What is collagen and why do we need it?

The word collagen comes from two Greek words. The first κόλλα (kólla), meaning “glue”, and γέν, -gen meaning “producing”. So glue producing!.

Collagen is a major structural protein in the bodies extracellular matrix. It can be found as the main part of connective tissue. In mammals it makes up to 35% of the whole bodies protein content and is our most common protein.

what is it made up of?

Collagen is made up of amino acids joined together making a triple helix of elongated fibril. These are known as a collagen helix and can be found in fibrous tissues in the body like tendons, ligaments, and skin.

what forms does it take?

Collagen tissues may can take many forms. Hard in bone,  compliant in tendons or in-between with cartilage. It is also widespread and found in other parts of the body the the eyes in corneas, blood vessels, gut, discs between the vertebrate in the spine and also in your mouth in the form of  dentin in teeth.

collagen for muscles -Woman running summerfibroblast cells

The fibroblast cell is the most common cell creating collagen. Collagen is a very important component in your body.  It is a protein and works as an adhesive, holding skin, ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles together as it cushions them.

It is central to how the body is shaped and how parts of the body work together for the common good.

Elasticity & firmness

Collagen helps every part of your body stay strong and supple, including your skin. Collagen gives skin it’s elasticity as it provides firmness and smoothness to your skin.  Making the most of your collagen resources can keep away fine lines and wrinkles, allowing skin to remain supple, providing a youthful appearance.

Ageing and Collagen

However, as your body ages, less collagen is produced and, often, it can be of lower quality than during younger years.  When you can increase the amount of collagen your body produces, it helps to enhance the texture, quality, look, and appearance of your skin.

Collagen induction therapies

Many beauty treatments work on stimulating and generating collagen and elastin. They are known are collagen induction therapies.

  • INFINI 3D SKIN TIGHTENING

The INFINI™ 3D Skin Tightening combines the power of microneedling with radiofrequency to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This in turn results in a tightening and smoothing effect in the skin. The INFINI 3D helps to lift and firm the skin from the dermis layer, without causing any damage to your epidermis.

  • DERMAPEN MICRO SKIN NEEDLING

Dermapen uses a handheld device to deliver thousands of minute, micro punctures to the skin at a vertical angle.  These tiny punctures stimulate the skin to grow more collagen and send it to heal the micro areas.

It is a methodology to “trick” your body into making more of the substance than it normally makes.  The end result is fresh and rejuvenated skin.

  • RADIO FREQUENCY SKIN TIGHTENING

The Sublime™ Radio Frequency Skin Tightening boasts positive results and is a very effective non-invasive therapy.  It can visibly firm and tone your skin, allowing for a smoother and more youthful appearance.  Everyone’s skin loses elasticity during the ageing process and the production of collagen slows down as well.

The energy driven by the radio frequency process helps stimulate the production of new collagen, which, in turn, will provide more lift and a smoother, even tone to your skin.

Collagen nourishes your skin and can help it stay looking younger longer.  As you age, often your body can use a little help re-establishing collagen levels to a arrive at a more youthful level.

 

Help for ageing hands

Hands are the workhorses of our body; they literally get used at every turn.  When we need them, they are there for us.  But when they need attention, what happens?  Chances are, they don’t get any attention – and for all their hard work, for everything they do for us.  Many people put hands way down on the priority list to get the care they need.

IPL SKIN REJUVENATION

Our hands are a tell-tale sign of our age, often giving it away faster than the rest of us.  Not only do they probably go without proper moisturisation, they are one of the most exposed body parts to the sun.  This can cause skin discolouration, or pigmentation on the hand’s.  Intensive Pulse Light (IPL) Skin Rejuvenation therapy can help to rectify the discolouration that the sun can cause.  It is FDA-approved and one of the most effective non-invasive method of treating damaged skin available.  This remarkable treatment uses a broad wavelength of light (it’s not a laser) to rid the skin of sun damage.  It can treat several conditions at once, including reducing the appearance of birth marks and the signs of ageing.  You will be able to see the visible effects almost immediately and be able to return to your normal routine right away.

