Sydney’s quest for youthful looks embraces the latest non-invasive technology, treatments and brands
Sydney’s quest for youthful looks embraces the latest non-invasive technology, treatments and brands
Sydney is Australia’s largest city and arguably its glitziest, dazzling visitors with its iconic harbour headed by landmarks Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Its string of Pacific Ocean beaches are infused with typically laid-back, Australian charm and a live-life-to-the-max attitude. With its sunny climate, Sydney embodies the great outdoors and beach lifestyle with an obsession with youth and looking good.
With all that flesh on display, Sydney women – and bucking the stereotypical macho image, an increasing number of men – are preoccupied with their appearances and keeping fit and desirable. Not just downtown but in less glamorous neighbourhoods, you’re likely to find a medi-spa on the local high street and laser-focused clinics in suburban malls. More functional than relaxing, these compact-sized clinics make this thriving cosmetic industry accessible to all, with procedures and integrated services – from dermal fillers to laser resurfacing – as commonplace as grocery shopping and with increasingly less downtime, convenient for lunchtime pop-ins.
Treatments cater not only to smooth- skinned appearances, but also as corrective measures to all that partying and sun worshipping in Australia’s harsh sunlight. True, the Sydney spa and beauty industry comes nature and holistic-inspired, plumping for organic, naturally pure spa products, but combine this with the latest non-invasive technologies, trends and Cosmeceuticals, for natural results and less need for surgery. Additionally, a more ‘holistic’ wellness quest to counter modern-day stresses is gravitating to alternative therapies, like floatation tanks.
Laser Clinics
Ella Rouge Beauty and Laser Clinics
Ella Rouge Beauty and Laser Clinics was arguably the first to inject the no-nonsense laser and chain concept and “one- stop head-to-toe beauty solution” into Sydney’s CBD and outlying suburbia. Since 1997, they have offered affordable non- invasive cosmetic treatments with leading technologies by an experienced team of cosmetic doctors and registered nursing staff – anything from skin tightening and lip enhancements to capillary removals and spray tans.
Mainly located in shopping centre complexes, Ella Rouge’s aim is accessibility for up-to-date technological and cosmetic treatments, in convenient locations and shopping hours; with 25 clinics across Sydney and New South Wales State, and more in the pipeline.
Ella Rouge made a name for itself with groundbreaking cosmetology services, the first in Sydney (and Australia) to offer IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) laser hair removal, diode laser technology and cosmetic injectables. Some of their more comprehensive procedures cover LED (light emitting diode) light therapy, IPL Photo Rejuvenation and Fraxel, a fractional photothermolysis pioneer and ultra-precise laser treatment using microscopic laser columns targeting a small fraction of the skin below the surface, as opposed to superficial layers.
Fraxel resurfaces the skin by stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells from the inside out, for younger, fresher-looking skin, to replace damaged tissue and treat scarring and pigmentation. This delivers the potency of ablative treatments but with the gentle safety of non-ablative lasers – resulting in few side effects, low downtime and rapid healing. Due to its precision, Fraxel is also effective on delicate areas like sun-ravaged cleavages.
Other new-generation procedures include Palomar Emerge Fractional Laser incorporating diode laser technology, the latest laser skin resurfacing technology – which is not as intense as other existing lasers. It treats undesirable face and body imperfections like stretch marks or acne scars. IPL / Laser Hair Removal by Palomar StarLux 500, a powerful, medical-grade system for permanent hair reduction is a gentle, non-invasive, long-lasting solution. http://www.ellarouge.com.au
Medi-spas
Face Plus Medispa
Arguably, the Prada of Sydney’s burgeoning laser clinics and medi-spa industry, Face Plus Medispa in Bondi Junction presents a more high-level scene (literally), with a super sleek, contemporary designed suite providing spectacular harbour views from its ultra-discreet 19th floor. As one of Sydney’s leading cosmetic and facial rejuvenation clinics and pioneers in five-star medical grade skin care and anti-ageing treatments, international and Australian high-profile clientele are known to frequent it, albeit through a private back entrance.
Founded by Dr William Mooney, a global leader in facial cosmetic surgery with a team of cosmetic nurses and dermal aestheticians, Face Plus offers world-class technology and the latest non-surgical results-based facial treatments. Emphasis is on a personalised holistic approach to natural-looking results and achievable aesthetic improvements with long-lasting anti-ageing benefits. Most of their medical based menu – including Laser and Light Treatments (such as Laser Skin Resurfacing) and Facial Rejuvenation and Skin Treatments (Peels, Cosmetic Injectables and more) offer minimum downtime.
