Vicky Lourens, Author at The Face Place

The Power of Fish Oils: Boosting Skin Health from the Inside Out

by Vicky Lourens | Mar 12, 2025 | Skin

People often ask what supplements are beneficial to skin. With so many things on the market, it can be very difficult to differentiate the facts from the fiction.

What is Fish Oil?

Fish oil is derived from the tissues of fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These essential fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining overall health. They can have a profound effect on skin health, cognitive function, and enhanced immunological function, just to name a few. It has been proven to decrease inflammation in cells, which has a far-reaching effect on our wider health.

I always find when clients are taking consistently high doses of fish oils, the skin is generally more receptive to skincare and treatments.

How Fish Oils Benefit Skin Health

1. Anti-inflammatory Power for Clearer Skin

One of the most significant benefits of fish oil for skin health is its anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3s, especially EPA, help reduce skin inflammation, which is crucial for conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. By calming the skin’s inflammatory response, fish oils can help reduce redness, irritation, and flare-ups.

For those with acne-prone skin, this can mean fewer breakouts, faster healing and less irritation. Omega-3s may also help to support healthy oil production. When the oil being produced is healthy and free flowing, it reduces congestion and improves texture.

2. Improved Hydration and Skin Barrier Function

Our skin’s moisture barrier is responsible for locking in hydration, keeping our skin soft, plump, and glowing. Fish oil is an excellent ally in maintaining this barrier. By supporting your skin’s ability to retain moisture, omega-3s prevent dryness and irritation.

3. Age management

Omega-3 fatty acids not only hydrate and protect the skin but also help maintain its structure and elasticity. As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen, the protein responsible for keeping our skin firm and smooth. Omega-3s have been shown to support collagen production, helping to keep the skin more elastic and resilient.

4. Healing and Skin Recovery

Whether you’re recovering from sunburn, a skin injury, or an acne breakout, fish oil can help speed up the healing process. Omega-3s are known for their ability to promote cellular repair and regeneration, aiding the skin’s recovery and minimizing scarring.

For those dealing with post-acne marks or other skin imperfections, fish oils can help encourage faster healing and improve the appearance of scars over time.

Additional Health Benefits That Enhance Skin Wellness

Beyond skin health, the benefits of fish oil also extend to other areas of your overall well-being:

Heart Health: Omega-3s support a healthy heart and improve circulation, which ensures that your skin gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs for a radiant glow.

Brain Health: DHA, one of the main components of fish oil, is crucial for cognitive function. Maintaining a healthy brain supports overall wellness, which ultimately shines through in your skin’s appearance.

How to Incorporate Fish Oils into Your Diet

To reap the skin benefits of fish oils, there are several ways to incorporate omega-3s into your routine:

Eat Fatty Fish: Enjoy fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring. These fish are packed with omega-3s that directly support skin health.

Supplements: If fish isn’t your thing, or you simply don’t eat enough of it, fish oil supplements (either in liquid or capsule form) are an easy and effective way to ensure you’re getting your daily dose of omega-3s.

Plant-Based Alternatives: If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, don’t worry—algae-based omega-3 supplements can provide a plant-based alternative to traditional fish oil.

Incorporating fish oil into your diet can have a profound impact on your skin’s health. From reducing inflammation, enhancing hydration to assisting with collagen production and accelerated healing, omega-3s are a great tool to help in maintain a clear, youthful, and glowing complexion.

**Bryony Nixon**, Medical Skin Therapist

Vitamin C IV infusions, or IV drips as known in some places, have gained popularity for their potential health benefits. But what is it for really?

by Vicky Lourens | Mar 12, 2025 | Injectables

Here are some of the key advantages to having such infusions:

Immune System Booster: High doses of Vitamin C can enhance the production and function of white blood cells, which help fight off the ever present bugs that are going around.

Improving Skin Health: Vitamin C is essential for processes such as collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging. We do it for “The Glow.”

Enhancing Iron Absorption: Vitamin C aids in better absorption of iron from your diet, which can help prevent iron deficiency.