Profhilo before and after

ANTI-AGEING HAND REJUVENATION INJECTIONS

Our Anti-Ageing Hand Rejuvenation Injections use a high concentrate of Hyaluronic Acid to help hydrate and plump ageing skin. The hyaluronic acid helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst restoring the elasticity in the skin. The results can last between 6 – 9 months, and the treatment is undertaken by our Aesthetic Nurse.

DERMAL FILLERS

Dermal Fillers are another great treatment that uses hyaluronic acid to plump, replenish, and smooth out lines and wrinkles in the skin.  The substance used is a gel that is natural and biodegradable.  It is often used in the face to help restore lost volume, but can also have wonderful results helping to plump older hands which can sometimes look gaunt and bony. It flows into the skin smoothly and fills lines in to provide a smooth and more even look.

Hands need all the help they can get – they often work too hard!  Call us today and learn more about treating your hands to amazing technology that can help them look and feel better.

Three common myths about acne and two truths

Acne – who needs it?  No one wants it.  It can be, however, a fact of life that many of us have to deal with.  Products and techniques have been fashioned to help ease the burden of caring for acne-prone skin, however there are still many myths around acne, not all of which are true, that we’re going to bust today.

THREE COMMON MYTHS

As a condition that’s been around for a long time, myths seem to get perpetuated forward and thrust onto the next generation.  Here are three of those common myths, or misconceptions.

Only teenage skin gets acne.  Wrong!  So not true.  Adults can get acne, too – believe it or not.  Reasons that adults might get acne include stress (see Truth No. 2 below), hormone changes, pollution, cleansing too frequently (see Myth No. 3 below), specific foods (see Truth No. 1 below), and potentially eating too many sugary products.

The sun makes acne better.  Wrong again!  This is a common misconception, the sun and acne can make a bad combination and cause worse break-outs to happen.  Annet King, Director of Global Education for The International Dermal Institute, points out, “Sun exposure will cause dehydration, which in turn stimulates oil production as your skin tries to correct the issue.”  Makes sense!

Acne is caused by not washing your face.  Wrong for the third time.  While washing your face is a practice of good hygiene, if you don’t wash your face, it is not going to “cause” acne.  Washing removes dirt but it does not clear acne.  In fact, too much washing can actually remove much-needed essential oils.

TWO TRUTHS

Let’s now look at two things that are true about acne.

Diet affects acne.  Studies have shown that a healthy diet, especially foods rich with zinc, vitamin E, vitamin A, complex carbohydrates, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids can prevent acne.

Stress can aggravate acne.  This is true.  Stress can trigger an inflammatory response from the body and that can cause clogged pores to break.  Topical solutions can help.

Now, let’s look at some products that can help with acne.

DERMACLEAR ACNE PEEL

This anti-acne solution combines Beta Hydroxy Acids and Alpha Hydroxy Acids to bring a powerful treatment that reduces acne-causing bacteria and helps redistribute the oil production in your skin.

SPECTRA CARBON ACNE PEEL

This is a very budget-friendly answer to acne’s woes.  It’s like having four chemical peels at one time, but with no downtime or potential complications.  It is a carbon-based three-part treatment that helps rejuvenate your skin.  This laser peel is a favourite of Hollywood’s celebrities.

DERMAPEN MICRO SKIN NEEDLING

This unique and pain-free treatment can eliminate acne scarring, as well as other types of scars, stretch marks, and pock marks.  Gone.  You’re done with them when you allow the micro needles of the Dermapen to do their job.  A series of tiny needles penetrate the skin at just the right places to increase collagen production, which aids in repairing scar tissue.

Regardless of the severity of your acne, solutions, procedures, and treatments can help.  Call us today for a free consultation about which method will be the best for you.

 

Your Skin After Pregnancy

Most mothers, after having delivered their bundle of joy, notice some repercussions of the birth process to their skin.  Some may think you just have to live with this “new normal” way that your skin has begun to look. However, there are many great treatments that can take your skin, and particularly your tummy, back to the way it used to be before you gave birth.

