It is important to know what a skin barrier is, identifying the signs of a damaged skin barrier and how to repair it. We share with you the what, how and when.

What is Your Skin Barrier?

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It acts as a physical barrier protecting us from external aggressors such as UV rays, pathogens and regulation of temperature and senses.

Our epidermis forms a protective barrier to help keep water within the body and protect from free radicals entering. In contrast, the stratum corneum – the body’s outermost layer of the skin is our primary defence barrier and is constantly shed off and replaced by new skin cells. This is your skin barrier.

Signs of a Damaged Skin Barrier

If you have a broken skin barrier, you will likely experience some of the following symptoms:

• Dry and scaly skin
• Itchiness
• Rough patches
• Discolouration
• Acne
• Sensitive skin
• Bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections

How to Repair it

It’s essential to maintain a healthy skin barrier in order to protect your skin from harmful external factors. Here are some of our top tips to follow on your journey to repair your skin barrier.

1. Bring your skincare routine back to basics
2. Maintain a healthy skin pH balance
3. Use skincare products with Ceramides
4. Use a moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Vitamin B

Best Products to Repair Skin Barrier

Dr Aspect Exfol A Plus Serum

The Dr Aspect Exfol A Plus Serum works to exfoliate, refine and brighten the skin whilst assisting with the deep delivery of nutrients and antioxidants into the skin. This vitamin A serum is ideal for aiding the cell renewal process when working to repair your skin barrier.

Shop Dr Aspect Exfol A Plus Serum

Aspect Dr Resveratrol Moisturising Cream

The Aspect Dr Resveratrol Moisturising Cream is one of the most hydrating creams you will find on the market. Resveratrol neutralises free radicals and boosts antioxidant levels, so your skin can better defend and repair itself.

Shop Aspect Dr Resveratrol Cream

Sunny Skin SPF

The Sunny Skin SPF is a100% mineral SPF50, antioxidant-rich moisturiser that melts effortlessly into your skin. It provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while also helping to shield from external stressors; infrared, blue light radiation, and environmental pollution.

Shop Sunny Skin SPF

Cosmedix Benefit Clean

The Cosmedix Benefit Clean is an extra-gentle, sulfate-free, daily cleanser great for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It helps to encourage balanced hydration and prevent moisture loss whilst soothing and calming the skin.

Shop Cosmedix Benefit Clean

A quick refresher: Face masks often cause congested pores due to the warm, dark and damp environment created, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.⁠ The key to avoiding maskne is ensuring that you’re upholding your skincare routine and practising the highest level of hygiene when wearing a mask!⁠

Our top tips:  Wash your mask regularly; Rotate the use of multiple masks⁠; Wash your hands before and after touching your mask⁠; Cleanse your face morning and night⁠; Use light face products beneath the mask⁠; Book regular facials to rejuvenate and purify the skin.

#1 Facial to Treat Maskne – Cosmedix Benefactor Peel

The Benefit Peel from Cosmedix is a gentle, all-purpose treatment that resurfaces, corrects and protects with fruit enzymes and Vitamins A and C – a powerful antioxidant to neutralise irritation, and Salicylic Acid.

This peel is perfect for Maskne ridden skin as it works to stimulate cell renewal, strengthen capillaries, improve skin texture and promote a healthy, glowing complexion.

Find out more about Cosmedix Benefactor Peel

#2 Facial to Treat Maskne – BBL Photo Rejuvenation

BBL (BroadBand Light) is the world’s most powerful IPL (intense Pulsed Light) device on the market. With the broadest of wavelengths, the Scion BBL is able to effectively achieve significant skin improvements in the treatment of vascular skin conditions such as rosacea, redness and acne as well as uneven skin tone by selectively heating the upper layers of the skin and stimulating and regenerating the skins cells.

If you’re struggling with maskne, the BBL Photo Rejuvenation treatment will help you say goodbye to your breakouts! It works to calm and repair acneic skin by destroying bacteria and soothing inflammation. This facial also works to treat pigmentation, discolouration, redness and broken capillaries to completely rejuvenate the skin.

Find out more about BBL Photo Rejuvenation

Important – What Not to Do in Isolation

There are a lot of great ways to pass the time when you’re stuck at home alone in isolation, but purchasing skincare from social media is not one of them! Although our beloved social platforms provide us with endless entertainment, it’s not always a space of professional opinions and recommendations. 

If someone’s using a product that interests you, wait and ask your skin therapist whether it would be a fit for you. We don’t want to see you coming out of isolation in tears after a 6-second video swore by this “revolutionary” product. Stick to your routine during isolation and you’ll be GLOWING when it’s time to revisit your social calendar.

