Facialist April Brodie Reveals the Science Behind Functional Facials
In the realm of contemporary skincare, we often encounter quick fixes that promise miraculous results. April Brodie, an integrated facialist based in Melbourne, with a 6 month wait list around Australia, however, takes a different stance. With a career spanning four decades, April Brodie champions a more holistic approach, known as functional facial therapy, which underscores the intrinsic connection between internal health and external beauty.
“A functional facial is more than a beauty treatment; it’s a window into your overall health,” Brodie explains. This philosophy is rooted in the understanding that external facial features often mirror internal health dynamics. Skin issues, according to Brodie, are manifestations of internal imbalances, and understanding this can guide more effective, personalised skin care interventions.
“Understanding your skin can help identify underlying health issues, essentially treating from the inside-out for more sustainable results.”
Brodie’s practice extends beyond standard procedures, weaving in diverse global techniques she has mastered over the years. “It’s not just about lymphatic drainage,” she clarifies. “My method involves European lifting techniques, acupressure, Buccal massage, and Gua Sha, creating a well-rounded experience that addresses various skincare needs.” This comprehensive approach, Brodie believes, not only enhances skin quality but also significantly contributes to overall stress reduction and mental well-being.
Incorporating these practices at home, she asserts, can also be profoundly beneficial. Brodie suggests simple strategies like lymphatic massages or facial yoga, emphasising that these routines can improve lymphatic flow, relieve facial tension, and maximise the effectiveness of skincare products.
But one major skin adversary, often overlooked, is the tension we hold in our faces, a factor Brodie identifies as a significant contributor to premature ageing. “Tension leads to repetitive facial movements, resulting in dynamic wrinkles and restricted blood flow, which robs your skin of necessary nutrients,” she details. Furthermore, she highlights the role of cortisol, the stress hormone, in this equation.
“Cortisol is a beauty adversary,” Brodie states. “Elevated levels can disrupt collagen production, hinder skin barrier functions, and exacerbate inflammatory responses, speeding up the ageing process.” Her antidote? A blend of relaxation techniques, regular facial massages, and a robust skincare regimen, aimed at holistic well-being.
“Combating cortisol levels through stress management and targeted skincare can be a game-changer for your complexion.”
Regarding other aesthetic procedures, Brodie reassures that functional facial therapy complements rather than contradicts. “Treatments like injectables, PRP, or laser procedures work in synergy with functional facials, provided there’s a sensible waiting period between them for healing,” she elaborates, advocating for a multi-dimensional approach to anti-aging and skincare.
For postmenopausal women, a demographic often navigating their unique skin challenges, Brodie recommends bespoke skincare routines. “Menopause necessitates a targeted approach. Treatments focusing on skin laxity can be beneficial, alongside practices like yoga that support overall physical and mental health,” she advises.
In a landscape inundated with fleeting beauty trends, April Brodie’s method stands out for its depth and dedication to holistic health. Her approach transcends skin-deep beauty, offering a pathway to enhanced well-being through skincare, proving that true beauty indeed resonates from within.
April Brodie Expert Tip: Engage in daily stress-reduction practices and facial exercises to manage cortisol levels, enhancing your skin’s natural resilience and youthful vitality.
I experienced the signature April Brodie facial combining her lymphatic drainage and bucal massage technique at her Sydney studio in the Intercontinental Hotel, Double Bay. Aside from the exceptional treatment, I was captivated by her deep knowledge of holistic wellness, hormonal health and advanced skin care techniques. At one point April had to remind me that this was my time to relax and simply experience the treatment. Post treatment, I was advised not to wear any make up and to let my skin glow- and glow it did. As I was leaving, I ran into an old acquaintance I hadn’t seen in about 6 years. He stopped me at the lift and said: “Bahar, you simply refuse to age”. And that’s all you really need to know about this treatment and why there is a 6 month wait list.
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