My Vampire Facial Experience

Hi lovely readers, 

For those of you who have been following my skin journey with Dr Asmal at Rondebosch Aesthetics will know that I have seen an amazing improvement in the past year. Not only has she gradually introduced aesthetic treatments into my relatively simple skin routine. I used to have extremely sensitive skin, prone to redness, burning and dry patches whenever I introduced a new skincare product or facial. Since I have started my aesthetic skincare regime with Rondebosch Aesthetics, my skin has not had one inflamed reaction or reacted badly to any treatment.

We started my skin off with the non invasive, perfect for all skin types, On The Glow Peel, and gradually worked our way up to the Vampire Facial, which I had two weeks ago. Initially I was quite anxious, from what I could remember, the vampire facial looked painful and elicited a lot of bleeding! Dr Asmal very clearly explained the difference between the Vampire Facial and the Vampire Facelift. So my treatment was the Vampire Facial, whereas the Vampire Facelift involves injecting the PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) directly to the face. The Vampire Facial uses a micro needling device, in my case the Dermapen was used to work the PRP into the skin.

I arrived at the salon with my face and neck covered in Lidocaine, to numb the areas which would be treated. So once my skin had numbed completely, about an hour after applying the thick, gloopy Lidocaine, I was ready for my treatment. 

Here goes:

1. Dr Asmal drew a vial of blood which would be used to extract the PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) to be infused into the skin. Platelet rich plasma is a component of your own blood, which contains platelets including stem cells and growth factors.
2. The vial of blood is placed into a machine called the Centrifuge and then spun around for a few minutes.
3. While this is happening, Nicola then prepared my face for the Dermapen treatment. She removed the Lidocaine and cleansed ready for the PRP to be administered.
4. The PRP separates from the blood and forms a gold serum which is then drawn into a syringe and applied to the face.
5. The Dermapen is then used to infuse the PRP into skin.
6. My skin doesn't go red or inflamed easily, so Nicola had to go pretty deep to get the red result, and inflammation (which causes the blood to rush to the surface and for the natural healing to take place). This also prompts the collagen generation, resulting in smoother, plumper skin.
7. My skin didn't bleed , just went red, and it wasn't painful at ALL! I just felt a bit sunburnt
8. Since I had to attend an event just after, I asked Nicola to camouflage the redness so that I would look semi-normal on photos. She then applied a healing foundation with SPF and I was good to go.

The PRP from your own blood is used to promote good skin. It helps the skin function optimally m increasing everything from collagen to elastin production. This treatment helps with premature ageing, wrinkling and sun damage. 

I experienced no side effects, and by day two the redness had subsided substantially. The fact that my skin doesn't go red easily means it's not as sensitive as it was a year ago, and therefore quite capable of managing the inflammation. 

Two weeks later my skin is literally glowing, and looking plumper and healthier. In order to see long lasting effects, I would recommend more than one PRP treatment, even though you'd definitely be able to see results after the first treatment.

Some aftercare tips:

1. I usually don't apply anything to my skin after the treatment for at least 5 hours, especially no makeup. I use a very gentle cleanser (one recommended by Dr Asmal) at night before going to bed.
2. No alcohol toner for at least a week after treatment.
3. Use a healing balm or post tretament balm on your face, it will soothe the irritation, tingling and help speed up the healing. It also helps makeup application, especially if you experience flaking.
4. Use a good, high SPF face sunblock on your face and don't forget the neck area (and decollete if you expose this area to the sun).
5. When your skin starts to flake, don't pick or peel it off, you may cause pigmentation. Apply the balm to help smoothen the skin.
6. Do not exfoliate your skin for at least two weeks after treatment.

Get in touch with Rondebosch Aesthetics (0216879400, chat to Brenda), for your skin consult before trying out this cutting edge treatment. Drop me messages, I'd love to hear your stories if you've embarked on a journey to looking after your skin.

After the treatment, you can see how red  my neck area is, and my skin appears a bit rough

The blood after its' been through the Centrifuge

Enroute to my appointment, I keep the Lidocaine at home and apply an hour before my treatment 

For reference, this pic was taken about an hour or so after my facial, at least my skin doesn't look
too red! 

