Skin revival

Constance Santos from Epidermis & Sage gets down to the finer details and pinpoints editor Hayley Barnett’s problem areas with the latest micro needling treatment.

Micro needling is the latest anti-aging treatment to hit the beauty scene and, not being one to shy away from skin rejuvenation as of late, I jumped at the chance to try it out. Closing in on 40, my skin isn’t quite the peaches and cream complexion that I regularly received compliments for in my younger days. To summarise the state of my skin, it needed emergency TLC stat.

When Constance explained how micro needling is administered I was a little concerned. I cried during a bikini wax once. But she assured me it wasn’t that bad. She also gave me a little rundown on how it works. 

Medical micro needling is designed to improve your complexion by activating the skin’s natural regenerative processes, which stimulates the production of collagen. Very tiny needles are applied into the top layer of the skin. This regenerates the skin cells by awakening the fibroblast that lies within the deeper layers. Then, through the process of healing, healthy collagen is produced and, after a course of treatments, skin is visibly revitalised.

So why would you choose microneedling over another form of skincare? Well, the Amieamed EXCEED is equipment that treats acne scarring, pigmentation, firms up sagging skin, activates collagen (so it softens lines and wrinkles) and minimises pore size. Constance says most of their clients use it for slowing down the aging process. 

After our initial consultation, Constance sent me home with a serum and retinol cream, both from SkinBetter Science, with vitamins A and C. This was to ensure my skin is hydrated and any sensitivity is addressed before treatment.

A month later I arrived for my 75-minute needling appointment. Firstly, my face was treated to a deep cleanse then a mini peel (Skinbetter Science peel pads) was applied. Then out came the needle. The needle depth is decided by what is being treated and skin thickness. Thankfully, my skin only required shallow needling. It’s always nice to hear that a beauty therapy session “won’t become a blood bath”.

The needle is run in soft lines or circles, depending on the area, across the face, neck and chest (and hands on request). “Some areas may be a little sorer than others during treatment but we’ve never had a client struggle to cope with the discomfort,” says Constance. The treatment is quicker than I anticipated. Constance moved skilfully across my forehead (the most painful part, apparently) and I didn’t bat an eyelash. The only area to bring about some jaw clenching was my neck, a particularly ticklish spot, so she zipped across the area, resulting in what looked like a vicious cat attack (the marks went down after an hour or so). In hindsight I should have just clenched and bared it.

The process is finished with the Lutronic HEALITE device, to really kickstart that growth factor response, and then a soothing and hydrating peptide gel mask is applied. 

After that, there’s very little down time. Results are accumulative so Constance recommends four to six treatments initially and then a couple of treatments per year to keep that collagen activated.

I was told my skin would feel a bit hot, like sunburn, for about a day, but I barely noticed it. I took home another peptide gel mask to pop on in the evening, which speeds up the healing. The redness was gone by the day after and I was advised to wear mineral make up. On day five, Constance followed up with a skin enzyme peel and another HEALITE. 

All in all, it wasn’t nearly as bad as it sounds and, four weeks later, I’m definitely seeing a renewed glow. Thanks Constance.

epidermissage.nz

Prioritise you

Clubfit’s Stu Stevenson says it’s time to take control of your health and wellbeing now, not tomorrow.

For most of us, the past two years have been challenging both mentally and physically, and it looks like 2022 is shaping up to be the same. Although we can’t always control what is happening externally, we do always have the choice to prioritise our own health and wellbeing. 

Exercise has the unique capacity to help us both cope with stress and develop resilience. The positive effects of regular exercise are broad and well documented. Don’t just think of exercise as physical – the routine and commitment to regular movement will benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. 

“Don’t wait for the right time, or the pandemic to be over, to focus on your own personal wellbeing.”

Let’s forget the phrase ‘Go Hard or Go Home’. Find a way to move your body that makes you feel great and stick with it! Don’t wait for the right time or the pandemic to be over to focus on your own personal wellbeing. Start now and look after yourself, so that you can better cope with life’s challenges and responsibilities.  

When choosing the right gym environment for you, make sure that your membership includes a personalised workout programme to get you started, access to a range of exercise options (for lots of variety) and ongoing support. 

The team at Clubfit will work with you to achieve your wellbeing goals. They are with you for the journey. 

They offer a goal-setting session and workout programme to get you on your way. If group fitness is more your thing, they offer over 50 classes a week ranging from Spin Classes to Body Balance.

But remember, the only person that can get you moving is you. 

Clubfit.co.nz 

Men at work

Understanding the link between mental and physical health can be life changing.

Words Nicky Adams / Photos Salina Galvan

While there’s an increased understanding around male mental health, it’s still daunting for many men to admit they may be struggling, or to be introspective enough to untangle the knots they may have found themselves in.  Anna Veale from Fresh Coaching feels passionate about men’s mental health “because it’s not being talked about enough.”

With a background in sports therapy, massage and performance coaching, Anna is able to look at the complete mental and physical wellness of her clients. Part of her skill set is her training as an Ayurveda coach. One of the world’s oldest alternative medical systems with roots in ancient India, it’s described as a knowledge of life, as it looks at the body and mind as one. 

“In the Western world we tend to think that the body and mind are separate. Ayurveda takes the whole body into consideration. Your physical, psychological and spiritual self – it looks at sleep, nutrition and natural rhythms. Over the last two years of specialising in coaching men, I’ve honed in on amalgamating what makes an awesome human being, and what makes men thrive. And that’s getting both body and mind on the same page so that the client can reach his true potential.”

If you want to improve physical fitness, you would seek out a personal trainer, says Anna. To improve your mental health, it is just as important to train with a professional. “Coaching is for the person who recognises a negative pattern. For example, they press snooze every morning, grab a pie on the way to work and then go through the motions in their job. This person tends not to be present with their family, then goes to bed feeling unfulfilled. He’s living an average life. Coaching takes you from saying you want a connected relationship with your wife, saying you want to be the CEO of your business, to taking action to make it happen. It helps you find the missing link and get in touch with what’s important.”

Ultimately what Anna finds in her clients is that if they can’t see the best in themselves, they can’t then get the best from themselves. Underlying stress can tip the balance of both mental and physical wellbeing. “This can be on any spectrum, but stress management is key to overall wellness. You can’t thrive if you’re under the pump and stressed all the time.” This is where Anna and Fresh Coaching come into play. Anna has recently developed the four step Spartan Habit Changer Online Coaching Program, which has been ‘designed specifically for busy men who need to be reminded to dial down and look after themselves in order to perform at their best.’ An all-encompassing kick-starter course, this five-week remote commitment could be a gamechanger. Anna also offers 1:1 coaching for men who are stuck and ready to make positive change.

freshcoaching.me

Spot the difference

Constance Santos from Epidermis & Sage shows you how to treat unsightly pigmentation from the inside out.

Brown spots or dark patches on your skin occur when your skin produces too much of the pigment melanin. We most commonly see four different types of pigmentation issues in our clinic, namely, melasma, post inflammation, liver spots and general sun damage. We will always see an increase in people seeking pigmentation treatment after a hot summer as each of these forms has one common element – they are all made worse by the sun. 
When treating pigmentation, often the problem is not just skin deep. There is usually an internal driving force behind it and so long-term results come from removing that trigger before treating the issue externally. This comprehensive approach is better at ensuring any bothersome pigmentation doesn’t return. 

Melasma, often called hormonal pigmentation, mainly affects women. It’s symmetrical on both sides of the face and often has a vascular component. Birth control, pregnancy and exposure to hormone disruptors (pesticides) are common causes. It may occur because the liver is overloaded and not coping, so we’d look at liver support to aid the detoxification of hormones, followed by specific skin care and treatments. With this type of pigmentation, it’s important to stay away from laser and IPL treatments, as Melasma is sensitive to heat and these will only worsen the pigmentation.

Post inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) is caused by injury or trauma to the skin. The skin is a very clever organ and will form a little pigment umbrella over any damage – so while we may not like its appearance, it’s there for a reason. An example of PIH is seen in acne or eczema sufferers. To treat this successfully, we need to discover what is causing the inflammation on the skin, target that first and then we can start working at improving the appearance of the pigmentation. 

Liver spots are large flat brown or dark spots appearing on your skin. They are usually age related and will not fade on their own in the way a freckle might. We see these start to appear on women (and men) around the age of 50, but there are targeted topical treatments and IPL which can significantly lighten their appearance.

Sun damage is caused by UV light but also can be a result of persistent blue light exposure from your phone or devices. The dark patches seen on the skin’s surface is the result of a dribbling melanocyte cell no longer able to regulate the amount of pigmentation being released. There’s only so much the cell can take before it starts misbehaving and releasing excess pigmentation. It sees that constant light source as something it needs to protect the skin against, and it makes more and more pigmentation without the ability to regulate it. So, whipping it off with a peel will not keep it at bay. Repairing DNA damage at the same time as treating the surface is an important step. 