Antioxidant Properties: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, mopping up free radicals that can cause cellular damage

Supporting Wound Healing: Are you preparing for a refresh procedure with your plastic surgeon soon? Or healing from an injury you sustained and had to have surgery for? Vitamin C is one of the superpowers in tissue repair and wound healing.

Potential Cancer Support: Some studies suggest that high-dose Vitamin C may help improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments, although this is still a topic of ongoing research. Some of our clients work with a Functional Medicine specialist or Naturopath to explore which IV Vitamin C infusion options would best complement their on-going cancer treatment.

While mobile IV infusion clinics are increasing in popularity, our team, as always, keeps to best practise recommendations. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific health needs. Our team at The Face Place requests certain laboratory test to be done prior your consultation, to maximise your time when you do come in for a consult, and are suitable to start your ideal treatment regimen.

Safety is paramount, so we always have at least 2 nurses on site, as well as other team members who are trained in managing adverse reactions, should anything go awry during your treatment. We have designed a treatment experience wherein you relax on a bed while your IV infuses, whilst enjoying a rejuvenating light treatment for your face, complimented with a neck and shoulder massage.

Have you ever tried Vitamin C IV infusions, or are you considering it for a particular reason? Phone us for a quick chat, and we’ll set you up for your consultation. See you in clinic soon!

IV Vitamin C Infusions are registered medicines.
Ascor L 500 is indicated for ascorbic acid deficiency. Parenteral ascorbic acid supplementation may be necessary in the treatment of scurvy for patients with gastric disorders, for patients with extensive injuries, for surgical patients and others only if their needs cannot be met from normal dietary sources or in patients who cannot take oral vitamins. Acute ascorbic acid deficiency may be associated with extensive injuries and other states of extreme stress. Vitamin C requirements are also significantly increased in certain diseases and conditions such as tuberculosis, hyperthyroidism, peptic ulcer, neoplastic disease and lactation.

Centre for Advanced Medicine, Auckland
The Face Place

The Rise of Aesthetic Treatments for Men

by Vicky Lourens | Feb 11, 2025 | Injectables

The Rise of Aesthetic Treatments for Men: Embracing Self-Care and Confidence

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the world of aesthetics, with more men seeking cosmetic treatments to enhance their appearance and well-being. This change reflects a broader cultural move toward self-care and a more inclusive view of beauty, where both men and women can benefit from the same advanced treatments.

Today, we’ll explore some of the most popular treatment options for male clients considering starting their journey with appearance medicine.

Botox: A Subtle Approach to Aging

For men looking to address signs of aging and maintain a youthful appearance, Botulinum toxin (Botox) is an excellent option. Botox is one of the most commonly sought-after non-surgical treatments used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals in specific muscles, reducing muscle movement that causes lines such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles.

This treatment is tailored to suit each individual’s facial structure, ensuring that expressions remain authentic and natural. Men typically have thicker skin and stronger muscles than women, so Botox treatments are adjusted to account for these differences. This makes Botox an effective, subtle way to soften signs of aging while still maintaining a masculine appearance.

Skin Hydration and Rejuvenation: Profhilo, Skinvive, and Sunekos

In addition to Botox, men seeking skin hydration and rejuvenation can benefit from treatments like Profhilo, Skinvive, and Sunekos. These treatments are designed to deeply hydrate and rejuvenate the skin, offering visible improvements in texture, elasticity, and overall skin quality.

Profhilo

Profhilo is an injectable skin booster that contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, it doesn’t just fill wrinkles but improves the overall quality and appearance of the skin. The result is smoother, firmer skin with enhanced hydration. Profhilo is perfect for clients looking to combat mild signs of aging or improve skin laxity and dryness.

Skinvive

Skinvive is a unique injectable treatment that uses hyaluronic acid to enhance skin texture and hydration. It’s specifically designed to improve skin quality by promoting collagen production and restoring elasticity. The results of one treatment last between 6 and 9 months.

Sunekos

Sunekos is another skin rejuvenation treatment that works by stimulating collagen and elastin production. It uses a blend of amino acids and hyaluronic acid, which work together to restore skin elasticity and firmness, leaving the skin smoother, healthier, and more youthful.