An impressive collection of the latest in cutting-edge, non-invasive medical aesthetic technologies, include non- ablative laser technology, like the Laser genesis (complexion laser) providing long-term luminosity following a brief, simple treatment and OMNILUX, a patent- protected light source facial treatment using LED technology. Working with the body’s natural processes to counteract the effects of ageing, it boosts the skin’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin – smoothing away wrinkles and improving texture for naturally younger-looking skin. Latest body treatments include ‘Titan’ Skin Tightening, working with ultrasound (non-ablative) infrared light; and for body sculpting and fat reduction, the Trusculpt procedure, using radio frequency-based technology to blast- away fat cells with heat.
Face Plus is one of the few clinics in Australia that swears by results-driven, medical-grade skin care from European brand, Dr Spiller, a pioneer in bio mimetic (science mimicking nature) skin products. With its patented Hydratain Emulsion system and high-active formulations and delivery of botanical ingredients, working with the skin’s natural defences rather than against them. The products provide a long-term, protective and natural approach and hydrated, plump skin, combined with other treatments or from a menu of bespoke facials, treatments and skin care.
A new Face Plus opened 2015 in suburban Bankstown, while a luxurious beachfront Medispa, helmed by leading Australian facial rejuvenation experts, launches early 2016 at the iconic Bondi Beach – shaping up to be an Australian game (or face) changer. http://www.faceplus.com.au
Fleur de Lys Medispa
Creator-Director of Fleur de Lys Medispa, Linda Wehbi, created one of Sydney’s favourite luxury day spas (and under-the- radar celebrity haunt) as an exotically charged “oasis of luxurious indulgence” to challenge the minimalist design trend. Drawing on her rich Lebanese heritage, this medi-spa in upscale Woollahra pays homage to traditional Moroccan aesthetics and therapeutic practices, with authentic flourishes of mosaic tiles, Arabian-style lanterns and gold basins.
In the salon-style lobby, clients drink mint tea and nibble on almonds. Fleur de Lys uses exquisite Les Sens de Marrakesh products imported from Morocco (including rose and argan oils), while signature treatments include the Moroccan Hammam Ritual experience, presented as a luxuriously private ritual in a traditional ‘bathing house’ steam room with heated marble table and 24-Carat gold Facial, a 100 per cent natural, rejuvenating facial featuring pure gold leaf.
Middle-Eastern traditions are, however, married with the latest spa and beauty practices (even the Hammam Ritual is preceded with a Infrared Sauna session and the gold Facial is combined with LED light therapy). The latest technologies include top medical procedure, OMNILUX, IPL treatments of Photo-Rejuvenation, Photovascular and even blonde and grey hair laser removal, LED Photon Dynamical Therapy and Fraxel Laser. Administered by skilled aestheticians and therapists, Fleur de Lys aims to combine dermatological science with overall well-being, achieving more long-term natural, anti-ageing results. http://www.fleurdelysmedispa.com.au
Spas
The darling spa at the darling
Sydney’s more sumptuous, large-scale spas are invariably found in high-end hotels, and like their clientele, they need to keep up appearances. Occupying the entire second floor of award-winning Darling Hotel, The Darling Spa has recently emerged from a major makeover. Designed by Sydney architects Cox Richardson and interior designers DBI Design and Stack Studio, this stylish 13-treatment room spa brings five-star pampering to a whole new level with its new hammam chamber with heated marble table, mosaic aromatherapy steam room with salt water Jacuzzi and state- of-the-art fitness facility, incorporating a Kenesis wall able to hold-up to 300kg (the first in a Sydney hotel) and the latest fitness equipment by Technogym – cardio pieces cover a virtual running experience along the beach or through the Rocky Mountains. http://www.thedarling.com.au
Spaq at Qt Sydney
In Sydney’s buzzing CBD, spaQ makes up for its miniscule size with an evocative vintage-era feel, part of designer boutique hotel QT Sydney housed within two of Sydney’s most historical buildings – gowings Department Store and State Theatre – now heritage-listed and restored to their glamorous prime. QT Sydney hotel’s in-house spaQ presents apothecary inspired styling and a 1920s ambiance, while two of its six treatment rooms are the original gowings Barber Shop, still intact with art deco tiling and stained-glass ceiling.