Before

After

When it comes to even skin tone, we always advise our clients to:

1. Find a really great mineral sunblock. Chemical sunscreen can cause heat within the skin, making pigmentation worse. Reapply! Sunscreen needs to be applied every 2.5 hours (there are some easy reapplication options out there, including our Skinbetter Science sunscreen compact).

2. Use your recommended products both day and night. These should include tyrosinase inhibitors, vitamin A and, niacinamide and vitamin C.

3. Cover up, wear long sleeves and look for shady areas. If you are dedicated to fading or preventing pigmentation, make sure you always have a hat and sunnies to throw on.

Treatment at our clinic will be different for each type of pigmentation. We have a range of services which can work in combination to give you the best possible outcome. It can be effectively treated, but just as the pigmentation didn’t happen overnight, results won’t occur overnight either –  after all pigmentation is usually the result of years of sun exposure or other triggers. For this reason, we offer our clients a plan of up to a year’s worth of treatment for optimal, long-lasting results.

*Epidermis + Sage has designed a skin membership for beauties dedicated to their skin health. The EVEN skin membership has been tried and tested with incredible results. 

epidermissage.nz

Behind the mask

For many skin types, hydration is the number one concern during the warmer months. Arbonne reveals exactly how two of their top-selling products brighten, enhance and smooth skin by doing just that.

The change of season often comes with changes to the skin and complexion too. To make this transition easy, Arbonne is putting the spotlight on two products that sit alongside its ever-growing collection of dermatologically tested, vegan skincare products.  

Face masks work to create healthy, hydrated and firm skin, and the genius of these masks lie in their collection of ingredients and benefits for all skin types.

Arbonne’s Cell Renewing Face Mask with Fruit Acids and AHAs works to minimise pores and enhance elasticity, the perfect option for those with dull skin. 

Alternatively, the Arbonne Radiance Sheet Mask with Niacinamide is infused with a vegan serum specially designed to replenish and hydrate dry skin.

While both masks are superstars in their own right, they join an already well-established list of anti-dull and anti-dryness Arbonne products, which can be incorporated into any morning or night routine. We’ve done a deep dive into the new masks and some of the complementary products that can extend the benefits even further.  

For dull skin

Cell Renewing Face Mask with Fruit Acids and AHAS

This new Cell Renewing Mask uses a blend of hydroxy acids and botanical exfoliants to gently remove dead skin cells and create a fresh and vibrant face. As the mask works to exfoliate the skin, it simultaneously improves texture and tone. RRP$110

BrightenUp Luminous Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

This highly-concentrated vegan serum features a blend of Hyaluronic Acid Cherry Blossom, Cucumber, Red Clover and Beetroot Extracts to fight uneven skin tone and improve discolouration. Its lightweight feel and fast-absorbing properties make it a twice-a-day weapon for fighting uneven skin. RRP$104

DermResults Daily Radiance Peel Pads with 2% Caviar Lime

These pre-soaked resurfacing pads are designed for daily use and promote cell turnover through physical and chemical exfoliation. The three key ingredients, caviar lime extract, phytic and hyaluronic acid, gently remove surface impurities and dead skin cells, leaving radiant-looking skin. RRP$138

For dry skin

Radiance Sheet Mask with Niacinamide

This new vegan serum-infused sheet mask uses hydrating botanicals and Arbonne’s Algae Firming Complex to improve hydration and create a smooth appearance. The targeted formula is perfect for nightly use, leaving the skin radiant for the morning. RRP$16

AgeWell Moisture Restoring Cream with 0.5% Bakuchiol

This restoring crème provides critical moisture and hydration to dry skin, while smoothing over and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Its botanical make up helps to recharge the skin’s natural moisture barrier. RRP$120

Arbonne Bio-Hydria™ Bio-Hydria Liquid Serum

This ultra-concentrated and lightweight serum utilises hydrating botanicals to instantly moisturise the skin. Its texture soothes and cools the skin while providing constant hydration. RRP $74

arbonne.com/nz/en 

NB The products specified above can be ‘added on’ to skincare routines. These products are not specifically recommended by Arbonne to use together for results such as brightening or hydration.

Fat transfer: the why, the how, and what to expect

Fat transfer can restore youthful contours to your face, hands and body, can be wonderfully rejuvenating and also improve scarring; here, two people share their experience of the day-stay procedure at Tauranga’s Skin Centre.

INTERVIEW LISA SHEA

Face facts

UNO: What led you to try facial fat transfer? I felt good in myself, but then I’d look in the mirror and I’d look so tired! It aged me beyond my years.

Was there any preparation required before your procedure? The only prep I recall was not drinking alcohol for two weeks prior – and that’s never a bad thing.

How did you feel in the lead-up? I couldn’t wait to get it done! I’d been given lots of information from the Skin Centre and they were there for me if I had any questions at any time. I was so looking forward to not looking exhausted anymore – to looking like I had as much energy as I felt I had.

How did you feel afterwards? There was a bit of swelling that subsided in the first few days, but I took a week off work so I’d feel completely comfortable with how I looked when I went back. The pain was minimal, just a bit of a dull ache in my thigh where the fat was taken from; there was no pain at all in my face. I followed the instructions for the pain medication and I was good as gold. I had to sleep propped up for a few days, but that wasn’t a biggie.

Do you love the results? I had the procedure about six years ago and I’ve never looked back. My face still looks and feels totally natural – which it is! – and I don’t look tired anymore. I’m so much happier with my appearance.

How did you find your experience at the Skin Centre? The staff at the Skin Centre were so caring and informative. They made the whole procedure and aftercare really easy.

What advice would you give to someone considering facial fat transfer? For me, it’s a no-brainer. The procedure’s straightforward and the results are great – and long lasting.

Body beautiful

UNO: What led you to try body fat transfer? Being small- busted, I’d always joked about wishing I could transfer some fat from my problem areas to my chest, so it felt like a dream come true when I found out about this procedure! I was attracted to this solution knowing there was nothing artificial that would be inserted into my body.

Was there any preparation required before the procedure? To ensure it was successful, I had to wear a pump expansion- type system regularly for some weeks prior. This worked to make space for the fat to be placed in.

How did you feel in the lead-up? I was mostly excited as it seemed like the perfect solution to something I’d always thought about but hadn’t expected to be possible. I had a lot of faith in Dr Salmon and the team at the Skin Centre. Any nerves I had were put at ease by their kindness and professionalism.

How did you feel afterwards? I was deliberately cautious with all my movements and activities. I was a bit uncomfortable, but it wasn’t any worse than I’d expected and with some regular pain relief for a day or so, I was comfortable. Planning ahead to allow myself time to recover was also important for the success of the treatment.

Do you love the results? It’s been a couple of years, and I’m still really happy with my results. I feel like I got back what I had before children and a little more, yet look really natural – plus, the shape of my breasts has improved and my body confidence has too.

How did you find your experience at the Skin Centre? I could not fault the experience I had. The atmosphere was relaxed and I was supported through all stages of the procedure and my recovery.

What advice would you give to someone considering body fat transfer? To me, it seems like one of the most natural ways of enhancing what you already have, leaving you with a natural shape and feel. I’m really happy I did this for me.

SKINCENTRE.COM

Measuring success in the gym with Clubfit’s Stu Stevenson

It’s all good to want to look great, says our Clubfit manager fitness columnist Stu Stevenson, but is that your true measure of success?

PHOTOS Hunter Studios

When it comes to health and fitness, there are many ways to define success and measure your results, but the real question is: What do they mean to you? It’s not what others tell you they should be or what social media leads you to believe.

Figure out what you want from your body and from an overall health perspective. Then create your own success metrics that are less about the number on the scales and more about how you feel. Consider these questions when measuring your health and wellness progress:

How do you feel? Paying attention to your mood and energy level is a great indicator of whether you’re on track or not.

How quickly do you recover from exercise? Are activities that were once challenging becoming easier? As we get fitter and stronger, it’s important to reflect on how much easier exercise becomes (and remember that progressive overload is a simple yet often underrated exercise principle). Can you lift more, run further, last longer? Even a marginal improvement is progress.

How well are you sleeping? Improved sleep quality over time is an indicator of success. More sleep (we should aim for a minimum of seven to eight hours each night) and less stress will also give you a better chance of achieving your health and fitness goals.

What’s your resting heart rate? A normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60-100 beats per minute. Checking that yours is either stable or slightly decreasing over time is a simple fitness test you can perform when you wake up each day, going old school with a watch or with a wearable device that’ll do the counting for you.

