Double Bay Clinic

I’m a big believer in taking time out to look after your general wellbeing - yes, that includes hair and skin care. I'm especially a believer when the treatments I choose to invest my time and money in actually deliver on what they promise. But sometimes it’s hard to tell with new technologies, which is why most of us tend to rely on the opinion of our friends who brave new treatments first. (Guilty as charged.) Recently, I was invited to experience a tailored treatment at the Double Bay Clinic. Prior to my visit, I was always scared of microdermabrasion. Even the word scared me, because all I seemed to register was abrasion. Plus, I always thought I didn't really have a reason to try it.

How wrong I was.

Melanie Grant is the gorgeous owner of the clinic and is favoured among Australia’s biggest names in fashion and entertainment, including Jessica Mauboy, Delta Goodrem, designer Alex Perry and model Nic Trunfio, to name a few. Being my usual self, I spent most of my treatment asking Mel a million and one questions about everything she was doing. When Mel began with the microdermabrasion treatment, she let me know I may feel a light scratching sensation on my skin. So I braced myself… but all I felt was suction. I could have sworn I felt every last impurity being lifted straight out of every pore on my face.

One of the things I loved about my afternoon at Double Bay Clinic was Mel’s honesty. With my upcoming trip to the US, I’ve been doing as much as I can to feel my best. When I asked Mel if there is a product that I should be using to keep myskin at its healthies while in transit, Mel answered with “Yes, water!”… Here I was expecting to hear about a miracle potion that would set me back a few hundred dollars… but nope! Mel’s advice was real, inexpensive and completely achievable, especially for the time poor folk like me.

Mel also treated my skin with the Omnilux Light Therapy, which is a non-surgical treatment used to stimulate the skin’s own renewal process - perfect for treating fine lines and wrinkles, acne, rosacea, wound healing, scar reduction, large pores and psoriasis. I think this was my favourite part, mainly because the light put me in a state of blissful relaxation.

The entire experience was tailored to my skin type and lifestyle, and I recommend anyone looking for real results to pay Mel a visit. My skin was glowing for two weeks after the treatment, and my skincare products seemed to work so much better after the treatment, too.

Keep scrolling to check out a quick q&a with Mel on prevention, hero products and eating for great skin!

Mel Grant's Simple Tips for Healthier Skin

What are the three things everyone should be doing more to improve skin health? 1. Protecting our skin from the harsh Australian Sun! Use sunscreen (broad spectrum high spf) every single day. 2. Eating functional, nutritious food and staying hydrated. 3. Sleeping at least eight hours every night.

What are the 3 most effective ways to counter early aging? 1. Preventative skincare regime incorporating a good quality antioxidant serum and high spf broad spectrum sunscreen. 2. Eat well and steer clear of processed food, cigarettes and too much alcohol. 3. Keep stress levels to a minimum.

Name 3 hero products every woman should think about using to protect and care for the skin? 1. Antioxidant serum 2. Sunscreen 3. Good quality products that contain Retinol

I travel overseas a few times a year. On most trips, I spend more than 22 hours in transit. What is the most effective way of keeping my skin feeling fresh and healthy? Stay hydrated, drink lots of water and herbal tea. Avoid coffee and alcohol. Also, try not to wear make up, instead opt for a rich occlusive moisturiser and a lip balm. And sleep if you can!

3 natural and affordable skin care solutions that everybody needs to know about are… 1. Eat lots of good fats such as nuts, avocado and oily fish. 2. Drink coconut water to stay plump and hydrated. 3. Bathe in essential oils such as Rose Geranium to promote clarity, hydration and tone.