I recently had the incredible opportunity to travel from Melbourne, Australia, to Monaco for the AMWC (Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Medicine World Congress). My journey began with a quick shopping spree at Doha Airport before heading to this prestigious event, held right on the iconic Grand Prix track. The conference brought together nearly 20,000 delegates from around the world, making it an unparalleled experience for anyone in the field of aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine.

One of the highlights of my trip was presenting on Rejuran polynucleotides and their significant role in treating photo damage and melasma in my Australian dermatology patients. I delved into the pathogenesis of how sun exposure (of which we have too much in Australia)  and presented compelling evidence on why Australian women tend to age 10-20 years earlier than their counterparts in the USA and UK. I really broke down the emerging science of polynucleotides like Rejuran and how they can help our quest with anti-ageing.  Though I was nervous about speaking on an international stage, the response was overwhelmingly positive—my talk was described as 'flawless'! Despite experiencing a touch of imposter syndrome among global experts, I was thrilled with the outcome and proud to contribute to the global conversation on how polynucleotides can help skin health. I am looking forward to treating more patients with Rejuran on my Friday morning aesthetic treatment mornings starting in May.

Beyond my presentation, I attended fascinating lectures on longevity, including insights into quercetin, metformin, resveratrol, and NMN's roles in healthspan. I also explored the benefits of fasting and strength training for longevity. A particularly intriguing session covered eye bags and festoons, highlighting how CO2 laser treatments can enhance under-eye appearance. I’m excited to return to my Melbourne clinic and utilize our AcuPulse CO2 laser for this purpose, as I have already seen great success using Rejuran in treating under-eye bags in my patients.

Additionally, I attended talks on menopause and perimenopausal skin changes, reinforcing the importance of hormone replacement therapy for skin health. Many of my friends and patients are navigating these changes, and it is crucial to educate them on the benefits. Given Melbourne’s dry autumn air, ensuring adequate hydration with emollients and humectants is vital for maintaining skin integrity. Especially now, as the weather cools, my dermatology patients need to focus on moisture retention to keep their skin looking youthful and healthy.

Returning home, I feel inspired and eager to implement these advanced techniques to benefit my patients at Skindepth Dermatology. This experience has reinforced my passion for dermatology and anti-ageing medicine, and I look forward to applying my newfound knowledge in clinical practice. Very soon I will be opening Friday morning Cosmetic Treatments including longevity chats, and I cant wait to talk to you all in person about what I have learnt!