Dry skin
17Jul

Beat that winter skin with some clever interventions. Dry skin is usually not a serious health problem, but it’s quite irritating and if left untreated may lead to chronic eczema (red patches).

Unfortunately, in winter dry skin is usually a given because the skin doesn’t retain sufficient moisture. That’s because humidity is low both outdoors and indoors, and the water content of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) tends to reflect the level of humidity around it.

Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to relieve winter dry skin.

A chemical peel

First up is a light chemical peel. Nothing beats a peel in sloughing off dead skin cells and giving your skin a refreshed glow. In addition, a chemical peel treats: wrinkles and fine lines; sun damage; acne scars; hyperpigmentation; scars; melasma, as well as uneven skin tone or redness.

Moisturise

Water loss accelerates when you cleanse or scrub too much. So to counteract the drying effects of indoor heat, make sure that you use a good moisturiser. The latter will rehydrate the epidermis and seal in the moisture.

A good moisturiser contains four all-important ingredients. And these are: humectants, which help attract moisture, glycerine, hyaluronic acid and lecithin.

Another set of ingredients — petrolatum (petroleum jelly), silicone, lanolin, and mineral oil — helps seal that moisture within the skin. Emollients, such as linoleic and lauric acids, smooth skin by filling in the spaces between skin cells.

Generally, the thicker and greasier a moisturiser, the more effective it will be. Least expensive among the moisturisers are petroleum jelly and moisturising oils (such as mineral oil), which prevent water loss without clogging pores. Importantly, these are best used while the skin is still damp from washing or showering.

Skin ageing and dryness

Unfortunately, dry skin becomes much more common with the passage of time. This is also ascribed to the cumulative effect of sun exposure. Sun damage results in thinner skin that doesn’t retain moisture. In addition, the postmenopausal drop in hormones that stimulate oil and sweat glands is also to blame.

Other tips

Use a humidifier in winter to replenish the top layer of the epidermis.

Limit yourself to 5-minute showers or baths and use lukewarm water rather than hot water.

Importantly, use soap-free cleansers and steer clear of perfumed soaps and alcohol products, which can strip away natural oils.

You’re now set to beat that winter skin!

Hyperpigmentation
4Jul

The primary reason why winter is the best time to treat pigmentation, is simply: low UV. If you noticed – horror of horrors – pigmentation dotting across your face over the summer, this is definitely the season to sort out these problems before it’s too late.

After most treatments, your skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight. That’s why it’s a good idea to book your treatment when the weather is cooler, days are shorter, and the sun not so glaring.

Hyperpigmentation

Don’t wait until the next year to treat hyperpigmentation. Those pigmented spots turn darker very quickly and then require more treatment sessions. Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin. It appears most often across your nose and cheeks, around the mouth and across the forehead or like a paint splatter across your nose and cheeks. And the main cause is that mortal enemy: the sun.

On the other hand, apart from sun exposure, melasma is also caused by genetic factors, hormone therapy and pregnancy. Melasma is usually large colour blotches which may be symmetrical.

Prevention with sunscreen

Unfortunately, when the skin is exposed to more sunlight during summer, hyperpigmentation becomes more pronounced. But the damage will exist throughout the year. That’s why daily use of a high-factor sunscreen of SPF50 or higher will help in preventing pigmentation. This applies even in the dead of winter! Plus, a good vitamin C antioxidant serum will counteract further damage.

Help is at hand

Luckily there are several treatments that can help to erase the damage. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) helps to speed up cell turnover and create a clearer canvas. It’s one of the star treatments. Then there are also skin-transforming chemical peels which reduce blotchy patches, acne scars, age spots, pigmentation and improves skin texture.

So, there you have it on why winter is the best time to treat pigmentation. Book your appointment today!

Beauty treatments
20Jun

Yes for sure, it’s a matter of no pain, no gain for the best skincare treatments. Women and men in all age groups wish to put their best foot forward in terms of a great-looking skin. But for this, you need a bit of pain.

The most effective skin treatments certainly are not a day at the spa. And that’s why you need to prepare for some discomfort. Believe me, the result will make all worthwhile.

IPL

Just think about it: IPL, that wonderworker, isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Not excruciating for most, mind you. But still a tad uncomfortable. However, oh and oh: the results are just amazing. Be it removing sunspots, rejuvenation, refining pores, softening lines and wrinkles, improving skin quality, targeting broken facial veins or Rosacea, your skin will thank you afterwards.

Laser hair removal

Nothing quite like smooth, hair-free legs! But the process causes quite some discomfort, depending on the treated area, hair texture and skin.

Dermapen microneedling

This is one of the top-rated go-to treatments for a collagen boost, refined skin texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles; shrinking large pores, reducing stretch marks and acne. Although the irritation of the tiny pricks is reduced by applying a topical numbing cream, it still doesn’t qualify as relaxing. Yet once again, the results are quite a knock-out.

Chemical peels

Okay, chemical peels are by no means the worst pain. But something that is acidic and removes dead skin cells by burning the epidermis will be uncomfortable on some level. Yet die-hard aficionados simply won’t go without their chemical peel fix every few months or so. Reason being, peels offer instant results for a healthy, glowing complexion.

