4May

Yes, sunscreen is important in winter too. Read on to understand why.

Firstly, many people think UVA/UVB rays aren’t a factor in winter. Wrong! Secondly, winter strips your skin of moisture and sunscreen helps to restore some moisture to your skin.

Another factor is that the ozone layer is thinnest in winter. This means that even though the sun doesn’t feel as hot, you are actually exposed to greater intensity UV rays.

The sun damages your skin

So, whether winter or summer, the sun’s rays definitely accelerate skin ageing, decreasing collagen and elastin production. But applying sunscreen religiously come rain or shine helps to keep skin looking more youthful.

And just because it’s cold doesn’t mean your sunscreen will last longer. Icy winds and low temperatures combine to weaken a sunscreen’s efficacy. That means you still have to reapply the sunblock every couple of hours to protect your skin.

Beware UVA rays

UVB rays (which are weaker in winter) are linked to skin damage such as sunburn, sun spots and various skin cancers. But UVA rays actually are even worse. Plus the strength of UVA rays is consistent throughout the year. Therefore, because they penetrate deeper, they cause more damage. Worse though, UVA may cause for melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Limit light from electronics

With winter meaning more time indoors, don’t overdo the use of computers, TVs and cell phone screens. These light sources, as well as some types of indoor lighting could add to skin damage. That’s why daily sunscreen application is all-important.

The take-out is that sunscreen is important in winter too. This is key to skin health and looking younger for longer. And remember, ‘broad-spectrum’ is the operative word. So read the labels before buying sunscreen. According to dermatologists, SPF50+ is the one to go for.

16Apr

Suzette la Grange achieved this knock-out result after two IPL sessions when treating her client’s sunspots.

IPL effectively reduces the visible signs of photo-ageing and sun damage in men and women of all ages: stimulating collagen production to improve skin quality and texture.

Think of IPL as a wonder worker: restoring your skin to the youthful radiance it deserves – without needing recovery time. In addition, IPL has been clinically proven to manage Rosacea (flushing and redness of the skin).

Uber Pro peel
16Apr

At the forefront of ensuring stellar rejuvenation results, Lasermed now offers the Über Pro peel combined with Dermapen microneedling.

Über Pro is exclusively designed to enhance microneedling procedures. With a superior blend of treatment actives, the peel increases cellular turnover. Simultaneously, it addresses fine lines and wrinkles; sun damaged/aged skin; deep lines/advanced ageing; acne; pigmentation; uneven texture and dull skin.

By resurfacing the top layer of the stratum corneum, you’ll glow with a smoother, softer skin and an even tone. Phone us to book your Über Pro/Dermapen treatment.

Laser hair removal
4Apr

For first-timers, we highlight exactly what to expect from laser hair removal. First up, it’s advisable to book for Lasermed’s free consultation and patch test to determine whether you’re a good candidate. Always a good thing to know what you’re in for.

It’s safe to do laser hair removal on most skin colours. And fortunately, advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal possible for people with darker skin too. However, do bear in mind that laser hair removal is less effective for hair colours which don’t absorb light well, such as red, grey, blond and white.

Apart from being an effective treatment for ingrown hairs, the most common areas for laser hair removal are the armpits, legs, upper lip, chin and the bikini line. But we can treat almost any area except the eyelid and surrounding area. Of note is that tattooed skin also can’t be treated.

The consultation

During your free consultation, we’ll review your medical history, medication use, history of skin disorders or scarring, and past hair removal procedures.

We’ll also detail the benefits, how the procedure is done, what results to expect in what time period and possible risks. And before starting treatments, we’ll be able to give you a quote.

Our lasers

Rest assured that Lasermed uses only the best available lasers for hair removal – namely the Alexandrite (for lighter skin) and ND:Yag (for darker skin). During the procedure the laser emits a light that’s absorbed by the pigment in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicles. And it’s this damage that inhibits future hair growth.

Hairs don’t fall out immediately, but you’ll shed them over a period of days to weeks.

Preparing for your laser hair removal treatment

Wait six weeks after waxing, plucking or electrolysis before starting treatment. You may shave, use depilatory creams or curved scissors.

Avoid tanning for four weeks prior to the treatment and whenever you go out, apply a broad-spectrum, SPF50 sunscreen. Also, stop using sun activators and/or chemical self-tanning lotions two weeks prior to your appointment.

Most importantly, don’t use skin lightening preparations such as Hydroquinone and Retinoic acid for five days before treatment. And wait one month after completing a full dose of Isotretinoin. If taking a pulse dose, treatments may be done at any stage.

So now that you know what to expect from laser hair removal, be sure to book your free consultation. Remember we have a 10% discount on quoted price for a new area during April.

Hyaluronic acid
16Mar

The power of hyaluronic acid has been touted for many years. So keep an eagle eye open for this ingredient in skincare products. It’s a super-hydrator bar none – because one gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six liters of water

Technically known as glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid (HA) is produced in the body and is found in connective tissue, heart valves and lungs. But it’s most abundant in the skin.

Multiple benefits

Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce less HA over the years. In addition, environmental aggressors, smoking and excessive sun exposure also deplete HA levels. ‘Lo and behold, instead of a plump, dewy skin, the skin appears dull, dry and old. That’s when the power of hyaluronic acid comes to the rescue.

Being a humectant (and an anti-oxidant to boot!), HA helps skin cells retain water. So when you apply a skincare product containing HA, you can sail forth knowing that it can help keep your skin hydrated 24 hours a day. A very good thing when your skin is feeling dry, itchy and rough.

Best of all, because an HA-based product is easily absorbed, it feels absolutely marvellous on the skin.

With its antibacterial properties, hyaluronic acid also may help with inflammation and wound healing.

Choosing your HA skincare product

To benefit from the power of hyaluronic acid, choose a product with multiple molecular weights. Reason being, that small molecules penetrate deeper into the skin, whereas larger HA molecules sit on the skin’s surface. Good skincare products usually contain a combination of large and small molecules.

More often than not, HA is found in serums, moisturisers, eye creams and body lotions. A few brands also have hyaluronic boosters available.

As would be the case when adding a new product to your skincare regimen, do a patch test first to see whether your skin reacts adversely. However, overall hyaluronic acid is said to be suitable to compromised or acne-prone skin types as well.

Rest assured, after starting your HA journey, your skin will give thanks to the power of hyaluronic acid.

Mini Frax 1550
2Mar

So, this is the rub on Mini Frax treatments. First up, many clients (and medical professionals) swear by its rejuvenation effects. Secondly, what they especially enjoy is that there’s minimal downtime.

Most clients cite their main concerns as an ageing skin and the damage of too much sun exposure in the past. A series of Fraxel treatments can help with reducing facial lines, a smoother skin surface texture, fewer and less severe sun spots.

Versatile

Being highly versatile, this laser also can be used on the neck, chest and hands. Several adjustments are possible. For instance, we can adjust the penetration depth, percentage of the surface area covered (concentration of the dots) and the number of passes.

Acne scarring

As the skin damage caused by acne scars tends to be relatively deep, acne scarring has always been one of the most difficult conditions to treat. Enter the Fraxel® laser and Mini Frax 1550. It’s much safer than dermabrasion and less recovery time is needed.

How it works

The laser fires tiny dots into the skin, causing micro-plugs of skin to emerge. And because the area around each plug is untreated, the skin heals rapidly. This is then exactly the concept of fractional laser treatments. By firing tiny columns of laser light into the skin, treatment is deeper, yet with lower risk and faster recovery.

So there you have it. This is the rub on Mini Frax treatments.