Category: Anti Aging Skin treatments

Even the most visionary fashion designers couldn’t have predicted this seasons must-have accessories…..

Face masks !…

…and a full range of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

Face masks must now be worn on public transport and encouraged to be worn in public places and shops.

For now PPE is here to stay. 

Wearing it however can pose problems for skin including acne, rashes and irritations.  On top of this our skin has been fighting the ill effects of the lockdown including –

• stress
• lack of fresh air
• washing handles multiple times
• lack of sunshine

It is now more important then ever to be:

• Cleansing twice a day
• following a personalised skincare routine
• using skin appropriate products

Face masks and skincare

Wearing face masks for long periods of time can…

…prevent your skin breathing and causes an increase in surface bacteria and fabric rubbing against your skin can lead to friction and irritation. All this may promotes acne formation,flareups and rashes.

A new word has suddenly popped up to describe this phenomena. Maskne!.

‘Maskne’

People are noticing that wearing masks has made their acne and skin worse. (Maskne, invented by combining mask and acne, is now being used to describe this phenomenon).

This is because our skin sweats out dirt and bacteria plus the skins natural oils and makeup combine to build up under the fabric of the mask.

We also exhale millions of bacteria each time we breath out. As there is no air circulation behind the mask dirty air gets stuck behind it. The skin under your mask can get ‘sweaty’ and damp from the moisture in your breath and makes you susceptible to acne breakouts and irritation. 

This can also lead to rashes especially in areas where the mask directly comes in contact with your skin.

Preventing ‘Maskne’, Irritations, Rashes & Breakouts

The questions skin experts and dermatologists are now asking is…

How can we eliminate the side effects of wearing personal protection so long periods of time?

Our skin experts have prepared you a handy guide with 7 tips to help fight back against ‘maskne’. After reading our 7 tips you will know the best way to keep your skin as healthy as possible while wearing PPE.

1 – Use the right type of protective mask for your skin health

Masks are here to stay for now. So choosing the right type is important. 

• If you are using a reusable mask make sure to choose the right type of fabric which is breathable and kind on your skin. Not synthetic.
• Bear in mind that breathable fabrics can filter air in. Our experts recommend you to layer tightly woven cotton to maximise protection.
• Choosing natural fabrics like cotton and washable silk will help you protect your skin health too while you are protecting your health. 

• If you prefer single-use mask, make sure to choose cotton-based ones. 

2 – Clean mask, clean skin

• After using your mask, the air from your breathing and bacteria stays in the fabric. 

• Buying spare masks will let you rotate and wash one while you are using the other so never have to wear a dirty mask. This will help you keep your skin away from bacteria.

• While washing your fabric mask, always use a gentle fragrance and enzyme-free detergent. If your skin still gets irritated from the detergent, you can wash your face masks without any soap, but make sure to wash your mask with boiling water so it gets cleared from bacteria.

• If you invest in single-use masks, make sure to use a fresh one every day you need to leave home. 

• If you are running low on your single-use masks and you need to reuse one temporarily, air your mask for 2 days before you use it again. But try to use this as the last solution. 

3 – Follow a strict skincare regimen

We always recommend investing in your skincare. The investment you make in your skin always comes back with great rewards. 

• If your skin is prone to acne and breakouts, the constant use of masks will increase the risk. You might want to take extra care and spend more time on your skincare routine. 

• Double cleansing your skin before bed each day will help to remove the unwanted bacteria from your skin. 

• For a good deep cleansing, you can look into Hydrafacial treatment. Hydrafacial for your acne caused by wearing mask will clear up your skin from the dirt, bacteria and breakouts. 
• Also, if your budget allows try not to go for cheap skincare products. Always try and choose the best quality. However, price is not always an indicator of quality. 

If you are you in doubt about which skincare products and routine to follow our skin experts offer free skin consultations and skin advice. You can book your appointment online.

4 – Only use the mask when you need to

You currently must wear masks on public transport. And it is advisory elsewhere. Where it is safe to do so, try and take your mask off for your skin to breath.

• While you are not wearing your mask keep it we ventilated so it can dry off and won’t let the bacteria to live.
• If you don’t have anything to leave it securely to, you can wear it under your chin. Turn it inside out so the side you are breathing in to can get refreshed.
• Don’t leave your mask in closed or dirty areas between the times you are using it.
• Always disinfect your hands before you put your mask on. 

