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  • All Or Nothing Podcast Episode 1 - Cultivating Self Worth

    Before we talk about cosmetic medicine, I want to talk about something deeper. Self-worth. It’s a phrase we hear often, but rarely pause to explore. In the debut episode of the All or Nothing  podcast , I’m starting where I believe all meaningful cosmetic conversations should begin - with how you feel about yourself. WHY SELF‑WORTH MATTERS I see it every week in clinic. When someone walks in feeling grounded in who they are, their approach to treatment is completely different. They’re not chasing perfection. They’re not trying to look like someone else. They’re simply enhancing what already feels right to them. But when self-worth is fragile, cosmetic medicine can become a mask. It might offer a momentary boost, but it rarely brings lasting peace. That’s why this conversation matters - because beauty isn’t just about how we look. It’s about how we see ourselves. WHERE SELF‑WORTH BEGINS For many of us, self-worth is shaped by the past. Old trauma, criticism, comparison. I’ve been there myself. But one of the most powerful things I’ve learned - both personally and professionally, is that we’re not defined by those stories. We can re-frame them. And yes, we can choose to make cosmetic changes… but not because we need to. Because we want to. HOW IT RELATES TO COSMETIC TREATMENTS When you approach a treatment with good self-worth , you make more thoughtful decisions. You ask better questions. You know where the line is. And you trust yourself to stop when you’re happy - not when someone else says you should be. That kind of confidence isn’t superficial. It's powerful. A PERSONAL BEGINNING This episode isn’t about techniques or trends. It’s about laying the groundwork, which can be confronting. I have been on my own journey building self-worth, and it is why I believe the most beautiful transformations begin long before you ever walk into a clinic . Watch Episode 1: Building Beauty from the Inside – Cultivating Self-Worth Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYEU8a7bABg Or you can listen on Spotify:

