FACE VALUE
The injectables industry is booming, driven by a desire to take control of ageing. But for many, questions still linger. UNO looks into the world of cosmetic injectables, with three renowned BOP experts.
The injectables industry is booming, driven by a desire to take control of ageing. But for many, questions still linger. UNO looks into the world of cosmetic injectables, with three renowned BOP experts.
It wasn’t long ago that cosmetic injectables were whispered about behind closed doors. Today, they’re everywhere, and it’s getting harder to tell if someone is 20 or 65. While the stigma around treatments like Botox and dermal filler is fading, there is still a tonne of confusion and caution about injectables. Does filler really dissolve on its own? And what’s going on with those puffy celebrity cheeks.
To cut through the noise, we spoke with three experts in the Bay of Plenty, including Leanne Cashmore, registered nurse and founder of Cashmore Clinic in Mount Maunganui, Dr Adam Bialostocki, surgeon and founder of Da Vinci Clinic in Tauranga, and Dr AJ Seine, skin specialist at The Skin Centre in Tauranga, to unpack the how, why and what-next of cosmetic injectables.
WHAT ARE INJECTABLES, REALLY?
Cosmetic injectables are medical treatments used to smooth wrinkles, restore facial volume and refine features. The two most common are Botox (and other botulinum toxin brands), which temporarily relax muscles, and dermal f illers, typically made from hyaluronic acid, which restore volume and contour. “People come in thinking Botox and filler are the same thing, but they do completely different things,” says Leanne. “Botox relaxes muscles, so it’s great for dynamic lines, but filler is what you need when volume is lost or lines are etched in.”
AJ explains further: “Think frown lines, forehead and crow’s-feet for anti-wrinkle injections. Dermal fillers restore shape or contour using a soft gel that blends with your natural tissue. Bio-stimulators are newer again; they help your own skin make more collagen over time instead of simply filling space.
WHY ARE THEY SO POPULAR? r Leanne has seen demand grow year after year. “Younger clients are now starting early, often in their 20s or 30s,” she says. “Not to change how they look, but to delay ageing before lines really settle in.” This preventative approach, she explains, is part of a broader shift toward subtle, long-term maintenance rather than quick fixes. Adam agrees that smaller, regular treatments often achieve more natural results than infrequent large-volume corrections. “Smaller top-ups, done regularly, tend to look more subtle,” he says. AJ adds that this shift reflects a cultural change: “People now see injectables less as a makeover and more as maintenance. It’s become a bit like dental care for your face, with small, regular touch-ups rather than big overhauls.” BOTOX OR FILLER? According to Leanne, understanding what each product does is key. “If you’re seeing forehead lines or crow’s feet when you move your face, Botox is the fix,” she explains. “If those lines stay even when your face is relaxed, or your cheeks have hollowed out, that’s when we look at fillers.”
WHAT ABOUT RISKS?
Leanne is quick to remind people that injectables are medical procedures, not beauty treatments. “With Botox, the main risks are mild and temporary,” she says. “If it spreads to the wrong muscle, you might have a droopy eyelid or uneven smile, but it wears off.”
Filler, on the other hand, carries more serious, but still uncommon, risks. Adam points to bruising, swelling, asymmetry, and lumps as possible side effects, with infection or vessel occlusion being rare.
“Blindness is exceedingly rare,” he says, “but this is why experience and technique matter.”
AJ agrees: “Most negative stories come from unqualified injectors or unsafe settings. When performed by trained medical professionals using approved products in a proper clinic, the risks are extremely low.”
AVOIDING THE “PILLOW FACE”
We’ve all seen it. It’s that overfilled look that’s become a meme in itself. So how do skilled injectors avoid this?
“Experience,” says Adam. “It’s about placing product in the correct plane, respecting natural facial proportions, and often doing staged treatments instead of all at once.”
Leanne echoes this with a less-is-more philosophy. “We’re not trying to change your face,” she says. “We’re enhancing what’s already there.”
