January 2018 – London Premier Laser

IPL: What You Should Know

The field of dermatology and skin care treatment has seen incredible advances in recent years. People who have struggled with skin conditions without relief for years – or their entire lives – suddenly have options to pursue. But sometimes those options can be confusing. What is IPL, how could it help your skin and is it the right solution for you? Let’s find your answers.

What is IPL?

IPL is a quick 30-minute procedure during which broad wavelength light is used to penetrate the skin. It is not a laser. As a result of this light exposure, collagen and blood vessels below the surface of the skin constrict. This reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while also reducing redness and uneven tone.

Clients have turned to IPL to help with everything from reducing the signs of ageing and improving skin texture to relieving Rosacea, evening pigmentation and dispelling broken capillaries and veins.

A revolutionary technique, IPL can be used to treat multiple conditions – at the same time. This is remarkable for people struggling with different complaints; it is time-saving, efficient and, most importantly, effective. Pain and downtime are minimised; results are maximised.

Does IPL Work for Hair Removal?

IPL is often confused with laser treatments. No, IPL is not indicated for hair removal, but laser techniques are remarkably effective. Here, highly concentrated light is directed to the unwanted hair follicles. This essentially destroys them.

Remember, IPL affects the blood vessels and collagen stores under the skin. Laser hair removal targets the follicles, making it a much more effective option if your goal is to remove undesirable hair.

IPL and laser technology can each be effective; the right choice for you depends on your individual goals. If you need more information, do not hesitate to contact us. Medical and scientific advances make your goal of healthy, beautiful skin more achievable than ever.

Dermapen vs. Dermaroller: Which Treatment Is Right For You?

The good news for those who want to look and feel their best is that there are a host of anti-ageing and skin improvement treatments on the market including Dermaroller and Dermapen.

Finding the right treatment for you

The bad news is with more treatments available then ever before and all claiming to be better then the last how do you choose what is suitable for you?. As there are so many options available – and of vastly differing quality and effectiveness – it can be difficult to find the right solution.

With each of us being as beautiful and unique as a snowflake there is not a one size fits all approach when it comes to treatments. If your friend had amazing results with a procedure or everyone on social media is going crazy about a new treatment, sadly this does not mean you will experience the same results.

Factors like

age
skin type
diet
lifestyle

all will play a part in which treatment is suitable for you and which will give you the best results.

(We always recommend that you book a free consultation with our experienced practitioners who can let you know the most effect treatments for the results you’re after.)

Dermaroller and Dermapen

Dermapen and Dermaroller are both a form of microneedling which is a form of collagen induction therapy. The Dermaroller device has been around longer then the Dermapen. The Dermapen is an updated electronic version of the Dermaroller which is rolled by hand.

They are both an established proven treatment for a range of conditions so you no longer have to go under the knife and have risky invasive surgical procedures to get the results you’re after.

Treatments and technology have come a long way recently and the results as seen on our website with stunning before and after pictures plus client testimonials, really speak for themselves.

Should you take the plunge and go for the Dernapen? or stick to the traditional method of microneedling with the roller?

Microneedling and Dermapens growing popularity

One of our most popular treatments at Premier Laser is the Dermapen. Dermarpen uses modern technology to replace the manual Dermarolling technique. When it comes to Dermapen versus Dermaroller microneedling many people often ask us how do you know which technique to choose and which one is more effective?.

Dermaroller v Dermapen

Both Dermaroller and Dermapen are collagen induction therapies; this means they work by creating “micro” wounds in the skin. This is done by small needles puncturing the skin as the roller or device passes over the skin.

If you have been online and seen this treatment being performed it can look quite gruesome as small drops of blood appear on the surface of the skin as the needles pricks the surface. That is why you may have heard it being called the vampire facial.

It looks painful but as you can see by the reactions of clients it is relatively painless – more uncomfortable then anything else.

Dermaroller is more uncomfortable and painful then the Derampen, but we will come on to that shortly.

Both Dermapen and Dermaroller work by having the micro needles prick the skin which prompts the body to heal and repair itself by producing collagen but that is where the similarities end.

What does the Dermaroller do ?

