Hand Care During Coronavirus

Have you washed your so much recently with soaps, gels and sanitisers they are beginning to feel dry and rough and you’re noticing the first signs of painful cracks appearing?

With the current situation, we are recommended to wash and sanitise our hands more than ever as health professionals advise that washing hands is one of the best ways to stop the virus spreading. Washing our hands with soap and water regularly and using hand sanitisers gives us fantastically clean germ free hands but we are all finding out it comes at a cost.

Dry ,cracked and bleeding hands are not only painful but more sensitive to viruses. So what can we do right now to maintain soft smooth hands while at the same time staying safe?.

Why frequent hand washing cause dryness?

While soap and water wash away dirt and germs, it also strips the natural protective layer on your skin. Removing the oily layer from your skin causes dryness and sensitivity.

How to wash your hands without irritating your skin?

We are advised to use an antibacterial soap to prevent the virus spread and wash for twenty seconds or sing happy birthday to ourselves twice. However, we all know, soap is not always the our skins best friend. It is sometimes a love hate relationship.

To minimise the drying effects of soap, make sure to choose a gentle soap which cleanses with natural ingredients rather than harsh chemicals such as parabens, alcohol, chlorine or even fragrances.

 

After washing your hands

Once you wash your hands with a carefully chosen soap, dermatologists recommend gently patting your hands dry, instead of rubbing harshly. Also using a hard fabric towel can further irritate your skin. So make sure to use a soft cotton towel to dry your hands. This way you can minimise the negative side effects of frequent hand washing.

Always moisturise your hands

When skin loses its moist texture, it cannot act as a protective shield. Moisturisers hold the water in the outer layer of skin and make your hands softer as well as helping to prevent or treat dry skin on your hands.

It is important to choose the right moisturiser for your skin.

While many people prefer to use water-based lotions such as Hydra-gels it may not be the best choice for everyone.

Water-based creams such as Avena moisturisers, on the other hand, can have a longer-lasting effect on your skin.

And for people with extremely dry skin, it is advised to use oil-based creams. Oil-based creams hold water inside your skin longer, leaving you with more lasting relief. And using essential oils are really good to replace the natural oils that have been washed off of your hands.  

While washing your hands more frequently than ever, it is important that you add moisturising as an important part of your daily routine. 

Make a hand mask

Using moisturising creams are highly effective but they may not be enough in some cases. If your hands are still very dry after you regularly apply moisturising creams and care, you may want to try hand masks. 

There are many highly effective hand masks you can find behind the counter. However, if you are self-isolating, or you wish to keep your social distancing, you can create your own mask at home.

Simply mix;

  • 1 egg yolk 
  • 1/2 Lemon juice 
  • 2tbs Olive oil

Beat it until your get smooth cream-like texture.

Apply it to clean, dry hands in a thick layer and let stand for at least 15 minutes.

The longer you keep it, the better results you will get.

 

Overnight miracle

You can even care your hands in your sleep. All you need to do is before going to bed, generously apply hand cream and cuticle oil, and wear a pair of cotton gloves. You can also do this with Vaseline. But make sure to prefer non-scented ones. This way your hands will retain the moisture all night and you will wake up with incredibly soft hands. 

Applying this 1-2 times a week will help you perfectly to look after your hands while preventing Coronavirus.

 

Hydrate your body

We all know that in order to maintain a healthy life, we need to drink enough water. As well as it is crucial for your inside organs, it is also very important for your biggest organ… your skin. Make sure to consume enough water throughout the day to give your skin the boost it needs. 

To determine how much water you should drink a day, you can simply calculate the following.

Water (in litres) to drink a day= Your Weight (in Kg) multiplied by 0.033.

For example, if you are 60 kg, you should drink 2 litres of water every day. If you are 90 kg, you should increase your daily water intake to 3 litres.

 

Humidifiers

Keeping your skin moist and taking the best care of it is one thing. But what about your surroundings?

Keeping the air you are surrounded by moist, will help you to maintain healthy skin. Humidifiers can help you prevent your skin from getting dry and cracked. However, if you don’t own a humidifier, which most of us don’t,  you can improvise. Simply place a wet towel on your warm radiator and it will help to humidify the air.