These advanced skin boosters aim to maintain a healthy, glowing skin and are an excellent option for those seeking a non-invasive way to address early signs of aging with minimal downtime.

Emface: Non-Invasive Facial Muscle Lifting

Another innovative option for men is Emface, a needle-free treatment that focuses on enhancing the facial muscles. Emface uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate and tone the muscles beneath the skin, improving muscle tone, texture, and providing a natural lifting effect. This treatment is particularly beneficial for clients who experience sagging skin and loss of muscle tone with aging.

Unlike traditional facelifts or other invasive treatments, Emface offers a non-surgical, non-invasive solution that helps lift and tone the face without the need for needles or recovery time. The process is painless and requires no downtime, making it a convenient option for busy individuals who want subtle yet noticeable improvements in their facial appearance.

As more men explore aesthetic treatments, it’s important to recognize the shifting societal attitudes toward self-care. What was once largely seen as a feminine pursuit is now being embraced by many men, who view self-care as an essential part of their overall wellness.

The growing acceptance of aesthetic treatments for men is helping break down stereotypes, allowing men to take charge of their wellness and appearance, and address concerns such as aging, skin hydration, and overall skin quality.

Botox®, Prescription Medicine

Botox® treatments work by relaxing facial muscles that cause wrinkles and lines when you smile or frown. Botox® is a prescription medicine containing 100 units of Botulinum Toxin Type A. Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you.

All medicines, medical devices and treatments carry risks and benefits. Individual results will vary. Botox® is not a funded medicine. For product information check with your Cosmetic Nurse or Doctor. For further information visit https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/regulatory/ProductDetail.asp?ID=1753

Supplier Allergan Aesthetics, an Abbvie company, Auckland
Juvederm SkinVive™, Medical Device. Class III

Juvederm SkinVive™ is an injectable gel made from synthesised hyaluronic acid. It can reduce the appearance of fine lines, boost skin hydration and enhance skin elasticity. Juvederm SkinVive™ can be used on the face, neck and decolletage. Juvederm Skinvive™ contains 12mg/mL cross-linked hyaluronic acid and is intended for the treatment of restoring lost volume to the face. All medicines, medical devices and treatments carry risks and benefits. Individual results will vary. Speak to one of our qualified Cosmedicine Nurses or Doctors to see what might be right for you and to explain the possible side effects. Supplier Allergan Aesthetics, an Abbvie company, Auckland. The Face Place.

Profhilo® Medical Device Class III.

Profhilo® is used for the treatment of the face and body for contours redefinition and laxity remodelling where skin laxity is a concern. Profhilo® contains low & high molecular weight hyaluronic acid 64mg / 2ml. Profhilo has risks and benefits and isn’t recommended with treatments such a laser resurfacing or medium deep skin-peeling. All medicines, medical devices and treatments carry risks and benefits. Individual results will vary. Speak to one of our qualified Cosmedicine Nurses or Doctors to see what might be right for you and to explain the possible side effects. Supplier Healthcare Logistics, Auckland. The Face Place.

All medical devices and treatments carry risks and benefits. Individual results will vary. Speak to one of our qualified Cosmedicine Doctor’s or Nurse’s to see what might be right for you and to explain the possible side effects.

The Face Place.

The Peel Process: A journey to Healthy Skin

by Vicky Lourens | Feb 11, 2025 | Skin

When it comes to chemical peels, I like to compare them to working out at the gym. Just as you wouldn’t expect dramatic results after a single session with a personal trainer, you shouldn’t expect a single peel to completely transform your skin. The real, visible changes come with consistency over time.

Slow and steady is the best approach

While typically stronger peels can deliver more dramatic results they also can damage the skin if done incorrectly or your skin isn’t prepared properly, different peels suit different people there isn’t a one type fits all. That’s why we generally start with a gradual approach, building up, as your skin adapts. This ensures both safety and long term results.

How many peels do I need?

A common question I get asked is, can I just do one or two peels. A couple of peels may offer some temporary benefits , it wont create lasting change or a transformative result. Typically we recommend a minimum course of 8-12 peels, taken anywhere from 2- 6 weeks apart, to achieve optimal improvement.