If you’re wanting to spice up your skincare routine, book a skin consultation with a member of our wonderful team and we can tailor a routine to achieve your skin goals.

Book a Skin Consultation

As 2022 unfolds rapidly, there is no time like the present to book your skin consultation with the Dermal skin specialist team at Skin Clinic Blyss.

Contact our team on (02) 9664 8011 to schedule your 2022 skin consultation or rejuvenation treatments!

Tip #1: Increase your water intake

This tip is especially important if you have acne-prone skin. By increasing your water intake on days you know you’ll be indulging, you’re helping your body stay hydrated and luminous whilst removing toxins that are harmful to the skin

Tip #2: ALWAYS remove your makeup daily

When wearing makeup, it’s extremely important to cleanse your face at night. Without doing so, your skin misses out on essential nutrients and becomes subject to clogged pores, breakouts, uneven skin texture and a dull complexion.

Tip #3: Ensure you’re getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night

Did you know that your body does most of its healing while you’re asleep? Each night when you go to sleep, your skin increases blood flow and your organs rebuild collagen to repair concerns such as sun damage, wrinkles and age spots. Without sleep, your body can’t work its magic!

Tip #4: Consistency is key

Although the party season may leave you unmotivated in your downtime, it’s essential to remain consistent with your skincare. Without upholding your regular day and night skin routine, your skin will ‘freak out’ and wreak havoc on your face!

BONUS Tip: Treat yourself  with the Perfect Mask Duo

During this festive holiday season, don’t worry if you ended up on the wrong side of Santa’s list, treat yourself to these magical duo – The Cosmedix Glow Mask PLUS The Cosmedix Detox Mask

The Cosmedix Glow Mask

Don’t let anything dull your glow! The Cosmedix Glow mask is a brightening mask that helps improve the appearance of discolouration and uneven skin tone by exfoliating away dead surface skin with bamboo stem extracts. The gentle exfoliation allows for optimal absorption of brightening ingredients, which help improve skin texture and tone to reveal a smoother, brighter and more luminous-looking complexion.

Benefits include:

• Gently exfoliates
• Enhances healthy skin tone
• Evens skin texture
• Delivers anti-ageing benefits

We’re delivering over the silly season!

SHOP THE GLOW MASK

The Cosmedix Detox Mask

The Cosmedix Detox Mask is an activated charcoal and kaolin clay-based mask that helps draw out impurities from the pores, while diatomaceous earth effectively cleanses away pollutants for a visibly brighter, less agitated-looking complexion. Don’t let pollution ruin your skin. Detox from daily grime that can accelerate the visible signs of ageing.

Benefits include:

• Draws impurities from the pores
• Removes excess oil and impurities
• Gently cleanses the skin

We’re delivering over the silly season! 

SHOP THE DETOX MASK

Christmas Hours

Skin Clinic Blyss will be closed on Thursday, December 23rd at 7PM and will reopen on Tuesday, January 4th at 9AM.⁠

Contact our team on (02) 9664 8011 to schedule your New Year skin rejuvenation treatments!

As if pandemic-related stress breakouts weren’t bad enough. We want you to emerge in post-lockdown bliss in your best skin yet. Here’s our top four, simple but very effective tips you can start today.

So, what is ‘Maskne’?

As the name suggests, maskne is a type of breakout that results from wearing a face mask. Maskne is acne formed in areas due to friction, pressure, stretching, rubbing or occlusion.

TIP ONE: Cleanse, Morning and Night

Be sure you are using a gentle cleanser, morning and night. Prolonged mask-wearing may be making your skin feel especially dry. To effectively wash away the day while protecting your skin affected by maskne, opt for a gentle cleanser. It will clean away dirt and impurities without stripping away natural oils.

TIP TWO: Moisture

An obvious step for any skincare regime. The right moisturiser will not only help nourish and hydrate the skin but will also work as a creamy barrier between your mask and your skin – protecting your skin from the bacteria that can build up in masks over the day.

TIP THREE: Introduce a Different Kind of Mask

You’ve been donning your face masks for too long, it’s time to bring back the BEST kind of mask – skincare! A nourishing, restorative Mask can help repair your skin barrier helping maintain your skin integrity, locking in all the good and keeping out the nasties.

TIP FOUR: Wash Your Face

Be honest, how often do you wash your mask? Bacteria, skin cells, oils and moisture can build up inside your mask, causing maskne. If you are using disposables, these should be replaced daily.

SHOP SKINCARE ONLINE

BONUS TIP – Nothing clears congestion from prolonged mask-wearing quite like the HydraFacial!