What do you weigh? Actually, this simple measurement isn’t always as helpful as people think. In fact, if you’re going to measure your body weight, it’s important to assess it alongside your body composition (the proportion of fat and non-fat mass in your body). No matter what your goal, focussing on building or maintaining lean muscle sets a platform for success.

True fitness success is more than just achieving a certain body composition or look. Of course, it’s good to look great, but it’s more important to feel great and have a body that can perform when you need it to. Although there’s nothing wrong with having a weight-loss or aesthetic focus, it can take the joy out of exercising and make it a punishing journey, so I encourage you to work with a coach in an environment that promotes positivity around goal-setting and a balanced approach to defining success.

At Clubfit, we can work with you to create a fun, sustainable workout plan that’s focussed on making you feel good – plus all Baywave members receive a free Evolt 360 body scan to help you track your health and wellness journey. Here’s to your success!

CLUBFIT.CO.NZ

Expert Constance Santos on your skin’s natural barrier

Little good can come of cosmetic treatments if your skin’s natural barrier isn’t functioning well, says our expert Constance of Mt Maunganui’s Epidermis & Sage. Here’s how to get yours sussed.

Your skin has a protective barrier that functions to keep good things in and bad things out, such as bacteria and pollution. It’s made up of skin cells, and oils like fats, ceramides and omegas. That barrier is sometimes called the lipid layer or acid mantle.

Keeping your skin barrier healthy is vital for good skin health and optimal function. There are lots of things that can impair its function such as poor product usage, environmental factors and diet. An impaired function can lead to chronic skin conditions. Dermatitis, eczema and acne as well as dry, irritated skin are often the signs of a poor barrier function, as is skin that ages rapidly.

There are some fantastic beauty treatments out there – including needling, microdermabrasion and peels – but if your skin’s barrier isn’t healthy, you won’t get the benefit from them. It all comes down to your skin’s ability to make good, healthy, organised collagen. Most of these treatments work by stimulating a healing response, which produces healthy collagen through the controlled creation of a wound that sends the skin into repair mode. If your skin’s barrier is already impaired, you don’t want to add extra inflammation to the mix. Your skin is already concentrating on repairing itself and it can only do so much, so when it’s overwhelmed with an inflammatory response, activities like collagen production become a lesser priority.

How do you ensure your skin has a well- functioning barrier? It needs to stay in balance. For example, make sure you are having enough Omega-3 in your diet. If you aren’t getting enough, it’ll show on your skin. Another simple way of repairing an impaired barrier is to use a great cleanser (I recommend the Roccoco Botanicals Pore Cleansing Oil or Roccoco Botanicals Soothing Cleansing Oil) that works to restore balance to the barrier function.

Don’t forget, though, everything’s connected. What you eat and drink also affects your skin and gut, which makes taking essential fatty acids (EFAs) effective too (I recommend Pure Encapsulations EFA Essentials). Doing so will nourish your skin from the inside, and they’re anti-inflammatory as well. As I said, balance is important. Omega-3 is the best EFA for the skin. Omega-6 and Omega-9 also have good benefits, but too much Omega-6 can actually be inflammatory, so it’s best to talk to a skin therapist and get the right blend and dose for you.

EPIDERMISSAGE.NZ

A life of sparkle: Peet Jewellers chic new showroom beckons

WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT- O’CONNOR PHOTOS HARRY VAN HEERDEN + JORDAN REID

Adding a new jewel to its crown is paying off for one of Tauranga’s oldest businesses. Peet Jewellers is close to celebrating the first birthday of its elegant and welcoming Willow Street showroom, which has proven to be a hit among a growing customer base.

Until the August 2020 opening of this store, the 50-year-old business had been based upstairs on Wharf Street. Rest assured, traditionalists – that space still remains as both a retail outlet and creative studio/workshop. It’s not unusual for David Peet to pop in to see how his successor, Harry van Heerden, is getting on at the helm of this high-quality jewellery design and manufacturing enterprise, where the Peet name still graces the door.

“That didn’t need to change because it’s not about me, it’s about what we do here,” says Harry, who’s been a jeweller for about 25 years – the last eight as the owner of Peet Jewellers.

Harry has ensured the business’s fine reputation has been maintained, while expanding it to include the Willow Street showroom and twice as many staff members, including two apprentices. Requests for jewellery repairs and unique designs are also on the rise.

Having had hands-on involvement in its design and fit-out, Harry takes special pride in the Willow Street showroom. “I locked myself in for about a month and built what we have here today,” he says.

What we have here includes royal blue walls interspersed with copper panels, sheer blue curtains, bamboo-framed cabinets and counters, chic light fittings and polished concrete floors. Harry’s pooch, Jackson, a papillon-chihuahua cross, particularly fancies one of the blue velvet chairs.

Harry established must-haves when devising the décor. Bamboo was one – he loves its warmth and sustainable qualities. Another was a minimalist and stylish ambience to reflect the business’ mood and culture.

“I’ve designed this space to include a comfortable desk to sit at and talk about jewellery and design; there’s a creative, open and collaborative workspace in the centre for discussing design and repairs; and I wanted the storefront to appear open, merging the outside and inside – hence the cabinets are minimalistic,” he says. “Finally, it was important for me to have a jewellers’ workbench visible, to show that we’re more than simply a jewellery outlet.”

Jewellery design remains a passion for Harry, who completed a goldsmith apprenticeship in South Africa before taking a break to explore other industries. Radiography, marine rigging and a stint leading safaris filled his time before his art form beckoned again. These days, coloured stones are an inspiration, along with making versions of the “bubble ring” often created from customers’ own stones. The ring features a selection of small and usually varied gems, and is a bespoke offering that’s really taking off.

“Over the years, you collect or inherit different jewellery, or you might have an earring that’s missing its friend,” says Harry. “Or it could be that you have a ring that’s fragile and nearing the end of its life, or that involves a setting you no longer like. We suggest creating something new to incorporate these – and one way of doing that is a bubble ring.”

Bubble rings can be created from new gems too, with some of the combinations including white and yellow diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Harry tells of designing one for a customer made from own and her mother’s diamonds. “She was in tears, because she feels she now has her mum close to her all the time. We see a lot of customers cry with joy!”

Many of Peet Jewellers’ customers are mature people who are buying for a significant birthday or anniversary, or using inherited money to splash out a bit. “We can make anything jewellery- related,” says Harry. “One of the more unusual things we’ve made is a ring out of volcanic granite rock.” Peet Jewellers also offers on-the-shelf pieces ready for purchase, and a range of estate jewellery. As for what’s trending? Simpler designs, yellow gold, and big, coloured stones.

And as for where Peet Jewellers is heading, Harry anticipates opening yet another retail outlet and enjoying many more creative days pushing design boundaries to ensure their customers keep saying “Wow”.

PEETJEWELLERS.COM

Get motivated at F45 The Mount with new owners Brett and Nicole Taylor

F is for functional, friendship and fun - and forty-five minute group workouts that really deliver results, as Nicky Adams finds out.

WORDS Nicky Adams PHOTOS Jahl Marshall

F45 first came onto my radar about three years ago, when I noticed that one of my friends had – within what seemed like a startlingly short time frame – honed her body into one that was svelte, toned and stop-in-your-tracks what-the-heck-have-you-been-doing-to-get-that-figure? The secret, she informed me, was F45. 

Now, as pretty much everyone knows, when it comes to fitness, there’s no quick fix or easy way, but F45 has developed a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) formula that keeps its clients keen through short bursts of energy that maximise results. The gyms themselves are part of a franchise and follow the same model, although each site brings something different to the mix. 

The Mount Maunganui branch of F45 has recently been taken over by Nicole and Brett Taylor, who both have extensive experience with F45, and a real passion for fitness. Nicole is a clinical exercise physiologist who has also worked as an F45 manager, and Brett has been in the industry for more than 12 years. Owning their own F45 gym revolves around their genuine desire to be instrumental in transforming people’s lives, as well as their perceptions of health and wellbeing. They love that F45 is an incredibly effective form of exercise, not only for athletes who already have a high level of fitness, but also for those at the start of their fitness journey.

The couple were drawn to F45 The Mount by the phenomenal community that already existed here. According to Brett, “The vibe grabs your attention straight away. When people come in the door, they realise, ‘Hey, this is cool’ – and that’s what appealed to Nicole and me. We felt the connection with our members from the first day.” 

Family environment

“Once you come into the gym, you’re part of our family,” says Nicole. “It’s a really inclusive environment – the members, trainers, everyone is welcoming.” 

The pair have a definite vision of where they want to take the gym. Nicole’s clear that “although we want to grow our membership base, we also want to make sure our current members are valued”.  