5 – Use anti-oxidants in your skincare & salicylic acid for breakouts

It is good to get as much support as possible from your skincare!.

• To get rid of the bacteria on your skin caused by your mask try adding anti-oxidants to your skincare regimen. 
• We highly recommend using Vitamin C as a powerful antioxidant that will help to clear up your skin. It will also repair and damage skin cells from wearing the mask.
• If you are experiencing breakouts try adding salicylic acid to your skin routine. Choose a cleanser with salicylic acid as this is a gentler way to add the ingredient to your skin and it can be washed off. Salicylic acid deeply cleans pores reducing sebum and excess oils.

6 – Give your makeup time off

If you usually wear makeup, try giving you skin a rest. After all if you face is covered up you probably don’t need as much anyway!. Makeup can cause further blockages of oil glands and pores which can make breakouts worse.

7  – Reduce rubbing with a barrier cream

Keep an eye on your skin since after wearing your mask.

For breakouts focus on treating the spots and cleansers for the acne

For rashes or dry skin use healing and soothing products.

If you are prone to irritation use a thicker barrier cream then normal before putting your mask on to reduce the rubbing effects. Look out for balms or oils which clam the skin instead of powerful actives.

If you wish to get more information about how to protect your skin, you can book free consultations with our skin experts. 

Pros & Cons of HIFU

Hifu facial treatment is a popular choice for those who want to achieve visible results without the downtime, incision, or cost of surgery. 

There are many signs of ageing; lines and wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and rough-textured appearance. 

Luckily today we also have many effective and proven anti-ageing treatments. 

High-intensity frequency ultrasound

Our skin constantly renews itself. But by the time we age, the renewal slows down and causes the skin ageing. When Hifu creates the controlled cellular damage on tissue, the skin renewal elevates and starts working as if the skin was 10-20 years younger.

Hifu treatment uses ultrasound energy targeting below-the-surface layers of the skin. Ultrasound energy heats the skin tissue rapidly and creates controlled cellular damage. This damage stimulates the cells to produce more collagen and promotes the skin renewal process. 

Non-invasive Hifu

Hifu facial treatment is not an invasive treatment. There is no surgery involved.

It is simply waking up the skin to work as it was when you were younger. 

Hifu facial treatment is most effective on mild to moderately aged skin. It is seen as and ideal first defence to address ageing signs. 

Pros of Hifu Facial Treatment

When Hifu is operated, the high-frequency ultrasound is focused on the tissue below the skin’s surface. So there is no damage to the upper layers of the skin.

Hifu is not an invasive treatment. There is no incision, needles or scarring.

There is no downtime. You can get back to your daily life right after your treatment which is a massive appeal to many.

Right after your treatment, you will see some results. But for the maximum results, it usually takes up to 3 months. 

Some of our clients choose Hifu because the treatment results get better over time. Plus the added advantage of not having to explain they’ve had any procedures done. 

Hifu facial treatment is significantly cheaper than any surgical facelift.

If you are looking for subtle changes to your appearance, you may not want to have surgical treatment. Surgery can be very expensive, risky and prone to complications. With Hifu, you can rejuvenate your skin and appearance much easier. 

With surgical facelifts, there are always risks of bleeding, infection, blood clots, pain, scarring, and anaesthesia risks. 

On the other hand with Hifu you don’t have these risks. 

As Hifu facial treatment works by stimulating and promoting the skin’s natural healing process, the results are very natural-looking. 

Hifu facial treatment is suitable for all skin types.

It is a very quick and highly tolerable treatment. You will not feel like you are going under a massive procedure. 

Hifu facial treatment has many benefits. It contours your face and promotes your skin to fight with ageing. But it also renews the skin texture. The skin blemishes, large pores, acne, pimples… As Hifu facial treatment mainly activates your skin’s natural process, it provides an overall renewal as well as anti-ageing.

It naturally wakes up your skin/body to work and produce collagen acting like it was 20 years younger. 

Cons of Hifu facial treatment

Hifu promotes skin to regenerate rather than filling under the skin surface for a more plump look or getting rid of the extra skin with surgery. 

As it is a way to promote the skin’s natural process, the results depend on your skin’s nature and ability to regenerate by itself. Hence results may vary from person to person. With surgery results are more certain. 

