Crystal Patel is redefining the beauty industry as the Managing Director of Clinica Lase. With clinics in Carlton and Ballarat, she’s passionate about empowering women through expert skincare, hormone education, and a culture of confidence.

 

Name: Crystal Patel

Day job: Managing Director at Clinica Lase

Location: Carlton & Ballarat

 

Describe your work in one sentence.

It never feels like work; it's a mix of fun, challenges, and fulfilment, and I get to experience it all alongside an amazing group of women and one man (Martin 😊).

 

And the longer story?

Clinica Lase was founded then I was just 24 years old (a rather naive 24-year-old, I might add). I was in a job that didn’t align with my values or what I believed made for a great work culture. So, I embarked on the biggest journey of my life. My mindset was that if we provide a memorable service and even better results, why wouldn’t clients want to return? Great marketing strategy, right? Haha! Now, 15 years later, I’m still incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have helped so many people on their skin journeys. It’s truly one of the most rewarding things to witness. Owning the clinics has also opened countless opportunities in this field, which has been incredibly fulfilling.

 

You are super passionate. What drives you?

I’m so competitive, but not with others, just with myself! I hate letting myself down or not giving something my all. That mindset has always fueled my drive and determination in everything I set out to do. It’s both a blessing and a curse!

 

Explain how hormonal fluctuations affect the skin.

Hormonal fluctuations significantly impact the skin by affecting oil production, hydration, and collagen levels. Stress exacerbates these effects. Under stress, the skin may produce a thicker and greasier oil, leading to congestion, inflammation, and acne. Hormonal changes, especially reductions in estrogen, can also affect hydration levels and collagen production, leading to drier, more barrier-impaired skin and a noticeable decline in elasticity. This is just a summary of some of the minor things that happen. I could elaborate on this for days!

 

Similarly, how do hormones affect skin in different age groups?

Our skin goes through different changes at various stages of life:

• Puberty: Hormones are on the rise, especially male hormones, which can lead to pesky acne and inflammation as oil production gets out of hand.
• The 30s: Pregnancy can bring about more pigmentation, like melasma. Oestrogen starts to dip, too.
• 40s, 50s, and Beyond (the best age bracket, I am told!): This is where the magic of perimenopause and menopause happens, and the drop in oestrogen can make your skin drier and feel less ‘bouncy’. More lines and wrinkles become apparent, which a lot of women are embracing these days. Some women turn to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can also influence skin health in various ways.

 

How do conditions like PCOS or endometriosis exacerbate skin issues?

For women with menstrual disorders like PCOS or endometriosis, skin issues can become more pronounced. In PCOS, elevated levels of androgens (male sex hormone) can lead to increased oil production and acne, while hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance often exacerbate these problems.

Endometriosis can cause chronic inflammation and hormonal fluctuations, making skin more prone to flare-ups and sensitivity. Additionally, the ongoing pain and stress from managing endometriosis can further impact skin health. Both conditions often require a tailored approach and medical interventions to manage hormonal fluctuations.

 

What treatments do you recommend for said issues?

We’ve recently introduced AviClear, the first FDA-approved device specifically for treating all types of acne. AviClear has been a total game changer, offering a long-term solution to acne without needing medication. It’s a simple process, just three treatments spaced a month apart. For any residual scarring, we can use various lasers in our arsenal. Plus, maintaining a good skincare routine is crucial for the best results.

Some of my favourite ingredients to look out in over-the-counter products would be:

• Niacinamide
• Salicylic acid
• Azelaic acid
• Retinoids (vitamin A’s)
• Hyaluronic acid

 

How about managing other areas of the body?

Dealing with bloat and puffiness—oh, I’ve been there countless times! One key lesson I’ve learned is to really listen to your body. Our bodies need extra rest during our menstrual cycle, but we often try to keep up with our usual routines, which doesn’t always work well. Over time, I’ve found that doing as little as possible during this period - pun intended - helps and allows your body the rest it needs. Lots of hydration is essential to try to reduce the puffiness, too!

 

Any myths about hormonal acne would you like to debunk?

We’ve heard some offbeat comments about hormonal acne. The truth is, it can affect anyone regardless of age; it’s not just a teenage issue. And it’s definitely not caused by poor hygiene. Sometimes, like our bodies, our skin needs a reset to get back to its best, which can happen to anyone. I advise seeing someone trusted in the field to get the best advice - not TikTok or Instagram!

 

How can lifestyle changes influence hormone-related skin issues?

With ongoing research, it’s becoming increasingly clear that diet and lifestyle significantly impact skin issues. What works for one person might not work for another, so finding the right approach for yourself is key. My top tips would be to prioritise good quality sleep, manage stress levels, consult a dietitian to find out which foods best nourish your body, and drink plenty of water. Sleep has been the biggest game changer for me.

What is 'cycle syncing' and why is it trending?

We’ve been recommending a version of skin cycling for years, just without calling it that! It’s a fantastic way to gradually introduce active ingredients to your skin and minimise the risk of irritation. However, once your skin becomes accustomed to these ingredients, strict cycling might be unnecessary.

 

What’s the best way to keep the skin in intimate areas healthy?

As Oprah once said, "It’s a self-cleaning oven." The more you try to intervene, the more you disrupt its natural balance. Keep it simple - no elaborate washes or fancy products, just plain water and a gentle face cloth dedicated to that area (yes, dedicated to that area, haha!).

 

Why is a healthy pH balance so necessary for sensitive skin?

Maintaining a healthy pH balance is crucial for sensitive skin, including intimate areas, because significant changes in pH can disrupt the microbiome. An imbalance in the microbiome can weaken the skin’s natural barrier and lead to various issues, such as increased sensitivity, irritation, or infections. Keeping the pH stable helps support the healthy balance of bacteria and yeast on the skin, essential for maintaining skin health and preventing unwanted conditions.

 

If you had the attention of all women for a few minutes, what's your top health message?

Gosh I have too many! A few of my super important ones though:

• Tune into your body; it can reveal much about what’s happening inside.
• Don’t skip those essential tests like mammograms, pap smears, and other screenings we often avoid.
• Weight training is incredibly important for women. Don’t stress about bulking up; your body needs muscle to thrive.
• Make sure to schedule annual skin checks.
• Remember, what you do for your body now might not give instant results, but it’s all about investing in your future well-being. Short-term sacrifices can lead to long-term gains, helping you enjoy life to the fullest.

 

How must we change the conversation around menstrual health?

Changing the conversation around menstrual health starts with recognising that each person’s experience is unique. What’s normal for one individual may not be for another, so stop comparing yourself to others. Invest your energy into understanding how to support and optimise your body during this time. By fostering open, honest conversations, we can shift perceptions and drive greater empathy in workplaces and among men. It’s not about asking for special treatment; it's about working towards a more genuine understanding and respect for the diverse ways menstrual health affects women.