Brett believes what sets them apart is that “we understand what our members want: unique driving through our trainers – strength, encouragement, understanding.” In addition to the focus on individual goals, other benefits of F45 The Mount (aside from the all-important sparklingly clean bathrooms) are the class format and instructor ratio. 

For the uninitiated, the set-up at F45 is slightly different to the average gym. Specific equipment is assigned to each 45-minute workout and exercise sequences are projected via screens on the wall. This frees up the trainers to move around the room to help and motivate class participants. 

As Brett says, “You’d seldom find a class elsewhere where you’d see two personal trainers engaging at the same time. Here, you get that one-on-one connection, which ensures correct technique.” Furthermore, they pick only trainers who have preventative injury-management experience. “This enables them to motivate our members to push past comfort but stay within their physical limits.”

Accountability for the win

F45 is fast-paced. Your interest is held by a range of exercises within a number of different sessions, and by different concepts introduced into the mix. A good starting point for any of the opportunities and challenges is a 10-minute benchmark fitness test known as the Playoffs. 

F45 The Mount’s members genuinely support each other, which Brett says is part of what makes the studio’s regular six-week challenges so successful. A combination of exercise and diet, these challenges are where people can really see not just results but transformations – and says they work because “when you’re in a group environment, you don’t want to let anyone down – everyone keeps each other accountable.” 

It’s hard not to be impressed by Nicole and Brett’s expertise and enthusiasm. After I gave F45 The Mount a whirl, I’d barely left the building before I was messaging friends to see who wanted to sign up with me.

The skin and within: Constance Santos of Epidermis and Sage shares her holistic approach to beauty

UNO’s beauty editor Lisa Shea catches up with Constance Santos of Epidermis & Sage, who takes a holistic approach.

Sitting down with skin therapist Constance Santos in her beautiful new space in Mt Maunganui, I could tell from her carefully selected products that she has a real passion for all things skin. The clinic is clean and calm with a contemporary, comfortable feel, and I couldn’t wait to find out what’s behind it all.

LISA: How did you decide the name Epidermis & Sage?

CONSTANCE: I wanted a name that represents the way I believe in treating the skin, using more natural products and holistic methods combined with science. The epidermis is the area of the skin that we treat the most and where lots of important skin cells live, so that’s the science part of the name. As a herb, the “sage” part relates to the natural side of my business. Sage is a cleansing herb and I felt like it symbolised a new beginning for me and for my business.

What makes you different?

At Epidermis & Sage, we treat the skin quite differently to a lot of traditional methods. In my career, I’ve found that it’s never been enough to simply recommend products or treatments to clients, especially when you’re treating difficult skin conditions, as there’s often an internal trigger and it’s most likely gut-related. If you’re not treating the skin from within or trying to eliminate triggers from the inside, you’re not going to have much success with using products on the outside, so we combine both methods to get our amazing results. We also set up our clients with the knowledge and tools to continue on, even when they’re not seeing us. If they have an acne outbreak or an eczema outbreak, for example, they can look back and figure out what triggered it and address it themselves, and I think that’s important.

What can I expect in a consultation?

Our consultation process is extremely in-depth. There are so many things that can cause difficult skin conditions, so you need to find the triggers and go through medications and everything else with a fine-tooth comb. Our clients get a long form to fill out, then we get them in for a diagnostic Observ Skin Scan that gives us about 18 different views of the skin, including lipid levels, inflammation and pigmentation at different levels. All this allows us to treat the skin with absolute precision and means our clients can purchase the products we recommend or come in for a treatment knowing we already understand exactly what’s needed. Because a lot of skin problems come from stress, part of our method is making sure that we create a luxurious, pampering experience. Our clients get into a lovely, lush bed and receive their relaxing treatment.

Can you explain to me the importance of skin nutrition and how it’s different to general nutritional supplements?

People quite often have huge nutritional deficiencies – a big one that I harp on about is the common deficiency in essential fatty acids (EFAs). Your cells need EFAs to function properly, and when you don’t, you notice things like poor healing and chronic skin conditions such as eczema. We look at diet and address deficiencies, and bolster our results with supplements that aid in collagen production, for example. That’s also really important when addressing age-related skin concerns. Rather than blasting the skin with heat or over-peeling it, to rejuvenate skin, we like to focus on DNA repair and getting the skin functioning well. There’s no point trying to stimulate your skin with products and devices on the outside if your cells don’t have the right nutrition, so we really focus a lot on internal supplements and happily refer clients to some amazing holistic nutritionists in the area who we work closely with.

What products or equipment do you use in your treatments?

We use some high-tech devices. We have the Exceed medical microneedling device, which we use for our collagen induction; no one else has that device in this area. We also have the LED light Lutronic Healite, and using that kind of stronger, medical- grade equipment means our results are a lot better. What also makes us special is our expertise and continuous training – we’re always studying. We’re not about quick-fire or sticking-plaster treatments that mask the issue – we want our clients to see real changes in their skin that they can maintain permanently.

EPIDERMISSAGE.NZ

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Autumn’s top treatment:

Constance Santos of Epidermis & Sage recommends...

Microdermabrasion is the perfect autumn reset for the skin after a long summer of sun damage and endless sunscreen application. It clears away built-up skin cells, increases circulation, supports the skin’s natural lymphatic drainage, eradicates toxins and gets the skin in optimal condition to absorb skincare products.

It is a form of exfoliation that uses tiny crystals to slough away dead skin cells while a vacuum acts as a pump for the body’s lymphatic drainage process. The machine we use at Epidermis & Sage has fully disposable heads and allows us to customise treatments, monitoring the intensity so it’s used at a safe level for your skin. We can apply peels before the treatment to get a better result, and calming and hydrating masks afterwards when the skin is more accepting, so the product gets to where it’s needed most. The Healite LED is included in our more advanced microdermabrasion treatment and it not only calms the skin, but also simulates the fibroblasts to help the healing and anti-ageing process.

Come in for a consultation with our state-of-the- art Observ scanner, so we can see exactly what your needs are and create a bespoke treatment tailored specifically to you.

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Gimme some skin: UNO’s autumn hair and beauty favourites

Skin essentials

The Dynamic Detox Duo is the latest addition to the Osmosis Wellness collection. Two high-potency supplements designed to improve your internal health, they’ll help you achieve the best skin of your life - from the inside out.

Regenerate

Regenerate addresses your body’s internal filtration system - your liver. It accelerates liver repair and maintains optimal liver health with the perfect balance of bioavailable collagen, amino acids, fat-soluble vitamins and alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG).

Recovery

Recovery is a complete prebiotic blend of essential fatty acids including omega-7. Regular use supports whole-body health at a cellular level, restoring gut health, recovering the loss of facial fat-pad volume and providing additional liver support.

All the better

Just when we thought Osmosis Skincare’s best-selling, award-winning serum, Rescue, couldn’t get any better, they’ve added breakthrough ingredients to amplify its legendary repair capabilities.

Throw compromised skin a lifeline with this uniquely powerful serum proven to neutralize toxins, calm inflammation and activate epidermal wound and DNA repair to dramatically improve skin texture and age spots. Now it also improves radiance and protects skin from environmental stressors and blue light damage.

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Eye on the needle

Take a closer look at the latest treatment from Mt Maunganui’s Lucy Shalfoon-Roberts, aka The Skin Girl.

UNO: What do we need to know about NanoFusion?

LUCY: It’s a unique skin treatment that delivers amazing results, and unlike traditional needling, there’s no downtime. It creates nano-scale channels in the skin, improving the penetration and absorption rate of active ingredients. Along with massage and vibration, it promotes skin healing and collagen production to help you look rejuvenated and refreshed.

Who’s it suited to?

It’s great for all skin types, and can help with specific concerns such as pigmentation and acne.

Why is now a good time to do it?

This is a great autumn treatment because you don’t need to worry too much about preparing the skin ahead of time or avoiding the sun pre and post-treatment. Just swipe over a good-quality BB or mineral make-up afterwards and you’re away.

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Get your bounce back

UNO chatted with Sam Crapp of Shine Hair Co. about how we rehab our hair post-summer.

UNO: Why is my hair so dry after summer?

Sam: Our hair has a protective coating called the hydrolipidic layer and the summer months - with all the sun, salt water and chlorine can cause this coating to become depleted. This results in extreme colour fade, and dull, lifeless locks. Your hair will be crying out for moisture!

What can we do about it?

Wella’s new ColourMotion range with Wellaplex goes beyond anti-fading - with regular use it actually improves hair quality in three areas that are specifically important for coloured hair; colour protection, shine and hydration.

The mind-body connection at Natural Fit

An exercise revolution is afoot at this Mount gym. We spoke to co-owner Beth Ratcliffe about their purpose.

UNO: What’s Natural Fit great at?

