They euphemistically call wrinkles ’laughter lines’ and then try to tell you that it adds character to your face.
They euphemistically call wrinkles ’laughter lines’ and then try to tell you that it adds character to your face. Or another good one is when they call sun spots ‘kisses from the sun’. Very funny! But it is only funny when it applies to other people and not when it is your reflection in the mirror that is supposedly so full of character.
I know people are just trying to be nice but I think we have already established that growing older and facing your mirror is not for sissies, it takes guts to stay ahead of the game. I will go and visit my Skin & Body Renewal Clinic where they understand how a woman feels and get some good advice on fixing, preventing and maintaining my gorgeously good looks and I advise you follow suit.
Normal Skin Turnover
Our skin continually renews and exfoliates itself, but unfortunately over the years this cell turnover slows down and skin appears dull because of these dead cells accumulating. The dead skin layer can also cause whiteheads, blackheads and makes skin appear uneven. Regular exfoliation or having a professional peel will alleviate this problem and help prevent ageing. There are several options available to meet your needs.
Beta Hydroxy Peels
This is a quick and superficial peel that renews skin by lifting the dead cells off the surface of the skin and stimulating the body’s metabolism to turn over cells faster. A series of these can improve superficial lines and uneven pigmentation, leaving skin looking smoother and more radiant. Even acne scars and enlarged pores may become less noticeable.
It’s great for all skin types and all age groups and can be used all over the body. There is no downtime and make-up may be applied after a treatment, but it is safer to avoid sun exposure after any kind of peel.
This treatment can be done alone or in combination with other rejuvenation treatments such as a TCA (trichloracetic acid). This is usually recommended for people suffering from hormonal pigmentation or acne, but there are different combination treatments for every skin problem.
Alpha Hydroxy Peels
Similar to the beta hydroxy peel there is no downtime, it has a similar result which improves the appearance of the skin and is suitable for those suffering from acne or sensitive skin. Alpha hydroxy peels can be used on all skin types and all ages and is also suitable for hormonal pigmentation, sunspots, sun damage, either dry or oily skin and enlarged pores. Acne is improved by removing the dead cells. This unplugs the pores to release excessive oiliness which often causes pimples.
3D Peel®
This peel system is for more advanced skin problems and medium depth chemical peels and is performed by a trained medical doctor. The 3D Peel® can achieve similar results to far more aggressive and invasive peels. It is a combination of three peels, the first one being done by a therapist and the second and third layer done by a doctor.
This peel improves photo ageing, rough lesions, age spots, melasma (dark pigmentation) and fine lines on the skin but cannot be used on very dark skin.Because it is a more serious treatment, there is downtime of about a week. To prepare the skin, a brightening cream will be provided, which need be applied for ten to fourteen days before the treatment.
For the best results there is a further benefit - consider problem specific laser and light treatments in addition to the peel for amazing results. Maintaining the rejuvenation and improvement of one’s skin is essential to maintain a youthful appearance. The 3D peel can be done four weeks after Botox® and fillers and can be combined with other treatments over time.
Cosmelan® and Dermamalan® Depigmentation Treatment
Cosmelan and Dermamalan depigmentation treatments treat dark blemishes, especially on the hands and face. Dermamalan contains a 25% higher concentration of a similar ingredient to Cosmelan and is done under supervision of a doctor.
These treatments have limited down time, must be combined with home care, and the best results are seen after six months. So if you have a more serious problem, you can start now and look great by the time summer rolls around again. It is far easier to avoid the sun during winter and hence the best time to do longer term treatment.
Pearl laser treatment
The Pearl has a computer guided scanning device that can be programmed to remove specific layers of tissue uniformly. Depending on the depth we are able to treat mildly to very aggressive and treat a variety of conditions ranging from age spots to deep wrinkles and scars.
The Pearl offers predictable, repeatable, immediate results with minimal discomfort and only a modest downtime of 4 days.
Pearl renews the skin’s surface by treating fine lines, texture, age spots and sun damage in only one or two treatments resulting in brighter, more youthful, plumper skin with a creamier complexion. It also works great for improving deeper wrinkles, pigmentation and acne scarring.
Unfortunately darker skin types 5 to 6 cannot be treated with Pearl ™ Rejuvenation. In addition, if there is a history of sun exposure in the previous 3 weeks, the treatment will have to be rescheduled. The ideal Pearl patient is a Fitzpatrick skin type 1, 2 or 3 with a desire for quick results and has photo-damage, fine lines, wrinkles or acne scars.
It is important that prescribed superficial peels like the Beta or Alpha peels mentioned above be done at least two times during a time period of 4-6 weeks prior to the Pearl treatment, to prepare the skin.
The weather is cooling down and we are moving indoors so there’s a lot less risk of sun exposure. It’s probably the best time of the year to think about facial peels. The only difficulty is to choose the best one for your problem, but even that is not a major obstacle as the lovely therapists at Skin & Body Renewal Clinics are there to give you the best advice possible.