A few days after the treatment, no filter, no make up and only tinted sunblock and moisturiser

 Check out the short video on my Vampire Facial, with commentary and explanations from Dr Asmal and Nicola.

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo 

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The Fabulously Fashionable Brunch - THE EVENT

Hi beauties!

About two weeks ago, RuBe's Closet co-hosted a Fashion Brunch, along with A Sense of Style and Style Africa, themed Breakfast at Tiffany's. It was the perfect ending to a very busy year, we had so much fun with guest speakers, demonstrations and some fabulous fashion inspiration for a trendy Summer wardrobe injection. 

The idea for the brunch was to treat all our beautiful guests to a fun morning out, filled with beauty, inspiration, fashion and good food. It was so special to host all the stunning guests; some of them gorgeous blog readers with whom I interact on Instagram and finally had the opportunity to meet. The ladies came dressed to the nines, with good friends in tow, prepared for a morning off from the usual grind. 

The venue was perfectly matched to our theme with its Tiffany blue walls, and airy feel, offering a back view of Cape Town's pride, Table Mountain. Our caterer was heaven sent and provided yummy food, beautifully presented to complement the classic fashion theme.

The line up:

We started with an inspirational talk delivered by the stunning Tatjana, founder and director of GoBeauty. Being an expat in our beautiful country and city, she has settled down in Cape Town and is one of our most ardent ambassadors. She also chatted about following your passion, the warmth of the Capetonians and how inspired she felt being a part of our morning. Her message was as beautiful as she is, and anyone who spends time in her company leaves feeling energised and inspired.

She was also so generous and offered filled make up bags to all out guests as part of the goodie bag.

Go Beauty has just launched a trip-advisor style website for salons and spas and allows for easy online spa and salon bookings. It's like a one-stop shop for beauty and pamper treatments and makes finding these services in your particular area a breeze. 

Read more on their services here.

Our next guest was the strong, beautiful, Qaanita, makeup artist and owner at OnQ makeup.

She demonstrated an easy makeup look, chatted about the latest makeup trends, products, and how to apply them. She also offered some one on one tips to guests after her demonstration.

OnQ Makeup will be hosting their makeup workshop on 11 February, an intimate forum where all participants are able to interact with her directly and get some guidance and advice on specific make up and beauty concerns and questions.

Read about my experience at her workshop earlier this year here.

We were lucky to have the gorgeous Nuraan, Creative Director at Hair Studio hair salon to chat about hair care.

She demonstrated an easy way to style the hair for a glam night out by braiding the hair first.

It literally took a few minutes and she had transformed a long curly hairdo into an elegant look for a night out.

In between our guest speaker lineup ladies were able to grab some delicious food from the buffet table, and we spoiled some lucky ones with prizes.

Our co-host, Roshan from Style Africa shared her wellness tips and illustrated how easy it is to make face pamper treatments from ingredients we have in our pantries and refrigerators. Making a face mask is as easy as opening the fridge and using household groceries for a paraben free treatment!

Our prizes were sponsored by:

1. OnQ Makeup (product)
2. Hair Studio (treatment voucher)
3. Biodermal Aesthetics Clinic (bt-sonic facial)
4. Crystal Paradise (Mirrored cake stand)
5. RuBe's Closet (Full 3 hour wardrobe consult)
6. A Sense Of Style (Voucher)
7. Style Africa (Wellness consult)

Guests 

 We ended the morning with a fashion show, displaying the latest Summer pieces from A Sense Of Style. 

RuBe's Closet did a live fashion styling, showing the guests how some pieces could be styled in various ways. From the beach look to a casual sneaker look, and finally taking it to an evening look.

A change on the nautical themed look

Aaliah's take on the Safari look

Bright and Bold

I styled the white ruched skirt and by changing a top or adding a flowy kimono, I transformed the entire outfit from a day look to a romantic Summer evening look.

I was particularly drawn to this tropical print, and the full print outfit (ie print top and pants) is right up my alley... However it may be a bit bold for some and I demonstrated how to break the print look with a black off the shoulder textured lace top. 

The full print look is perfect for a beach cafe look with flats, transformed to an evening look with heels
and a black off the shoulder top

 Throughout the morning our vendors offered gift shopping from beautifully presented displays. 

