Health, well-being, lifestyle — Gold Coast quarterly.
Welcome to our hair and beauty section, where looking and feeling your best is an evolving journey of self-discovery and care.
Whether you're exploring budget-friendly hair care solutions, advanced skincare treatments, or understanding the deeper connections between wellness and beauty, our curated collection of articles provides expert insights and practical advice for every beauty enthusiast.
Beauty experts reveal what's really happening when treatments claim to "tighten fascia" — and which procedures actually work.
Skin tells a story; a story of sunlight, laughter and sometimes, survival. What many people don’t expect, though, is how deeply medical procedures can change the way their skin looks and feels. Every year, thousands of Australians undergo treatments that save lives or restore health: mole removals, skin cancer excisions, surgical repairs, grafts and more. The priority is always recovery. But long after the medical journey is over, visible reminders often stay behind — pale or dark scars, areas of missing pigment, grafts that don’t blend with surrounding skin. For some, it’s a quiet reminder of illness, surgery or trauma. For others, it affects how confidently they see themselves. Many are told that nothing more can be done, that the scar will “settle” with time. But for a growing number of people, that’s not the end of the story. There is a next step, and it’s called medical tattooing. Medical tattooing is a specialised form of skin restoration that helps rebalance colour and camouflage areas affected by scarring or pigment loss. Unlike cosmetic tattooing, which focuses on enhancing brows or lips, medical tattooing is about restoration: helping the treated area look more like the surrounding skin. Using advanced pigments and precise micro-techniques, practitioners can reintroduce false melanin into lighter scars, soften darker marks, and create a more natural, blended appearance. “It’s about restoring normalcy,” says Kat McCann, a three-time Australian Cosmetic Tattooist of the Year. “When someone looks in the mirror and sees their skin, not their scar, it changes how they feel in their own body.” The technique can support many types of scarring, including surgical scars, accident-related injuries, burns and grafts. It helps reduce contrast, even out tone and restore visual balance. Is it right for you? Your scar or graft is fully healed, flat and stable in colour. You’ve received medical clearance following surgical or cancer-related treatment. You want to restore natural tone or reduce contrast in a visible area. Why it matters Medical tattooing isn’t about vanity, it’s about resolution. It’s often the quiet, final stage of healing that helps people reconnect with their confidence and sense of self. Did you know? • Australia has one of the highest rates of skin-cancer treatment in the world, resulting in thousands of surgical excisions every year. • Many of these procedures leave pigment loss or scar contrast that remains visible, even after full healing. • Medical tattooing provides a long-term, non-invasive way to blend these areas naturally back into the skin. About the author Kat McCann is a medical tattooist and educator, and a three-time recipient of the Australian Cosmetic Tattooist of the Year award. Through her studio, INKA Cosmetic & Medical Tattoo, she specialises in advanced scar camouflage and restorative tattooing for trauma-affected skin. Complimentary consultations are available for those wanting to know more. Visit www.inkaonlima.com to learn more.
Exosomes are revolutionising skincare by enhancing rejuvenation and repair at the cellular level. Packed with potent bioactive molecules, including proteins, enzymes, DNA, lipids and growth factors, these elements serve as precise messengers, delivering targeted instructions to skin and hair cells to enhance their function and promote rejuvenation. In layman’s terms they can kick start your skin and hair at a cellular level. What does this mean? Studies have shown that these exosomes significantly boost collagen and elastin production, reduce inflammation and accelerate wound healing, offering a state-of-the-art, non-surgical solution for a more youthful skin and thicker, healthier hair. They also reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots by delivering powerful growth factors and proteins that regenerate and repair skin cells. Their ability to modulate inflammation and aid in wound healing makes them effective for treating various skin conditions, such as acne scars and dermatitis The benefits of Exosomes in a nutshell 1. Skin Rejuvenation: Reduces wrinkles and fine lines. 2. Age Spot Reduction: Minimises the appearance of age spots. 3. Hydration & Elasticity: Boosts skin moisture and elasticity, promoting a youthful glow. 4. Radiant Skin: Improves skin smoothness and brightness. 5. Pore Refinement: Shrinks enlarged pores. 6. Scar Improvement: Reduces the appearance of scars, including acne and post-surgical scars. 7. Calms Inflammation: Soothes irritated skin and general dermatitis. 8. Wound Healing: Accelerates the healing process, promoting faster recovery & minimising scar formation 9. Hair Growth: Stimulates hair growth, promoting thicker, fuller hair. Every treatment at iBeauty is tailored to meet individual needs. If you would like to talk to our team to discuss your personal concerns, please give us a call. 62 Ashmore Road, Bundall P 07 5600 0191 ibeautycosmeticclinic.com.au
