One of my favourite quotes ever is “you can’t have an easy life and a great character”, and the sentiment is equally true when it comes to taking care of your skin. This is basically a very roundabout way of saying that everything worth having in life requires some level of consistency and commitment in order to achieve it, and skin health is no exception.
And, while everyone’s skin is different to some degree, there are some universal principles that can be applied across the board. For example, no one's skin would be improved by not applying sunscreen, that is simply an undeniable truth. The same goes for having regular skin conditioning treatments. While you might be able to get away with having a really comprehensive at-home skincare regimen only, it is still true that your skin would be improved (probably quite substantially) if you also had regular in-clinic treatments.
The reason for this is actually very simple. While your at-home products are great at working away on the surface and protecting you against environmental aggressors like UV, they won’t be able to get into the deeper layers the way an in-clinic treatment is designed to. This is because, with great risk comes great reward, and while the skin conditioning treatments are completely safe when performed by a trained professional, they would not be so safe if everyone was allowed to perform them at home. So, depending on your level of commitment to beautifying, there are a range of subtle and sophisticated defences to things like gravity and time, in varying degrees of both efficacy and expense, available to you through the hands of a trained professional.
As we have already established, consistency is key when it comes to achieving your goals. So, even if you are investing in the newest and most innovative ways to care for it, if you are not having regular treatments, you will not be getting that accumulative effect of someone who is again and again investing time and energy into their face. The road to achieving that level of skin health has no shortcuts.
Here is the low down on why regular skin treatments beat a one-off facial every time, and how to stay consistent with having them.
Why regular skin treatments are best practice
Just like workouts for your body, skin treatments help to keep your complexion in great shape and by having them consistently, you ensure the effects last longer than having a one-off treatment.
Some people consider having skin treatments and facials as an unnecessary expense, but they can actually save you a lot of money long term. Mainly because, if you are consistent with your ‘skin health focused treatments’, particularly if you start early on, then the need for the more intensive (and more expensive) treatments can be delayed. Treatments like Microdermabrasions, LED Light Therapy and even Microneedling are far less-invasive than treatments like Fractional CO2 Laser, and come with a significantly lower price tag. The effectiveness of these treatments comes with the consistency as opposed to the intensity. When you have them done regularly, you improve the health of the skin, meaning you are likely going to be able to delay throwing down the big bucks for a number of years.
Also, if you suffer from skin conditions such as dryness or acne, in-clinic treatments are the name of the game. A more intensive exfoliation, such as Microdermabrasion, will not only help to remove dead skin build-up, but it will also allow for your at-home products to be absorbed into the skin more effectively. While at-home products can absolutely get you to your skin goals, the more intensive in-clinic treatments are basically like a more concentrated sped-up version of the effects. This means you’re getting more bang for your buck both at home and in-clinic. This mean you are saving money AND investing in your skin health, talk about a win-win.
How to stay consistent with your in-clinic treatments
We hear you, all this talk about ‘consistency’ can be frustrating. Just like we all know that going to the gym everyday will benefit our health long term, actually making sure we are going is a whole different story. Well, one way to improve your consistency is to make it as easy as humanly possible for you to book and attend appointments. This can happen in a few different ways.
Have a clinic you trust
Getting a skin conditioning treatment should be an appointment you look forward to, not dread. The key to achieving this is having a clinic that you trust and enjoy going to. The difference this can make should not be discredited, even having a familiar smile greet you at reception can make all the difference in the world. I have been going to Caci Epsom for as long as I can remember, and being greeted by the lovely owners Erin and Amber each and every time always puts a smile on my face, which enhances the inevitable glow I always have upon leaving!
Geographical location is key
Kind of like living next door to a gym, the less travel you have to do the more likely you are to stay consistent. Having a clinic near your work or home will make a much bigger difference than you may realise, and with Caci, there is bound to be one in your vicinity! With over 75 clinics nationwide (and counting) you can find a conveniently located clinic to help take the ‘admin’ out of what should be a really enjoyable experience.
Sign up to a skincare membership plan
Take all the scheduling, planning and thinking out of your skin treatments by signing up for the Reformaskin Skin Health Membership. Once you’re signed up, the team at your chosen clinic will book you in for tailored treatments every three to four weeks. This means you don’t need to research which treatments your skin needs and when, the knowledgeable team will be able to tell you which facials you need at what time to achieve optimal results.
Believe us when we tell you that often the hardest part of staying consistent with your skin treatments is picking up the phone and booking. Because you will book your next appointment after each treatment, this can honestly be the difference between staying consistent and not!
The best thing about the Caci Reformaskin Plan is that it’s personal. The Caci team will take a vested interest in you and your skin, which will lead to you getting the absolute best results possible. They’ll be able to answer any skin-related questions you have, as well as point you in the right direction for your at-home products.
How much does the membership cost?
Memberships start at as little as $28 per week (which is possibly less than what you spend on coffee). If you’re looking for something a little more intensive, you can sign up for plans that include some of Caci's more advanced treatments such as Photo Rejuvenation and Fractional Laser, so if you’re wanting to incorporate these just let the staff know at your consultation and they will be able to adjust the price accordingly.
Can I achieve the same results at home?
We get it, life is expensive, and if you are already completely maxed out on your beauty budget, there are a few smart ways of getting that professional-style glow at home. The best one requires some up-front investment, but will pay off in spades, we promise, and that is investing in an at-home LED mask. While having in-clinic LED Light Therapy sessions is a stronger and more enhanced way of achieving the same results, if you are really consistent with your at-home mask, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy the same results long term.
On a similar vein, at-home dermarolling (while not as effective as in-clinic Microneedling) is a really smart and effective way of upping your at-home routine and results. This tool creates tiny micro-channels in your skin that help increase the absorption of active ingredients in your skincare. It gives your skin super powers, like making it more bouncy, reducing the appearance of lines and making your pores less noticeable.
These smart little at-home enhancements can definitely help you to get that in-clinic glow for less, and in the comfort of your own home. But the same principles apply, there is no use investing in them only to have them sitting in your cupboard collecting dust, have a plan and stick to it. If you are not sure how you should be using them and when, the best port of call is to swing into your local Caci clinic to purchase the items and they can advise you on the best schedule for you and your skin.
Ready to get glowy, healthy skin?
If you’re ready to take a results-driven approach to your skin then book a free consultation at your local Caci clinic today. Our staff will be able to talk you through which treatments could benefit you and why. Trust us when we tell you, you won’t regret setting aside a little bit of time for yourself!
Written by Kate Milliken, former Beauty Editor, for Caci