Crystal Paradise 

based in Kromboom Centre Crawford, stocks the most beautiful crystal pieces, accessories, high end table ware and jewellery and accessories.

Youghazi Fragrances 

offer locally manufactured fragrances, with scents reminiscent of your favourite designer scent with a cost effective price tag.

Beauty Talk

offered mini pamper treatments throughout the morning. 

Khadeeja, based in Rondebosch East , runs a ladies only salon with treatments such as waxing, threading, massages and facials.

Prize winners

And to all those family members and friends who helped out behind the scenes to ensure the day was a success, I extend a heartfelt thanks. It was really special to have all of them in our space for the morning, working hard to ensure our guests were well taken care of.

THANK YOU!!

Our goodie bag sponsors:

Associated Magazines

Biscuitique (Room Spray)

Jo Malone

Go Beauty (with additional make up and beauty brands)

Youghazi Fragrances

We are eternally grateful to our guest speakers, vendors and sponsors for participating and bringing their special touch to our morning. 

Thank you to all our guests for spending the morning with us, and for making the event a fun filled success! It was the perfect way to wind down the year that was 2016 💕

Until Next time!

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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GIVEAWAY!!! Hollywood Oxygen Facial

Hi Beauties, 

With party and event season approaching, and the end of year stress getting to us, it's a good time to indulge in a pampering revitalising facial. The Hollywood Oxygen facial, which I have experienced and can attest to, is offered by Biodermal Aesthetics Clinic. Read my post here.
This particular treatment is very popular with celebrities, and is used specifically for pre-event skincare treatment, as it plumps, rejuvenates and improves the skins texture and elasticity in one treatment.

Celebrities such as Madonna, Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham and Jessica Biel have professed to enjoying these facials to give their skin a boost, especially during event and red carpet season, and have even invested in their own oxygen machines.
So if you're a bride and haven't the time to book a series of facials, or have a big party, award event or year end function, give the Hollywood Oxygen Facial a try.

The machine delivers bursts of oxygen to the skin via a jet, which is done at varying pressures depending on your skin condition. The high pressure infuses product, specifically accelerates and hydrates into the skin ensuring that it dos not just coat the skin, but instead is fully absorbed.
A mask is also applied with the oxygen dome over it to ensure maximum absorption of the mask. This non-invasive treatment is safe for all skin types, dehydrated, sensitive and acne prone skin.

Biodermal says:

"The bt-Accent AIR system revitalizes the skin by inducing break through , age defying skin care products containing powerful and scientifically proven ingredients to target signs of ageing , fine lines and wrinkles . It works by purifying the air removing nitrogen and other potentially harmful elements . The purified air is then used to apply revolutionary skin care products to problematic areas . Complete with three unique accessories

bt-Accent Air benefits

• > Complete product penetration 
• > Addresses expression ageing
• > Firms and improves skin's suppleness
• > Hydrates and revitalizes skin 
• > Improves circulation
• > Reduces acne
• > plumps sunken and deflated skin

The method of delivery used in order to pump oxygen into the skin is gentle , which makes treatment a viable option for those with sensitive skin and who have difficulties with injections or other harsh treatments to get rid of wrinkles ."

 To celebrate party season, we are giving away a Hollywood Oxygen Facial, valued at R620 to one lucky lady or gent, hopefully to be redeemed for a special occasion. 

All you have to do:

1. Like the Biodermal Facebook page
2. Follow the Biodermal Aesthetics Clinic Instagram page
3. Like RuBe's Closet Facebook page
4. Comment on the post on either the Biodermal Facebook or Instagram post of the below image, and tell us what your idea of inner beauty is. 
5. Don't forget to use the hashtag #biodermalfacial to be eligible to win.
6. Giveaway ends 1 November 2016.

GOOD LUCK!

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Biodermal’s new Oxygen skin technology

Hello Beauties,

Last week I was treated to the newly launched bt Accent AIR system treatment at the Biodermal Aesthetic Clinic in Wynberg. This treatment is an extra revolutionary add on to your usual facial, nano or any treatment you have at the clinic and uses the innovative break through oxygen machine.