Protect your hands all times

Protection is as important as treatment. 

While washing your hands more than ever now, avoid using anything abrasive.

Exfoliation is often recommended for healthy skincare. Although, during this time, while your hands are suffering from extreme dryness, it is not the best time to practice it. Avoid any type of buffing or exfoliating for your hands. 

Make sure to eliminate any unnecessary exposure of hard chemicals. While doing cleaning or other types of chores requiring the use of chemicals, don’t forget to wear protective gloves. It might feel strange or you may not be used to it, but it will definitely worth using them. 

If you are gardening or doing yard work, you should use heavy gardening gloves.

And you can prefer thin medical gloves while cooking with acidic ingredients such as tomatoes or onions. 

In cold weather, make sure to wear your winter gloves when you go outside. They will protect your hands from drying or chapping in the wintery air. If you can’t use your winter gloves, you should either try to keep your hands in your pockets while you are outside. Or make sure to apply nappy cream on your hands. This will create a thick layer on your hands and decrease the wind’s drying effect.

While the sun starts shining outside, if you need to leave home, make sure you also apply SPF on your hands. This will protect your skin from the sun’s rays and eliminate further pain. 

If you have any questions about skin health, our experts are happy to talk to you anytime

 

How do you get ingrown hairs?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Everybody at some point in their life will experience ingrown hairs. They can be annoying, sometimes painful and if they swell up and become tender are not nice to look at to put it mildly.

Ingrown hairs happen when the hair curls round and grows back into the skin. That’s it. That’s all it takes. After the hair curls round and grows back it may produce raised red spots which can sometimes become infected resulting into painful pus-filled sores, which many of us would have experienced at least once in our lives.

They mostly appear where you have shaved or waxed. Common areas are the beard, legs, armpits and pubic region but they can suddenly appear anywhere on both men and women.

laser hair removal bear before

Ingrown hairs can be serious

Ingrown hairs can seem trivial to many, but did you know some people have actually been hospitalised because of serious bacterial infections due to an ingrown hair? Leading to parts of the body tissue being removed because of infection. So no laughing matter.

If your ingrown hair is on your face, it can be very distressing. However, you no longer need to suffer in silence. Laser hair removal can now be used to treat ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal is an innovative technology that uses very fine lasers to beam a high concentrated light into the skin, which can remove hair at its root and solving the ingrown hair problem. The technology has been around for over twenty years and is tried and tested so if ingrown hairs are getting you down speak to someone that can help.

What causes ingrown hairs?

Although anyone can get ingrown hairs they can be more of a problem for people with :

  • Curly hair
  • Coarse or thick hair
  • Wirey hair
  • If hairs become broken off
  • If hairs are left uneven with sharp tips
  • For people who shave or wax
  • If you wear tight clothing

A main cause also tends to be an accumulation of dead skin cells blocking the follicle and changing the angle at which hair grows. Shaved hairs are coarser and sharper too, so much more likely to re-enter the skin.  This has turned many people towards investigating laser hair removal as a solution to ingrown hairs, looking to switch to laser hair and ditching the razor!.

If your ingrown hairs persist not only can they  become infected, they can darken the skin and leave behind scars.

Word of warning if you have woken up to an ingrown hair, try not to scratch or pick the area because bacteria from your finger and fingernails could spread bacteria deeper into the area.

Advice if you have an ingrown hair

If you have ever had ingrown hairs you know they can be can be itchy and embarrassing. A lot of the time they will go away on their own without any intervention.

Preventing ingrown hairs

Avoiding shaving to prevent ingrown hairs would be one solution – but not very practical. Especially for men who are used to being clean shaven suddenly growing a beard is not an option. That is again where laser hair removal could come into play.

There are a few things that you can do to try and prevent ingrown hairs in the future.

