March 2018 – London Premier Laser

Dare to Bare: Treating Stretch Marks

You have a date with a special someone and want to slip on that fierce low-cut off-the-shoulder number. Or you have a date with the beach and a trashy novel and want to wear your bathing suit. Whatever your plans, don’t let stretch marks get in the way. Dare to bare!

What are Stretch Marks?

Pesky, is what they are! Stretch marks are bands or lines on your skin that look and feel different to your normal skin. They run the spectrum from light grey or silvery to bright pink or purple. They may feel raised and ridge-like or indented.

Stretch marks can make an appearance anywhere on your body, but the stomach, upper arms, breasts, thighs and buttocks are especially prone. Although not everyone is bothered by their stretch mark, some wish that they weren’t so apparent.

To what do we owe the “pleasure” of stretch marks? Well, they often appear during puberty or when teens experience growth spurts, when you gain or lose weight rapidly or during pregnancy. Corticosteroid products can contribute to the development of stretch marks, as can certain conditions like Cushing’s Syndrome or Marfan Syndrome.

While stretch marks can fade, they can linger on your skin. So if you have stretch marks you’re looking to remove, you may wonder, what are you options?

Dermapen: Dermapen is an advanced microneedling technique that utilises ultra-slim needles that do not bend or stray off course when they come into contact with the often thicker, ridged stretch marked skin. Discomfort is greatly minimised, as is downtime. The treatment induces the natural production of collagen to smooth and plump skin.

Sublative Radiofrequency: This non-aggressive technique stimulates cell regrowth without causing unnecessary trauma to the skin like some fractional laser techniques (e.g. Fraxel). The gentle heat contracts and lifts the skin, smoothing it.

Stretch marks are part of life. But that doesn’t mean you have to let them stop you from living yours to the fullest! Contact us for your consultation today.

The 101 on Birthmarks

If you’re struggling to find common ground with someone, thinking there is just nothing similar about you, well… chances are you both have birthmarks! Over 80 percent of babies are born with them, and sometimes, they don’t fade as you (and your skin) grow. So what are these little marks? And if they cause you concern, how can you remove them?

Baby, I Was Born This Way!

Birthmarks are often referred to as “irregularities” or “blemishes.” They are simply areas of discolouration that appear at or shortly after birth. What causes them? Well, folklore holds that the marks represent unmet wishes of the mother while carrying her baby. She had a craving for strawberries that went unfulfilled? Her child would have a pinkish birthmark. Thanks, Mum!

Modern science doesn’t have an exact answer for why people get them. They’re just there, and the vast majority of time, they are harmless. Many even fade away on their own. There are generally two types of birthmarks:

Vascular: Red, pink, or purplish in colour, these appear as a result of abnormal blood vessels under the skin.
Pigmented: Usually brown, these appear as a result of pigment cell clustering.

Only in relatively rare cases do birthmarks signal larger health issues. For example, a strawberry mark on the eyelid may interfere with normal vision development. Depending on the type of birthmark, however, they may be a source of concern in terms of your appearance. Port wine stains, for instance, typically appear on the face and do not fade on their own.

Birthmark Removal

Our Laser Pigmentation Removal process works to deliver a smooth, even tone to your skin. Wavelengths of light are introduced to the affected area. It works to shatter the pigments, which are then absorbed by the body’s lymphatic system.

At Premier Laser & Skin, our experienced practitioners conduct a thorough consultation to determine if laser treatment is the best option. During the procedure, you may feel a slight tingling sensation, but most clients find this completely tolerable. We apply aloe vera after to soothe the skin.

There is virtually no downtime associated with this treatment, and you can soon begin to enjoy clear, even skin. If birthmarks are troubling you, contact us straightaway.

Freckles vs. Pigmentation

If you’ve been watching the runways and magazines covers recently you will have seen models with freckles and other pigmentation conditions. Fashion houses have finally embraced more diverse models recently which is refreshing and reflective of who their customers are.

We’re seeing faces in a gorgeous spectrum of colours, and we’re also seeing more “non-traditional” looks.

While freckles and pigmentation are being embraced in the mainstream, there is often a little confusion about freckles.