The power of Vitamin A

In our peel protocols we always work towards incorporating Vitamin A, as it plays a crucial role in reversing genetic damage and restoring skin health. Peels can be incredibly effective for concerns such as melasma, acne, congestion, uneven texture and overall skin health. When used in conjunction with a bespoke homecare plan, the results can be transformative.

The key to lasting results: home care

Think of in clinic peels as your personal training sessions, they are powerful, but to truely maximise your results, you need to be consistent with your home skincare regime – just like you need a balanced diet alongside your workouts to see real fitness progress. A well structured homecare regime supports and enhances the effects of your peels, ensuring long term tangible change that can be maintained.

Consistency is everything

Regular peels can create dramatic changes in your skin, but its a journey, there’s no magic wand it takes time patience and dedication and when you commit to the process the results speak for themselves.

**Sheridyn Jaques**, Medical Skin Therapist

All cosmetic treatments and peels can carry risks and benefits. Individual results may vary. Common side effects of cosmetic peels include skin redness, peeling and flaking. Speak to your qualified Therapist to see what might be right for you and to explain the possible side effects. Always follow any instructions provided in terms of treatment aftercare. Individual results may vary.

Dr Cat’s February Update

by Vicky Lourens | Feb 11, 2025 | Dr Cat

I’ve just received my final chemo on Monday 🎉🎉

While most people are celebrating Valentine’s Day (or Galentine’s Day if you are celebrating with friends, like I would have been 😹), I’ll be in bed recovering ❤️‍🩹 from my final infusion of chemo. While this part isn’t fun, it’s a huge celebration for me! 🎉This is the final week of feeling fatigued, nauseous 🤢 and generally awful before starting to get back to ‘normal life’.

I’ve retained about a quarter of my hair – which is thin and greasy, and you can see the scalp in patches, but I have at least, with the cold cap, retained some hair when many people lose all of it in the first round of chemo. I have been using a red light cap on my head and will soon be getting injectable treatments from our team at TFP to help my hair grow back faster. I’m curious to see what it will look like as apparently it often comes back dark and curly, which will be interesting with my straight white long bob existing hair! I think I’ll be wearing my wigs for a while yet! (Check out my IG @drcatstone to see the hair loss and some of my wigs 😻)

I have decided to not go back on the hormone blockers, which is a big decision. I examined the research and discussed the risks vs benefits with my medical team (who have been amazing), and have decided that for me, hormone blockers carry too much risk to my mental health to attempt them again, even with the help of antidepressants. I would still encourage any person who is offered them to try them, as they reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by about half if you can take them for 10 years, but I had the worst 1% of symptoms, with rage, intense fatigue, uncontrollable crying and suicidal ideation. I can’t see myself living in that state for 5-10 years, and my mood was negatively affected for almost 2 years after taking Tamoxifen for just one month 🥴. A lot of what I read about remission emphasises the importance of positive mental outlook and mindset, which is my usual natural state, and I feel that positive mindset will stand me in much better stead in my intention for the year of being permanently cancer free, healthy, happy and in the best shape of my life (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually) by the end of 2025.

So I have come off the antidepressants and have started high dose melatonin (which is antioxidant, and lowers estrogen naturally, as well as giving a great sleep!) along with other supplements recommended by Erin, the incredible science based naturopath who works out of our Takapuna clinic. Plus it’s been a full time job getting well from cancer, with 2h of hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT) 5 days a week, weekly acupuncture and lymphatic physio, counselling and all the medical appointments!