AJ adds that modern approaches are far more refined than they were a decade ago. “Ten years ago, the focus was on filling lines; now it’s about restoring balance and healthy-looking skin. The goal has shifted from changing to refreshing.”
COMBINING TREATMENTS
Today’s best results often come from combining injectables with skin-improving treatments. Leanne integrates other advanced options like skin boosters.
“We use products like Profhilo, Sunekos and Rejuran for skin quality,” she says. “These aren’t for volume, however. They hydrate and improve texture. Think of them like injectable skincare.”
“We use Botox for lines and to reduce downward pull from muscles, and fillers for shape and volume,” says Adam. “Then energy-based devices like Sofwave or Renuvion help with skin tightening.”
HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?
Filler longevity depends on the area, product and individual lifestyle. Adam says lips last around six to nine months, nasolabial folds and tear troughs nine to 12 months, and cheeks, jawline and chin 12 to 24 months.
As for Botox, Leanne notes most people need top-ups every three to four months, though frequency can decrease over time with consistent use.
AJ adds: “Anti-wrinkle injections last around three to four months. Fillers last six to 18 months depending on the product and area treated, and bio-stimulators can last longer again, as they help your skin build its own collagen.”
THINKING OF TRYING IT?
If you’re curious about injectables, every expert agrees on one thing. You need to choose your provider carefully.
“These are medical treatments,” says Leanne. “People think it’s like getting your nails done, but it’s not. You need someone who understands facial anatomy, not just someone who’s watched a YouTube video.”
AJ advises checking qualifications: “Look for a medical doctor or registered nurse working under specialist supervision, ideally with postgraduate training in cosmetic medicine or dermatology.”
Experience and personalisation matter most. “Some clinics use a cookie-cutter approach,” says Leanne. “But every face is different. What works for your friend might not work for you.”
Ultimately, Leanne believes injectables should enhance, not transform. “Start slow,” she advises. “You don’t have to do everything at once. And if you̓re not ready for injectables, start with great skincare and microneedling. That alone can make a huge difference.”
AJ agrees that the benefits extend beyond aesthetics. “When people see a version of themselves that looks less tired or tense, they carry that confidence into every interaction. It’s not about vanity; it’s about alignment between how you feel and how you look.”
Whether it’s a subtle refresh or a more sculpted profile you’re after, one rule applies. Go to someone qualified and honest. Because the best injectables are the ones no one can tell you’ve had.
Leanne Cashmore
INJECTABLE SKINCARE
One way of achieving glowing, plump skin is with a new wave of injectables which are blurring the line between cosmetic treatment and skincare. Products like Profhilo, Sunekos and Rejuran feed the skin, rather than fill or freeze it.
“Think of these treatments as high-performance hydrators that work beneath the surface,” says Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore. “They’re basically moisturisers you inject that deliver hydration, collagen stimulation and improved texture.”
Profhilo uses pure hyaluronic acid to hydrate and stimulate collagen and elastin, improving skin firmness and elasticity. Sunekos combines hyaluronic acid with amino acids to restore volume and smoothness, targeting dullness and fine lines. Meanwhile, Rejuran, made from polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA, focuses on healing and regeneration, which is particularly effective for improving texture, tone and scarring.
“These treatments are perfect for people who don’t necessarily want fillers but do want their skin to look fresher and healthier,” adds Leanne.
Each treatment works differently, but all hydrate skin, to make it look naturally rejuvenated with no filter required.
AGE AGAINST THE MACHINE
Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore reveals why more people are choosing steady, regenerative treatments that age well.
Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore reveals why more people are choosing steady, regenerative treatments that age well.
PHOTO SALINA GALVAN
As we wrap up 2025, I’ve been aware of how people’s approach to their skin treatments has changed over the years. More clients want a sensible, long-term approach instead of pinning their hopes on a single quick fix. Injectables are still a key part of treatment plans, but they’re no longer only about softening lines or adding volume.
There’s been a real move toward options that encourage the skin to strengthen itself. Treatments like Rejuran, Profhilo and Sunekos that boost collagen and elastin so the skin gradually feels sturdier and more refreshed. There’s also been growing curiosity around regenerative treatments that work deeper down.
