Pigmentation refers to changes in the melanin (pigment) of your skin, but there are different types and they do not all respond to the same treatments.

Topical applications containing Retinoids and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) can help exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. Also, Hydroquinone 1-5% - medically prescribed, Vitamin B3 – Niacinamide (ideally over 5% concentration), Vitamin C (ideally over 20% concentration), Liquorice, Cucumber, Arbutin, Kojic – (ideally over 4% concentration), Azelaic and Mandelic acids can help lighten skin pigmentation by slowing down melanin production and removing existing melanin.

Melasma is known as hormonal pigmentation. This is easy to identify as it is symmetrical on both sides of the face. This pigment lies deeper in the skin and can be very challenging to treat. Green LED treatments, cold peels, such as Kojic, Azelaic

Mineral based sun protection everyday regardless of sun exposure must be worn daily. If you can see sunlight, then you are getting reflective light. Simply driving during daylight hours is exposure as our windscreens are not tinted. Always remember – daily sunscreen is our best anti-aging product we can use, and prevention is better than a cure.

Katie has volunteered with LifeHouse Care for almost two years and is the community engagement and fundraising coordinator of LifeWalk, an event to fundraise in support of community members who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Hi Katie. Could you tell us a bit about Lifewalk and how it got started?

LifeWalk is an annual fundraiser started in 2022, run by LifeHouse Care. We wanted to help homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.

We asked people to register for the LifeWalk and fundraise. On the first weekend of June we met at Gallows Beach and walked 7km on the beach to Boambee Beach Reserve. We had over 120 participants and raised close to $30K for LifeWalk 2022. The money we raised was used for vital assistance in our local community including dignity bags, food vouchers and essential furniture items for people transitioning from homelessness.

Lifewalk is run by LifeHouse Care, can you share a bit about LifeHouse Care and what else they do?

LifeHouse Care is a local community care service, meeting people where they are at and helping them to take their next steps. Our core distinctives are:-

We’re locals helping locals.

We have 25 years of hands-on service to our community.

We believe in working together with other service providers and work hard to collaborate for people’s best outcomes.

What is your fundraising goal for this year and what do you hope it can achieve in the community?

Our LifeWalk 2023 goal is to raise $200K for a sleepbus and LifeHouse Care Crisis services. Who benefits from the funds raised and what could the money do to help those people?

Over 700 people sleep rough in our community, every night. This is happening on our watch and it is not ok. It’s a big problem, but TOGETHER WE CAN do something about this! LifeWalk is an opportunity to be part of bringing change.

The funds we raise for sleepbus will give rough sleepers a chance to get a proper night’s rest, knowing that they are safe. This leads to improved mental health and a greater capacity to plan for their next steps.

It’s not a long-term solution, but while we’re working together on the bigger picture, a sleepbus IS an immediate answer to an urgent need. It’s a step in the right direction and that is what LifeWalk and LifeHouse Care is all about… meeting people where they are at and helping them with their next steps. The crisis work that you are supporting through LifeHouse Care helps people when they can’t afford to pay their bills. Our services often empower people to stay in housing when they are at risk of eviction, and provide dignifying assistance to those who are already homeless. How can community members get behind this cause and what is involved?

The terrain is sand, so for infants a babycarrier would be needed in place of a pram. Dogs are welcome too! If you can’t do the walk, you can still fundraise.

You can register to fundraise and walk on 3rd June or register to fundraise only.

You can donate as an individual or donate as a business (sponsorship options are available) and all donations are tax deductible!

You can volunteer on the day, or be an influencer, encouraging others to get involved, or all of the above!

We have an experienced fundraiser on Team LifeWalk ready to help all participants with fundraising ideas and support to reach your fundraising goals. Me!! Can anyone participate in LifeWalk?

Yes, all ages are welcome. Walkers walk at their own pace. The terrain is sand, so for infants a baby-carrier would be needed in place of a pram. Dogs are welcome too! If you can’t do the walk, you can still fundraise. How did you come to be involved with LifeWalk and what is your role?

I’ve been a volunteer in the LifeHouse Op Shop warehouse for almost 2 years. I’m also a part of the LifeHouse Care Fundraising Committee. We decided that an event like LifeWalk would be a great way to raise money in our local community. My role is community engagement and fundraising coordinator of LifeWalk. I have over 20 years experience with fundraising events including working as a Fundraising Coordinator for large charities.

What do you enjoy most about being a part of LifeWalk?

I have always had a passion for helping others in need. What makes LifeWalk so special to me is that all the funds raised stay local. We make an impact at ground level. I get so much enjoyment working with other passionate, giving people in the Coffs community.

Where can readers find more information or register for LifeWalk?

Visit www.lifewalk.org.au email info@lifewalk.org.au register for lifewalk here /lifehouse-care. grassrootz.com/lifewalk-2023

@lifehousecare