  • Hyperhidrosis – Exploring Treatment For Excessive Sweating

    I see many patients who come to me feeling frustrated, embarrassed, or just plain tired of dealing with excessive sweating. This isn’t the kind of light perspiration most of us experience on a hot day or when we’re nervous. Hyperhidrosis is something else entirely - it can happen out of nowhere, and it often interferes with daily life in ways most people don’t talk about. It affects confidence, comfort, and even simple things like what clothes you wear, how you greet someone, or whether you feel at ease in your own skin. The good news? There’s a safe and highly effective treatment available. At ALLOR , we use botulinum toxin to treat hyperhidrosis by gently blocking the nerve signals that overstimulate your sweat glands. It’s especially effective in the underarms, but we also use it with great success on the hands, feet, and face. Results usually begin within a few days, and for most people, the dryness lasts between six to nine months. If you're curious whether this treatment might be right for you, we’ll walk you through exactly how it works, what to expect, and how we approach it here at ALLOR. Because once you understand your options, it becomes much easier to take that first step towards relief.   What is Hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis is a condition where your body produces far more sweat than it needs to. This isn’t about being hot or exercising - it’s a medical issue where the sweat glands become overactive, often without any clear trigger. It is sweating that simply doesn’t match the situation. You might be sitting calmly in a cool room, yet still find your underarms, hands, or feet completely drenched. It can be unpredictable, and for many people, incredibly disruptive. There are two main types. Primary hyperhidrosis usually starts early in life, often during childhood or teenage years and tends to affect specific areas like the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, or face. It often shows up symmetrically on both sides of the body. Secondary hyperhidrosis , on the other hand, tends to involve larger areas and is usually caused by an underlying medical condition or certain medications. This type is more likely to begin later in life and sometimes continues even during sleep.   Primary and Secondary Hyperhidrosis Understanding the difference between these two types helps determine the best treatment approach for your specific situation. Primary hyperhidrosis has no underlying medical cause that we can identify. Your sweat glands simply produce more sweat than necessary in response to normal triggers like stress , heat, or emotions. Secondary hyperhidrosis results from another medical condition or medication. The sweating usually occurs across larger body areas and may happen during sleep. Common causes include diabetes, thyroid disorders, menopause, certain medications, or infections. If you develop excessive sweating suddenly as an adult, we recommend investigating potential underlying causes with your family doctor (GP). Primary hyperhidrosis is more common and responds well to treatments like Botox® injections . Secondary hyperhidrosis often improves when the underlying medical condition is addressed.   What Causes Hyperhidrosis? The exact cause of primary hyperhidrosis remains unclear, but does involve your sympathetic nervous system sending stronger signals to your sweat glands than necessary. Genetic factors also play a role. About 30 - 50% of people with hyperhidrosis have family members with the same condition ( Haider A, Solish N. Focal hyperhidrosis: diagnosis and management. CMAJ. 2005;172(1):69–75 ) . Emotional triggers like stress, anxiety , or embarrassment can worsen symptoms. Many patients say their sweating increases in social situations, which creates a cycle where worry about sweating causes more sweating. Physical triggers include heat, spicy foods, caffeine, or physical activity. However, people with hyperhidrosis sweat excessively even without these triggers. The condition isn't related to fitness level or personal hygiene. Hyperhidrosis is a legitimate medical condition and not something you can control through willpower alone.   How Sweat Glands Work To really understand how we treat hyperhidrosis, it helps to first understand what’s going on with your sweat glands. Your body has two main types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine . The eccrine glands are the ones we focus on when treating hyperhidrosis - they’re small, numerous, and found all over your body. They produce the clear, odourless sweat that kicks in when your body’s trying to cool itself down.   How Botox® Works for Excessive Sweating When we’re treating hyperhidrosis, the goal is to calm the overactive sweat glands in specific areas without affecting the rest of your body’s ability to regulate heat. That’s exactly what Botox® allows us to do. Botulinum toxin works by blocking the nerve signals that normally tell your sweat glands to turn on. When injected into the right area, it essentially creates a temporary barrier between your nerves and sweat glands so your glands simply stop overproducing sweat. The result? Far less sweating - without affecting your body’s ability to regulate temperature in other areas. You’ll still sweat naturally where you need to, like during exercise or in the heat. But in the areas we’ve treated, the overactive response is switched off. The effects typically begin within 2 to 4 days  and can last up to nine months . Common treatment areas include: Underarms (most popular) Palms and fingers Soles of feet Face and scalp for facial hyperhidrosis The beauty of this treatment is its consistency. Research shows that patients typically see a significant reduction in sweat production, with many experiencing up to 80 - 90% average reduction in sweating in treated areas. I find that patients are often amazed by how quickly their quality of life improves. Within weeks, they're choosing clothes based on style rather than sweat concealment.   What to Expect from a Botox® Treatment for Hyperhidrosis We recommend stopping any antiperspirants 24 hours before your appointment and shaving the treatment area. This helps us see exactly where your sweat glands are most active. You'll want to avoid blood-thinning medications and alcohol for 24 hours before your session. Also, avoid active skincare ingredients like retinoids or exfoliants for 3 - 5 days beforehand on the treatment area. On the day of treatment: Wear loose, comfortable clothing Arrive with clean, deodorant-free, hairless skin Avoid caffeine, which can increase sweating Bring a list of current medications If needed, we may perform a starch-iodine test to help map the sweat-prone zones before treatment. The injection process is straightforward but requires precision. we use a very fine needle to inject small amounts of product just under the skin surface.  Each injection feels like a quick pinch. Most people find the discomfort minimal and brief. Numbing cream or distraction tools can be used to enhance comfort.   Results, Safety and Potential Side Effects Most patients begin seeing improvement in 2 to 4 days , with peak dryness usually by 2 weeks . You’ll likely feel very dry for the first few weeks, before returning to pre-treatment levels around the 6 - 9 month mark.   Botox Side Effects for Treating Hyperhidrosis Side effects are generally mild and temporary: Redness or swelling at injection sites Soreness or slight bruising Muscle weakness near treated areas (less common) Rarely, compensatory sweating in untreated zones Complications are very rare when the treatment is performed by an experienced practitioner.   Is Botox® Right for You? You may be a good candidate if: Excessive sweating affects your daily life You've tried antiperspirants without relief You prefer a non-surgical option You want targeted results in specific areas We’ll assess your medical history and lifestyle at your consultation to ensure this is the safest, most effective approach for you. If hyperhidrosis is holding you back, let’s change that. Book a consultation and we will guide you through your choices step by step. Book online or reach out to the clinic today.   Botox®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes.  Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on  www.medsafe.govt.nz . Click for further details. Allergan, Auckland.