Growth factors, exosome-based therapies and polynucleotides made from salmon DNA all support the way skin cells communicate and heal. When that foundation is functioning well, the improvement of the day-to-day look and feel of the skin naturally follows.
Lately, timing is something clients are paying closer attention to as well. Rather than waiting for lines or texture changes to fully settle, many clients are choosing to build and “bank” collagen earlier. To make that effective, we often map out a mix of treatments, like skin boosters, regenerative injectables, needling, LED, laser and targeted skincare, and pace them in a way that suits how the skin works best.
This change in attitude has shaped how I work, too. Good treatment planning has become just as important as technique in understanding what the skin needs now, what it’s likely to need next, and how each treatment supports the one before it. When the sequence is right, the results stay consistent and look true to the person.
Looking ahead, I think people will keep looking for treatments that feel gentle and sustainable. They want to slow the signs of ageing while keeping their skin healthy and comfortable — fresher, without that “done” look.
If I had to summarise the year, I’d say the most satisfying results came from a balanced plan and a bit of patience. When treatments are chosen carefully and given time to do their job, the change looks natural, but simply better.
Changing the glow game
If your skin has lost its spark, Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore has the solution.
If your skin has lost its spark, Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore has the solution.
In clinic, I often see clients trying to decide between resurfacing or rejuvenation, as though one must come at the expense of the other. But skin changes in tone, texture, firmness and clarity, so why treat it with a one-note solution?
Ultra Veloce, our latest treatment and a new favourite among clients, brings together two of the most advanced technologies in aesthetics, and, as a skin nerd, I’m genuinely excited by what this combination can do.
The first step uses broadband light from the Super Veloce 4800, which is a new arrival to New Zealand and, in my view, a quiet revolution in skin therapy. Think of it as a reset button that targets redness, pigmentation, rosacea, broken capillaries and even hormonal acne. And unlike older IPL machines, it’s surprisingly comfortable.
Then comes the LaseMD UltraTM, a non-ablative fractional laser that works deeper in the dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin. This isn’t just about smoothing fine lines or softening scars (although it does that brilliantly). It’s about activating the skin’s own repair mechanisms. One client called it “a wake-up call for my face,” and I loved that.
What makes this combination truly special is that the results are both immediate and progressive. You’ll see a glow within days, yes, but over the weeks, as new collagen forms and old pigmentation fades, the transformation continues. Skin becomes more resistant to future damage.
And it’s not limited to just the face. We’ve used Ultra Veloce to treat sun-damaged chests, ageing hands and scarring on the arms and legs. It’s for anyone wanting to feel confident in their skin, not just in makeup or good lighting.
Ultimately, every skin journey is personal. But if you’ve been looking for something that meets your skin where it’s at, this may be exactly what you need.
Glow naturally
Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore explains how Profhilo is changing the game in skin rejuvenation.
Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore explains how Profhilo is changing the game in skin rejuvenation. photo SALINA GALVAN + SUPPLIED
Lately, there's been a clear shift in what clients want from aesthetic treatments: subtle, natural-looking results that enhance rather than alter. Gone are the days of heavy fillers and overdone features. Today, treatments like Profhilo, Profhilo Structura and Profhilo Body are leading a new wave of injectables that restore, rebuild and rehydrate the skin, without adding bulk. And the results speak for themselves.
What sets Profhilo apart is its unique approach. Rather than sitting in the skin to add volume, it spreads beneath the surface to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The result? Improved tone, texture and elasticity from the inside out. Think of it as a wake-up call for your skin that keeps getting better over time.
Profhilo (face and neck)
This is where most of our clients begin. Profhilo is ideal for anyone noticing dullness, fine lines or that crepey texture, especially around the cheeks, jawline and neck. It delivers a natural, visible glow by restoring firmness and deeply hydrating the skin at a cellular level. Most people start to see results within a few weeks, with skin looking plumper, smoother and more luminous.
