In my previous post about having rosacea, I mentioned that I had decided to find a holistic way to heal from the inside, out. And while doing some research I found Derma Bright Clinic, a holistic skincare and slimming centre in Vancouver.

About Derma Bright Clinic:

Derma Bright Clinic is unique in that they have a holistic approach to skin with a focus on anti-aging and acne; using non-invasive technology too as they are results orientated. Estie and her team believe that great skin starts from within. How you treat your body will have an affect on how your skin looks. Targeting from the inside and then assisting the process through the outside using aesthetic services such as exfoliation, professional extraction, masks and peels, a good take home routine. Derma Bright Clinic uses products that are natural and effective, that wont pollute the skin. Furthermore, their passion is helping clients achieve healthy, bright skin and ultimately a state of well being.

Meeting the Derma Bright Team:

Upon arriving at Derma Bright Clinic, I was warmly greeted by Estrellita (Estie), the owner and shown around the clinic. She mentioned the services and programs offered, some of their specialty services and product lines. Estie also told me about other practitioners that are hosted in the clinic, and what they have to offer.

I was then introduced to Sandra, master aesthetician, who I would be seeing in regards to my rosacea. She kindly handed me some forms to fill out, where they get a feel for what type of lifestyle you live, health, etc. Sandra then explained to me that I would be having a “Facial- Time Block,” which includes:

• A personalized skin care consultation before each treatment to ensure the best service and outcome;
• The time block format is a subjective treatment and the Aesthetician will employ a number of methods including but not limited to: cleansing, toner, exfoliation, extractions, mask or serum application, moisturizer, and mineral powder or SPF application for sun protection; hand/arm and/or shoulder massage as well as lifestyle coaching;
• The Time Block Format may also use our Oxylight or Juvesa machines; the modalities can include Micro-current, Oxygen, Ultrasound, Micro-dermabrasion or LED light;

My facial time block experience:

As I walked into the room, I felt at ease knowing that finally I was getting the show on the road. Sandra explained what some of the motives of my rosacea may be and that the root cause is internal. She said that besides the external treatments she was going to do, I had to do my part too. I was in charge of the most important treatment,  the internal. What she meant was that I had to commit to eating differently because it was obvious that it was something that I was ingesting that was causing my rosacea. Sandra recommended that I eliminate the following foods from my diet: eggs, shellfish, dairy, refined sugars, mangoes, and cold foods to see how my body/face reacted. She also recommended that I add the following to my diet: lots of Vitamin C, honey,  melons, papaya and chlorophyll.

Me excited to get first facial time block for my rosacea

Now, it was time to get down to business, the facial. Sandra started by cleansing my face with a Whistler Naturals pumpkin cleanser that I swear I wanted to eat it smelled so good! Toner was second, and an exfoliation with Sandra’s own “Pearl Polish,” which really worked away all of the dead skin, getting down to the “new” soft and healthy skin. She exfoliated for a good 15 minutes, now you can imagine how much dead skin was just peeling off.

POP!

Then came the extractions, the popping of the pustules. Oh gaaawsh, I had never felt such pain on my face. I honestly thought I was getting poked with a needle, seriously. But, alas when I finally opened my eyes and breathing to take a look, she was just using her fingers (in gloves). Then, I felt like such a wimp, LOL. Then came a little bit of a sting, when she wiped my face clean with some natural alcohol.

After, she applied a soothing honey mask all over my face. She let me know that honey has many great benefits for our bodies and skin. So, that honey in your cupboard, you can lather that up on your face after your nighttime face wash. It doesn’t have to be fancy, honey.  Plain honey will do the trick.

I really liked that Sandra talked through each of her steps, explaining what technique she was doing, why she was doing it, and what I can do at home.

Oxylight Machine:

Then, she applied a moisturizer and a mineral powder. Last, but not least, I got a couple minutes alone with the Oxylight machine. This machine offers LED light therapy on its panel with oxygen infusion at the same time. Pure oxygen is infused onto the face, and is then inhaled through the nose and taken into the lungs, where the blood carries this oxygen throughout the body.

This last step in my first treatment was the cherry on the cake. It really sealed the deal and left me feeling excited, relaxed and eager all at the same time. I was a little nervous to look in the mirror and see how red my face was going to be, but I knew it would settle down after a couple of hours. Immediately after getting up, I took a selfie with a filter. Then, I felt guilty, embarrassed and kind of ashamed for doing that. If I was on this new path of acceptance (and treatment) for my rosacea, I had to be honest with myself, and you too. So, here it goes…both selfies.

My Rosacea Selfies- With Filter on Left- WithOUT filter on Right

I was excited that I had finally taken the first steps of treating my rosacea holistically. The elimination of some foods from my diet was going to be fine, not easy, but do-able. Especially since one a couple of my favourite pregnancy snacks were on the hit list…and no cold food/drinks (ah, it was Summer! SO HARD). But, like they say…

Where there is a will, there is a way.