  • Botox® For Hayfever – Does “Haytox” Actually Work?

    I’ve heard Botox® can help with hayfever – is this true? Anon, Whenuapai As spring begins to bloom, so does the dreaded wave of hayfever.  If you're one of the many New Zealanders who dreads this time of year - itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose - you're not alone.  And while antihistamines and nasal sprays are helpful for some, others find they barely scratch the surface. That's where Botox® for hayfever , sometimes called “ Haytox ”, is changing the game. I know it might sound surprising - Botox® for hayfever? But the science is well-established.  When a small amount of Botulinum toxin is placed inside the nasal passages (using a fine atomiser or applicator), it helps to calm the overactive nerve endings responsible for hayfever symptoms.  The result? Less nasal congestion, reduced sneezing, and fewer tissues (hooray!). I offer this treatment at ALLOR for people who’ve tried the usual approaches with little relief.  It’s fast, well-tolerated, and requires no needles in the face - just a simple in-clinic procedure with effects that typically last 3-4 months.  That covers most of spring and summer. Haytox isn’t for everyone, and it’s not a complete cure.  But if your hayfever gets in the way of daily life, or you simply want to enjoy the outdoors without discomfort, it’s worth considering.  After all, spring should be a season to enjoy, not endure. If you're curious whether Haytox could work for you, I’m happy to talk it through.  Book a consultation , and we can create a plan that helps you breathe easier this season. Quick Answers: Can Botox® really help with hayfever? Yes. Botox® can reduce hayfever symptoms by calming overactive nerve signals inside the nasal passages. What is “Haytox”? Haytox is the use of botulinum toxin placed inside the nose to help relieve hayfever symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose. How does Botox® for hayfever work? Botulinum toxin reduces nerve activity in the nasal lining, which helps decrease mucus production and irritation that trigger hayfever symptoms. How long does Haytox last for hayfever? Results typically last 3–4 months , which often covers most of the spring and summer allergy season. Is Botox® for hayfever a cure? No. Haytox is not a cure, but it can significantly reduce symptoms for people who do not respond well to antihistamines or nasal sprays. Who is Haytox best suited for? It may suit people with moderate to severe hayfever that interferes with daily life, particularly if standard treatments have not provided enough relief. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co .nz or contact us here . Botox®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes.  Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. Allergan, Auckland.

  • All Or Nothing Podcast Episode 2 - Beauty Trends - Inspiration Or Manipulation?

    We talk a lot about beauty, but not enough about what shapes it. Trends. They can inspire us, connect us, and give us ideas to explore. But they can also quietly lead us away from what makes us feel like ourselves. In this episode of the All or Nothing   Podcast , I’m talking about why we follow them, how they influence our choices, and what happens when we stop questioning whether they truly serve us. WHEN BEAUTY BECOMES A TREND In cosmetic medicine , trends move fast. One year it’s fuller lips . The next it’s sharp jawlines or contoured cheeks . Social media and celebrity culture have blurred the line between individuality and imitation - and it’s easy to lose sight of what really suits you. Sometimes we follow trends because they feel exciting. But sometimes, without realising it, we start to drift from our natural beauty in the process. THE LINK BETWEEN TRENDS AND SELF-WORTH This conversation connects deeply to self-worth. When you feel grounded in who you are, trends can be fun and inspiring. When you don’t, they can become a way to fill something that feels missing. But beauty doesn’t need to be rushed. Confidence grows when you learn to appreciate what’s already yours. THE “PICTURE-PERFECT” TRAP In a world of filters and photo edits, perfection has become the goal. But real faces move. They express. They live. And that’s what makes them beautiful. FINDING YOUR BALANCE Every face has a point where it looks its best - natural, balanced , and authentic. Knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing where to start. That’s something I talk about often, finding your aesthetic end point and protecting it. GROWING YOUR OWN ROOTS When you nurture who you are on the inside, you grow beautifully in your own direction. Trends will come and go, but your sense of self doesn’t have to. Because true beauty isn’t about keeping up. It’s about knowing who you are and staying rooted there. Watch Episode 2: Beauty Trends - Inspiration or Manipulation? Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/fZSL8Ur-1N8 Or you can listen on Spotify:

  • Does Skincare Still Matter If You Get Botox®?

    Do I need skincare if I have Botox®? Anon, Hobsonville I’m often asked this.  The short answer is yes.  In fact, I’d argue that combining Botox® with good skincare and skin treatments is the secret to truly radiant results - not just smooth skin, but healthy skin. Botox® works by softening lines caused by repeated muscle movement.  It doesn’t improve skin texture, sun damage, hydration, or pigmentation.  That’s where a personalised skincare plan and professional treatments come in.  They target the quality  of your skin, while Botox® targets the movement  beneath it. Think of it like ironing a shirt. Botox® takes out the creases, but if the fabric itself is stained, or worn, no amount of wrinkle-smoothing will bring it back to life.  That’s what skincare does.  It restores glow, clarity, and strength to your skin. At ALLOR, I tailor your skincare and treatment plan around your Botox® cycles.  This might include things like microneedling to stimulate collagen, NCTF® or Profhilo® to hydrate and plump, and skincare products with active ingredients like vitamin C, B and retinol.  The result? Your skin looks fresh even as your Botox® wears off. So yes, Botox® can help you look rested.  But if you want skin that actually glows  - skincare matters.  And it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.  I can help you build a personalised plan that gives your skin exactly what it needs, because loving the skin you’re in truly is the key to looking and feeling your most radiant self. Quick Answers: Do I still need skincare if I get Botox®? Yes. Botox® treats muscle movement but does not improve skin texture, hydration, pigmentation, or sun damage. What does Botox® improve compared to skincare? Botox® softens wrinkles caused by muscle movement, while skincare improves the quality, strength, and appearance of the skin itself. Can skincare make Botox® results look better? Yes. Good skincare supports collagen, hydration, and skin health, which helps Botox® results look more natural and radiant. What skin concerns does Botox® not treat? Botox® does not treat pigmentation, dryness, sun damage, uneven texture, or loss of skin glow. Should skincare be timed around Botox® treatments? Yes. Skincare and skin treatments can be planned around Botox® cycles to support skin quality as Botox® wears off. Is combining Botox® and skincare better than Botox® alone? Yes. Combining Botox® with good skincare and skin treatments delivers healthier, more radiant skin, not just smoother lines. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz . Botox®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes.  Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. Allergan, Auckland.

  • Can Botox® Be Reversed?

    Is Botox® reversible? Anon, Kumeu No.  It is understandable to want reassurance that if you try a treatment and don’t love the result, there’s a way back, but Botox® isn’t reversible the same way dermal fillers are.   Most fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, and if needed, can be dissolved instantly with a special enzyme call Hyaluronidase . Botox® is different.  Once it’s placed into a muscle, it binds to the nerve endings and blocks their signals.  This relaxation is what softens expression lines and prevents new wrinkles from forming.  There is no medication that can “erase” Botox® once it’s there.   That doesn’t mean you’re stuck if you don’t like the look.  The effect is temporary.  Your body naturally breaks down the toxin over time, and the nerve endings regenerate, returning to full function once it wears off gradually over three to four months.  In some cases, if there is any imbalance, a small adjustment can be made with additional units to restore symmetry.   If you’re nervous about trying Botox® , the best approach is to start with a light dose and build up gradually.  That way you can ease into the treatment and feel confident about how your face responds.   The key takeaway? Botox® isn’t reversible in the moment, but it’s never permanent.  With careful, conservative treatment, the results should feel natural and reassuring. And if you decide it isn’t for you, your face will always return to its normal movement as the effects wear off. Quick Answers: Is Botox® reversible? No. Botox® cannot be reversed once it has been injected, unlike dermal fillers. Why can’t Botox® be reversed? Botox® binds to nerve endings and blocks their signals to muscles. There is no medication that can undo this once it has taken effect. What happens if I don’t like my Botox® results? Botox® is temporary. The effects gradually wear off as nerve endings regenerate, usually over 3–4 months . Can Botox® be adjusted if something looks uneven? Sometimes, yes. Small additional doses can be used to improve balance or symmetry if needed. Is Botox® permanent? No. Botox® is never permanent. Muscle movement fully returns once the toxin has worn off. How can I reduce the risk of unwanted Botox® results? Start with a light, conservative dose and build gradually. This allows you to see how your face responds and keeps results natural. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz . Botox®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes.  Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. Allergan, Auckland. Dermal Filler, Medical Device Class III to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore or enhance the lips or restore facial volume. Dermal filler has risk and benefits. Ask your doctor if dermal filler is right for you.  For product information check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier.