Ultherapy Prime is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that offers you natural yet transformative results. Our real, before and after images show you the results that can be achieved. (No photoshopping here). How it works: Ultherapy Prime utilises focused ultrasound energy with real-time imaging (which means our therapists can actually see areas of concern) and is designed to lift and tighten skin on areas like the brow, chin, cheeks and neck, and improve the appearance of lines on the décolletage. The advanced technology allows for precise targeting of skin layers, stimulating collagen and elastin production, resulting in a natural, long-lasting lift. The benefits • Non-invasive: Ultherapy Prime does not involve surgery or incisions, making it a lower-risk option for skin tightening. • Micro-focused Ultrasound: It uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production by targeting the deeper layers of the skin. Using real-time imaging ensures accurate and effective treatment. • Long-lasting Results: While individual results may vary, Ultherapy Prime can provide noticeable lifting and tightening effects that can last for up to 12 months. • Customised Treatment: All treatments are specifically tailored to your individual needs. If you have concerns and would like to discuss a personal solution, please call Dr Alex and the team at iBeauty to book a free consultation. 62 Ashmore Road, Bundall P 07 5600 0191 ibeautycosmeticclinic.com.au
How Looking After Your Skin is a Form of Self-Love By Kim Guseli, Cosmetic Chemist Self-care can sometimes feel like just another item on our endless to-do list in the busy pace of modern life. However, the simple act of looking after your skin can be a powerful way to practice self-love. Skincare isn’t just about maintaining a glowing complexion. Taking time for yourself builds confidence and connects with who you truly are. Each time you cleanse, moisturise, or apply a mask, you are carving out space to focus on your well-being, both inside and out. Skincare as a Moment of Stillness It is a rare chance to slow down, to breathe, and to be present with yourself. Whether it’s a five-minute routine in the morning or a more indulgent evening ritual, these moments are an opportunity to connect with yourself on a deeper level. Consider your skincare routine as a daily practice of mindfulness. The simple act of washing your face becomes a pause in the chaos of life—a time to reflect on how you’re feeling. Skincare becomes more than just an external act as it transforms into a powerful tool for grounding yourself in the present moment. Confidence Through Care Looking after your skin can be empowering because it builds confidence. When you take the time to care for yourself, you feel better about how you present yourself to the world. Glowing, healthy skin isn’t just about appearances; it’s about how it makes you feel. It’s a reflection of the care and love you give yourself. Confidence radiates from within, but the way we care for our outward appearance can give us that little boost when we need it most. When you know you’ve taken time for yourself, it shows in how you carry yourself. Skincare is Self-Love, Not Perfection It’s important to remember that skincare is not about achieving perfection. The beauty industry often pushes the idea that flawless skin equals happiness, but true empowerment comes from embracing your skin as it is. Your skin is uniquely yours, and your skincare routine should be about celebrating that. When you focus on nurturing your skin rather than trying to fix it, you shift the conversation from criticism to care. This simple change in mindset allows you to approach your skincare ritual with kindness and patience, rather than pressure or frustration. It’s a gentle reminder that you deserve to be taken care of, no matter what stage of life or skin journey you’re on. A Lifelong Act of Self-Love Taking care of your skin is a lifelong journey and a practice in showing yourself compassion. Your skincare routine can evolve as you do — reflecting your needs, your lifestyle, and your personal growth. It is a way to invest in yourself and your well-being, reminding you that you are worthy of care every single day. The next time you reach for your favourite moisturiser or mask remember that you are not just taking care of your skin, you are empowering yourself through a simple yet profound act of self-love.
