates great continuity of care. All the treatments are done with respect and kindness. All the staff take great pride in the work they do and do it with excellence. The atmosphere is calming and I always enjoy my ‘time out’ from the kids here.” — Kate, Temple Superfan
- No matter where you come from in the world
“Huge thanks to Lucille whose expertise and fabulous taste has made me confident and camera-ready! Even with a bandaged arm from an accident last week. Walking into this spa feels similar to the standard you get on a luxury cruise or at a 5-star resort in North America. I’m a lifelong fan now ????????????” — M6791JXsue, Trip Advisor Superfan
- Temple takes the cake
“The girls did an amazing job at giving me an hour of relaxation. I forgot what package my boyfriend got me but whichever you choose I can guarantee you will walk out a relaxed human with a new zen (if that’s a thing). Also I find it adorable and cute that after the massage they serve you tea and a small piece of cake.” — KMPGKH, Trip Advisor Superfan
- Helping you reach your skincare goals
“I’ve had skin problems from my teens due to very oily skin. I’ve tried all the medical solutions including Roaccutane. I have been to numerous skin therapists over the years and my skin just got systematically worse. I started treatments with Rene from The Temple Skincare 18 months ago and she transformed my skin. I have clear and perfect skin for the first time in 20 years.” — Tertia, Temple Superfan
- Completely exceeding expectations
“I was with Rene who is extremely knowledgeable. We spent a lot of time consulting and figuring out my exact issues and goals of treatment; had a wholistic approach; and made up a prescription and treatment plan! The therapy was spot on — I have lovely-feeling skin, and I can’t wait for the rest!” — Jamel, Temple Superfan
- Temple Retreats adventures
“This trip exceeded all my expectations! The best part about it was that all I did was pack my passport and clothes, check my flights, and head off into the unknown. It was so wonderful not to have to think about logistics and plans but just turn up each day for a day full of surprises. Every detail was taken care of and the work and thought that went into the trip was phenomenal — from a daily thoughtful gift to the experiences and food each day. I would not hesitate to make it an annual trip. It was food for my mind, body and soul and couldn’t have come at a better time for me personally.” — Angela, Temple Superfan
- Love, love, love The Temple
“I have been going to The Temple Skincare for approximately 20 years now and trust their knowledge, advice, treatments provided and products sold. Always professional and caring, they go out of their way to ensure I have a wonderful experience. I now live one hour away and I am more than happy to drive the distance for a treatment.” — Elisa, Temple Superfan
These stories only make up a small portion of all the wonderful hearts and souls who were impacted (and continue to be impacted) at Temple. In return, all who step through the spa doors bring joy to the lives of the ladies at Temple Skincare. With this, 18 years feels like it’s only the start.
Most importantly for Rene and the Temple Team though, is that they are extremely thankful for the support all throughout their years in the spa and beauty industry. Through countless awards, including the Australian Beauty Industry Awards Salon of the Year four years in a row, it is heartwarming to see and experience such a humble, friendly and welcoming spa for all.
“The way we, at The Temple, try to touch the lives of our clients, you need to know that YOU, our clients, actually touch our souls on a daily basis. We are truly grateful to have you all in our spa and we are honoured YOU choose us to care for you. THANK YOU XXX” — Rene
Here’s to 18 years and many, many more years ahead!
Would you like to add your own Temple Skincare experience to the list? We welcome you to leave us a message in the Comments below. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram too to tell us about your Temple Skincare Experience there.
What is HIFU lifting? How exactly does it help you look younger? Is it for everyone? Discover all you need to know about this non-invasive cosmetic treatment.
The good news is we now have HIFU lifting technology, which can help you look younger without the need for surgery. About a decade ago, if you wanted tighter, firmer, younger-looking skin on your face and neck, your best option was to get an expensive and sometimes painful facelift. Back then, there weren’t really a lot of other options beyond going under the knife. However, the cosmetic industry has changed a great deal.
What is HIFU?
Short for High-intensity Focused Ultrasound, HIFU is a fairly new cosmetic treatment which has been found to help tighten the skin around your face, neck and upper chest. Many refer to it as a non-invasive facelift.
The technology has actually been around for quite a while but it was not developed for cosmetic purposes until 2008.
The HIFU lifting procedure is as follows:
- The target area is cleaned (and sometimes coated with a topical anaesthetic cream).
- The physician or technician doing the treatment coats it with ultrasound gel.
- The target area is exposed to pulses of ultrasound energy for anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes.
Is HIFU effective?