The Dermaroller is a handheld device designed to manually pass over your skin 15 to 20 times in a horizontal, vertical and diagonally way. This creates microneedle columns (about 0.1 mm wide) that penetrate the skin. The columns close quickly as your body begins producing collagen.

It is a manual procedure as the pen is rolled back and forth and depends on the skill and experience of the practitioner for effective results.

The disadvantages or Dermaroller over Derampen

Although this technique can be effective and has been around for a number of years, it is often quite uncomfortable more so then having the same technique performed by a Dermapen.

Also it is difficult to target small or curved areas (e.g. under the nose)
You risk bending needles when penetrating scarred skin.
You need a highly skilled and experienced practitioner to ensure the best results.
The rolling technique creates crater shaped wounds which are larger and take longer to heal.

This can leave people struggling with scars or issues in areas difficult to reach with the Dermaroller at a loss – that is, until the Dermapen came along!.

The benefits and advantages of Dermapen microneedling

Dermapen is a huge upgrade to Dermaroller. It takes the advantages and benefits of Dermarolling and introduces technological advancements that makes it even more effective. These include :

There is less damage to the epidermis then if you had the procedure with a Dermaroller which means quicker healing and better results.
You can set the depth of the needle ie how deep you want the needles to penetrate into the skin from starting from 0.1mm.
You are in control of how aggressive you want the treatment to be. Your trained practitioner will discuss your options and advise the best possible depth.
With Dermarolling you can not set the depth as precisely as you can with a Dermapen so this will leave you with potentially uneven results.
Less pain and bleeding as you can set the depth of the needle precisely to penetrate into the skin as mentioned above.
The vertical delivery method ensures that needles won’t bend in thickened tissue and are quicker to heal unlike the larger crater wounds with a roller.
Aesthetic professionals can navigate small and contoured areas easily.
More problem areas can be treated leaving you with a more even finish.
The technique is also a lot faster.
The electronic needle springs up and down thousands of times per minute ensuring that areas covered are evenly treated and quicker.
It prompts greater collagen production, as well as reducing discolouration.

And the winner is…

As you can see Dermapen is

easier
safer
less uncomfortable
and more effective

Your results will be more satisfying, not to mention longer-lasting. So there is a clear winner.

By using technology Dermapen has taken an already good technique in Dermarolling and taken in to a new level.

Next steps if you live in London

If you are interested in trying a Dermapen session today, and you live near one of our 9 London clinics, why not book in for a free consultation with our experienced skin specialist and say hello to smooth and rejuvenated skin!. Contact us for a consultation and get started!

What are Freckles – And What Are Your Options If You Want to Treat Them?

Freckles are a common skin concern, some love their freckles, where as others may wish they weren’t so visible. In this blog we will uncover what freckles are – and how you can treat them effectively?

First, know that freckles are not themselves harmful, nor do they indicate a health problem. They are simply small, flat pigment cells, typically light brown or tan in colour. Once again, we can thank genetics. Freckling is a recessive trait; if both parents have it, they can pass it on to their children. It is associated with the MC1R gene, which regulates skin pigment.

But have you ever seen a baby with freckles? Nope. They can have birthmarks and moles, but not freckles. This is because these spots of melanin appear and are darkened with exposure to sunlight. This is why you’ll notice more prominent freckling during the summer.

But while sun can cause freckles to appear and multiply, they are not a sign of skin damage, they are simply just your skin type. You can do everything perfectly in regards to protecting yourself from the sun, and you’re still going to have freckles.”

So if you’re sun-smart, freckles are fine. But what if, aesthetically, you’re not fine with freckles? Laser pigmentation removal is an effective option; wavelengths of light are applied to the affected area. This shatters the pigments, which are then removed via the lymphatic system.

There are also pigmentation peel alternatives: Cosmelan is a topical treatment that targets cells that are involved in pigmentation. It prevents melanin production, which can lighten blemishes and spots. SkinBrite is another option: this deep exfoliator penetrates damaged layers of the skin. By accelerating the skin’s natural renewal process, it can reveal an even complexion.

There is certainly nothing wrong with freckles; but if you would feel more comfortable and confidence with more even skin, you have effective options to pursue.

Book your free consultation today!