Here’s what you need to know when it comes your freckles

is hyperpigmentation the same as freckles

Hyperpigmentation, melasma and freckles are skin conditions commonly appearing in both men and women. They occur when melanin is produced in skin cells which leads to dark pigmented patches or spots on the skin’s surface

Freckles are a form of hyperpigmentation. Let’s back up: what is pigmentation? It’s simply the colour of your skin. Our skin (and hair and irises) gets its colour from a pigment called melanin.

Everyone has pigmentation: people who produce more melanin have darker skin and vice-versa.

It’s natural, and the differences just make the world a more beautiful place!

(But no matter what your skin colour, protect yourself from UV rays with SPF!)

There are two types of freckle:

Ephelides freckles : These appear during exposure to sunlight during summer. They are usually light brown in colour and will fade by winter .
Lentigine freckles: These are much darker and are more permanent in nature.

Genetics

Here’s where people go astray when it comes to these little spots: they think they’re caused by sun damage. Not so. You can actually thank mum and dad for them or chromosome 4q32-q34 to be precise!. They’re genetic. They do, however, appear when the skin is exposed to the sun.

how to get rid of freckles permanently with laser

As mentioned, freckles are a type of hyperpigmentation. People with them produce more than enough melanin, but it does not distribute evenly across the skin. This causes the little localised areas of discolouration, fondly (or not!) known as freckles.

And those with freckles – just like those without – should always wear sun protection. This will help abnormalities from forming. But even with vigilant protection, they’ll still have freckles thanks to those genes. Laser therapy has proven to be effective for freckle removal.

laser therapy for freckles

If you’re looking to treat your freckles there are a range of solutions clinics can offer you. Before you think about any laser therapies the first step is always to get a in depth diagnosis by a skin specialists.

You can have different types of pigmentation on your body so it is important to have a thorough skin analysis before choosing a treatment.

After a diagnosis treatments could include:

Laser Pigmentation Removal:

This treatment is quick, easy and painless. A laser is applied to shatter the pigments so they can be naturally absorbed by your body’s lymphatic system.

Pigmentation Peel:

This peel speeds up the skin’s own rejuvenation process while reaching damaged surface layers and providing deep exfoliation. It delivers an even, smooth skin tone.

revlite freckle removal

RevLite laser treatment refers to the wavelength of light used to target the skin. The laser light is absorbed by the pigment in freckles. The Revlite also known as PTP (PhotoAcoustic Technology Pulse), shatters the freckle pigmentation and the melanin is released to surface of the skin,. It it the shed as normal.

is laser treatment for pigmentation safe

Laser treatment for pigmentation is generally regarded as a safe and low risk treatment. Laser should always be used by experienced practitioners in a reputable clinic or medical practice.

The risk of scarring is low as are the side effects. As with any cosmetic treatment you should always talk over your concerns with your practitioner.

how long for freckles to fade after ipl treatment

As the laser light shatters the pigment the pigment is then naturally absorbed by your body. Your freckles which have been treated with laser may initially get darker in the first 24 hours after treatment and then slowly fade away over the next 1 to 2 weeks.

are freckles removed permanently

Results are permanent if you take care of your skin properly there should be no recurrence. If you get exposed to too much sun and UV radiation freckles can reappear.

how effective is freckle removal?

Laser treatments are very effective for treating freckles. Complete removal can be done in one session although some people may need more then one session.

freckle removal london

Premier Laser have 9 clinics across London and are London’s leading independent laser specialists. Since 2008 we have performed over 500,000 laser and skin treatments on Londoners. If you live in London and you want to remove freckling, contact us for a free consultation. Your practitioner will recommend the right treatment depending on your skin’s needs.

What are Milia – And What Can You Do About Them?

You have small raised white bumps on your face, around your eyelids, forehead and cheeks. They’re hard and have an obvious whitehead, so you might try to pop them like you would a pimple. But they just won’t go away. What are these little bumps (and bothers), and what can you do about them?

They’re called milia. Unlike a pimple, these are closed comedones. That is, the follicle is completely blocked, and there is a pronounced whitehead. Dead skin cells are trapped under the skin, and these little white bothers pop up.

If you want to get technical, milia are papules, as opposed to pustules, or pimples. And unlike pimples, they are neither inflamed nor red. They are not painful, itchy or harmful. What they are, though, is persistent. They just don’t go away! They may linger there for weeks or months.

Milia can co-occur with typical acne and blackheads or on their own. They can come out of nowhere or be triggered by skin injuries such as sunburns, sun damage, burns and blistering rashes.