In a 2017 study, HIFU was found to dramatically improve the skin elasticity of 32 subjects in just 12 weeks.
In another study, this time involving 93 subjects, 66% of all participants reported seeing an improvement in how their faces and necks looked within the same time period.
Results for HIFU are gradual so you won’t walk away looking ten years younger but you should notice a difference over time and after a couple of treatments.
Can HIFU make you look old? Click here to learn more.
How does HIFU lifting work?
HIFU uses ultrasound energy to quickly heat up the layers of the skin just beneath the surface. Don’t worry, though. The treatment does not actually cause visible damage to the surface of the skin or damage to the layers underneath it. What it does do is prompt your cells to boost collagen production, which, in turn, causes your skin to become firmer and tighter.
Once the treatment is done, you’re free to immediately go home and get back to your normal daily activities. This is a far cry from invasive procedures like traditional surgical facelifts, which require a longer recovery time due to bruising and the need for more complex anaesthetic.
The after-effects of HIFU are minimal but may include some mild redness or swelling, or a small amount of tingling or numbness for a day or two after your procedure.
What makes HIFU so popular?
The number one reason HIFU is quickly becoming the treatment of choice by people who want tighter skin is that it’s non-invasive and virtually painless.
Why go under the knife if you can get the same results without surgery? HIFU is fast becoming a popular ‘lunchtime’ beauty treatment. You can book an appointment for your lunch hour and return to your desk in the afternoon.
Who is HIFU lifting for?
The treatment generally works best on individuals above 30 years of age with mildly or moderately loose skin. In most cases, the looser and more damaged the patient’s skin is, the more treatments they need before they start seeing results.
HIFU is also not recommended if you have open skin lesions, infections, metallic implants, and cystic or severe acne in the target area. If these do affect you, come and chat to us about alternative treatments. There may be other options that are more suitable to create a younger-looking profile.
In other words, you must undergo proper consultation when deciding on whether HIFU is the best method to achieve your skin goals. Book some time with Rene or our specialists at Temple spa to help you with making an informed decision.
How much do HIFU treatments cost?
The cost of each HIFU treatment ultimately depends on the area you wish to target. Prices can range between $275 and $1,375 per session.
While the treatment does require some financial outlay, it’s still significantly more affordable than facelifts, which can set you back upwards of $7,000 plus several days of down-time. Schedule a talk with Rene so she can advise on pricing adjustments for your case.
Get younger-looking skin without surgery with HIFU lifting
HIFU is a great alternative to invasive procedures like facelifts for people who want firmer, tighter skin but don’t want to go under the knife. It’s so non-invasive that you won’t even have to worry about needles.
As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important to work with an experienced team. Choose a medi-spa with qualified, therapists who specialise in this type of treatment.
Book your consultation session today at The Temple Skincare & Spa or contact us to find out if HIFU is right for you.
What is the best skincare routine? It’s actually a lot simpler and more affordable than many skincare brands would have you believe.
The best skincare routine to keep your skin in top shape doesn’t actually take much. Contrary to what many skincare brands would have you believe, you don’t need 50 different cleansers, toners and creams to get the job done. In fact, using too many products at the same time can do more harm than good because certain beauty product ingredients don’t go well together. Keep in mind though that given certain skin concerns, skin types and skin goals, you may add a serum or mask or eye cream to your routine too. Our Temple Therapists are here to guide you if you have any questions.
Keeping your skincare routine simple is not only good for your wallet, but for your skin too.
So, what exactly does a simple, daily and the best skincare routine look like? We have listed the bare essentials and it consists of just three basic parts:
- Cleansing
- Moisturising
- Protection
1. Cleansing
The first step to keeping your skin healthy is to make sure it is clean. After all, acne breakouts are caused by dirt and oil build-up in your skin.
The good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune on super expensive cleansers to keep your skin fresh and clean. Experts recommend a mild, pH-balanced product that’s marked soap-and sulphate-free.
Take a look at Image Skincare’s Ageless Total Facial Cleanser as an ideal daily cleanser.
As for the number of times you should cleanse your face in a day, that depends on the type of skin you have.
For people with oily skin, for example, twice a day should do the trick. For those with dry or sensitive skin, though, cleansing at night may be enough.
2. Moisturising
Keeping your skin clean is just one part of the equation. You should also make sure it’s always sufficiently moisturised.