  • Don’t shave as soon as you go into the shower. Let your pores open fully because If you start shaving early when your skin is colder then there is more risk of nicks and ingrown hairs.
  • Don’t ever shave without soap or gel and always use a good quality product specially designed for the task in hand.
  • Make sure your shaving technique goes in the direction of hair growth and not against.
  • Use a good quality shaving moisturiser gel rather then a shaving cream
  • Use a fresh razor either single blade razor or multiple blade.

laser hair removal beard afterTreatments or ingrown hair removal

Laser Hair Removal is one solution for ingrown hairs. It works by targeting and destroying the hair and weakens the hair follicles their ability to produce hairs long-term.

Laser hair removal will not work on white, red or light blonde hair and works best on dark, coarse hair which are the types to suffer more ingrown hairs then people with lighter, fairer and thinner hair.

Some blonde hair can be treated so if you have blonde hair and are not sure you can always speak to a practitioner and have a patch test during a free consultation that many clinics offer.

The good news is that laser treatment for ingrown hairs works very fast.  It is a proven, effective and safe method to prevent ingrown hairs and from them coming back.

If you are currently suffering from ingrown hairs – you can fight back against them.  There are also some practical everyday steps that you can take to lower the risk of getting ingrown hairs in the first place.

Exfoliation

Often ingrown hair occur because there is a build up of dead skin cells. The dead skin cells cause a blockage that prevents the hair from growing properly and causes the hair to bend as it grows as previously highlighted.

We’ve always been told that prevention is better then cure so the most effective way of preventing them in the first place is to exfoliate the skin properly.

Removing dead skin cells will reduce the chances of ingrown hairs growing in the first place making it a great way to keep ahead ingrown hairs.

How to exfoliate to prevent ingrown hairs.

If you have never exfoliated before then the best way to start by using a cotton flannel and warm water. Things like loofahs are breeding ground for germs so use a cotton flannel that can be thrown into the washing machine after every use.

Gently scrub your face in a circular motion and avoid the eyes as the skin there is very thin. For the rest of your body you can dry scrub your body with a dry brush – you can oil your body before beginning brushing and then jump in the shower and use salts to slough of all debris.

How to remove ingrown hairs

If you are suffering from ingrown hairs and desperately want to remove them, here is a quick tip to remove them before they get inflamed. Firstly you will need to bring them to the surface of the skin.

The trick is to remember that they’re very similar to pimples. They’re prone to infection too so always ensure your hands are clean!

One way of doing this is to use hot a compressor with tweezers. Using a clean cloth soak it in hot water and then press it against the affected area.  To really soften the area leave it pressed against your skin for a few minutes.

This should then cause the hair to be more flexible and come to the to surface, and then you can remove it fairly easy with tweezers – make sure the tweezers are sterilised first though!. This can be done by soaking them in boiling water.

A dab of antiseptic cream will discourage germs from making things worse.

Laser Hair Removal processTweezers and Aloe Vera – your new best friend

Having a good pair of tweezers in your bathroom and Aloe Vera gel in your fridge are the perfect combo for tackling your irritating ingrown hairs.

Make sure they are sterilised before they go anywhere you face or body. Also get a good grip of the hair and don’t try to dig around for the hair as this will aggravate and inflame the area further and could lead to an infection.

Applying Aloe Vera gel twice a day can work wonders. If you keep it in the fridge the cold sensation will bring instant relief. It has long been known that Aloe Vera is particularly good for burns and skin problems with great preventative properties too.

Salicylic acid for ingrown hairs

If your ingrown hairs are quite bad and pus-filled then maybe you may need to medicate. Aspirin contains salicylic acid which can be used to combat ingrown hairs. If you crush the Aspirin and combine it with oil and apply it over the ingrown hair this will go to work and tackle the problem area. It is a cheap effective solution as aspirin is widely available and can cost as little as twenty pence a pack.

Benzoyl peroxide for ingrown hairs

This is actually an acne medication but can also alleviate infected areas such as ingrown hair that have become pus-filled as they then become much like spots. The result should be that swelling should go down and they will become much less painful.

Benzoyl peroxide is available from chemists in gel or cream form. It is very strong and has bleaching properties so be careful when your using it as it is concentrated – also make sure you don’t get it on your clothes.

As ever with applying creams and medications speak to your skin consultant or a qualified dermatologist before applying anything to your skin.