HydraFacial is an amazing technology that delivers the results of an advanced facial in under 30 minutes. HydraFacial is so much more than just another facial. It’s an experience. A pleasure. A feeling. And a confidence booster. It focuses on the unique philosophy of ‘Skin Health for Life’. Hydrafacial is about much more than just great looking, healthy skin. When our skin looks good and feels good, we feel good too. That’s the difference you get with a HydraFacial.

BOOK YOUR HYDRAFACIAL

We’re are back. It’s Time To Spoil Your Skin!

We are thrilled to finally announce that the Clinic doors are open, our Treatment Rooms are prepped and ready and our Team is back to nourish and nurture your skin!

We want to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful clients who have supported Skin Clinic Blyss through lockdown – you are all amazing!

We’re back baby. Is your skin in need of the Skin Clinic Blyss touch? Together we’ll embark on your journey to radiant, healthy skin.

To book your advanced skin treatment, you can book online or email reception@skinclinicblyss.com.au/staging. ⁠

In a self-regulated industry like skin care and skin treatment, it’s important to know the qualification of the skin therapist or clinician that is treating you. It is a bit of a minefield out there with titles including beautician, beauty therapist, dermal therapist, dermal clinician to name a few. So here it is – broken down for you so that you are able to ask the right questions before you put your skin health.

What is a Beautician?

A beautician will hold a Certificate III in Beauty Services. This requires 6 months of study and will perform hair removal, makeup application, spray tans, tinting, manicures and pedicures, simple facials and massage

What is a Beauty Therapist?

A beauty therapist will hold a Certificate IV or Diploma of Beauty Therapy. In 12 months a beauty therapist will learn about all of the body systems and is able to offer a range of non-medical customised services that can include massage, traditional facials, manicures, pedicures hair removal, waxing and more.

What is a Dermal Therapist?

A dermal therapist will hold a Graduate or Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Dermal Science. A dermal therapist focuses on skin, cosmetic procedures and the basics of cosmeceutical science. A Dermal therapists (don’t confuse this with a dermal clinician) scope of practice includes laser and light based treatments, epidermal resurfacing procedures and microneedling.

What is a Dermal Clinician?

A dermal clinician requires a 4 year Bachelor Degree. Dermal Clinicians specialise in skin management and non-surgical treatments to assist with acute and chronic skin conditions, disorders and diseases. Study involves skin and wound biology, dermatological conditions and their management, physics, chemistry, psychology and general anatomy and physiology – as every system of the body can affect skin health. There is also a focus on public health, risk management, tissue interactions as well as advanced therapies including lasers and light, chemical peeling, dermoscopy, nutrition and post surgical wound care.

Skin Clinic Blyss Team – Dermal Therapists and Dermal Clinicians in Randwick, Sydney

At Skin Clinic Blyss, our team of Dermal Clinicians, Dermal Therapists, Registered Nurse and Reception and clientele services are committed and proud in what we do and look forward to meeting you in our clinic soon. 

Meet The Team

We’re here for your skin!

Having skin issues and need some professional advice? Book a skin consultation with one of our expert dermal clinicians or dermal therapists, who can talk you through any concerns you might have and prescribe effective solutions. ⁠

To book, we offer three options for you: 1) Book directly online, 2) Submit a Booking Enquiry with your preferred time and day and we will arrange your appointment, or 3) Chat with our team on (02) 9664 8011.

 Jodie King BDSc Jodie is the Founder & Director of Skin Clinic Blyss, is an experience Dermal Clinician (Bch Dermal Science), and has been practicing in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs for 28 years. Read Jodie’s Journey to Becoming a Dermal Clinician.

Don’t forget, ENJOY FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ONLINE ORDERS UNTIL THE END OF LOCKDOWN!

What’s in the Aspect Dr Skincare Starter Kit

We realise you’re stuck at home, but Dr Google, your bestie with amazing skin or an online beauty forum are not the places to find skincare suitable for YOUR skin! If you’re not a skincare professional, leave diagnosing your skin concern to the experts.

Aspect Dr Deep Clean 30ml

• Assists with hydration and micro-exfoliation, improving skin tone and texture.
• Soothes and comforts the skin, whilst fighting free radical damage to combat the visible signs of ageing.
• Contains Lanablue (an algae), known for its Retinol mimicking ability.

Aspect Dr Active C Serum 15ml

Aspect Dr Active C is the perfect addition to all skin types, especially dry and reactive or sensitive skins.

Dr Aspect Active C also suits skins suffering rosacea and works well with Dr Aspect Redless. Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding mums.

• Helps illuminate and protect skin from free radical damage.
• Provides potent antioxidant protection to fight the visible signs of ageing.
• Maximises hydration levels and elasticity for a plump, more youthful appearance.
• Soothes and comforts the skin.