Woman running summerDiet and exercise

Of course before you look into any treatment we would recommend that you are following a healthy lifestyle (as much as you can with a newborn baby!). And that you are active or exercising and eating good nutritious food. This will make any treatments you consider more effective. As much a you want to get back into your old shape, there is no magic pill or overnight cure. Think of the treatments as part of on-going process that will make you look good and feel good.

HIFU Skin Tightening

HIFU skin tightening is a revolutionary skin tightening treatment, which can work wonders on tightening and lifted the common ‘mummy tummy’ so many women face after having children. After pregnancy, the skin surrounding the stomach area tends to lose some of its elasticity. HIFU skin tightening, using Ultraformer technology, tightens loose skin on the stomach, thighs, and just under the buttocks.

The applicator is placed along your problem area(s) and the ultrasound energy from the applicator destroys fat cells, whilst your body stimulates new collagen production.  The outcome is smooth and restored skin in just under an hour and with minimal pain involved.

Cryolipolysis Fat Reduction

Cryotherapy fat freezing

A number of processes are available to help with getting a mother’s body back into shape after the birth of a child.  Cryolipolysis procedures can help with stubborn areas of fat that will not relent, even when you have practised diet and exercise with vigour.

Cryolipolysis uses freezing technology to target your most problematic areas.  When fat cells are frozen, they crystallise and die.  Your body will then process those dead cells, leaving your shape sculpted and contoured.

Often, a lipotripsy package is added to spur the natural drainage process and get the desired results even quicker.  Two applicators can be used during the treatment, targeting two problem areas at one time

Dermapen/INFINI™

Stretch marks after the birth of a child can be hard to deal with.  There might seem like there’s just no way to get rid of them.  But, you needn’t worry anymore, as we have two great treatments that can help to reduce stretch marks. Using either the INFINI™ 3D Skin Tightening therapy or our micro-needling treatment Dermapen we can help to restore your skin to how it looked pre-pregnancy.

With the combined therapies used in the INFINI™ treatment, you will see maximum results with minimal downtime afterwards.  It uses 3D technology and micro-needling to get the fullest degree of benefits for your skin.

Tiny micro-holes are made with tiny needle tips that are precisely placed to let in the radio frequencies needed to stimulate collagen and elastin production.  This precision ensures your skin’s dermis (second layer) is not damaged in any way.

With the Dermapen, micro skin needling has been revolutionised for safe, more effective, and less painful results.  It makes navigating across the skin easier and is able to get more accurate penetration to the points in your skin that will make the most difference.  Also, if you have scar tissue where the micro needle should be placed, the Dermapen can easily penetrate those skin cells through it’s vertical delivery system.

Next Steps

A special note to mothers:  the majority of these procedures cannot be performed while breastfeeding.  We take the overall health of our patients very seriously.  When you are ready to seek treatment, we will be right here with the latest innovative technologies to help.

 

 

Skincare Q&A with Lady Nadia Essex

Today we met with Lady Nadia Essex from the hit channel 4 show, Celebs Go Dating to discuss her skincare. Read on to find out her current skincare regime and what she would change about her skin!

How would you describe your skin?

Combination, I have an oily forehead, however my nose and lips are drier.

What’s your current skincare regime?

I have a simple skincare regime, focusing on always removing my make-up of an evening. Generally, I wash my face, use a make-up wipe, and then use micellar water to ensure that all my make-up has been removed. I will then follow up with a night cream.

Have you tried any aesthetic skin rejuvenation treatments before?

I have tried anti wrinkle injections a couple of times in the past. However, I haven’t had it for a few years as looking back I don’t think I needed it. I think in a couple of years when I am a little bit older I will try again. I have also tried Dermaroller, which I love.

Is there anything you would change about your skin?

I recently found out that I suffer from some food intolerances, and certain foods do have a negative effect on my skin. Simply eating clean and healthy for a week can really change my skin, in a positive way. However, the one thing I would change the most is my motivation to look after my skin. It’s only recently that I have really started paying attention to it and ensuring I take on a proper skincare regime.