 

Fed up of ingrown hairs and are thinking about laser hair removal ?

This is a very quick procedure and for many people, they feel no pain or discomfort at all. Some people report that it feels like an elastic band snapping against the skin, and nothing more. So definitely worth the ‘pain’ and effort.

You can have laser hair removal at any time of the year but many laser hair removal clinics recommend that you have laser hair removal on your ingrown hair during the winter months.

This is because skin is less tanned and easier to work with as there is less sunlight around also so that you can be ready for the summer months.

Typically depending on what are you are having treated you would need to have a few sessions to make sure that all the hairs are destroyed as one visit to the clinic will not destroy all the hairs.

To prepare, you should not have recently been in the sun or have a fake tan because the laser will not be able to tell the between what is skin and what is hair if the skin is too dark; so avoid sun beds before the treatment.

If you have any concerns about your ingrown hair, contact a reputable professional laser hair removal clinic who you will be able to give you honest and free advice.

If you would like to book a free consultation with Premier Laser then please click on the ‘book a consultation’ button on our website or call our call centre on the numbers listed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

How to Beat Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin can be difficult to manage. It’s particularly frustrating when it changes your appearance, or makes you look a bit sickly. It’s one of the hardest traits to cover up because it doesn’t just arise from a surface blemish, but from the very condition of your skin.

Keep Hydrated

Your body can only use what you take into it. If you’re always thirsty, you’re always dehydrated. Dehydration doesn’t just occur when you have so little water your life is threatened. It also includes those who simply don’t drink enough water on a regular basis. This can have both short- and long-term health effects.

Keeping hydrated will allow your body to keep your skin more hydrated. The benefits don’t just stop there. Developing a good habit of keeping hydrated can also improve your breath, ease cramps, reduce fever and chills, help you control your appetite, improve your immune system, and reduce the frequency of headaches.

This said, many people who drink plenty of water still struggle with dry skin and dry scalp. This can come down to genetics, but there are treatments that can help.

HydraFacial

HydraFacial is a non-invasive treatment that is actually very comfortable and soothing. It can be superior in many ways to certain alternatives because you can see the result immediately. You don’t need to wait for anything to take hold or wear off. The process refreshes skin, and it’s especially useful for skin that’s dehydrated, oily, or both.

A HydraFacial cleanses your skin and exfoliates it. Bits of dirt, grime, and grit are extracted, avoiding further damage to your skin that they can cause. Your skin is also hydrated and provided antioxidant protection.

One of the biggest benefits is that this can hydrate your skin and tone it while still maintaining its elasticity.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

“Acid” can be a frightening word. Some acids can dissolve metal, whereas eggs, meat, and nuts contain acids that are quite safe to digest. Acids cover a wide range of possibility. Hyaluronic acid is a gentle acid that includes a humectant, or a moisture-binding ingredient.

Hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient for many skincare products including serums and moisturisers. Hyarluonic acid is an all rounder ingredient, and can really help if your skin is dehydrated. At Premier Laser & Skin, we have an extensive range of skincare brands, some of which include amazing products containing this superstar ingredient. To find out more about our product ranges, pop by one of our clinics today!

 

Treatments to Get You Wedding Ready

You want to look your best when you’re preparing for your wedding. There are a number of treatments that can help you achieve your best look. Each comes with particular strengths, depending on your goal. The best approach is to coordinate with a single clinic that can help you form a precise plan of action. This ensures that each treatment agrees with and enhances the last one, so you get just the right amount of what’s right for you.

HydraFacial

A HydraFacial is an incredibly effective way to rejuvenate your skin. It combines multiple processes: cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and protection. Its major benefits are that it’s a comfortable and even refreshing process. There’s also no downtime for the treatment to take effect, however you will feel a tightness in your skin within the week following the treatment whilst your skin renews.

The Hydrafacial is a great all rounder treatment which can tone out even the finest of lines, and is especially useful if you’re dealing with oily skin. The treatment will leave you skin looking plumper and firmer, and because it’s a soothing and non-invasive treatment, your skin maintains its elasticity.