We enjoyed a lovely chat about the treatment over yummy snacks

Last week was the second time I had used the bt Accent AIR machine on my skin and the results are instantly visible, with a continued improvement on my skin for at least a week after treatment. This system revitalises the skin by purifying the air removing nitrogen and other potentially harmful elements. The purified air is then used to infuse the bt cocktail products and T-ceuticals products (read more on that in my previous post here) to problematic areas, targeting signs of ageing, fine lines and wrinkles.

The system uses three accessories (methods of delivering oxygen to the skin) with the following effects:

1. Firms and improves the skins suppleness
2. Hydrates and revitalises the skin and improves circulation
3. Reduces acne
4. Plumps sunken and deflated skin 

                                        

  

Product is sprayed on with the oxygen system and delivered directly to
problem areas

Jet is then used to ensure further penetration of product, it
is used on areas to reduce wrinkles and ageing

Dome is used to pump oxygen to the skin, and at the same time one
is breathing in pure oxygen resulting in an amazing feeling
of rejuventaion.

This treatment is gentle and those with sensitive skin can safely opt for this as a treatment option as an alternative to the more abrasive treatments or injections to reduce wrinkles.

Late last year before my trip, I had a really bad reaction on my skin, my face was inflamed, flaky and red. Needless to say I went into panic mode and contacted Nadhiya for an emergency appointment as I was due to leave on holiday two days later. Long flights play extreme havoc with my skin and I was really concerned that I was travelling to an unknown climate. Nadhiya and her amazing treatment guru, Janine, put me at ease and went to work on my extremely angry skin, tailoring a treatment to heal the skin. By the next day, my skin was 80% better, smoother with very little redness and inflammation. When I landed in Malaysia, two days later it was as if I had never had any issues and my skin was literally glowing. As the week progressed, my skin condition improved drastically by just using the t-ceuticals and bt-cocktail products.

I have never suffered with skin sensitivity, and it may be an age related issue, but lately I have experienced some major sensitivity problems so I am now very careful which products and treatments I do. Since using the bt-cocktail and the T-ceutical chromatic serum my skin has not suffered dryness, breakouts or inflamed red areas - instead it has been smooth and glowing!

The Clinic will be running a promotion during the first two weeks of March (or while stocks last). With every bt-Accent Air System treatment clients can the bt-Cocktail skincare products at less 10%. These products last up to 6 months with daily use and have really been a saving grace for my unpredictable skin.

bt Cocktail products are on promotion for the first two weeks of March

 

Please contact (watsapp only)  0766801199 or call 021-8260033 to book an appointment. 

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Look good … Feel better… With Bio Oil

Hi lovelies, 

Today’s post is a bit more serious, but so necessary with October marking breast cancer awareness month, and with the cancer cause being very close to my heart.

“Every year 14 million people worldwide hear the words “you have cancer". More than 100,000 of these diagnoses are to South Africans, with 1 in 8 males and 1 in 9 females developing cancer in their lifetime - a frightening statistic that is continuously increasing.”

The first course of treatment for cancer is always surgery and if the cancer has spread to other sites in the body, chemotherapy and radiation therapy is necessary. Surgery usually leaves patients with unsightly red scars, particularly in breast cancer (causing women to feel less feminine) and even more in skin cancers. Whilst it maay seem superficial to be worrying about a scar when one has cancer, the scar remains as a reminder of the battle one has fought.

Oncologists encourage patients to treat the scars (they heal over a period of 6weeks - 3months) first with micropore and thereafter keeping it supple with moisturisers.

Even more damage is caused to the skin with the chemotherapy resulting in dry, flaky skin, skin rashes and blisters in certain cases. Radiation causes skin burns causing the skin to become sensitive and painful, and resulting in pigmentation and scarring.

Bio Oil have been doing amazing work  with their Look Good…Feel Good programme, which highlights the effect that cancer has on the skin. They have educated over 30,000 patients, by hosting 2 hour workshops to small groups of patients in over 39 hospitals and clinics around the country.

‘Helen Ohlhoff, regional co-ordinator for LGFB in Cape Town, says of the 26 visible side effects of cancer treatment, the most common concern amongst the patients she sees, is dry skin. “We tell the patients how many uses there are for Bio-Oil to nourish and soothe the skin. It can be used on the scalp, as there is a lot of irritation when the hair starts growing back, for dry skin and chapped lips, and to prevent nicks and tears in the skin. Many patients share their own uses for it, and we get a really good response for Bio-Oil.”’