This is because while skin dryness is generally not a serious issue, if left unchecked, it could lead to other problems, such as:
- Scaling, flaking or peeling
- Itching (pruritus)
- Fine cracks and lines
- Redness and irritation
- Deeper cracks that could bleed
Fortunately, just like with cleansers, you also don’t need pricey moisturisers to keep skin dryness at bay. It’s actually more important that you pick the right kind for your skin.
As a general rule, people with dry skin need thick and more hydrating moisturisers. In contrast, people with oily skin should stick to lighter, non-greasy, oil-free alternatives.
In any case, it’s always best to go with products that are free from fragrances and alcohol. Some of the moisturiser brands we recommend are Image and Germaine de Capuccini. Talk to us for the product that suits your skin then stock up from home via our online shop.
3. Protection
Did you know sun damage is one of the biggest causes of premature skin aging? Too much exposure to sunlight (and other sources of ultraviolet light) can cause fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and a host of other skin issues.
To keep your skin protected, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Our recommendation is Image’s Prevention+ Daily Ultimate Protection, which comes with a tinted option that can double as a makeup foundation.
Optimise your skincare
At the end of the day, the best skincare routine is the one you do regularly. Set yourself a challenge to cleanse, moisturise and protect every day for three weeks and it should form a new habit. Add a weekly exfoliation scrub and cleansing mask for an even brighter complexion.
Add to your daily skincare routine and give yourself a glowing complexion with regular treatments at your local beauty salon. Choose from indulgent facials or peels to give your skin a deep cleanse and moisturise.
If you’re not sure which daily skincare routine products are right for you, your beauty therapist can help. Book an appointment then ask for some recommendations on what to take home. Having an idea of your skin type will help your therapist come up with the best options.
Want to shop for the skincare products featured in this article? Go to Temple Online here. Need help figuring out what treatments best suit your skin? Talk to our experts here at The Temple Skincare & Spa.
Looking for Hill’s District Valentine’s Day ideas? Try these different ways to celebrate with your loved one this February 14.
Have you been doing the exact same thing every for Valentine’s Day the past couple of years? Why not change things up a bit? Below are some Valentine’s Day ideas to help you get started. They are all local to Sydney’s beautiful Hills District.
1. Have a romantic and indulgent Valentine’s Day at The Temple Skincare & Spa
Looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience this year? The Temple Skincare & Spa is the place.
Some of our most popular Valentine’s Day ideas include:
- Couple’s Retreat – 90 minutes of blissful and relaxing massages and facials with a poolside lunch. Make a weekend of it by booking a room at The Hills Lodge and enjoy their famous High Tea with our spa package.
- His and Hers Mindfulness Facial Treatment – Guaranteed to not only leave you and your loved one with skin glowing from within, it will also help both of you feel more focused and empowered. As our therapists apply healing and nourishing salves, headphones play meditative music to fully relax and soothe body and mind.
- Men’s Facial – Of course, there’s something for him too. Specifically designed for male skin, this treatment has potent anti-ageing properties. This will surely make a spa-cation fan of your SO.
- Signature Spa Massage – This is an hour and 45 minutes of total body pampering designed to melt your stress away. The package includes a foot soak and scrub, a 90-minute body massage, paraffin infusion, a pressure point face massage, and a de-stressing scalp massage.
Grab a gift voucher or book now for an unforgettable couple’s spa escape at our luxurious Hills District salon. Wanting a customised spa experience? Call us at 02 9634 2411.
2. Have a fun-filled Valentine’s Day at Strike Castle Towers
Why settle for the usual dinner date when you can do something much more fun and exciting?
Bring out your inner child at Strike Castle Towers. With 10 bowling lanes, a karaoke room and a brand-new escape room, you and your partner will have a super fun date night.
Check out Strike Castle Towers here.
3. Have a food-filled Valentine’s Day at The Cooks Workshop
Instead of eating out, you and your special someone can learn to cook healthy dishes from professional chefs this Valentine’s Day.
Check out The Cooks Workshop in Dural. Founded by Western Sydney Health Sector veteran Jennie Thompson, the venue holds cooking workshops for anyone who wants to get into cooking and healthy meal preparation.
Surprise your Valentine with a voucher so you can learn to cook together. They offer the following:
- Beginners cooking classes
- Healthy cooking classes
- Italian cooking classes
- Thai cooking classes
- Kids cooking classes
- Dessert cooking classes
- Corporate cooking classes
- Customised cooking classes
Check out The Cooks Workshop here.
4. Have a gourmet Valentine’s Day at Noble Restaurant
Nobles Restaurant & Bar enjoys a reputation as one of the leading a la carte Castle Hill restaurants in Sydney’s Hills District.