What Can You Do?

Exfoliating regularly and avoiding heavy, cloying moisturiser can help you avoid milia. But what do you do if they’ve made an unwelcome appearance? You may be surprised. Advanced electrolysis. Our clinics are highly experienced in advanced electrolysis techniques that will help you achieve clear skin.

While typically associated with hair removal, advanced electrolysis can treat mila, as well as thread and red veins, spider naevus, skin tags, warts, blood spots, and age spots. A tiny needle (about as thin as an eyelash) is inserted into the affected area and a targeted electric current is applied. This releases the trapped bacteria, allowing your skin to heal.

Milia can be a source of embarrassment and frustration. Contact our clinic for expert assistance, so you can look and feel your best.

Removing Male Facial Hair

If you are male and looking to remove your facial hair on a more permanent basis then your daily shave then laser hair removal could be the right choice for you.

Are you :

Tired of shaving every day?
Of having five o’clock shadow – five minutes after you’ve shaved?
Of pesky ingrown hairs, razor burn, rashes or failed shaping attempts?
Or hair that creeps up high on your face or irritates your neck making you look like a distant cousin of a werewolf?

If you have answered yes to any of the above. Maybe it is time to find out more about laser hair removal. Women were first to use laser hair removal and men are just discovering what women have known for years.

facial hair removal for men

If you think your sentenced to a lifetime of shaving – or more painful still, waxing! – you’ll want to consider laser hair removal for your beard. This could be the solution you’ve have been searching for. Now men have finally discovered one of women’s best kept secrets it is time to take action!. Laser hair removal can remove up to 90% of your hair permanently.

male Laser hair removal popularity

Laser clinics in London, once the exclusive domain for women now have more and more men coming through their doors every month as the word spreads.

With the explosion of social media and the power of influencers on platforms like Instagram who share their lifestyle, fitness and beauty regimes, more men have come to see the benefits of laser.

Whether it be on the face, beard line, chest or having the ‘back, sack and crack’ done laser hair removal can help you stay groomed and look your best for longer.

will laser works on my beard?

Laser hair removal is a quick process (no need to call off work – unless you want to!). Concentrated laser light is directed at the hair follicles to reduce regrowth. Laser can work on all skin types and tones so if you are light or dark skin laser can give you the results you are after.

Laser hair removal is not painful – it has been compared to a rubber band pinged against your skin. There is little downtime afterwards. Skin may appear red and feel like it is sunburned afterwards but this should gradually go after a few hours.

You are also advised to stay away from activities that would make you hot; like saunas , steam rooms and exercise

High factor SPF must also be worn to protect your skin which is sensitive after laser.

is laser suitable for my skin colour?

You may have heard laser does not work on darker skin tones this was the case when lasers were first invented. The modern lasers such as the Candela Gentlemax Pro that we use at Premier Laser are the Rolls Royce of the laser industry.

They are FDA approved, medical grade 4 – the same used in hospitals and use the dual wavelength of Alexandrite and Nd:YAG, which gives excellent results whatever your colour.

So who is male Laser Hair Removal for?

You want to remove a full beard. Want it gone?
Laser hair removal can help you achieve a clean cut look, without the bothersome little razor cuts.
You want to shape your beard. Like a trim, neat appearance? You can tighten up your beard with targeted laser hair removal. For example, if your beard creeps up on your cheeks or bothers you on the neck, you can elect to have that hair removed.
You want a little extra room in your morning routine. Have that second cup of coffee; you’ve saved time not having to shave!
You want a long term solution. Laser Hair Removal provides a long term solution for facial hair reduction.

How much will laser on my face cost?

Laser hair removal requires more then one session. All your hair will not disappear after just one session. Larger areas will need more sessions. If you are just having your beard line defined or shaped then this may be done in a handful of sessions. Larger areas will need between 4-8 sessions.

Prices for laser hair removal on the face start from £22. Buying a package is more cost effective then single pay as you go sessions.

Why not schedule a free consultation and patch test today with one of our expert laser practitioners and learn more about laser hair removal for your beard!

Who are we ?

Premier Laser are London’s leading and largest independent laser hair removal and skin specialists. With 9 award-winning clinics across London open 7 days a week we have performed over 500,000 since 2008 on Londoners.

Month: March 2018