The Mystery of Undereye Dark Circles – And How to Solve It

You look… tired. Even after a night’s rest. Even after a relaxing, restful vacation. Dark circles under your eyes make you look exhausted, older and less vibrant.

But what exactly are they?
What causes them?
And most importantly, how do you erase them from your face?

What are Dark Circles?

Throughout most of your body, the skin is about 2 mm thick. Under the eyes, however, it is only 0.5 mm. Periorbital dark circles occur when the skin below the eyes shows blood vessels and pools. If you have light or fair skin, the contrast is more striking – that is, the circles are darker.

They appear bluish in people with fair complexions because the skin only allows in the blue wavelength of light. So essentially, dark under eye circles reflect the light from the blood under this thin skin.

We associate dark circles with lack of sleep; this is because this slows circulation and blood is allowed to pool.

Exacerbating the problem, as we age, our skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner. This creates the appearance of deep circles. You may also blame your family: genes play a large role in whether or not you are prone to these blemishes.

Effective Treatments for Dark Circles

Fortunately, there are great treatment options for those struggling with dark under eye circles. Our recommendations:

ULTRAcel:

combining microneedling with radiofrequency, this treatment stimulates the production of collagen and assists in plumping and firming skin. The thin skin under the eyes becomes more full and less able to reflect blue light.

Tear Trough Treatment:

puffiness or “bags” often accompany dark circles. Dermal fillers work to retain lost volume under the eyes, resulting in brighter, more youthful eyes.

Sublative Radio Frequency Skin Resurfacing:

this technique works by penetrating beyond the surface of the skin to prompt cell regrowth. The gentle heat targets the connective tissue, allowing it to contract and lift.

Mystery solved! The only question left is which treatment is right for you. Book your consultation to find out.

Review of ULTRAcel from Health & Wellbeing Magazine

Introducing ULTRAcel. This revolutionary combination treatment uses Radiofrequency, HIFU & Microneedling to firm, lift & rejuvenate the skin. Read our most recent press coverage from Health & Wellbeing who found the treatment gave

‘a remarkably pronounced yet incredibly natural lifting & firming effect’

Find out more about our non-surgical face lift treatment here.

Addressing the taboo of female facial hair

Excessive female facial hair is a common issue for women across the world, however it is not one widely spoken about. Conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can trigger hormonal imbalances leading to unwanted hair, and when it is on the face it can be difficult to manage.

Beauty blogger Anoushka feels it is an issue that needs to be addressed, as women seek out solutions such as face shaving and Laser Hair Removal. In this amazing video post Anoushka explains the solutions she uses, and her reasons for trying Laser Hair Removal at Premier Laser & Skin!

Creating Your Summer Body In Winter

The long winter months… a perfect time to bundle up under thick sweaters and snuggle on the couch. Or a perfect time to start working on your summer body! Read on to find out our most popular treatments to start now to look your best this summer.

Laser Hair Removal

Waxing is painful, and do you really want to be chained to your razor all summer long to keep your skin smooth? Laser hair removal is effective on legs, underarms, bikini area and face. As well, if you’re worried about excess chest or back hair or you struggle with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), treatment can help you face summer with full confidence. There’s no need to hide under layers of clothing this summer!

Pigmentation Removal

When melanin production is uneven, it results in dark spots on the skin. If this causes you embarrassment or you simply want to even up your skin tone, there are great options to consider. Laser pigmentation removal, for example, uses targeted wavelengths of light to “shatter” pigments so they can be absorbed by the lymphatic system. Spectra Laser Peel or IPL may also be effective for you. Ask your aesthetic professionals today.

Tattoo Removal

Is an ill-advised tattoo keeping you from baring your skin? Using safe, powerful lasers, we can break down the ink so it can be naturally removed by your body’s immune response. This works on black and multi-coloured inks, even stubborn shades like green and blue.

Skin Tightening and Stretch Mark Removal

If wearing shorts or a bathing suit is intimidating, regain your confidence with ULTRAcel. This powerful treatment combines three effective techniques to combat loose and sagging skin and help alleviate stretch marks. By stimulating collagen production and restructuring existing cells, the skin looks and feels younger, firmer – and ready for summer adventure!

Put down that mug of cocoa and book your consult today.

Month: January 2018