With beautiful ambience, atmosphere & top service, the menu is regularly updated to emphasise the season’s best produce, freshness and quality.
Impress your Valentine this Feb 14th with an intimate and delicious dining experience. The venue fills fast so book your table early to avoid disappointment.
5. Have an upmarket Valentine’s Day at Event Cinemas
Book a pair of movie tickets and go Gold Class this Valentine’s Day.
With wall to wall screens, fully reclining armchairs and food and drinks delivered to your seat throughout the movie, you will feel like royalty throughout your cinema experience. Cuddle up and enjoy the show!
6. Have an Aussie Valentine’s Day at Tobruk Sydney
Have a Valentine’s Day like no other at this expansive acreage at Hawkesbury Valley. This activity is definitely outside of your typical wine-and-dine romantic Valentine’s Day experience but is something different to enjoy as a couple.
Famous for activities like sheep shearing, boomerang and whip demonstrations, and duck shows, Tobruk Sydney is the place for you if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience around the Hills District this Feb 14th.
Enjoy an Aussie cooked bbq with fresh-made damper to add to your day out.
Fat Freezing is the answer to non-surgical body sculpting. Shed unwanted stubborn fat for good and be in the shape you want for your body.
Temple feels it so important to say that your body is your body. No one should ever make you feel ashamed of it. That said, we all have health goals and ideals. If the technology like Fat Freezing exists to help you be in the shape you want your body to be, and if it’s proven and safe, why not use it? If you are into acceptance, more than change, that’s okay too. Hormones and genetics play a large role in how our bodies store fat and in each individual, it’s different. But for those looking to shed the stubborn fat pockets that you have not been able to shake off at the gym, or even with proper nutrition alone, here’s the skinny on Fat Freezing!
What is Fat Freeze? 
Fat Freeze or Cryolipolysis is clinically proven to reduce Fat Cells or Adipose Tissue on the treated area by 10 to 28%. The pictures to the right show the fat pockets immediately after a fat freeze session. The duration of the Cryolipolysis session is 50 minutes at a temperature of 10°C. Note that there may be minimal discomfort, but it looks much worse than it really is.
The technical term for the use of cold to destroy fat cells is Cryolipolysis. The term ‘cryo’ is an ancient Greek for cold, while ‘lipolysis’ refers to the breakdown of fat. Essentially, Cryolipolysis is a nonsurgical alternative to surgery such as liposuction. The good news to this is there is no downtime or recovery period. You zip into the treatment room and an hour later, you can go back to your regular routine! But DO NOT hit the gym immediately after. You want the fat cells to remain cool for as long as possible. Exercising immediately after will pump blood and lymph through the tissues, warming up the area too soon after the session.
Watch a video demo on Fat Freezing here.
How does it work?
The skin is covered with medical gauze, laced with a special serum to prevent the skin from being affected by the cold. The handpieces are essentially suction cups with two cooling plates and are applied to the area. The area to be treated is marked on the body prior to the session. Before photos are taken to be stored on a secure database for reference. The cold penetrates through the skin, slightly numbing the surface of the skin for the duration of the treatment. Fat cells are more sensitive to cold than skin cells, so the fat cells die off without damaging the skin on the surface.
After the treatment, the area is massaged for a minute to restore colour and sensation. The fat cells break down over a period of time through a process known as apoptosis. This refers to the natural process of cells dying, in this case – Fat Cells!
How does the fat leave my body?
The Lymphatic system, (waste removal system in the body) can take up to 3 months to remove the waste completely, much like eating a fatty hamburger and waiting for it to metabolise. Drainage of the decomposing fat cells is accelerated with a pneumatic body suit, which pumps the lymphatic system using air compression. The lymphatic drainage may only be applied two weeks after the fat freeze session and the Fat Freezing may only take place once in a three-month cycle on the same area.
View this post on Instagram
The fat cells leave your body naturally though the digestive and waste elimination system of the body. Many people have more than one area they want to treat. To make quicker progress, most clients choose a new area to target every two weeks up to up to a maximum of 10 areas. In this case, the accelerated lymphatic drainage may only commence two weeks after all the areas have been treated.
The body can safely metabolise and expel this amount of fat in the system. It is of course important to have the right mindset when undertaking any lifestyle program. Whether the weight-loss goal is small, such as stubborn pocket of fat which distorts body shape or where a more dramatic result is required targeting whole areas e.g abdomen, legs, arms, back, hips, or buttocks, commitment to seeing the programme through will give you the best results. Your strategy should always include a healthy diet, appropriate exercise plan, plenty of sleep, optimal hydration, supplements to boost essential vitamins and minerals in the body and proper nutrition.