BETH RATCLIFFE: Our ‘what’ is grounded in purpose. We’re good at understanding what our members need because we aim to listen more than we speak to gain a deep appreciation for where they’re at. This begins by getting to know them and allows us to offer well-coached classes and personalised programmes, and to create a relaxed community that cares about connection, support and expertise in sport and health performance, exercise rehabilitation, dynamic functional movement techniques and the very best yoga offerings.

Why do people come to you? We feel the entire fitness industry needs a shake-up. People are walking through the doors of Natural Fit because we’re a signal in an industry full of noise. We teach people to move and function with self-awareness and control, and to build on their strengths. We’re proud of the beautiful environment we’ve created in the heart of the Mount, but we’re so much more than a room full of exercise equipment. We know that change comes from within, and that it’s not so much what you do but how you do it that counts. At Natural Fit, success isn’t measured in body scans or on the scales. Igniting healthy habits; moving with true purpose; feeling in control; celebrating strength, endurance and flexibility outside of the gym; and gaining confidence is how we notice and name success. 

Who are you best suited to? We have a diverse range of members, from people who’ve learned to stand again following disease or injury, right through to competitive athletes. People in our community have begun to notice that we’re different. An entire community is choosing to learn and relearn how to move with purpose and trust their intuition. Fitness doesn’t always need to occur at a million miles an hour. In order to meet goals and make an impact, it needs to be purposeful and be a constant practice of self-reflection. By facilitating people to make a brain and body connection every time they choose a class, or to put in the hard work of following their goal-oriented programme, they’re forming healthy habits that can be applied outside of our supportive gym environment. Currently, the intended vibe within Natural Fit is a mirror for the diversities that exist in our community. We proudly have all members “come as they are” and help them articulate the goals that will affect their wellbeing. 

What are you proud of at your gym? It’s the meaningful connections we have with our members and that they have among themselves that we’re most proud of at Natural Fit. Our membership is diverse and although each individual has unique goals, the culture that exists within Natural Fit means that we all work together and inspire each other. 

What kind of classes do you run? Cardio, strength, mobility, agility… What makes our classes unique is less about what we do and more about how we do it. We teach people to move well, listen to their brain and body, and challenge their individual limits. 

Who is this type of fitness best suited to? We welcome people that are willing to challenge the status quo and noise that exists within the industry. Our membership is full of people who understand that in order to take control over their health, they must be accountable to themselves and make inherent changes, rather than rely on the variety of bells and whistles that promise a shortcut to success.

What are your top tips for getting beach-ready? If you’re confident in your own skin, then you’re beach-ready. This is a function of being ‘strong’ mentally, emotionally and physically. Learning to move with self-awareness and control helps instill this sense of confidence, which sets you up to enjoy feeling good in any situation. 

NATURALFIT.CO.NZ

18 TAWA STREET, MOUNT MAUNGANUI

07 542 3163

Immerse yourself in relaxation at Zen Float Spa

Words Nicky Adams Photos Salina Galvan

The first time I tried “medicinal” floating was in Israel in the Dead Sea. It wasn’t a hit, as I had open blisters on my feet – which, it turns out, do not mix well with concentrated salt water (ouch!). My second experience took place in a floatation pool, where I realised that effortless (and painless) floating could well be the key to ultimate relaxation.

So when I discovered Tauranga’s Zen Float Spa, I knew I had to get in on the local action. 

It’s the go-to for our local elite athletes, from Sarah Hirini and the Black Ferns Sevens team to All Blacks Sam Cane and Brad Weber. Professional sports players are familiar with the benefits of floating for muscle recovery and are aware that magnesium in this quantity (500kg per spa) is incredibly good for easing aches and pains; they are also tuned into the wellness and mindfulness aspects of floating. 

Zen Float Spa has been open for three-and-a-half years and is run by owner/operators Reece and Nicole Fleming, based at their home in the Mount. A family business, Reece runs the back office, with Nicole the warm and welcoming face of the business. Clients cover the spectrum of chemotherapy patients looking for pain relief, people needing to destress, and those simply seeking an hour of pure relaxation.

I like to be prepared, so packed everything from towel to toiletries. However, at Zen, everything is provided, right down to ear plugs – in fact, all I needed, Nicole told me, was an open mind. This extends to the dress code; I quickly realised that wearing togs, while a preference for some, for me would feel a bit like jumping into the bath while clothed. 

Nicole gave me a thorough rundown of what to expect, explaining how the sensory side of the treatment is vital. The water in the float pod is set to body temperature so you can’t feel where your body starts and ends. The experience is based around sensory deprivation; as you float in healing Epsom salts, gravity-free and in absolute darkness, the weight quite literally drops from you, both physically and mentally. As your body drifts, it absorbs these incredible minerals in the fastest, most efficient way – through your skin’s surface. 

Any concerns over hygiene were allayed, as Nicole explained that after each client, the pod undergoes a 15-minute cleansing and filtration cycle. In addition, every visitor is required to shower before floating. 

Another question I had was whether I should shut the pod – I can tell you now, if anyone was going to get stuck in one, fumbling to get out, it would be me. It turns out that I had nothing to worry about – if I didn’t feel comfortable, I could prop the pod open, but if I wanted to close it, the lid reopens with ease.

Fully briefed, I was left to my treatment. The water was warm (I was worried I might be cold, as I like my showers white-hot), and I placed a foam halo behind my neck for extra support. I opted to close the lid, and lay back to the sound of the low, melodic background music, in darkness so absolute that I couldn’t tell if my eyes were open or closed. 

Sure enough, I floated with ease – initially I didn’t know what to do with my arms, as they felt heavy by my side, so I lifted them above my head like a starfish. Once I found my happy place, I simply drifted – conscious, as the music faded away, that the only sounds were my own breathing and heartbeat. 

It is no exaggeration to say that this is, indeed, the epitome of “unplugged”. I felt relaxed but, at the same time, totally in control. 

When my float experience ended, I easily found my way out of the pod and, to my surprise, my skin felt silky. 

Floating really is an individual experience, and one that I feel everyone will take something unique from. I took bliss – oh, and two pots of calming Magnesium Balm from the Zen Float Spa product range.

zenfloatspa.co.nz

VPT Health Club: Omokoroa’s gym for everyone

UNO: So, what’s your gym great at?

VANCE ELLIOTT (owner): We’re great at being accepting and encouraging of our members, and we work hard to make all of our clients feel comfortable to be in our space. We make sure we know as much as possible about why they came to us, so we can best help them to reach their goals. We really try to cater to everyone and believe listening to client feedback is key to being a quality gym. Why do people come to you? Because we’re not just an equipment-based gym. At VPT, we’re about creating lifestyles and encouraging positive habits. What kind of classes do you run? Our gym boasts a massive number of classes for our size – currently 25-plus, all included in our membership fees. They range from beginner to advanced circuit training, box-fit, Pilates, Body Balance, yoga, and Pound with Aotearoa’s only New Zealand-certified instructor. We’re also lucky to have an incredible karate teacher, who’s a New Zealand champ – he works with us to run after-school sessions for local kids, so kids can do karate while their parents work out.

UNO: What other services do you offer?

V: We run seminars and supermarket tours that allow us to educate our clients about healthy living, mental health, injury prevention, rehabilitation, exercise techniques, how to read food labels and more. How do we book? When they sign up or start a trial, each member gets access to our app that lets them book classes, personal training sessions, seminars and events. It also allows them to add and track their health and fitness goals, add and edit measurements with photos, view any workouts we’ve uploaded for them, message us, view their membership details and update personal information. What are you most proud of at your gym? We’re really proud of what we offer our clients in our great little community. For the dream we have, we might be starting small, but we’ve been all about quality from the get-go. What are your top tips for getting healthy and fit for summer? Surround yourself with people who will support your goals, be consistent – and join VPT Health Club!

MEET THE OWNER
Meet the owner Vance Elliott Vance started VPT as a small personal-training business in Hamilton, with a dream to one day run his own gym – a dream that has now come true with VPT Health Club. Committed to creating healthier lifestyles in the community, and specialising in rehabilitation, weight loss and habit-changing, he has a bachelor’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science, along with training in injury prevention, rehabilitation, sports training, and pre- and post-natal exercise.

VPTHEALTHCLUB.CO.NZ
168 OMOKOROA ROAD
OMOKOROA, TAURANGA
027 333 1465

Autumn beauty special: our local experts share their top treatments for the season

Is your skin showing signs of a summer – indeed a life – well-lived? Or perhaps you’re considering more advanced physical improvements? Undo any damage and up your game with advice from the foremost local experts.

Our panel includes appearance medicine specialist Kate Schuler of Tauranga’s Fraser Clinic; Cindy Hooker and Tasmin Crocker, owner and manager respectively of Papamoa’s Reveal Skin & Body; Katie Mead, owner of Bayfair’s Cosmetic Clinic; and cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons Brandon Adams and Adam Bialostocki of Tauranga’s Da Vinci Clinic.