How often do you go for skin treatments?

Not as often as I like, I go for a facial around every 6 months, and each time I think ‘I must do this more often’.

Skincare After the Holidays

Everyone looks forward to going on holiday; we all get excited about the opportunity to get away from the daily grind for a little while.  Many of us from the UK will opt for a beach holiday, laying in the sun and enjoying the warm weather. But, do you ensure you’re keeping your skin safe whilst enjoying all that the sun has to offer?  Here at Premier Laser & Skin we have put together a plan to treat your skin after you return from your holidays to help minimise any potential skin concerns your holiday may have bought out.

Post Holiday treatments

HydraFacialA HydraFacial Treatment is a wonderful way to say you’re sorry to your skin for over-burdening it while enjoying your holiday.  One treatment can go a long way to providing great skin care for the long term.  Antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and amazing peptides combined to give your skin the soothing attention it deserves.  HydraFacial Treatments are non-invasive and have all the benefits of hydradermabrasion and a chemical peel with no irritation or downtime.

A Cosmelan® Depigmentation Peel can help restore brightness to skin that may have been damaged by the sun.  Over-exposure to the sun and its harmful UV rays can bring out pigmentation, or darker colouring to your skin.  Cosmelan® is proclaimed to be one of the most widely sold depigementation treatment in the world.  Treatments using this method inhibit melanin production and remove or lighten dark spots and blemishes.

Skin also loses hydration when out in the sun for long periods.  When it loses its suppleness and flexibility, skin can start to look weathered and dry.  The C Infusion Peel is a wonderful cure for dry and tried skin.  The C Infusion Peel restores and revitalises dry and tried skin by penetrating deep, nourishing and moisturising to help jump-start the cell renewal process. Don’t you feel refreshed already?

After treating yourself to a lovely time on holiday, it’s always good to remember to treat your skin as well, pampering it with all the essential ingredients needed to rejuvenate it. Book your free consultation here to find out more about our different skin treatments.

Injectable Events this September

Over the month of September we will be hosting events in our clinics to introduce you to our Aesthetic Nurse Injector, Sarah Sheedy. The events will be a great opportunity for you to learn more about injectables, and ask Sarah any questions you may have.

What do the events include?

  • Q&A with Sarah Sheedy
  • Live Demo of Injectables
  • Free injectable consultations (usually £25)
  • Exclusive offers & discounts on the night
  • DermaQuest goodie bags

When & where are the events?

Thursday 14th September, 5pm-8pm in Premier Laser & Skin Notting Hill

Friday 29th September, 5pm-8pm in Premier Laser & Skin Kingston

If you would like to find out more about these events, or book your place and consultation then contact us today!

Non-Surgical Face Lifts really are for everyone

A person’s neck area is often problematic and can be one of the first areas prone to show signs of being overweight or the ageing process.  No one “likes” the look of having a double-chin.  Surgery is not the remedy most people seek first.  There are other treatments to help you get the smooth, youthful neck with an even skin tone you are seeking.

HIFU Skin Tightening

HIFU Ultraformer

With minimal downtime and a procedure that typically lasts less than 60 minutes, the HIFU Skin Tightening treatment is the leading “non-surgical face lift.”  It’s non-invasive with results lasting up to one year.  With the Ultraformer non-surgical contouring system, you can be on a safe, efficient, and relatively easy path to getting a youthful face back.  This process is great for tightening and with the results, you will no longer feel restricted to high neck tops!

Better yet, HIFU skin tightening can be used not only on the face and neck areas, but on other parts of your body as well.  Who doesn’t want to get rid of that sagging skin on your arms?  You can also tighten skin on the stomach, thighs, and beneath the buttocks.