This doesn’t mean that Hifu will not be effective on your skin. Some people may benefit more from their treatment. 

Some people may experience slight swelling and redness right after their treatment. Which will usually disappear quickly. The treatment area may also feel slightly sensitive for a week.

Hifu is most suitable for mild to moderate skin laxity. If you have very saggy skin you might consider other skin treatments. 

Hifu facial treatment effects usually continue for around 12 months. After this period you may require repeated treatments to maintain the best results. 

Contraindications for Hifu

• metal implants
• blood disorders
• silicone injections

Summary and next steps

We hope this has provided you with more information about the pros and cons of HIFU facial treatment. If you live in London and require more information about Hifu facial treatments or any of our other treatments, we will be happy to answer them and any other queries you may have.

Simply book a free consultation with our friendly skin experts and find out if HIFU is for you. 

It takes milliseconds for viruses and bacteria to be transformed from surfaces to our skin. Viruses can be picked up by touching surfaces. Many viruses can survive on surfaces for a long time.  That is why during the coronavirus epidemic  washing our hands regularly was key to protecting our health.

Gloves as well as masks are now being worn in public to combat covid-19. 

The most common disposable gloves are made from latex although nitrile and vinyl gloves are available. Many people are allergic to latex. Even if they touch latex for a short time, they can experience:

• itchy skin
• swelling
• sneezing
• difficulty in breathing

Nonetheless, even if you are not allergic to latex, wearing PPE gloves may still cause many skin problems. 

Latex, nitrile or vinyl gloves do not let air circulate.

Compare it to being in a car for a long time with no air ventilation. Even if the weather is not hot, your skin keeps producing heat and sweat. Your breathing also gets the inside car air much hotter. 

Eventually you will need fresh air

Wearing gloves for a long time has the same effect on your skin. 

Your hands keep sweating like the rest of your skin. But there is nowhere for the sweat to go. The heat your skin produces and the excess sweat create a sauna effect on your hands. 

If your hands are in this situation for a long time your skin will get thinner and more prone to breaks, irritation and scaling.

Moreover, early skin ageing on your hands may occur.

Can we get rid of these the side effects?.

Protecting your hands from gloves

Our skin experts list useful advice on how to prevent skin problems caused by using protective gloves. You can also read about how to protect your skin from face masks. 

People in the medical profession are used to wearing gloves for a long time so there are already lots of things we can learn from them.  Seeing as gloves are going to be around for some time, what should we do to keep them in top condtiion?

1 – Choose the correct gloves for healthy hands

Just like choosing the high-quality face mask, it is important to choose the best gloves. Even if you are not allergic to latex, some gloves may still cause skin irritation when you use them for a long time. 

Choosing high-quality gloves will decrease the risk.

2 – Use the baby powder in your protective gloves

The main problem caused by the protective gloves is they make your hands sweat. There is no air circulation. So hands sit in moist for way too long. 

Using baby powder in your protective gloves will help to prevent your hands to sweat excessively. When the sweat is reduced your hands are less likely to get irritated.

3 – Wash your gloves if you need to re-use them

If you are using single-use gloves, you would not want to use them the second time as they will be moist and filled with bacteria after you take them off. But if you need to use them again, turn them inside out, wash them and once they dry apply some baby powder again before use. 

If you don’t have the chance to wash them before using them again, at least get them inside out so they can dry. 

And wash your hands right after you take them off again. 

4 – Wash and moisture your hands regularly

When your hands sweat, it produces bacteria. Don’t let your hands stay with bacteria after you have taken your gloves off. Make sure to wash your hands with a good soap. 

Choosing a mineral moisturiser will also help your hands to get back the minerals it has lost with sweat. 

If you are not sure which skincare products are the best for your skin, our skin experts are happy to help you chose. You can also order online.

5 – Exfoliate your hands and mask responsibly

Exfoliating your hands is a great way to get rid of the dead skin and get the young and vibrant look back. 

But make sure to not to exfoliate your hands too often to prevent any scales or irritation. 

You can also use hand masks to give your skin the important care it needs. 

6 – Treat ageing hands

Wearing protective gloves may also cause your hands to age prematurely. 

At Premier Laser & Skin we offer many treatments to achieve younger-looking hands. 

You can contact our clinics and book your free consultation with our experts for more personalised skin advice. 

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.

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.