  • Supporting Child Safety At Hobsonville Primary School

    We are pleased to share something a little different from our usual updates. ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine is proud to sponsor the Child Safety Awareness Program  at Hobsonville Primary School, an initiative designed to help young students learn practical skills that support their well-being and confidence. As part of the program, the school receives educational exercise books created to teach children about personal safety in a gentle, age-appropriate way. These resources guide students through important topics while keeping the learning process positive and engaging. We chose to support this initiative because safety matters at every age. For children, having clear, accessible information helps them understand how to look after themselves and when to reach out for help. For families, it provides reassurance that these conversations are being introduced thoughtfully within the school environment. It has been a privilege to contribute to this work and to support a school within our own community. We are grateful to Hobsonville Primary School for the opportunity and look forward to continuing our involvement in future community programs.

  • All Or Nothing Podcast Episode 3: Carve Your Own Path - Embracing The Non-Linear Career

    We talk a lot about careers, but not enough about the paths behind them. Many of us are taught that a career should look a certain way. You pick a direction, stay the course, and follow the steps in order. In medicine especially, the path is often presented as fixed, linear, and unquestionable. But real life isn’t linear, and most careers aren’t either. In this episode of the All or Nothing Podcast , I talk about what it feels like to drift off the “expected” path and why that doesn’t make you a failure. I explore the pressure to stay inside the lines, what happens when your interests change, and why it can feel confronting to choose a different direction. A non-linear career isn’t a detour. It’s often where growth happens. It’s where people discover strengths they didn’t know they had, reconnect with what matters to them, and build a path that feels more authentic than the one they started with. We also look at the identity side of career change. When so much of your self-worth is tied up in titles, exams, roles, or achievements, stepping into something new can feel uneasy. But it can also be grounding. Clarifying. Liberating. Your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line to be meaningful. You’re allowed to evolve, to shift direction, and to choose a path that reflects who you are now rather than who you were when you began. Subscribe for more insights from the All or Nothing Podcast with Dr. Heather Anderson by ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine. Watch Episode 3: Carve Your Own Path – Embracing the Non-linear Career Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/WePaqdpzzXw Or you can listen on Spotify:

  • Should I Have Botox® And Fillers Before Or After Cosmetic Tattooing?