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KATE SCHULER - FRASER CLINIC

Appearance medicine specialist Kate is also an intensive care nurse.

UNO: What can we do to look and feel our best in the cooler months?

Kate: As the seasons change, so can your skin and the care it needs, so autumn is a great time to introduce treatments to revitalise it. Whatever your summer experience, your skin will probably need some help to recover from the harsh effects of lazy days in the sun, whether that’s repairing dehydrated skin or combating summer pigmentation – a big issue for New Zealanders.

U: What do you advise to combat pigmentation?

K: One of the best ways to reset your skin is with IPL light therapy or laser resurfacing. They’re excellent for pigmentation as they give an overall improvement in tone and texture, and set you up for ongoing improvement with the use of good medical-grade cosmeceutical skincare at home. No treatment is a standalone panacea. You need to support anything we do in the clinic with the effort you put in at home.

U: And how about hydration?

K: We can apply topicals to the surface of the skin, but nothing’s better than delivering it right where we’re targeting, altering the dose and depth to personalise the treatment and give your skin the wake-up call it needs. Our V2 Beauty Booster is a micro-injectable cocktail of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and hyaluronic acid that helps to recover a healthy glow by increasing skin elasticity, thickness and hydration. It combines the benefits of skin needling – stimulating collagen, elastin and fibroblasts – while delivering a Dermo-Restructuring complex for repair, rejuvenation and retexturising. Best results are achieved with a series of three treatments, with the results continuing to improve up to 12 weeks afterwards.

U: And what about trouble spots other than the face?

K: Two notoriously difficult areas to rejuvenate are the neck and hands, which tend to show telltale signs of ageing. The skin on the neck thins and takes on a more crepey appearance, often accompanied by horizontal lines, while changes in skin texture – including thinning, a decrease in elasticity and surface pigmentation, coupled with pronounced veins, tendons and a bony appearance – affect the appearance of our hands. Our bio-stimulating injectables coupled with light therapy are great not only for the face, but also for these areas, plumping up the skin to make it stronger, healthier and clearer, and delivering longer-lasting results.

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CINDY HOOKER & TASMIN CROCKER - REVEAL SKIN & BODY

This clinic’s philosophy is to provide clients with affordable, accessible and effective treatments. At this Papamoa sanctuary, clients are encouraged to celebrate themselves.

UNO: Are we ever too young to consider advanced skincare?

Tasmin: Our natural production of collagen starts to slow at around 26 – fine lines start to appear around your eyes, and you might notice a slight change in skin tone and firmness. Coming off birth control and having babies can also result in pesky blemishes and hormonal pigmentation. All this means maintaining a good skincare regime at home is vital. Everyone needs a good cleanser, moisturiser and SPF; think of these products as your baseline. Serums and advanced treatments are your ‘vitamins’ or ‘protein powders’ that’ll give your skin an extra boost.

Cindy: Great skin is all about starting early. Regular facials can help you maintain youthful, glowing skin, while SPF reduces pigmentation down the track. Your twenties and thirties are also the time to start ‘collagen banking’; if you use vitamin A when you’re younger, your skin will retain collagen for longer.

What do we start to see in our forties and fifties?

Tasmin: The effects of sun damage becomes more apparent. Our skin becomes drier and more fragile, and we wave goodbye to more collagen. But the good news? Advanced treatments such as Dermaneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, can help wind back the clock. Dermaneedling is great for everything – it breaks up pigment, strengthens the skin and produces new collagen. Reveal’s A-Zyme Skin Workout is one of our most popular treatments, and for good reason – it really is the powerhouse of all anti-ageing treatments. It’s essentially a powerful burst of vitamin A that plumps out fine lines and wrinkles, and leaves you with hydrated, younger-looking skin.

How do we continue to age well in our sixties and beyond?

Cindy: As we enter our sixties, our skin loses moisture and elasticity. Advanced treatments like IPL photorejuvenation, which uses light to stimulate cell renewal, help to keep skin firm and vibrant, while at-home serums are great for plumping and hydrating.

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SERIOUS SERUMS at Reveal Skin & Body

Ultraceuticals Ultra A, Skin Perfecting Serum This vitamin-A-containing power serum plumps the skin to improve the appearance of wrinkles while stimulating collagen. It’s ideal for every skin type.

Ultraceuticals Ultra B Hydrating Serum B vitamins help with cell-to-cell communication, so daily use of this serum will strengthen your skin, and it’s packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, which holds a thousand times its weight in water.

Ultraceuticals Ultra C10+ Firming Serum This serum dulls pigment and tones the skin to give your complexion a natural glow and all-round boost. For better protection, use it in the morning under your SPF.

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KATIE MEAD - THE COSMETIC CLINIC

This clinic’s philosophy is to provide clients with affordable, accessible and effective treatments.

UNO: What do you recommend for dry post-summer skin?

Katie: Say hello to HydraFiller, the treatment that’s taking hydration to the next level. Designed to improve the quality of your skin from the inside out, it’s a minimally invasive cosmetic injectable treatment now available at The Cosmetic Clinic six days a week. We believe everyone deserves to be the best version of themselves every day, so that’s why we’re super excited about this new treatment. Combine it with a great daily skin routine and a personalised skincare plan from one of our expert clinicians and your skin will thank you.

UNO: So what does HydraFiller entail?

K: As we age, our skin loses vital molecules involved in hydration, which can lead to dry, crepey and dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles. HydraFiller is a next-generation dermal filler that addresses these concerns by providing your skin with around-the- clock moisture from the inside out. Unlike regular dermal filler, HydraFiller isn’t used to add volume, but to help increase and retain moisture in the skin through a unique cross-linking of the key ingredient, hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in our bodies. Administered through a series of micro-injections by our expert cosmetic injectors, it helps to restore and increase dermal hydration and tissue elasticity, and decrease wrinkle formation, fine lines, acne scarring and unevenness for fresher, glowing skin.

What areas can be treated, and how long does it last?

K: HydraFiller can be used to treat the face, neck, décolletage and hands. It can help improve overall skin quality for up to nine months with just one treatment per area.

Does it hurt?

K: Similar to any dermal filler, there can be a slight stinging or discomfort at the site of the injection, but HydraFiller contains an anaesthetic that can help alleviate that during the treatment. Clients can also receive numbing cream to take home with them.

UNO: What other after-care do you advise?

K: Our hydrating Balense Quench Pack is a four-step process – cleanse, activate, hydrate and protect – that’s great for those with dry, tired or ageing skin. We recommend using it as ongoing support after your HydraFiller treatment, to help your skin stay hydrated and radiant. We also offer micro-needling treatments that support what HydraFiller does and can help with pigmentation, overall skin tone, fine lines and scarring.

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BRANDON ADAMS - DA VINCI CLINIC

Brandon also works as a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Waikato DHB and a visiting plastic surgeon at Tauranga Hospital.

UNO: Where should someone start if they want to take their new-season refresh to the next level with cosmetic surgery?

Brandon: When it comes to ‘updating’ the face, we’re not searching for a whole new look – we’re wanting to achieve natural-looking results. Achieving this means utilising techniques that incorporate the fat and sheaths of tissue underneath the skin too. Rather than just ‘pulling back’ and ‘cutting away’ skin, we aim to lift and reposition the underlying muscles. This involves using stitches to tighten the connective tissue enveloping the muscles of the midface and neck, or alternatively, the underside of the muscles – a deep-plane facelift. This is where the expertise and experience of your surgeon come into play. Evaluation of a patient’s anatomy – where their skin is pre-surgery – is important for long-term success. We assess how much volume loss your face has, the damage your skin has sustained and the type of asymmetries your face shows, and we’ll also discuss additional volume-loss solutions as part of your surgery, which might include dermal fillers or fat transfer.

UNO: What do you advise for the neck and jowls?

B: For lower facial jowling or a sagging neck, non-surgical injectables such as fillers or Botox may not be the answer. A facelift – or rhytidectomy – corrects sagging facial skin to restore harmony, bringing back the jawline and re-establishing fullness in the cheeks. The chin is also a difficult area to treat, so a lift combined with Belkyra injections, which permanently dissolve fat, can effectively target this area, harmonising and restoring definition.

UNO: Is there an ideal age at which to consider surgical intervention?

B: Many women and men undergo their first facelift in their fifties and beyond, however the skin’s elasticity begins to steadily break down from the early forties onwards, so for some, undergoing a facelift earlier means there’s greater elasticity for better long- term results. Ultimately, there is no ‘best’ age to have a surgical lift, so seeking the expertise of an experienced surgeon who’s able to spot and manage asymmetries, and accurately assesses volume and loss, is essential for the best outcome.