Infini 3D Skin Tightening

The amazing technology used with the INFINI™ combines therapies which maximize the skin tightening process.  The innovative 3D radio frequency and micro-needling treatment helps resurface your skin through enhanced production of the natural collagen and elastin in your skin.  Pulsating micro-needles make micro-channels to deliver the energy from the radio frequency into your skin, triggering collagen production.  It is a non-surgical procedure with minimal downtime which focuses on the second layer of skin (the dermis) to offer the maximum positive results possible.  It is wonderful for not only skin tightening and smoothing of the skin’s surface but also for removal of acne scars and stretch marks.  It can also help with reducing wrinkles and pore sizes.

Dermapen Micro Skin Needling

Micro needling the skin with Dermapen is a pain-free treatment that promotes natural skin rejuvenation which results in more even skin tone.  It also aids the skin tightening process, fights sun damage, and enables a more vibrant and youthful skin glow to be restored.  It can get rid of stretch marks, traces of acne, pock marks, and scars.  Even after just one treatment, you will notice a difference in the way your skin looks and feels.  Improvements to your skin tone will be noticeable.  Four to six treatments are recommended for the majority of patients, about one month apart.

When looking for ways to improve the overall look and well-being of your skin, most people seek treatments that are non-surgical.  If you’d like to talk to one of our practitioners to find out what the best treatment would be to help with your concerns, then book a free consultation with us today!

It’s 6 Amazing Techniques in 1 – HydraFacial in West London

Our Premier Laser & Skin clinic in Notting Hill in West London offers Hydrafacial plus all the latest and most advanced treatments for a variety of skin types.  Whether you are looking for the best and safest laser hair removal techniques or facial rejuvenation, we can help.

Hydrafacial Notting Hill

Open since 2008 out Notting Hill clinic was one of the first clinics in the UK to perform the Hydrafacial treatment. The popularity of the Hydrafacial has exploded recently especially since its coverage on social media and TV. Have a look at our Hydrafacial before and after page to check out some of the fantastic results you can achieve for a range of issues including acne and pigmentation.

Fans such as Kim Kardashian swear by the 60 minute procedure. It gives their skin a quick deep cleanse, nourishing hydrating infusion and an instant healthy glow.

Hydrafacials suitable for all skin types

We have seen more clients asking for Hydrafacials in our clinics across London. The fact that it is suitable for all skin types and tones and it is gentle enough to your skin so you can wear make up afterwards have clients raving about the treatment.

If you need an instant skin pick me up, need to get ready for an special event or special occasion look no further then the Hydrafacial.

You don’t need to travel into Harley Street or Central London to receive award-winning and leading aesthetic treatments. Our location in West London is conveniently accessible to clients from the surrounding areas:

  • Bayswater
  • Lancaster Gate
  • Earls Court
  • Kensington
  • Queensway
  • Holland Park
  • Ladbroke Grove
  • West Brompton
  • Marlybone
  • Maida Vale
  • Primrose Hill
  • Sloane Square
  • St. Johns Wood
  • Knightsbridge
  • Notting Hill

HydraFacial in West London

HydraFacial has streamlined the processes for improving the overall health of your skin.  With the careful precision of this machine, get ready to experience the most incredible facial of your life.

The multi-step treatment is non-invasive and combines the best of hydradermabrasion and a chemical peel with a special blend of :

  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Peptides
  • Antioxidants

This treatment plan can be tailored around the specific needs of all skin types.  The Notting Hill location is able to offer this amazing treatment with no downtime afterwards, no skin irritation, and considerable noticeable results.

Best Hydrafacial in West London

The HydraFacial is really a one-stop-treatment-plan for a variety of issues that might plague skin.  It removes dead skin cells, dirt, and other particles that may have gotten in the skin but aren’t meant to stay there.

At the same time, it moisturises and hydrates skin cells, offering a new platform for healthy skin cells to grow.

This HydraFacial machine found at our Notting Hill location can also solve a myriad of other skin issues, including to:

HydraFacial Kensington

  • Help your skin regain elasticity and firmness
  • Help prevent advanced signs of ageing
  • Smooth out wrinkles and fine lines
  • Create a radiant skin tone
  • Clean oily skin
  • Reduce hyperpigmentation
  • Eliminate large pores

A treatment plan can be designed with your specific needs in mind, with results after the first treatment lasting a minimum of five to seven days.