Profhilo Structura
The next step up. Profhilo Structura is an advanced rejuvenation treatment designed to restore facial structure and redefine contours by revitalising superficial fat cells. Using a specialised formulation of hyaluronic acid, it lifts and tightens areas like the cheeks, jawline, and temples, without adding volume. This treatment is particularly effective for addressing age-related changes in facial fat, leading to a more sculpted, youthful appearance.
Profhilo Body
Great skin shouldn’t stop at the jawline. Profhilo Body targets areas like the stomach, upper arms and thighs, where skin often loses firmness over time. Whether it’s post-baby texture on the tummy or crepey arms, this treatment helps smooth and improve elasticity exactly where you need it.
Across all three treatments the benefits are consistent: minimal downtime, a naturally refreshed appearance and results that build over time. Most clients begin with two sessions, spaced four weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every six to twelve months.
With Profhilo, it’s not about chasing trends. It’s about supporting your skin to function as it once did, by boosting your own collagen, improving elasticity and restoring deep hydration where it matters most.
Combined with a personalised treatment plan and consistent skincare, Profhilo can help you achieve healthier, more resilient skin not just for now, but well into the future.
Laser focus
Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic talks the latest miracle beauty treatment and how to maximise its benefits.
Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic talks the latest miracle beauty treatment and how to maximise its benefits.
photo SALINA GALVAN
Winter might not seem like the season to think about summer skin, but it’s actually the perfect time to invest in treatments that deliver long-term results. It’s all about helping you get ahead of the game.
The UltraMD Laser kickstarts your skin transformation before the warmer months arrive. This advanced laser treatment is designed to refresh and rejuvenate, tackling concerns like pigmentation, sun damage, f ine lines and uneven texture. The best part? You don’t need to wait months to see changes, with many clients noticing a difference after just one session.
UltraMD is a game changer for those looking to improve their skin without the pain or downtime associated with older laser treatments. Numbing cream is applied beforehand, making the experience comfortable, with some clients finding it quite a relaxing way to spend their lunch break.
Post-treatment, skin may be slightly red with a subtle sandpaper-like texture, but within days, the old skin naturally sheds, unveiling a refreshed and glowing complexion. Unlike traditional resurfacing lasers that require weeks of recovery, UltraMD creates tiny thermal zones in the skin that trigger natural renewal.
This process increases permeability with minimal disruption, making it an effective treatment for reducing pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, and even conditions like actinic keratosis, lentigos, and freckles.
Using a gentle rolling system, UltraMD treats the face, neck and décolletage in as little as five to twenty minutes, depending on the area. Results are visible almost instantly, with continued improvement over a course of three to six treatments. It can also be paired with other advanced technologies for even greater skin rejuvenation, combining UltraMD with Secret RF which enhances collagen production, while pairing it with IPL Veloce targets pigmentation at a deeper level.
Before and after.
One of the biggest advantages of UltraMD is its versatility. It’s suitable for all skin types and can be used year-round, unlike many other lasers.
With its ability to deliver powerful results with minimal downtime, it’s quickly becoming the go-to treatment for anyone serious about achieving their best skin yet before next summer.
Timing is everything when it comes to skin treatments. During winter, UV exposure is lower, which means your skin can heal more effectively post-treatment. Starting these treatments around May will mean that by the time summer rolls around, you’ll be glowing with confidence, not just relying on makeup to cover imperfections.
Each session lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area, and while a single session can deliver noticeable improvements, a series of three treatments is recommended for the best results.
Investing in your skin now means you’re allowing your skin the time it needs to renew, repair and truly transform. You’ll be stepping into summer with a fresh, luminous complexion. Starting your UltraMD journey this winter will give your skin the boost it deserves.
Future focused
Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic introduces Veloce: The revolutionary light treatment transforming skincare with fewer sessions and remarkable results.
Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic introduces Veloce: The revolutionary light treatment transforming skincare with fewer sessions and remarkable results.
photo SALINA GALVAN
As someone who’s been in the skincare industry for years, I’ve seen countless treatments come and go – but nothing has excited skincare professionals quite like Veloce.