Want to learn more about the s
Will the treated fat cells come back?
The short answer is no, the treated fat cells are gone for good. Remember though that we are not eradicating all fat cells. On average about 20% of them are removed and while treated fat cells are gone forever, the remaining fat cells are quite capable of storing excess fat and will expand in size without the regulation of a healthy lifestyle.
That said, at Temple Skincare we believe in the 80/20 principle, so don’t be too hard on yourself all the time. Allow yourself a relaxed approach to your healthy routine 2 days per week. For some it might be having a few drinks with friends, or a day or two being active outside instead of the gym. For others it might be a guilt-free meal without counting calories. Moderation is the key. Creating a prison of rules is a sure way to derail somewhere down the line.
If this is something you have been thinking about, but just have not got around to researching, why not give us a call at Temple Skincare and book a no-obligation consultation with one of our caring MediSpa Therapists, trained by International Nano-Scientist and Clinical Educator, Dr Gergoris Stavrou.
We will provide you with a program tailored to your needs.
Pigmentation is a common skin problem, especially as we age. Here are some answers to the question ‘how can I get rid of skin pigmentation?’
“How can I get rid of pigmentation?”
This is a question many clients ask their skin specialist. First up, it is helpful to understand the cause of this condition.
Skin pigmentation explained
Everyone’s skin has pigment, it is what gives it colour. However, as we age, the even skin tone enjoyed as children and young adults starts to become unbalanced. Brown pigment patches appear, most noticeably on our hands and faces. This is caused by environmental damage and our skin’s natural melanin production but in some people it is more pronounced than others.
If brown spots, age spots and skin pigmentation are troubling you, there are some ways to minimise their appearance. Take a look at some ingredients, products and treatments which are popular for getting rid of pigmentation.
Click here to learn more Depigmentation FAQs
Ingredients
- Aloe Vera
Studies show that aloe vera is a natural, non-toxic depigmenting compound that can be used to treat pigmentation.
Try applying aloe vera to affected areas of your skin before going to bed and rinsing it off with warm water the next morning. Repeat the cycle daily until you see results.
- Green Tea Extract
Just like aloe vera, green tea extract is known for its de-pigmenting properties when applied directly onto the skin.
Take note, though, that we’re talking about green tea extract and not green tea bags. While some people swear by the latter, there is currently no actual scientific study proving their efficacy.
- Red Onion Extract
Research shows that dried red onion skin can be effective in lightening dark patches on your skin. It’s so effective in fact, that several scar and skin-lightening creams actually contain red onion extract.
Products
- Brightening creams
Skin brightening creams can be a worthy investment if you have been wondering how to get rid of pigmentation.
One brand we recommend is Image Iluma Intense Brightening Creme. This effectively fades age spots and hyperpigmentation. It contains an exclusive lightening complex which limits your skin’s melanin production (this is what leads to skin pigmentation). The creme evens out skin discolourations and brightens skin for a healthy, youthful and radiant complexion.
You’ll find this creme at our online store.
- Overnight mask
Another option is IMAGE’s Ageless Total Overnight Retinol Masque. Recommended for use two or three times a week, the infusion of triple action time-released retinol technology helps to increase firmness, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin imperfections.
Talk to your beauty therapist about whether this product is right for you and how often you should use it.
Therapies
- Cosmetic Treatments
Home remedies and creams should lighten skin pigmentation but sometimes more thorough treatment is needed to have you looking your best.
Your first step is to book a consultation with a skin specialist who will examine your skin and the pigment which is troubling you. From there, options may include:
- MDA: A non-invasive skin resurfacing procedure that gently reveals your fresher, younger skin cells
- Specialised laser treatments, which offer fast, comfortable and safe results on broken capillaries, spider veins and brown spots
- Microdermabrasion and IPL rejuvenation, for fast results on ageing and pigmentation
- Skin needling: To bring pigment to the surface and restore a more even skin tone.
- Temple’s 12-week Depigmentation Program
Cosmetic scientists are constantly developing new and improved treatment methods to reduce brown spots and skin pigmentation. To reduce your imperfections, book an initial consultation at The Temple Skincare & Spa. Your specialist with review your complexion, go through your treatment options and recommend a course of action for at home and in the salon.
Learn more about how to combat INFLAMMATION! Another Summer Skin Bummer this season. Click on the button below to download.