A look Good…Feel Better workshop was held at Groote Schuur and Bio Oil documented this in a video.

Stay Strong, and become the voice of a survivor.

RuBe xoxo

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Biodermal Aesthetics Journey

Hi beauties, 

Over the past few months I have been introduced to Nadhiya Dawood and her Biodermal Aesthetics Clinic. Read more about my previous post on the clinic here. It has been a really enlightening and pampering journey, my skin says so too; it has been smoother, less problematic in terms of breakouts and just less unpredictable.

At the first visit one is encompassed in the serene environment, mirrored by Nadhiya's calm demeanour as she sits down for the consultation. This involves discussing health issues, medication, skin type and concerns- all in the interests of a tailor made effective treatment programme. I think outrchat extended to so many aspects and instead turned out to be a great getting to know you experience! The consultation includes an exploratory consultative facial, during which your skin moisture levels are checked using bt-analyze, a handheld device which detetcs the moisture levels on different parts of the face. This gives Nadhiya an idea of which areas to target and what treatments would be required for the best results. My immediate concerns were the pesky freckles which seem to get darker and more pronounced in Summer despite suncreen, and the occasional hormonal breakout.

My initial treatment included the consultation and the bt Micro, which consists of the ultrasonic exfoliation and product application. 

The face is cleaned and stripped of all products using the bt  Foaming cleanser, and exfoliated using bt gentle exfoliator andthe bt Micro device (a handheld device which emits ultrasonic vibrations) Thereafter the application of the bt Cocktail range of products follows which refer to a 3 step programme, aimed at reducing fine lines, pigmentation, and generally improving the skins condition over time.

She uses a new approach to applying products, by using the ultrasonic device to gently infuse the product into the skin, ensuring that it does not sit on the surface. Once the cocktail has been applied, she applies (infuses) moisturiser and eye cream. I really enjoy the feel of the ultrasonic vibrations on my skin, it feels like a massage at the same time it infuses the product.

Immediately the skin feels and looks plumper, smoother and healthier- just after a simple facial. I have had subsequent treatments for different concerns, and these will be addressed in a later post.





If you're looking for a non invasive gentle path to good glowing skin, book an appointment and experience the amazing results firsthand.

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Talking Marks of Change with Bio Oil SA

Hi Lovely readers,

About two weeks ago I attended an exhibition by Bio Oil SA, an exhibition and discussion of two key areas in a woman’s life that leaves physical ‘marks’ ie adolescence and pregnancy. When I received the invitation, I was really intrigued to attend, I enjoy visual art exhibitions of varying genres and was also keen to hear from the panel experts. 

The event was held at the Youngblood Gallery, a tidy gallery tucked away in the busy CBD. I arrived to some light refreshments and we were offered the opportunity to browse the visual black and white exhibition; an array of photographs taken of women, teens and babies. We had some time to mingle whilst perusing the exhibition before the panel of experts started their discussion.

The discussion was facilitated by Megan de Beyer, Life Coach/ Psychologist and the expert panel consisted of Dr Ayesha Moolla (Dermatologist), Maropeng Ralenala (Clinical Psychologist) and Dr Jana Rossouw (Gyneacologist). 

I found the discussion interesting, it focused on women and their stretchmarks (and other skin related problems) the psychological impact thereof, the physical impact, reasons for it and how to deal with it. What I found even more interesting was the discussion around males and the fact they too fall prey to these ‘marks’, during adolescence when rapid growth spurts occur. That, coupled with the fact that body image disorders are disturbingly high amongst young adolescent males. 

All these “marks of change” can cause real emotional turmoil and psychological issues. The message that the exhibition would like to convey is that it’s alright to have these marks, everyone does. It’s healthier to embrace the changes, as an adolescent or a pregnant mum, and if they are excessive there are always professionals who may be able to assist.

PS: On another note, I have never used Bio Oil before and at the event we were gifted a bottle. I tried on my winter skin and dry patches scattered on my arms and it worked wonders! It’s a definite skin rescue remedy!

 Some of the exhibition photos with some real reactions/thoughts courtesy of Bio Oil SA and Karin Schermbruker:

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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