Since introducing this Intense Pulsed Dual Light (IPDL) laser treatment, I’ve seen an enthusiastic response. Many have been impressed by the results they’re achieving, often after fewer sessions than expected.
What sets Veloce apart is its versatility and precision. The treatment can address a wide range of skin concerns with impressive effectiveness from stubborn pigmentation and broken capillaries to generalised redness, photo rejuvenation, fine lines, deeper wrinkles, acne scarring, and even hair removal.
It can be used on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, stomach, arms and legs. Veloce’s dual lamp system produces high-speed light pulses that penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating the body’s natural rejuvenation processes.
Unlike other lasers that might focus primarily on skin tone and texture, Veloce offers a more holistic solution by combining multi-wavelengths to address a broad range of indications. This advanced IPDL technology allows for a comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation.
One of the most exciting features of Veloce is the N-Tight treatment. This procedure triggers contraction and remodeling of collagen, resulting in a significant tightening effect that’s immediately noticeable and continues to improve over time. It's a game-changer for those concerned about skin laxity.
It also delivers results without requiring a lot of downtime. Thanks to its cooling system, most clients can return to their daily activities immediately after treatment. The duration of each session typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treated area and the specific concerns being addressed.
After treatment, clients may experience some redness, but this usually subsides within a few hours. While visible results can often be seen after just one treatment, the number of sessions needed varies from person to person.
Whether you’re battling the signs of ageing, struggling with pigmentation, or simply want to give your skin a radiant boost, Veloce offers a tailored solution that delivers real and efficient results.
For even more impressive results, double up with the Ultra MD for better skin rejuvenation.
Blank canvas
Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic explains the wonders of new-age laser technology with the introduction of the Ultra MD.
Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic explains the wonders of new-age laser technology with the introduction of the Ultra MD.
PHOTO Salina Galvan
Clients often ask, what is one thing I can do to improve my skin? The most obvious is sunblock. Sun protection is the number one thing you must do. But, of course, I can never give an answer for just one treatment.
There are so many skincare options out there today, with clinics promising all sorts of treatments to turn back the clock. Good skin is a result of a combination of those treatments, and taking care of it is much like going to the gym. Consistency over a long period of time is the only way you really see results.
Starting with active skincare will make a difference, but it will take time. For a quicker fix, in-clinic needling and peels will produce fast results, but laser treatments will work even faster.
No one wants pain or downtime and, finally, the laser gods have listened. The recent release of the amazing Ultra MD laser means there’s no pain (with numbing cream applied prior, you could almost fall asleep), skin is only a little flushed when you leave, and it feels a bit like fine sandpaper for about a week. All much more manageable than the old laser treatments. Prior to machines like Ultra, conventional resurfacing lasers would cause pain with days or weeks of downtime to recover.
With Ultra, when the old skin sheds, the new layer is much brighter, smoother and fresher, and after a course of three to six treatments, you will have less pigment, sun damage and fine lines.
The way it works is that it creates tiny thermal zones in the skin, prompting the body to quickly generate new tissue. It increases permeability with minimal mechanical disruption to the outermost layer of skin and also treats mild to moderate cases of actinic keratosis, benign pigmented lesions, lentigos, and freckles across the face, neck and décolletage.
A roller system is used, gently gliding over the skin, which takes as little as five minutes to 20 minutes, depending on the surface area and produces instant results for pigment and sun damage, tone and texture.
The Ultra can be combined with other machines as well to get incredible results. Using the Secret RF and Ultra MD for a double whammy treatment at one time can cause the most amazing skin rejuvenation. And combining the IPL Veloce and the Ultra MD treats pigmentation at a deeper level.
Unlike other laser treatments, the Ultra can be used on any skin type at any time of year.
There’s nothing else quite like it being used in clinics at the moment. So, when anyone asks me what is the number one treatment that will make a difference, right now I would say Ultra MD is the one.
Before
After
Flawless finish
Get wedding-ready with Leanne Cashmore’s ultimate bridal skin plan.