    Should I have Botox ® and fillers before or after cosmetic tattooing? Anon, Riverhead If you’re planning both injectables and cosmetic tattooing, timing matters more than most people realise.  If you’re thinking about lip tattooing and also want lip filler , do the filler at least 6 weeks beforehand.  Filler changes the shape of your lips, which is what the tattoo artist uses as their guide. If you want eyebrow tattooing, it’s best to have Botox ®  worn off first as Botox ®  can affect eyebrow position.  As a rule of thumb, allow at least 3-4 months after your last Botox ®  treatment before tattooing.  Once the tattoo has healed, you can resume Botox ®  treatments as normal. If you already have microblading and want a more refined look with cosmetic tattooing, you will need laser removal first.  Removing the old pigment gives a clean canvas for your artist to create the ideal shape.  It usually takes a few laser sessions spaced several weeks apart, but the result is worth the patience. I have personally had cosmetic tattooing done by Jeni Hart from Brows and Beyond in Kumeu (browsandbeyond.co.nz ) .  I highly recommend Jeni as she is not only skilled with brows and lips, but she also has a laser, so can remove previous pigment. Jeni also works in reconstructive tattooing, creating realistic nipples for women after breast cancer surgery and restoring features for people with facial deformities.  Her attention to symmetry and balance is exceptional, which sets her apart from the rest. Quick Answers: Should I do lip filler before lip tattooing? Yes. Do filler at least 6 weeks before lip tattooing so the final lip shape is stable for mapping. Should Botox® be worn off before eyebrow tattooing? Yes. Allow at least 3–4 months after your last Botox® treatment before tattooing brows, because Botox® can affect brow position. If I already have microblading, do I need laser removal before cosmetic tattooing? Often, yes. Laser removal can clear old pigment to give a clean base, and it may take a few sessions spaced several weeks apart. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz Dermal Filler, Medical Device Class III to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore or enhance the lips or restore facial volume. Dermal filler has risk and benefits. Ask your doctor if dermal filler is right for you.  For product information check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier. Botox®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes.  Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. Allergan, Auckland.

  • Best Skin Treatments Before The Holidays

    What are the best treatments to make my skin look its best before the holidays? Anon, Whenuapai The lead-up to the holidays often shows on our skin.  Warm weather, late nights, Christmas shopping and the general rush of December can leave your face looking a little tired (coffee anyone?!).  Many people ask me what the best treatment is to look and feel fresher before the holidays, especially when they want something quick and simple that still makes a noticeable difference.   When someone wants fast results, I often start by looking at expression lines.  Fine lines around the frown, forehead and eyes tend to show more when the skin is tired. Botox ®  can soften these areas and create a lighter, well-rested look without changing your natural expression.  It is a straightforward option with minimal downtime, and the results settle in over the following few days, with maximal results achieved at two weeks.  For many people, this alone is enough to look and feel confident heading into the social season.   Skincare is just as important, especially when time is short.  A good routine can refresh the skin very quickly.  I recommend simplifying things in the lead-up to the holidays, using evidence-based skincare brands such as ZO, Synergie and Emepelle.  A gentle cleanser, an active serum and a barrier-supporting moisturiser from these ranges help brighten the skin and reduce dullness.  When the barrier is steady and hydrated, the skin looks smoother and glows.  Even small changes in skincare can make us look and feel fresher.   No holiday routine is complete without sunscreen .  Consistent SPF is one of the most powerful ways to keep the skin bright and even throughout summer.  Sun exposure can undo improvements very quickly, especially when you are outdoors more often.  A lightweight SPF such as Heliocare used every morning prevents new pigmentation, protects collagen and helps maintain treatment results.  The added bonus of Heliocare is that it has a slight tint that blends beautifully with any natural skin tone, giving a luminous finish that can easily blend with concealer and set with a light mineral powder to give a natural glowy look without the aged, matte appearance of foundation.   So, what is the best way to refresh your skin before the holidays?  For most people it is a combination of softening key expression lines with Botox ® and supporting the skin with a nourishing skincare routine backed by daily SPF.  These steps work together to create a natural, rested look that carries you confidently through the holiday season.  Merry Christmas everyone! Quick Answers When should I get Botox® before the holidays? You should plan Botox® around two weeks before events . Results begin within a few days, with full effect seen at about 14 days. Is it too late to improve my skin before the holidays with skincare? No. Barrier support, hydration and active serums can improve brightness and texture within days , especially when the routine is kept simple and consistent. Should cosmetic treatments be done all at once or staggered? Staggered treatments usually look more natural. Combining subtle Botox® with skincare allows changes to settle without a rushed or overdone results. Does sunscreen really make a visible difference to skin over summer? Yes. Daily SPF helps prevent new pigmentation and collagen damage, which directly affects skin brightness, texture and how long treatment results last. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz .

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