Skin expert, Isabella Loneragan, breaks down the Impacts of vaping on Skin. While studies on the long-term health implications of vaping are ongoing, there is clear evidence that the damage extends to your skin too, exacerbating a bevy of skin conditions including acne, rosacea, fine lines and wrinkles, and even spurring the formation of ‘smoker’s lips.’ Award-winning skin and dermal therapist, Isabella Loneragan, says vaping may be the culprit behind a noticeable rise in skin complaints from young people in particular. “I have noticed an increase in younger people visiting my clinic who are fairly frustrated with their skin and now, one of the first questions I ask is whether they vape because, although vaping hasn’t been around for too long, its impacts on skin are proving just as bad – if not worse – than cigarette smoking,” explains Isabella. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in five Australians have tried an e-cigarette at least once, and almost one in ten aged 18-24 vape daily. “Akin to cigarette smoking, vaping incorporates an inhalation of toxins and so it’s inevitable that some of these toxins will be deposited in the skin, causing damage to the skin barrier and inflammation impacting the skin’s ability to function normally. “One of the most significant impacts of vaping is an exacerbation of acne. More and more studies are showing that the nicotine in e-cigarettes can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the skin, which leads to inflammation and the development of flares of acne,” she says. Vaping can also cause an overproduction of sebum, which is the oily substance that clogs pores and can lead to breakouts. The chemicals in e-cigarettes can disrupt the skin’s microbiome also contributing to the development of acne flares. “Another condition that is clearly impacted by vaping is rosacea – a chronic condition that causes redness and inflammation on the face. Vaping aggravates rosacea due to the presence of chemicals and irritants in e-cigarettes. The nicotine in vapes – like cigarettes – causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to a worsening of rosacea symptoms,” says Isabella. “While studies are currently quite limited, there are also viable scientific suggestions that vaping triggers rosacea flare-ups and may even make existing rosacea symptoms worse.” It should come as no surprise that vaping also can result in premature ageing and the development of fine lines and wrinkles. “The chemicals in e-cigarettes are known to cause oxidative stress, damaging collagen and elastin which are the proteins that keep skin firm and youthful looking. “I can confidently state as a fact that vaping spurs dull and uneven complexion – just as cigarettes do. Over time, this contributes to the development of fines and wrinkles. “Even the dreaded ‘smoker’s lips’ side effect of cigarette smoking is showing in those who vape. This is the formation of vertical perioral lines around the lips simply due to an overuse of the muscle to purse your lips to a vape,” says Isabella. When it comes to reversing the impacts of vaping on the skin, Isabella says this may not be possible. “Obviously, avoiding smoking and vaping altogether is my recommendation for radiant and healthy skin; but for those who do vape, I’d suggest keeping yourself hydrated and eating a healthy diet as a means of limiting the impacts of vaping. Of course, using sunscreen daily is also a must,” adds Isabella.
Hairstylist Kylie Hayes shares her top 4 tips for keeping hair looking luscious and extending the longevity of coloured hair using at-home treatments. Tip 1: Use Semi-Permanent Toning Filters To intensify your colour’s tone and avoid discolouration at an affordable price point, Revlon Professional’s Nutri Colour Filters will be your favourite haircare colour treatment during financially tight times. The unique 3-in-1 product achieves flawless, vibrant hair colour and a silky shine finish in between salon visits, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing an extensive list of haircare products. Kylie says, “Unwanted hair regrowth is bound to happen when delaying a visit to your hair salon, but this pigmented semi-permanent treatment is perfect for enhancing dull-coloured tones and providing that refresh that you are looking for.” To remove unwanted brassy, yellow, and orange tones, use the Revlon Professional Re/Start Colour Anti-Brassiness Purple Drops, a gentle serum that enhances blonde, lightened, grey, or white hair tones. Tip 2: Use Nourishing Shampoos & Conditioners Soapy shampoos and conditioners might be the reason for your colour fading faster, leaving you to be a frequent customer at your hair salon. Kylie says, “Substituting your thick, rich shampoos and conditioners with gentler, more nourishing products will cleanse the hair more effectively and greatly extend the life of your colour.” Look for products that are free from sulphates, which are prone to strip colour. Tip 3: Maintain moisture As coloured hair causes dryness, thinning, split ends, and breakage, Kylie says, “Moisturising your hair with a hair mask weekly helps to lock colour in the hair’s cuticles while also preventing further damage.” Look for products that nourish, hydrate, and strengthen the hair, leaving it with a soft and shiny finish. Tip 4: Cut back on heat styling tools Your trusty straightener and curling iron may also be a leading cause for your hair fading quickly. Kylie says, “Heat opens up your hair cuticles, allowing colour to fade at a faster rate; instead, look to reduce your use of styling tools, and applying a heat protectant before styling will be a game changer in restoring the brightness of colour in between salon visits.”