Get wedding-ready with Leanne Cashmore’s
ultimate bridal skin plan.
words HAYLEY BARNETT photos SALINA GALVAN
Weddings are a funny thing. For many brides, when the big day finally rolls around, even the calmest of demeanours has withered away and a main character is left in its place, hellbent on criticising everything around her, mainly herself. I’m not saying it’s right, just accurate.
This is where Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic comes in. “The last thing you want to worry about on the big day is your skin,” she says wisely. When I rock up to the clinic to ask what she suggests I have done, a mere month out from my wedding, she looks sympathetic. “You should have come to me over a year ago.”
Great. So what can you do just weeks away from your nuptials, to ensure your skin looks 10 times younger and more rejuvenated than ever, even after the hen’s party? “There’s a few elements you want to focus on,” she replies. “How you would like your skin to look on the day, how you want your makeup to sit, and where your skin is starting from.” Then she analysed my maturing skin and made some suggestions. Behold, 40-something brides! Here is your ultimate bridal beauty plan.
Photo Finish
This V2 beauty booster is a combination of hyaluronic acid and Botox which is injected into the superficial layers of your skin to smooth fine lines and minimise the appearance of pores. While it’s not the most relaxing treatment by any stretch of the imagination (the stress ball Leanne passed to me apologetically before we’d even started the treatment really had its work cut out for it), in just a couple of weeks I could already see a huge difference in the appearance of my skin. And on my wedding day, when a friend shot me a dirty look while getting ready, asking, “Why don’t you have any wrinkles?”, I knew it was all worth it.
The best part is that it lasts up to three months. Small lumps can form after the treatment, but are typically gone by the next day, along with any bruising. Admittedly, I did have a few tiny bruises pop up around my face, but I can say, wholeheartedly, that a few tiny bruises are a small price to pay for photo-ready skin.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is the miracle treatment
that turns your skin into a smooth canvas, ensuring makeup sits and stays for much longer than it normally would. It involves removing dead skin and that peachy fuzz, or hair, that covers your face in its annoying, wispy sort of way. This is done using a special surgical-grade blade, resulting in a refined, glowing appearance. Typically you would have this done just one day before the wedding, to get the full effects.
HYDRAFACIAL
In addition to the dermaplaning, Leanne suggests having a hydrafacial treatment the day before the nuptials. This is a non-invasive treatment designed to promote healthy skin and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated, giving you a healthy glow for your big day.
A little redness and tingling goes down in a couple of hours. This treatment is just the relaxing activity you need right before the wedding and, by including a booster and LED treatment, your skin will be primed and ready to party.
Of course, these are the last-minute options. Ideally, what you would normally do in the case of a wedding is lock in a skin membership (like a gym membership) at least a year prior to your nuptials, giving you monthly treatments to ensure your skin is in tip-top condition.
Invest in your skin
Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore reminds us that beautiful skin requires commitment – not a miracle.
Cashmore Clinic’s
Leanne Cashmore reminds us that beautiful skin requires commitment
– not a miracle.
It surprises me how many people start their skin journey with botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. Often they want a quick fix, the easiest option, with instant results. If you’re willing to invest that money into injectables, you should be willing to invest it into your skin first. Your skin is an investment, not an expense.
There are so many devices, machines, facials and supplements available to enhance our appearance, which also help our botulinum toxin and fillers last longer and look better. Here are just a few that will get your skin in tip top shape.
SKIN PEN NEEDLING
People get put off this procedure as it involves needles, but the depth is controlled so as to not inflict pain that requires anaesthetic, but deep enough to stimulate collagen and elastin production. It's a slow burner requiring regular treatments to see the long-term results of a firmer, plumper and more hydrated appearance with minimised fine lines, pores and pigmentation. You can buy pre-purchased packages that make it inexpensive and with monthly treatments.