Carbon Spectra

The carbon spectra is a treatment involves a gentle cleansing of your skin before carbon lotion is massaged over your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. A laser is then applied over the carbon. This warms the tissues beneath your skin gradually, enhancing your body’s natural collagen production.

The entire process takes about 20 minutes. Then your face is washed with a cleanser and sunblock is applied (to protect the refreshed skin). It’s a relaxing process focused on balancing the skin tone and minimising pores.

Ultracel

The Ultracel combines radio frequency and ultrasound together. This allows precise targeting of deep collagen layers. Ultracel’s unique combination heats up collagen in a safe and comfortable way. This stimulates the way collagen grows. The benefit of this approach rests in how it uses your body’s own natural collagen response to firm, tighten, and tone skin.

Dermapen

Dermapen involves microneedling. That may sound a little scary, but it’s perfectly safe and clinically proved. Dermapen accesses and promotes collagen growth and the body’s natural repair process. This can help to smooth out wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks. A full course of treatment can rejuvenate your body. It’s not just for facial use, but can be utilised on almost any area.

Anti-Wrinkle Injectables & Fillers

Anti-Wrinkle Injections are one of the most proved technologies for smoothing wrinkles. They are an injectable that blocks nerve signals to particular muscles. Areas with wrinkles will relax and appear smoother. It’s used chiefly on wrinkles and smile lines.

Dermal Fillers on the other hand can help to fill wrinkles and smooth them out. They can also be used to replace lost volume, contour the face and plump the lips. These are two similar yet distinct solutions for eliminating wrinkles.

Contact us today to book your FREE consultation and discuss your treatment options.

 

The Importance of SPF

You’re walking out the door. You do that mental check you do every time. Do you have your keys, your phone, your wallet or purse? You might check for your Travel card, a snack, or for your compact – the things that get you about your day. These are the basics, but especially during the summer months there’s something you might forget: sunscreen. Why is it so important, and why should you prefer a higher SPF?

The Benefits and Risks of Sun Exposure

Sunscreen blocks harmful ultraviolet rays that come from sunlight. This doesn’t mean sunlight is harmful – we get that question sometimes. Sunlight is actually terrific for your body. It helps you produce Vitamin D, which is crucial for almost every facet of your health. It also has a profound psychological effect, and can help your mood and sleep patterns.

However, there are UV rays in sunlight that its important to protect your body from. These UV rays are a factor in types of cancer. This is where sunscreen comes in. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Not only can it block harmful UV rays, it can also prevent you from getting sunburn. SPF ranges from as little as 2 to as much as 70. What does this mean?

How to Estimate SPF Need

If you burn in the sun after 10 minutes unprotected, an SPF of 15 may suit you for about 150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes). It doesn’t hurt to over-estimate your need. There’s no harm in using sunscreen with a higher SPF than you might need. If you expect to be outside for several hours at a time this summer, apply sunscreen to any areas that will see significant sunlight. An SPF 50 is generally regarded as a good, all-around solution for a day out in the sun. Sunscreen can wash off in a pool, so re-apply when you get out – especially if you plan to tan. You can go with something lower if you’re only outside for a half hour at a time or so.

UV rays are still harmful during the winter, we just don’t typically spend as much time outside during the colder months. In fact, bright snow can reflect UV rays and amplify your exposure to them. For this reason, if you’re outside for a long time during the winter it’s important to use sunscreen with a high SPF.

To find out more about the different SPFs we stock at, including our best seller Derma Revive SPF 50, pop into your local Premier Laser & Skin!

Why Do I Have Dark Spots?

Dark spots on the skin can be a significant source of concern.  Are they signs of skin damage? Or is it simply more the appearance of them that you aren’t so keen on. Let’s answer your questions and fill you in on how you can treat them.

Hyperpigmentation

Melasma and age (or liver) spots are both forms of hyperpigmentation. They are caused by exposure to UV rays, environmental stressors and inflammation or by changes in estrogen levels. What happens is that the skin cells start to produce more pigment (melanin) to protect themselves.

This uneven pigmentation shows up as dark spots. If your skin is lighter, they will appear as freckles or sun spots. If your skin is darker, spots will look patchy or like shadows.

