Saint Kaliya

“You must have good genetics.”

A lovely compliment, and I’m certainly not going to argue with the genetics part (thanks mum).

But the reality is there’s quite a lot that goes into how I look after my skin.

Some of it is very deliberate. Some of it is incredibly boring. Some of it changes completely depending on what’s happening in my life.

And yes, working in aesthetics probably means I spend a little more time thinking about my skin than the average person.

This is just what my version of that looks like.

Hay fever is one of those things people put up with for years without ever really questioning it.

Spring in Melbourne brings a long stretch of high grass pollen, usually from now through to around December, and for a lot of people that means months of itchy eyes, a blocked nose and feeling worn down in a way that’s hard to explain to anyone who doesn’t get it. It’s your immune system treating something harmless as a threat, and when it carries on for weeks it genuinely takes a toll.

Most people reach for whatever’s on the chemist shelf and leave it at that. If that works for you, wonderful. But if you’re someone who has never quite found relief, there may be other medical options worth exploring.

If hay fever takes over your spring every year, you can visit us in South Melbourne for a seasonal hay fever consultation, where we’ll go through your history, your symptoms and what options you have already tried.

I love being a mum. I also really love my work.

I love being home with my boys, and I love walking into clinic and switching that part of my brain back on again.

I want to be there for the ordinary days, the kinder drop offs, the afternoons at home and all the little things in between. But I also want to keep growing Saint Kaliya, keep learning, keep challenging myself professionally and see where the business can go.

There are definitely days where trying to do both feels like a lot. But I don’t think I’d be completely myself without either of them.

I’m building something I care about, while raising a family I care about even more.

And I think it’s pretty cool that I get to do both.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive education and training session with CXCosmetics and Juv'ae | Advancing Cosmetic Nurses, Together focusing on the science of skin quality and biorevitalisation.

We had the privilege of learning from Dr Zunaid Alli exploring skin ageing, hyaluronic acid, fibroblast activity, collagen and elastin production, and the role of the extracellular matrix in maintaining healthy skin.

We also spent time looking at clinical considerations, treatment planning and how different approaches may be considered across different areas of the face and body.

I really enjoyed the balance of science and practical learning, alongside some brilliant people in the industry.

Another valuable addition to the toolkit, with plenty to bring back into clinic.

Significant weight loss can be life-changing for many reasons. Along with changes to the body, it’s not uncommon to notice changes in the face as well.

Whether weight loss has occurred through lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medications, reduced facial volume can alter the way the face is supported and framed. For some people, this can make facial features appear more defined, while others notice they look more tired or less like themselves despite feeling healthier.

Assessment can be valuable before, during or after significant weight loss. Understanding how facial support is changing allows for informed decisions about whether any intervention is appropriate, and if so, the right timing.

📍Now consulting from South Melbourne.