We have been trialling IV Vitamin C infusions combined with Healite photobiomodulation (boosting the energy and health of cells with targeted low level light), and are ready to launch them at the clinics! I’ve been the Guinea pig for these treatments and have had them 2-3x a week in my second and third weeks post chemo. It’s nice to also receive a relaxing neck and shoulder massage during the treatments, and turns a ‘medical’ IV access into a nice relaxing pamper session instead! The team has done a wonderful job of pampering me during these sessions 🥰

I’ve been really fortunate to feel almost normal other than my first week post chemo, and my medical specialists have commented about how well I have been all the way through, despite my bloods showing I’m having a good response to chemo. I credit the IV Vitamin C, Healite and hyperbaric oxygen with playing a significant role in this, as supported by the research I did prior to the treatments. Plus I am so incredibly fortunate to have a team that has allowed me to fully focus on getting well and not worry about work 🙏

I’m about 50:50 as to whether I will have radiotherapy. When I had it for the first breast cancer on the left side, the cancer recurred within the area where I’d had radiotherapy. For the early stage grade 2 cancer I’ve had, the radiotherapy only gives me a 3% improvement in survival rate at 15 years, but because the lymphatics around my breast and arm are already impaired, the risk of lymphoedema (permanent, painful swelling of the arm) is more than 50%.

I’ve been using the Healite on my breast to help with the lymphatic drainage as the research suggests that photobiomodulation (re-energising the mitochondria – the ‘batteries’ of the cells – with light) can be extremely helpful alongside lymphatic drainage for helping to get the lymphatic system back on track. The fact I’m getting IV Vitamin C and a relaxing neck and shoulder massage at the same time is an added bonus! (Can you tell I’m super passionate about TFP starting to offer this treatment?)

Because I’ve been on chemo, I’m advised to not do treatments such as peels or fillers for another 3-6 months, so I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my Healite treatments when I have the IV Vitamin C and massage. My skin is glowing and many people are commenting on how well I look! This seems to be unexpected in a chemo patient, even my oncologist recently commented how well I looked! 😹

On 31 March I will be winging my way to Mexico to visit my mama, and will then go to a medical health retreat for 3 weeks at the end of April/early May. I’ve looked at 3-4 different options and will most likely go back to Sanoviv, a medical retreat in Tijuana that I attended as a companion for a friend almost 20 years ago. I will continue many of the integrative treatments I’ve been doing alongside chemo, and adding in a few more. I’ll have a team of 7 medical specialists wrapped around me for the 3 weeks I’m there, with an oncologist, medical doctor, nutrition specialist, fitness specialist, chiropractor, counsellor and energy specialist. I have an appointment with their oncologist this week to tailor my treatment plan, and I love how similar their philosophy is to ours with a focus on education, personalisation and holistic care. I looked at some of the solely cancer based clinics, but they looked and felt like hospitals, and some didn’t have the equipment I’d be looking for ie they only had soft sided hyperbaric chambers which don’t give the same results as a hard sided chamber. The solely cancer-focused clinics would also likely have a lot of terminally ill cancer patients there, which feels quite heavy, and not the environment I’d prefer to be in, whereas Sanoviv has a broader spectrum of different patient concerns, including those who just attend for wellness (like I did with my friend when I last went there).

I read recently about a new trend coming out as the ‘me-moon’ – instead of a honeymoon or baby moon, you travel solo to a place or journey that fills your soul and is a celebration of something, and I love this concept. Many people are doing it to signal a significant life transition, so I’m seeing the trip to Mexico and medical health retreat as my ‘me-moon’ celebration of the transition from going through cancer to being permanently cancer free!

I’m really looking forward to having Botox before I go away, but I’ve just found out that the chemo nullifies all my vaccinations, so I’ll have to time my vaccinations and Botox carefully. We recommend no vaccinations within 2 weeks of Botox as we don’t want the immune system to be on high alert when we inject Botox as it could theoretically increase the chance of developing immunity to the Botox and which could possibly reduce its effectiveness. The risk is low, but I get so much of a positive effect on Botox beyond just the cosmetic that I don’t want to take the risk.

I’m sad to have not been doing my (irregular) peels as they definitely make a big impact in the skin, especially when used regularly, as Sheridyn has written about in this month’s skin blog. Tina has also crafted an excellent medical blog about cosmetic treatments for men, how men request slightly different things to women – and why. Please check them out if you haven’t already!

So today I’m wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day/Galentine’s day for Friday! If you’re stuck for what to get someone we do wonderful gift vouchers 💝, or maybe you could drop some not-so-subtle hints about how you’d love a TFP voucher from your giftee, and make life easier for them to make you happy! 😉

Wishing you a fabulous February and so much gratitude for all your love and support.