RADIO FREQUENCY NEEDLING
Radio frequency needling is a medical grade needling experience where you get two treatments in one. Needling creates microscopic wounds in the skin which trigger collagen production. Radio frequency technology is emitted through the needles to penetrate deeper layers of the skin, triggering the skin's natural healing process (this treatment includes numbing cream). The heat has a tightening effect on the skin and can help acne by shrinking the sebaceous gland and reducing oil production in the skin. It’s an FDA-approved treatment and considered gently stimulating and minimally invasive.
FACIALS
The list is endless. These treatments are a relaxing, rejuvenating experience that takes an hour or less and does wonders for your skin.
Dermaplaning: Removing the fine hair and dead skin cells to help your skin better absorb products, creating a radiant glow and ensuring flawless makeup.
Peels: These are amazing for gentle exfoliation and personally tailored to
suit your skin, whether it’s acne, pigmentation or just general dullness and lacklustre.
Hydrafacial: This amazing machine deep cleanses, exfoliates, and extracts impurities from pores with a painless gentle suction, hydrating the skin with intense moisturisers. The skin looks incredible afterwards, especially when combining treatments with dermaplaning, creating the perfect facial that is amazing before an event.
SUPPLEMENTS
Collagen powders have proved their worth, having a controversial history but recently backed with reinforcing evidence. During treatments, the addition of collagen supplements will aid the healing of the skin. For premium absorption, look for hydrolysed marine collagen, including extras like zinc, keratin, silica and vitamin C to offer more benefits.
Great skin is in! It takes time and persistence; you will see results and prevent further damage by starting regular tailored treatments.
Plump and smooth
Local beauty expert Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic reveals all you need to know about Botox and fillers.
Local beauty expert Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic reveals all you need to know about Botox and fillers.
After years of administering injectables, I’m surprised how many people still don’t know the difference between botox and fillers. Firstly, Botox® is a brand name. Other brand names that are widely used in New Zealand are Dysport®, Xeomin® and Neuronox®. They all fall under the umbrella of neuromodulators (muscle relaxants).
But what is a neuromodulator? A neuromodulator is a tiny protein that blocks the communication between a nerve and muscle cells. As a result the muscle cannot move. Don’t get too fixated about what brand to use – so long as you are going to a reputable clinic, you are in safe hands. The baseline ingredient (botulinum Type A toxin) is the same. The difference is their molecular makeup, but essentially they all achieve the same result.
Muscle relaxants are used to temporarily stop an expression that is causing the creases you want to get rid of: frowning, squinting, raising your eyebrows, pursing lips (also known as dynamic expressions). Once the expression is halted through a muscle relaxant, the creases soften.
It is also used for jaw clenching (TMJ) and excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis). Neuromodulators have been used in the medical field for all sorts of conditions outside of beautification.
Now to understand more about dermal fillers. One example is Restylane®, but there are too many on the market to name them all. As an overall statement, they are used to add volume to an area that has lost volume, to lift the skin, lips, cheeks, chin, jaw, fine lines. The product is made up of a substance called hyaluronic acid that is already found naturally throughout our body. Our bodies produce less of this as we age. Once it is injected under the skin, the hyaluronic acid works by attracting water to the area, which causes the skin to plump out the wrinkles, hollows and folds. This can last a lot longer than neuromodulators – up to 18 months.
Both products work well together. Though there is only so much we can do with neuromodulators, it is becoming very popular to use as a preventative. But once we get to a certain age, losing volume in our face and elasticity in our skin is inevitable and dermal fillers and skin boosters, such as Profhilo®, are the best ways to improve this.
Don’t let the fear of needles get to you. It’s quick, easy and relatively painless. We can use anaesthetic creams to make it easier. The amount of people who say I wish I had done this sooner is far too common.
If you do choose either, or both, I recommend you go with someone
who has experience. We are regulated in this country so only medical professionals can inject. I myself have worked in a private practice dermatology clinic for nearly 21 years. This was after completing an 18-month internship at Tauranga Hospital shortly after graduating from nursing.
While working in dermatology, I specialised in appearance medicine.
Here I learned about injectables and everything about skin, skincare, and
what works from the best in the field. They taught me everything I know and I’m forever grateful for that experience.