Discover the ‘Art of Beauty’ at iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic is redefining what it means to feel confident and radiant. Founded by Dr Alex Chen, a passionate and highly skilled cosmetic physician, the clinic is dedicated to enhancing clients’ natural beauty while providing a luxurious and supportive experience. With a commitment to advanced techniques, cutting-edge technology and personalised care, iBeauty is quickly becoming a trusted name in the cosmetic industry. Advanced Treatments; Remarkable Results At iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic, every treatment is powered by world-class technology and designed to deliver real, lasting results. Whether you’re seeking to smooth fine lines, restore skin health or sculpt your body, iBeauty offers a curated selection of advanced treatments tailored to your needs. Clients looking for skin tightening and lifting love Morpheus8, which combines microneedling and radiofrequency to firm, rejuvenate and refresh the skin. For a complete facial transformation, the 3-Step Face Lift, featuring Morpheus8, Forma and MiniFX, provides non-surgical contouring that sculpts and enhances the natural beauty of your face. For pigmentation, redness or sun damage, Lumecca IPL and PicoPro laser therapy provide effective, minimally invasive solutions to even out skin tone and restore radiance. Those in need of deeper resurfacing can turn to the Alma CO2 laser, which targets fine lines, wrinkles and scars for smoother, more youthful skin. Gouri, a revolutionary Korean facial treatment, helps restore a plump, hydrated complexion by stimulating collagen production, while Exosome therapy accelerates healing and rejuvenates the skin from within. For a gentler treatment, Laser Genesis offers a calming approach to reducing redness, shrinking pores and boosting collagen for glowing, healthy skin. Body sculpting and contouring are also a specialty at iBeauty, with Accutite, Facetite and Bodytite offering minimally invasive solutions to tighten and refine areas of concern. Whether you’re interested in injectables, dermal fillers, or skin rejuvenation, iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic delivers personalised care and exceptional results for every client. A New Era in Aesthetic Care Originally located in Southport, iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic has recently relocated to a brand-new luxury space at 62 Ashmore Road, Bundall. This state-of-the-art clinic is designed to elevate every aspect of the client experience, offering a serene environment where comfort meets transformation. It’s not just about the results—it’s about enjoying a supportive, stress-free journey to becoming your best self. Special Offer: $50 Off Your First Treatment To celebrate the opening of their new Bundall clinic, iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic is offering $50 off any treatment when you mention this article in Get It Magazine while booking your appointment. From advanced facial rejuvenation to body sculpting, now is the perfect time to explore their wide range of services. Visit ibeautycosmeticclinic.com.au to learn more and book your consultation. Step into the art of bespoke beauty and discover confidence like never before. 62 Ashmore Road, Bundall P 07 5600 0191
At iBeauty Cosmetic Clinic in Bundall, the results speak for themselves, but it’s the passion behind the scenes that sets this doctor-led clinic apart. Practice Manager Bridgette Moss isn’t just knowledgeable about the cutting-edge technologies on offer, she’s personally experienced them, with Ultherapy Prime being her current go-to for natural yet transformative results. “I trust this machine implicitly,” Bridgette shares. “It’s one of the only non-surgical modalities on the market that genuinely delivers what it promises.” Known as the next generation of non-invasive facelift treatments, Ultherapy Prime uses ultrasound energy to target the deep foundational muscles of the face, stimulating collagen production and visibly lifting areas like the jowls, brows, and cheeks. Unlike surface treatments, Ultherapy goes deeper, reactivating muscles and rebooting collagen, minimal downtime and results that keep improving for months post-treatment. Bridgette first tried Ultherapy herself in 2016 and hasn’t looked back. “We’ve now upgraded to the latest Prime device, which works in black and white ultrasound and allows us to see the full scope of muscle system and fat in the face, making it even safer and more effective. It’s not a facial, it’s a muscle-targeting treatment. Think of it like a gym workout for your face,” she explains. Bridgette adds that you can expect to experience a ‘flicking’ sensation as the device gets to work across the 60-75 minutes session, so while it’s not completely pain-free, it’s a treatment that won’t require a week off work to heal. With every client, iBeauty’s approach is grounded in realism, safety, and empowerment. “Ageing is a privilege, but we can absolutely age well,” Bridgette says. “It’s not about changing who you are, it’s about enhancing what’s already beautiful.” Under the