Utims skin tightening

Once again, this treatment is a bit sore. The Utims device heats the skin, causing collagen to constrict. But hey, three months after the procedure, you’ll notice visible results with a tighter, firmer skin which is less crepey. It’s just so worth it.

Bottom line is: no pain, no gain for the best skincare treatments.

Tattoo removal results
12Jun

Please take note that the before and after photos of laser tattoo removal are important! So do make a point of asking your provider for before and after photos prior to treatment.

Plainly put, before and after photos will provide hard evidence that a tattoo removal procedure will work. More importantly, it will prove that the person providing the service has the necessary skills to achieve a satisfactory tattoo removal.

Two types of before and after photos

Be aware that there are two types of before and after photos: those from the manufacturer and those from the clinic.

A manufacturer photo will provide proof that the laser system is capable of removing a tattoo in the hands of an experienced operator.

But the acid test is to review the clinic’s before and after photos. Sadly, there are cases of clinics equipped with medical grade laser systems that cause irreparable damage to a client’s skin because of inexperienced laser operators.

The clinic’s before and after photos will provide concrete evidence that the operator has the experience, technique and equipment to achieve good results.

Do your homework

Even though you might do your homework by reviewing provider websites, many clinics use manufacturer before and after photos on their websites. So, be aware of the fact that such photos aren’t a realistic expectation of what the clinic can achieve.

If you don’t have the time to visit clinics to view their in-house before and after photos, contact them by email. Ask to see actual results of what their laser operators have achieved with tattoo removal. This is the only way you’d be able to make an informed decision about which clinic to choose for your tattoo removal procedure.

Reasons why clinics may not use their own photos

There are a number of reasons why clinics might not have their own photos of results, or only have photos of partial tattoo removals. These are:

  • They might be new in the game, as tattoo removal results typically take 12-24 months
  • They don’t have a suitable laser system for tattoo removal
  • They don’t have the necessary tattoo removal experience

Lasermed offers a free consultation to clients. Plus, clients are welcome to look through our portfolio of before and after photos. This will ensure that clients have realistic expectations when embarking on their tattoo removal journey.

Without a doubt, lasers are the only instruments that can safely and effectively remove a tattoo without scarring or permanent damage. And we have the Q-switched ND:Yag laser, which is one of the best for tattoo removal.

So, to reiterate: the before and after photos of laser tattoo removal are important.

IPL after-care
5Jun

Make no mistake, IPL after-care is as important as the treatment itself. In addition, it’s important to observe some pre-treatment do’s and don’ts. These are: avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds, chemical peels, Botox or collagen injections and using Retinol a week prior to your treatment.

Immediately afterwards

Should your skin be red and a bit swollen, which is to be expected, ice it for the next 30 minutes. You may also cover up with foundation.

And don’t worry, the redness should disappear after 24 hours. Don’t be alarmed if your sunspots appear darker. That’s perfectly normal and signals that the treatment was effective.

To prevent additional swelling, try to sleep with an extra pillow under your head.

Healing the skin

To promote skin healing, use only gentle cleansers without harsh chemicals twice a day. And keep your skin hydrated with a moisturiser free of active ingredients for the next seven days.

Should your skin feel a tad itchy, apply Aloe Vera. It’s a wonderfully soothing product.

Avoid excessive exercise, very hot showers or baths, saunas and swimming in chlorinated pools for the next two to three days.

But importantly, under no circumstances should you expose the treated area to direct sunlight for the next four weeks. And always apply an SPF 50+ sunscreen before you poke your nose out the door.

In the days and weeks following treatment, you’ll definitely notice a drastic improvement in whatever your concern was. These may include sunspots, skin tone, rosacea, broken capillaries, acne and skin discolouration. All thanks to the wonder of IPL and following a strict IPL after-care regimen.

IPL
23May

Having been around since the 90s, IPL still reigns supreme one of the most versatile treatments – with many benefits.

So many people can benefit from IPL today, regardless of age or the condition of their skin. From older people wishing to improve skin tone to young people with sun damage – everyone can benefit. The only restriction is that IPL isn’t recommended for dark skin tones. Reason being that broadband light energy can cause damage to brown, melanin-rich skin.

Addressing many skin concerns

Strictly speaking, IPL isn’t a laser. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses multiple light wavelengths to treat multiple problems at the same time. These are: rosacea, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne, broken capillaries, enlarged pores and improved collagen production. Some wavelengths target pigmentation by heating up the pigment, then lifting it to the skin surface to fall away. Others take aim at broken capillaries to repair these.

Often, IPL is called a photofacial. But don’t let the term fool you. It’s a medical procedure, not a spa treatment.

Maintenance

Although one IPL session will produce a visible change, a series of two to five is recommended for optimal results. Thereafter, the occasional follow-up treatment will do the trick to ensure that your skin looks radiant.

Fast

The beauty of an IPL treatment is that it’s fast. Usually, a treatment can last anything from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.

After the treatment, expect some redness and mild swelling, in addition to darkening of pigmentation.

Safety

IPL treatments are safe. But do make sure you choose a clinic with experienced technicians.

Finally, to reiterate: IPL still reigns supreme one of the most versatile treatments – with many benefits. Book today.