Andy Millward - Facialist

If only I worked a 4 day week🤦🏼‍♂️

Do you consume chia seeds as your primary source of omega-3? If so, chances are you're doing it wrong!

A study comparing whole vs milled chia chia seeds found that only the group consuming milled chia seeds actually had increased ALA, EPA and DHA in the plasma. There was no change in omega-3 status in the group consuming whole chia seeds.

Additionally some people, myself included, have genetic polymorphisms of their FADS1 &/or FADS2 genes, which mean our conversation from the precursor ALA to EPA and DHA isnt as efficient as it could be.

Whole chia seeds still benefits though such as fibre, antioxidants and polyphenols and health benefits such as improved cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk. Plus when you soak chia seeds they produce mucilage, which is a great food source for the microbiome so although you may not be absorbing the omega-3, at least you're gut microbes have benefited from them.

Key Takeaway - still eat your chia seeds but use them milled / ground for omega-3 absorption. Store them in the fridge to avoid oxidation. And if you dont consume fish, you may also benefit from an EPA and DHA omega-3 supplement.

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Can you eat your skincare?

Not literally of course! I'm referring to the trend of influencers promoting certains foods as being the secret to flawless skin.

However thats a reductionist view of how nutrition works!

Nutrients arent drugs, they dont have a singular mode of action. They have a systemic effect and work on multiple pathways and systems in the body.

However overall dietary patterns such as Mediterranean and Plant-Based diets that are focused on reducing inflammation have been shown to have beneficial effects for skin health and specifically for inflammatory skin conditions.

So please, can we stop with the BS influencer terms like "eat your skincare" and focus on wholefood, nutrient-dense diets.

Practicing self-care after a busy week in clinic treating everyone else!

Stacked treatments;
PEMF Mat on Meditation Mode 4-8Hz to regulate the nervous system.
Bodystyler Lymphatic Drainage to support the lymphatic system.
vagus nerve toning and meditation, also to support the nervous system
LED light therapy to support skin health.

Following last week's reel on whether you should use LED after microneedling, I received a few questions as to whether it would also apply to treating skin of colour clients, specifically concerned with hyperpigmentation and melasma.

Its a great question that deserves it's own reel to answer in more detail.

When hyperpigmentation or melasma is involved, wavelength, dose and timing matter. Here’s what the evidence does — and doesn’t — tell us, and why a cautious, individualised approach is key.

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Recently I've seen a few posts doing the rounds as to why you should NEVER use LED post-microneedling because it impedes the results due to switching off the inflammation that you've just created and there you undo the benefits of microneedling.

However LED doesn’t “switch off” inflammation — it modulates it.

Plus more inflammation doesn’t equal better results anyway!

There are currently no RCTs showing LED negatively impacts microneedling outcomes.

Claims to the contrary are therefore personal opinion, not scientific evidence.

Of course, you don’t have to use LED post-needling — but let’s stop presenting personal beliefs as scientific fact.

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Inspired by seeing the stool test results from two of my clients this week.
Both of which have low microbial richness and diversity, which is linked to chronic health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, increased inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.
Its also linked to inflammatory skin issues such as acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.
Having a diverse microbiome is associated with living healthier and longer lives! The key to a diverse microbiome starts with having a diverse array of plant food in your diet, as different types of plant fibres and different coloured polyphenols are what feed and nourish your microbes!
Here I'm explaining the difference between plant portions (the volume of fruit and vegetables you each, which should ideally be close to 7 or more portions a day) and Plant Points which is the concept of eating a wide variety of different plant sources including nuts, seeds, legumes, herbs and spices as well as the different type of fruit and vegetables in your diet. Volume supports adequate fibre and micronutrient intake and Variety supports the complex array of different microbial species.
In simple terms, when it comes to plant foods the more you eat and the more varied types you eat the better! Not only for skin health, but overall health.
Note: just remember to increase slowly so not to overwhelm the gut and this is general advice for education purposes. If you need bespoke advice, consider working with a qualified nutritionist who can do Functional testing with you if needed and put a personalised nutrition plan together for you.

References
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That's a wrap folks! I've just finished my last clinic day of 2025 and I'm officially on holiday until January 7th 2026!
I am so looking forward to Christmas this year! It's the first one in 4 years that I haven't had to study, write an assignment or revise for an exam so I can truly switch off, be present and enjoy the time off with family and friends!
Merry Christmas everyone, I hope its an amazing one and I hope 2026 brings all your hearts desires 🎄