Aspect Dr Exfol A Plus 15ml

Dr Aspect Exfol A Plus Serum is a concentrated Vitamin A and exfoliating treatment for the treatment of acne, congestion, ageing, dull, thickened or pigmented skins.

Not recommended for reactive skins or women that are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Retinol helps to minimise all signs of ageing, such as fine lines & wrinkles, sagging, loss of firmness and pigmentation. It also works to address problem skin concerns such as blemishes, congestion and regular breakouts.
• Hydrates and smooths the skin’s surface.

Aspect Dr Resveratrol Moisturiser 15g

Aspect Dr Resveratrol Moisturising Cream is one of the most hydrating creams you will find on the market. It soothes the skin, while softening and balancing. This moisturiser is magnificently creamy, but doesn’t feel greasy.

• A potent bioavailable active.
• Contains superior antioxidant properties that help to combat free radical damage and the visible signs of ageing.
• A rejuvenating peptide blend that helps to firm the surface of the skin.
• Antioxidant-rich complex of Vitamin E.

What are the benefits?

• Opportunity to road test professional Aspect Dr hero products before you commit to the full-size products.
• Smaller sizes are great for fitting into your beauty case
• Suitable for all skin types
• Powerful anti-ageing formulas
• Antioxidant protection
• Smoothing and exfoliating
• Hydrating and nourishing

We’re here for your skin

Having an iso skin crisis and need some professional advice? Book a virtual skin consultation with one of our expert clinicians, who can talk you through any concerns you might have and prescribe effective solutions, whilst you’re at home. ⁠

To book, you can book online or email reception@skinclinicblyss.com.au/staging with your preferred time and day and we will send you a zoom link to discuss your needs.⁠

Bad habit: Self-skin diagnosis

We realise you’re stuck at home, but Dr Google, your bestie with amazing skin or an online beauty forum are not the places to find skincare suitable for YOUR skin! If you’re not a skincare professional, leave diagnosing your skin concern to the experts.

Solution:

Book yourself in for a virtual consultation (you can book online or email reception@skinclinicblyss.com.au/staging with your preferred time and day and we will send you a zoom link to discuss your needs) with one of our expert skin clinicians to discuss any concerns you have and ask questions before launching into an intense new skincare routine. Your skin will thank you.

Bad habit: Over or misuse of actives

If armed with some newly-googled internet knowledge, you started buying products containing strong active ingredients like Retinol, Vitamin C, AHA & BHA acids and proceeded to use them all at once (or in combinations that don’t mix) your bound to have run into some unwanted side-effects.

Solution:

The main rule for using actives is don’t blend or layer them together. For example, if you use Vitamin C in the morning, use another active like Retinol or AHA at night. Do a patch test before diving in completely and start slowly to ensure any irritation is kept to a minimum.

Aspect Dr Hyaluronic Serum

A lightweight serum specifically formulated to replenish the skin’s moisture content and repair and calm dry or inflamed skin.

Aspect Dr Redless

Your ‘go-to’ for alleviating dry, stressed and red skin. Like medicine for your skin, especially when used in conjunction with Aspect Dr Hyaluronic Acid.

Bad habit: Overlooking your SPF

Stuck inside all day, so you don’t need sunscreen? Wrong. Your devices emit blue light which leads to elastin and collagen damage, pigment changes and ultimately photo-ageing. Add to that all those long walks you’re taking and you’re exposed to skin-damaging rays all day long.

Solution:

Apply (and reapply) your sunscreen throughout the day and set a nightly timer to automatically switch your device to night mode, which will disable blue light in favour of yellow light which is less damaging.

Medik8 Physical SPF

An intelligent formula that provides exceptional sun protection in a lightweight cream that doesn’t leave a chalky cast on the skin.

Tint Du Soleil SPF 30+ Liquid Foundation

This two-for-one creamy, lightweight mineral-based foundation with SPF 30+, keeps your skin protected without adding another step to your routine.

We’re here for your skin

Having an iso skin crisis and need some professional advice? Book a virtual skin consultation with one of our expert clinicians, who can talk you through any concerns you might have and prescribe effective solutions, whilst you’re at home. ⁠

To book, you can book online or email reception@skinclinicblyss.com.au/staging with your preferred time and day and we will send you a zoom link to discuss your needs.⁠

What’s the difference between facial oils and moisturisers?

Facial oils differ from moisturisers in that most moisturisers and/or serums have a humectant effect meaning, they attract water (AKA moisture) to the skin. Oils don’t have this ability, but their superpower is that they’re able to act like a seal, locking in moisture and preventing it from evaporating. Plus, they have the added bonus of feeling luxurious on your skin!