Featuring hammam-inspired steam room with ice fountain and a relaxation lounge with funky retro recliners, the spa highlights cutting-edge treatments like the Kerstin Florian K-lift Therapy, an age-reversal facial procedure. The results-driven products are synonymous with pioneering technology and cosmeceuticals (assisted by NASA experiments and Nobel Prize-winning laureates) and natural, antioxidant-packed formulas founded in advanced phototherapy and marine technology.
Non-invasive Kerstin Florian K-Lift Age Management System combines three high- performance energy technologies via wand- like devices: advanced red LED light therapy, Transdermal Delivery System and Impulse Micro-Currents (kinetic energy). Results are improved dermal density, stimulation of DNA regeneration, collagen and elastin production to restore cell function and re- educated muscle tone for pure, smoother skin and a firm, lifted appearance. The Kerstin Florian K-Lift Youth Accelerator Facial incorporates an exfoliating multi-acid fruit peel and nutrient-rich serum infused deep into the epidermal layers. If pushed for time, select from the K-Lift Age Management Express series for specifically targeted areas. http://www.qtsydney.com.au
The spa at Park Hyatt Sydney
One of Sydney’s loveliest spas, positioned right on Sydney harbour, The Spa at Park Hyatt Sydney, focuses predominantly on well-being and relaxation with holistic spa treatments connected to nature. They also offer the Kerstin Florian K-Lift Age Management System.
“There’s a growing mainstream interest in energy healing and the part it plays in the maintenance of beauty and well- being,” explains The Spa spokesperson. “Evolving as a ‘results-oriented’ brand, Kerstin Florian has always been intrigued by energy in all forms, exploring ways to incorporate this into their treatments. Their energy technology breakthrough came with the K-Lift Age Management System launch, evidence of an increasing number of emerging non-invasive energy technologies that can benefit the skin’s physical appearance.” http://www.sydney.park.hyatt.com
Floatation Therapy
Like many major cities, Sydney dwellers have their share of stresses, burnouts and electronic device overload from modern life. With floatation therapy regarded as one of the most scientifically proven ways of eliminating stress, tension and fatigue, no wonder more folk are headed for floatation tanks. Floatation therapy involves lying in a specifically designed tank filled with 600 kilograms of pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salts dissolved in water warmed to skin temperature, enabling water buoyancy, weightlessness and losing track of where the body ends and water begins.
Bondi Junction Massage and Float Centre
Float tanks are designed to eliminate all outside distractions, such as light, incessant background noises and tactile sensations. As the brain doesn’t have to process external stimuli, the senses are freed-up and body and mind can achieve deep levels of relaxation and meditation. Health and wellness pay-offs include reduction of stress, blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension; help with anxiety, depression, fatigue and jetlag; improved concentration, blood circulation and management of pain, illness and injury recovery. An hour of floating equals six hours of restorative sleep but positive, stronger effects are cumulative.
This therapy has been around for decades, but is a relatively new trend in Sydney and gaining in popularity, although Bondi Junction Massage and Float Centre has been operating for over 25 years. http://www.massagefloat.com.au
Forever Floating Health Spa
A few years ago, there were just a handful of floatation centres across the metropolis, now they number more than a dozen with more opening. This includes the recently launched Forever Floating Health Spa, a boutique float tank centre in trendy inner Suburb, Paddington, making floating even more accessible in location and price. http://www.foreverfloating.com
Saltuary
Worth the hike west of downtown, Saltuary launched Sydney’s first dedicated floatation tank rooms in 2013. The two private suites are complete with shower and spacious walk-in float chamber, high enough to stand inside and fully customised with side-door and adjustable light systems (as opposed to the smaller, pod-like tanks with lid overtop set in communal rooms).
With their additional Infrared Sauna and Himalayan Salt Room facilities and natural therapies, this family owned business positions itself as a ‘holistic health partner’ where community members can seek comprehensive health and wellness advice. The nurturing team of qualified health experts is helmed by Director- Head Naturopath Tiina Hogg – a walking advertisement for the benefits of floating. “Our facilities use modern technology in age-old natural, restorative therapies, brought to the local community to enhance well-being, “explains Hogg. “Not everyone can get to a Polish salt mine or the Dead Sea, whereas they can get to our float tanks and Salt Room!” http://www.saltuary.com.au