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ADAM BIALOSTOCKI - DA VINCI CLINIC

Adam works as a surgeon at Tauranga’s Grace Hospital too.

UNO: What should people keep in mind when considering making improvements to their body through cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Adam: Beyond social media inspiration, taking an individual approach to any procedure – breast implants, reconstruction, abdominoplasty – is essential for best practice and greater peace of mind. Placing yourself in the hands of a qualified surgeon with the right experience and advice means you’ll stay truly connected to your body’s journey from beginning to end – and those results will hit all the right notes.

UNO: Let’s talk about breasts...

A: Whether you’re seeking greater breast volume, or a lift or reconstruction, various factors influence breast decisions. If it’s a volume issue – after weight loss or pregnancy, for example – an implant can restore fullness and shape, and when combined with a lift, it can correct lax tissue. If the nipples have rotated downward or become larger, opting for a mastopexy to raise breast tissue and reposition the nipple is a good option. For women with asymmetrical or small breasts, an implant, a lift or both can restore. Breast reconstruction is driven by personal preference, wellness, and short- and long-term expectations. It’s also a procedure that can be delayed, with surgery carried out months, even years, following breast cancer recovery. The two main procedures available to Kiwi women are breast implant reconstruction and breast flap reconstruction. Breast implant reconstruction involves inserting an implant under the skin and muscle to restore the shape and volume of the breast, while breast flap reconstruction uses flaps of a woman’s own skin, fat and muscle tissue from the back, bottom, inner thighs or lower abdomen – sometimes with the addition of an implant too – to reconstruct the breasts. Visualising what you’ll look like post- surgery is hugely important, which is why we use 3D Vectra imaging technology when discussing the procedure and to provide our clients with a real-life depiction of their breasts post-surgery.

UNO: And tell us about tummy tucks...

A: Abdominoplasty isn’t a weight-loss procedure – its aim is to reshape, sculpt and contour. Skin is released from the lower part of your abdomen to allow for tightening of the muscles and flatter contour. It’s then re-draped and trimmed and the belly button is redefined. Scars and surgery go hand in hand, but incisions are strategically positioned so the scars remain discreet – and they fade over time, too.

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WIN! UNO presents Flourish with Arbonne

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

UNO is proud to present Flourish with Arbonne, an exclusive wellness event overlooking the sparkling Tauranga Harbour at Trinity Wharf.

This special breakfast event will have a guided meditation, yoga session and smoothie bowls as well as the latest Arbonne products.

Head to Instagram and tag a friend in the comments below to go in the draw to win one of two prizes:⁠

⁠1 x double ticket to the event⁠

1 x double ticket to the event and a night's stay at Trinity Wharf⁠

Terms and conditions:

1. These terms and conditions relate to the Arbonne giveaway competition run by the Promoter to encourage people to comment, share and like the Promoter’s Facebook post about the Flourish Breakfast Event (“Promotion”). Information on how to enter and prizes forms part of, and entry into the Promotion is deemed to be acceptance of, these terms and conditions.

2. The promoter is Spectre Publishing Ltd (UNO Magazine), (“Promoter”).

3. The Promotion commences at 4.30pm Friday 11th June 2021 and closes at 9am Wednesday 23rd June 2021 (“Promotional Period”). Entries received outside of the Promotional Period will not be accepted.

Conditions of Entry

4. Employees (and their immediate families) of the Promoter, its related companies and any other companies associated with the Promotion are ineligible to enter.

5. The competition is open to residents of New Zealand aged 18 years and over.

6. You may only enter once. Prizes

7. 14 x level ONE prizes, 1x level TWO prize winners will be drawn.

8. Winners will receive: Level one prize: 2x tickets to the Flourish Breakfast event at 10am on Wednesday 30th June at Trinity Wharf Hotel, Tauranga – travel to event and accommodation not included Level two prize: 2x tickets to the Flourish Breakfast event at 10am on Wednesday 30th June at Trinity Wharf Hotel, Tauranga and a one night stay for two at Trinity Wharf - including room and breakfast. Expires 30th November 2021- travel to the event not included How to enter

9. To enter, you must, in response to a post (indicated as being the post relating to the Promotion (“Relevant Post”) on the Promoter’s Facebook or Instagram page (“Social Media Page”), comment on, like, and share the relevant post.

10. In addition to complying with these terms, you must comply with any additional instructions stated in the Relevant Post. You must also comply with any terms of use relating to the relevant Social Media Page. The Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or the responsibility of, Facebook or Instagram.

11. All entries are deemed to be received at the time of the receipt into the Promotion database and not at the time of transmission by you.

Draw and Winner Notification

12. The prizes will be drawn at random on 10am Wednesday 23rd June at the UNO office 3/17 Banks Ave, Mount Maunganui and the winners will be notified by personal message on the social media platform through which the winner entered the Promotion. If a winner has not responded within 24 hours another draw will take place. Winners will be notified in the manner set out above. In the event that the winners of the second draw (if any) fail to respond to such notification, further draws will be undertaken in the manner set out above until all prizes have been awarded. 13. The Promoter's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

14. Prizes will be awarded to the person named in the entry to the Promotion.

General Terms

15. The Promoter reserves the right to change these terms and conditions without prior notice. 16. Prizes cannot be varied and are not transferable or redeemable for cash. In the event that a winner does not take an element of the prize at the time stipulated by the Promoter, then that element of the prize will be forfeited by the winner.

17. If the winner is not able to be contacted within a reasonable time period following the draw, that winner shall forfeit the prize and the Promoter may choose to draw another winner, and so on until a winner is contacted to accept the prize.

18. Unless expressly stated in these terms and conditions, all other expenses become the responsibility of the winner including meals, taxes, transport, insurance and any other ancillary costs of any nature.

19. The Promoter reserves the right to request the winner to provide proof of identity, proof of residency at the nominated prize delivery address and/or proof of entry validity. In the event that such proof is not provided by the winner or is not suitable to UNO, then that winner shall forfeit their rights to any prizes.

20. The Promoter reserves the right to verify the validity of entries and to disqualify any entry (including the winning entry) which, in the Promoter’s opinion includes objectionable content, profanity or potentially insulting, inflammatory or defamatory statements.

21. The Promoter may disqualify any entry or individual (including any prize winner) who tampers with the entry process, submits an entry not in accordance with the terms and conditions, breaches these terms and conditions, or who has, in the opinion of the Promoter, engaged in conduct which is unlawful, improper, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive or generally damaging to the goodwill or reputation of the Promoter or Promotion.

22. The Promoter is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any website, telephone network or lines, computer systems, servers, providers, computer equipment, software, technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website, or any combination thereof.

23. The Promoter assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorised access to, or alteration of entries.

24. If for any reason the Promotion is not capable of running as planned for reasons including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other cause beyond the control of the Promoter, which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the Promotion, the Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel, suspend or modify the Promotion.

25. The Promoter takes no responsibility for lost, damaged, misdirected, late or illegible entries or any entries that for whatever reason, are not received by the Promoter or are incomplete.

26. The winner of any prize agrees to co-operate with all reasonable media editorial requests relating to the prize, including being interviewed, photographed or filmed. The winner permits having their name, image and/or voice appear in connection with the Promotion, the Promoter or the advertising or marketing thereof, in any media whatsoever throughout the world.

27. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Promoter and its related companies shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or personal injury whatsoever by or to any person in connection with the Promotion or with winning or benefiting from a prize.

28. All entries become the property of the Promoter. The Promoter needs to collect personal information from entrants in order to conduct the Promotion – without this personal information the Promoter may not be able to provide you with entry into the Promotion. Unless otherwise authorized by you, your personal information will be held by the Promoter for the purposes of the Promotion in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and may be shared with partners of the Promoter solely for the purposes of the Promotion.

Looking for a bit of variety in your exercise regime? Clubfit could be it!

Its availability at not one but two sites – one in Tauranga and one at the Mount – isn’t the only thing that makes this gym ultra-accessible.

UNO: What’s Clubfit good at?

Personal trainer Mark Berry: We build great relationships and support our customers through their exercise journey while making it fun. For us, it’s about the long game. Beyond just getting a new member started, we’re here to keep them motivated so they make steady progress towards their goals and enjoy the journey. 

What do you specialise in? Functional training, strength and conditioning, rehab, CrossFit and Olympic lifting.

Who are you best suited to? Anyone looking for a modern gym that provides value for money, great service and support will find it at Clubfit. We also offer great variety, with more than 60 group fitness classes per week. Our gym is also unique in that it offers gym and swim memberships; you can choose a membership that also provides access to five pool facilities, including spa, sauna and aqua-aerobics classes – and even the iconic Mount Hot Pools. Clubfit caters for all levels and the variety of workout options means there’s truly something for everyone. Join the club for a fun, supportive exercise programme that gets results!