How to apply facial oils correctly

Here in the clinic, we all love a good facial oil, but most people aren’t using theirs correctly. Oils should be layered as the last step in your routine (unless you are using your oil in the day, then your SPF should be last).

When layering products, ensure you’re working from the lightest formulation up to the heaviest. For example, if you’re using a serum and moisturiser with your oil, your serum should go first on clean skin, then your moisturiser and finish with your oil.

Another tip is that a little goes a long way. A good quality oil should last a long time
– at least 5-6 months with daily use.

Try a Facial Oil such as Cosmedix Remedy

Cosmedix Remedy is a lightweight facial oil packed full of omega fatty acids to support healthy skin function and ease the feeling of tight or dry skin, plus antioxidants to brighten and smooth skin while protecting against free radical damage.

Feeling seriously dry?

Pump up your skin’s moisture levels by using your facial oil in conjunction with a super hydrating serum and a good quality moisturiser. Here are our top picks.

Try a Serum such as Cosmedix Surge

Surge is a complexion-quenching Hyaluronic Acid Booster serum that deeply hydrates the skin to help visibly plump and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a healthier, more radiant-looking complexion.

Try a Moisturiser such as Cosmedix Humidify

This deep moisturising cream helps deliver vital hydration into the skin while boosting the integrity of the skin’s barrier function to help protect against dehydration. With daily use, your skin will look and feel smoother, softer and firmer.

We’re here for your skin

Having an iso skin crisis and need some professional advice? Book a virtual skin consultation with one of our expert clinicians, who can talk you through any concerns you might have and prescribe effective solutions, whilst you’re at home. ⁠

To book, you can book online or email reception@skinclinicblyss.com.au/staging with your preferred time and day and we will send you a zoom link to discuss your needs.⁠

• Cleanse regularly, TWICE a day (properly) and don’t forget to DOUBLE cleanse at night.  “But I’m home all day and not wearing make-up” I hear you say… Consider that your skin is an organ (because it is!) and it is still functioning the same way every day, as it was before. You will still pick up dirt and pollution on the surface of your skin, so now that you have some extra time, consider adding a pre-cleansing oil to your routine for an extra deep clean.
• Exfoliate. Now is the time to go that extra mile at home while you can’t get into the clinic. Consider doing an at-home peel (no, we do not mean a grainy exfoliant!), they’re not a replacement for in-clinic treatments, but they will get you through this period of isolation with your glow intact. Look for ingredients like Lactic Acid, Malic Acid or Salicylic Acids and use once a week after cleansing.
• Hydrate. Not only are you in isolation, but there is a change in season, which means a change in your skin. Change up your moisturiser and add in a hydrating mask. One of our favourites is Societe Peptide Masks, they’re super hydrating AND calming for sensitive skin.
• Don’t forget your eyes, neck and décolletage area! These are the first areas to show signs of age and the last to be treated. Use a product specific to the eye area in conjunction with an at-home rolling device, to increase collagen production and take your product to the top of your chest.
• Limit sugar intake. We’re all craving comfort food at the moment but try to stay away from the sweet stuff. Sugar causes premature ageing and feeds acne. Full stop.
• Don’t forget your SPF! Yes, we know, you’re indoors much of the time these days, but remember, even 5 minutes of sun exposure is damaging your skin! Apply as part of your morning routine and reapply during the day.

If you have skin concerns that you feel need some professional attention while you’re isolating, we’re offering FREE online skin consultations. Simply email us at reception@skinclinicblyss.com.au/staging to book in.

Here are our top tips to help you enjoy Spring without the dreaded flare-ups:

As they say, prevention is better than cure. So, try to be aware of, and avoid your Rosacea triggers. Enlist the help of a skincare specialist to help you identify your personal triggers if you’re unsure what they are.

If your Rosacea is sensitive to the sun, you need to cover up! Wear a wide-brimmed hat and ALWAYS apply a sunscreen rated at least SPF 30 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays (preferably one that contains zinc and titanium dioxide). If you find sunscreen irritates your skin, try a formulation specifically for sensitive skin.

Try to limit your exposure to cold and windy days. This can be tough, but if you do need to go outdoors, try to cover your face with a scarf as much as possible.

Keep your face moisturised. Avoiding flare-ups means keeping your skin’s natural barrier intact and the best way to do this is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Invest in good quality skincare products that prevent moisture loss – one of our faves is Cosmedix Rescue+.

If Rosacea is a problem for you, book a consultation with one of our skin specialists HERE, or call us on 9664 8011.