In some cases, one treatment can be recommended every two weeks, depending on what your main goals are from your treatment.

With the HydraFacial machine at our Notting Hill clinic, a variety of skin types can be accommodated.

Our experienced technicians will consult you, help you define your goals, and then create a plan tailored specifically to your needs.

 

Exciting news! 5 New DermaQuest peels now available!

You now have more options than ever when looking for the perfect DermaQuest peel for your specific needs.  Our new peels are now available in all clinics.  The five new peels are: SkinBrite, Peptide, DermaClear, Stem Cell, and Vitamin C.  Read more about each each of the peels and the concerns they can treat below.

SkinBrite Pigmentation Peel

Skin discolouration is one of the most common complaints for which people seek treatment. The varying differences in skin pigmentation can be a result from sun damage, pregnancy, or age.  The new SkinBrite Pigmentation Peel was created to help ease this problem.  It is based on triggering the skin’s natural renewal process, exfoliating deep into the skin, encouraging damaged skin cells to shed and allowing new brighter, lighter skin to come to the surface.  While skin will show benefits from one session, a course of treatments over the long term is recommended to get the best results.  The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes and recommended downtime is just a few days for optimal recovery.

Peptide Peel

This powerful peptide resurfacer has shown its ability to increase skin’s firmness and provide lift.  It can lift lines and reduce the depth of wrinkles, allowing for a smoother complexion.  The Peptide Peel is designed for advanced wrinkle correction and is serious about providing anti-ageing benefits. It works by promoting collagen production and elastin synthesis, to result in smoother and firmer skin.  Peptides have long been shown to provide anti-ageing benefits and are a very popular “go to” solution for helping skin look more youthful.

DermaClear Acne Peel

DermaClear Acne Peel Before & After

Acne is a fact of life that many teens have to deal with; however, adult acne is becoming more prevalent as well.  Many believe that our highly stressful society has led to the fact that 45 percent of adult women and 30 percent of adult men now suffer from acne.  A DermaClear Acne Peel serves to re-balance the skin’s oils, thereby helping clear blemishes and prevent further acne outbreaks. This particular peel uses the popular Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids to reduce the bacteria that can cause acne, as well as treat and heal blemishes that do occur.  It is a powerful treatment that through consistent use, can provide fresher, smoother skin with a clearer complexion.

Stem Cell Anti-Ageing Peel

A relaxing and soothing treatment, this glycolic and retinol combination is applied to promote a more youthful appearance.  The Stem Cell Anti-Ageing Peel was created for those who desire a more youthful appearance but don’t want to go through the cosmetic surgery, laser treatments, or anti-ageing injections.  The process begins with a skin cleansing process, application of the concentrated solution, followed by a rinse, and application of a masque composed of enriched enzymes.  This special attention is designed to rejuvenate your skin, resulting in a more youthful complexion.

The C Infusion Peel

If your skin is feeling tired and dry, the C Infusion Peel is the perfect way to wake it up!  Vitamin C is useful for so many purposes that it should come as no surprise that a peel enriched with this popular vitamin could promote a healthier and more vibrant appearance.  Studies suggest that application of Vitamin C directly on the skin, as opposed to taking Vitamin C supplements orally, works 20 times better.  Vitamin C has proven very effective in rejuvenating skin cells through enhancement of collagen synthesis.  It is also a known deterrent to free radical cell damage.  Not only does the C Infusion Peel pay specific attention to the surface of the skin, but it aids also by penetrating the deeper skin levels to remove debris from pores.  The C Infusion Peel stimulates a natural renewal reaction from your skin’s cells and is especially for those with sensitive skin, skin damaged from the environment, dry and/or mature skin, and skin that is rosacea-prone.

Any one of these five peels can aid the return of youthful, glowing, and radiant skin.  When your skin looks great and you feel great! So, book your free skin consultation now to start your journey to clear smooth skin!