After my children had grown I decided I needed to learn some new skills.
I opened my own business in 2018, which went very quickly from renting a small space with a hairdresser friend to buying my own building and having staff to help me. I concentrate on all the injectables and I have a nurse, Ann, who does everything skin, peels, needling and PRP, with lots of new treatments on the horizon.
Keep an eye out for my columns in UNO, where I’ll be giving you the lowdown on everything from skincare to cosmetic enhancement.
Remember, when you look your best you feel your best, and summer is
right around the corner!
Botox®, Prescription Medicine for the treatment of frown lines and crow's feet. Botox® has risks and benefits. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 units. For product information check
with your doctor or consumer medicine information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Allergan, Auckland. Restylane®, Medical Device Class lll to smooth facial wrinkles and enhance lips by restoring volume and fullness. Restylane® has risks and benefits. For product information check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier. Galderma, Auckland. Dysport®, Prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines and crow's feet. Dysport® has risks and benefits. Botulinum toxin type A 300 or 500 Ipsen units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. Galderma, Auckland.
A new era
Registered nurse Leanne Cashmore from the Cashmore Clinic has more than 26 years' experience in women’s skincare. Here she takes us through the challenges that menopause can have on skin, and what we can do to combat them.
Registered nurse Leanne Cashmore from the Cashmore Clinic has more than 26 years' experience in women’s skincare. Here she takes us through the challenges that menopause can have on skin, and what we can do to combat them.
Menopause can have a dramatic effect on the skin. Without hormones, our aging accelerates by around 30 percent. Because our skin is so visible, being the largest organ on the body, it is one of the areas we first notice the most rapid changes.
Often people tell me they feel like it happened overnight. One of the reasons for this is that oestrogen receptors are very abundant around the face and the decline of oestrogen is part and parcel of menopause.
Tell-tale signs can include thinning skin, wrinkles, skin laxity and dry skin, as well as hair loss, thinning of the hair and hirsutism (abnormal hair growth in women on the face).
The best way to treat perimenopausal and menopausal skin is to find a good skin therapist, and make sure it’s someone you can trust. Take a hormone replacement if your doctor recommends it for you, too.
There are many cosmetic options these days, including amazing bio stimulator hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that promote hydration. This involves basically injecting moisturiser into the skin and stimulating your own collagen by way of regular needling appointments.
Needling helps with tightening and minimising the visibility of fine lines, and it has been scientifically proven. So if you don't already do it, start now! The latest technology, Secret RF radio frequency needling, uses heat to tighten the skin and needling to cause collagenesis.
Peels and resurfacing treatments brighten the skin and diminishes
pigment and irregularities.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is another way to promote collagen. Your own blood is full of growth factors that can be injected or infused into the skin, to produce collagen for fine lines and thinning skin.
Low-level light therapy promotes skin rejuvenation by stimulating
collagen production.
Outside of the clinic, it’s a good idea to consistently stick to a skincare regime which includes lots of hydrating serums and moisturisers. Never use soap. Use a cleanser that is suitable for your skin and try to use a mild cleanser at night, which will allow serums and moisturisers to absorb.
Use an SPF daily, take oral supplements such as zinc and collagen powder, and adhere to a healthy diet while getting plenty of sleep and limiting alcohol and sugar. All these combined will have an amazing effect on the skin.
You can get away with ignoring these health principles when you're younger, but it's impossible after 40.
Treating your skin is a journey. It's maintenance that is no different to maintaining a car or a house. It’s no different to colouring your hair or
whitening your teeth. It's a commitment, and the changes don't happen overnight. If you’re considering using botox or fillers, a good canvas to work with is important.
We have to remember it has taken years to get our skin to get to where it is today, and it's going to take some time and patience to bring it back to life. But it's never too late. Small changes over a course of time make big changes to your confidence when you see the results.
Visit Leanne at Cashmore Clinic and have your skin analysed with the latest technology, Observ 520, or simply get some skincare advice.