guidance of Dr Alex, who is on-site full-time, iBeauty stands confidently as a doctor-led clinic, offering peace of mind in an industry that’s seen recent regulatory shifts. “The way clinics are legally able to speak about injectables is changing, and we’re learning more about how they interact with our bodies,” Bridgette shares. “With the new laws in place, having a doctor involved in all treatments is essential. Our patients know they’re in experienced, medically qualified hands.” Bridgette and her team champion skin treatments like Ultherapy Prime as a longer-lasting alternative to injectables that allows your face to re-engage and reactivate muscles and lift naturally. Another standout offering at iBeauty is the Exosome Sprinkle, a regenerative treatment made from ethically sourced umbilical stem cell derivatives. This liquid gold expedites healing post-laser or CO2 treatments, reduces redness by up to 80%, and significantly brightens skin tone. Prices start from just $50, with more intensive options available. “Exosomes talk to your cells in a way nothing else does,” Bridgette explains. “They boost results, reduce recovery, and they’re part of how we customise every client’s journey, because no two faces are the same.” That tailored approach is at the heart of everything iBeauty does. From in-depth prep and photo tracking to thorough consults and post-treatment care, every modality in the clinic is carefully chosen for its safety, effectiveness, and long-term impact. “We’re not here to push high-cost treatment plans or make you look like someone else. Our goal is to stop and reverse time for your skin that makes sense for your face and goals. And we do it with honesty, heart, and a little Benjamin Button meets Cher magic,” Bridgette laughs. iBeauty isn’t just another skin clinic, it’s a destination for those seeking meaningful, visible change with integrity at its core. “When you walk into iBeauty, you’re not just a number, you’re walking into real hearts, and a team of talented people all focused on one thing: helping you feel like the best version of yourself.” 62 Ashmore Road, Bundall P 07 5600 0191 ibeautycosmeticclinic.com.au
By Emma Claire Nutrition, Clinical Nutritionist (BHSc) We all deal with stress, but what if your body is trying to tell you something through your hair, skin, or nails? If you’ve noticed dull hair, unpredictable skin, or brittle nails, your hormones might be sending you a message. The Hormone-Beauty Connection When stress takes over, our bodies release cortisol—the famous stress hormone. While cortisol helps us respond to challenges, too much over time can disrupt our body’s balance. Think of it as an alarm system that stays on too long, leading to wear and tear on your body, including your appearance. How Stress Shows Up on Your Body Your Skin Your skin isn’t just a passive barrier; it’s an active neuro-endocrine organ, meaning it’s linked to both your nervous and hormonal systems. High cortisol levels can weaken your skin’s protective barrier and even impact gut health (yes, they’re connected!). This can lead to: Increased sensitivity Sudden dryness Flare-ups of acne or eczema Cortisol also makes your sebum thicker and increases keratin production, which can clog pores and contribute to breakouts—hence those untimely pimples before big events. Hair Changes Noticing more hair in your brush? Stress hormones can push your hair into its “resting” phase, leading to increased shedding. Additionally, stress diverts nutrients away from non-essential functions like hair growth, making strands weaker and more prone to breakage. Nail Signals Brittle nails or ridges? When stress takes over, your body prioritises essential functions over nail growth. This can leave your nails weak and lacking key nutrients. Your Action Plan for Healthy Skin, Hair & Nails Nourish Your Body Support your beauty from within by prioritising nutrient-rich foods: Wild-caught salmon and sardines – Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and support skin health. Pastured eggs – Packed with biotin, essential for hair growth. Colourful fruits and vegetables – Rich in antioxidants that protect skin cells from stress. High-quality proteins, including organ meats – These are loaded with vitamin A, B12, and zinc, crucial for hair and skin health. (Not a fan of organ meats? Try supplements like Cell Squared Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Capsules.) Support Your Hormones Balancing stress hormones can work wonders for your beauty routine. Try these simple habits: Start your day with five minutes of meditation – even a short practice can lower cortisol. Take deep breathing breaks – Try box breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds). Prioritise 7-9 hours of sleep – Beauty sleep is real! Stay hydrated with filtered water throughout the day. Move your body in ways that feel good—exercise is a natural stress reliever. Listen to Your Body Your hair, skin, and nails can be subtle messengers of your overall health. By managing stress and supporting your hormones, you can help restore balance, not just for beauty, but for your overall well-being.