What kinds of classes do you offer? Les Mills Classes are some of the world’s most popular – we’ve got Body Combat, RPM and Body Step to get the blood pumping, CX Worx and Body Pump for strength, Grit and Sprint for high-intensity training, and BodyBalance and Tone for muscle tone and flexibility.

Our Clubfit Home Grown Programmes (HGP) are our own range of classes designed to complement the Les Mills offering. HGP Hiit ’n’ Run and HGP Blitz are intense circuit-style classes that are suitable for intermediate to advanced fitness levels, while HGP Mobilise and HGP Full Function are perfect for members who are returning to exercise and need to take it slow. There’s also Yoga, Pilates and Zumba classes available, and with our gym and swim memberships, you can also attend AquaFit classes at Baywave. 

What are you proud of at your gym? Without a doubt, it’s our team, from our group fitness instructors through to our amazing reception staff. The level of support and commitment they provide to our customers is outstanding and keeps people coming back for more. Around 30 percent of our new customers each month come to us through a referral from a current member.

We’re in the business of helping people live better lives and seeing people transform in terms of confidence, mental wellbeing and overall health is what we’re here for. Although we hear lots of success stories about physical transformations and fitness gains, now more than ever we’re hearing about the mental benefits that exercising at Clubfit is providing. People often comment about the fear and anxiety they’ve had to overcome just to get started on their fitness journey, and these same people also often tell us just how significant being involved in a good exercise community and developing healthy habits have been in transforming many other areas of their lives. That’s the stuff that makes us feel good. 

What are your top tips for getting beach-ready? Consistency is king or queen, so show up often, do the work and enjoy the process. Also, remember that your body isn’t your enemy, so be good to it, build up slowly and watch the results start to appear.

Meet the trainers:

Mark Berry

Mark’s a Clubfit personal trainer and group fitness instructor who has worked in the industry for a decade – a job he loves. He brings an all-round training philosophy to the gym floor and his down-to-earth approach is based around the following points: aim to move your body the way it was designed to move; consistency is key – and not just in the fitness world; enjoy what you do – it’ll be a boring life if you don’t; success comes in many forms – the number on the scales is just that and nothing else; and strive for balance in all areas of training and life.

Monique VanDijk 

Monique works at Clubfit as a fitness instructor – a role that’s all about coaching and support. She started her journey as a group fitness instructor through her interest in sports performance and holds a degree in Sport Science. Today, her key passions include strength training, CrossFit, Olympic lifting and gymnastics. She says she really enjoys her role and connecting with a wide variety of people through exercise, and believes quality movement in exercise is paramount to quality movement in everyday life. Her goal is to help people find a method of training that’s effective and enjoyable for them, so they can move for as long as they’re able.

CLUBFIT.CO.NZ

1 KITEROA STREET, GREERTON, TAURANGA, & CORNER GIRVEN AND GLOUCESTER ROADS, MT MAUNGANUI

07 577 8555

Don’t get mad, get even: say goodbye to patchy skin

PHOTO Alexander Krivitskiy

Skin looking a bit patchy post-summer? Never mind – Tauranga’s Skin Centre has an exclusive product formulated in-house to fix that, and practice nurse Georgie Herbison is here to tell us about it.

UNO: Georgie, what causes pigmentation and how can we prevent it?

GEORGIE HERBISON: Melanin in the skin acts as a defence mechanism, which is why people commonly get a tan where their skin is exposed to the sun. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin over-produces melanin, resulting in dark patches and an uneven look. Hormonal changes can cause hyperpigmentation, but the main cause is the sun, so it’s important to always wear sunscreen or, better still, cover up or stay indoors during the hottest time of day. 

UNO: Why has Skin Centre created this specialised pigmentation product, Complex K?

GEORGIE: So many patients come into the clinic distressed about their pigmentation, having tried different treatments and creams with no visible results. It’s great to be able to offer them our prescription-only product to use at home, knowing it’ll really work for them. 

UNO: What makes this cream so effective?

GEORGIE: Complex K is a sun damage and skin-lightening treatment. It contains components proven in multiple independent clinical trials to reverse the effects of excessive sun, including hydroquinone 4%, a pigment inhibitor that works by reducing the production of pigmentation and increasing the production of melanosomes in melanocytes by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is needed to make melanin. It also includes a mild topical hydrocortisone to prevent irritation, mixed with a vitamin A derivative (retinoid) that can reduce the ageing effects of the sun on our skin and stimulate collagen synthesis, while reversing photo damage and increasing the absorption and efficacy of the hydroquinone.

UNO: How should we use Complex K?

GEORGIE: This is a prescription treatment that your skin needs to adjust to slowly, so our clients use it alongside their own skincare products a few nights a week to start with, and gently increase from there.

UNO: What kinds of pigmentation is it effective on and what kinds of results do you see?

GEORGIE: We’ve had some very good results treating clients with general pigmentation and freckling, the hormonal pigmentation melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They notice a definite lightening of the affected skin after using the cream for 12 weeks, and the overall skin texture is smoother.

UNO: Is Complex K complemented by treatments you use in the clinic? 

GEORGIE: It works well in conjunction with our Fraxel laser. The non-invasive Fraxel can reverse visible signs of ageing and damage, reducing pigmentation and evening out skin tone, and Complex K  helps to maintain these results.

UNO: Who would you recommend this product to?

GEORGIE: We’d recommend it to clients with darker skin, who have a higher chance of hyperpigmentation, or anyone who’s tried other treatments with poor results. It’s especially effective for people with melasma and is a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to use laser treatments and would prefer to use a cream at home.

SKINCENTRE.COM

Everything under one roof

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Fit Nation

You might catch a glimpse of boxing champ Joseph Parker when you work out at this budding super-gym.

Meet the owners.

Monique Alvarez:  With a background in beauty therapy and customer service, Monique understands the importance of ensuring every client is happy and comfortable with their experience at Fit Nation as soon as they step through the doors. She wants her members to feel as though they are part of a Fit Nation family and is committed to making sure she builds that connection with everyone. As someone who has a passion for taking care of people and helping to bring out the best in them, Monique’s approach to health and wellbeing is an overall one. She recognises the benefits that come with feeling good about yourself and believes nourishing your body from the inside out is just as important as fitness and exercise. Monique is looking forward to utilising the skills she has gained over the years to help people reach their goals through being attentive, supportive and a present part of their journey. 

Nic Haldezos: At 19 years old, Nic joined the New Zealand Army, where he learned discipline and the importance of a strong work ethic. Those qualities have proven fruitful in his career. With a background in marketing and having graduated from AUT’s sport and recreation programme, Nic’s career in the fitness industry has spanned 10-plus years. He has spent much of his career managing and opening gyms across New Zealand and he’s excited about his new role at Fit Nation with big plans to help people make positive changes in their lives. Nic is also the son of a hairdresser, which is where he witnessed and learned about communication, mastering conversational skills and understanding the value of listening to a client. He believes being able to help one person can create change in a whole community and he’s committed to making that happen with the Fit Nation team. 

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What sets your gym apart from any other in Tauranga? Nic: It is 2000sqm of pure training turf and every corner of the place has been thought out so meticulously. There is nothing like this in New Zealand. We have an on-site massage therapist, nutritionist, physiotherapist, personal trainers, 360 biometric scans, a cafe and smoothie bar and boutique toilets and showers. We have 2021 Technogym cardio equipment, there are four separate group fitness rooms that will each run 15 classes, we have a full comprehensive boxing studio and spin rooms with walls that will light up with heart rates and exercise displays. It’s an experience. 

What are some of the best features of your facility? Monique: We’re a one-stop shop gym and wellness centre. We’re able to offer everything in one place and the welcoming approach we have from staff shows we want to be there with you for your whole journey. We have infrared saunas, a Kids care zone so parents can work out knowing their children are taken care of, on top of the cardio and weights equipment, yoga, pilates and functional HIIT classes. Members can burn up to 600 calories a class. We’re just trying to offer everything under one roof. 

How important is having a sense of community in your gym? Nic: Everyone can go to a gym and get results but not everyone can go to a gym and say they know everyone by name and can connect to each and every single staff member as well. We’re actually trying to change people’s lives here and by changing people’s lives we can change a community. What we create here in our first Fit Nation we want to be able to spread that through New Zealand. 

What experience do you hope clients have when they’re at your gym? Monique: A positive experience as soon as they walk in the door. They might be stressed or rushing in from a busy day but after being greeted by our team and the positive energy we have at Fit Nation I hope they walk out from the whole experience feeling amazing each and every time. 

@fit_nation_nz

150 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui - 07 575 0470