Hyperpigmentation in the form of melasma or age spots is not dangerous to your health. Though, exposure to sun does put you at risk for skin cancer. What you really want to watch for in terms of your physical health is moles or spots that change in colour, size or texture, new or unusual growths, white waxy lumps or brown scaly patches.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment Options

If dark spots are a source of concern, you can explore the following treatments:

Cosmelan: When people struggle with dark spots, they turn to Cosmelan; it is one of the most effective treatments as yet. The topical solution targets cells that involve pigmentation, preventing melanin production and lightening spots.

Laser for Pigmentation: Targeted wavelengths of light are introduced to the affected area. It is absorbed by the spot-creating pigment, causing it to shatter. Your lymphatic system safely flushes it out of your body. And spots safely disappear.

Anti-Pigmentation Peel: This chemical peel provides deep exfoliation. It encourages damaged skin to shed and speeds up your natural rejuvenation process.

Our trained practitioners can help you determine which method is best for your skin. Come in for a consult and say hello to even, beautiful skin.

 

How Fillers Can Transform Your Lips

Thanks to celebrities from the Jenners/Kardashians and Angelina Jolie to Chloe Ferry and Michelle Keegan, as well as countless Instagram pages, luscious lips have become the focus of intense attention – and desire. Lip injections have seen a tremendous rise in popularity, among people of all ages. How do they transform your lips?

Achieve the Look You Want

In the past, lip injections were typically only offered to those seeing changes in their face due to age. Today, that still applies, but more young people (primarily women) want the full look as well. Here’s what fillers can do:

  • Define your cupid’s bow. The two peaks and valley of your upper lip form your “cupid’s bow.” This is very subtle in some people;
  • fillers can be applied to specific areas (in this case, the peaks) rather than the entire lip to help you get that defined bow.
  • Help volumise and plump. You can opt for injections that create an all over look of plumpness and fullness.
  • Even out asymmetrical lips. No one’s perfect – but why not get a bit of help to get as close as possible! Symmetry is an important component of aesthetic beauty, and fillers help even out lips that, for example, appear fuller on one side.
  • Build volume at the sides of the lip. This gives your lips a more defined, pronounced appearance. It an also correct drooping or sagging in the corners.
  • Reverse an upside-down mouth. Turn that frown upside down! Injections can lift the corners of the mouth, creating a more open look.
  • Banish lines around the mouth. Marionette lines, smoker’s lines and other vertical lines can be treated effectively with lip fillers. Look years younger!

Want to make a change you could kiss yourself for? Enquire about lip fillers at your consultation!

How to Tell What Skin Type You Have

Are the cleansers, moisturisers and treatments you’ve been relying on for healthy, beautiful skin actually causing more problems than they are solving? They may be if you are using products that are not designed for your skin type. The obvious question, then, is: what type of skin do you have?

Know the Skin You’re In

A quick look at the most common skin types – and how you can tell which yours is:

Normal: Lucky! This skin is considered “well-balanced.” Sebum (an oily, lubricating secretion) and moisture production are balanced, meaning your skin is neither too dry nor too oily. Those with normal skin have:

  • Smooth, even texture.
  • Uniform colour and a fresh appearance.
  • No blemishes.
  • Fine pores.
  • Good blood circulation.

Dryness may become an issue as you age.

Oily: Here, the body produces too much sebum. Hormonal issues, genetics, medication, cosmetics and even stress can contribute to this overproduction. If you have oily skin, you’ll notice:

  • Visible pores.
  • A glossy appearance.
  • Acne (whiteheads and blackheads), which may appear on the back, chest and shoulders as well.

Dry: When people produce less sebum, they have dry skin. Unlike normal skin, dry skin does not provide an effective protective barrier against the elements. You can have mild, very or extremely dry skin. Symptoms include:

  • Scaling or flaking.
  • Rough texture.
  • Tight feeling.

Combination: People with combination skin have an oily “T-zone” (forehead, nose, chin) caused by sebum overproduction, but their cheeks are normal to dry. You’ll notice:

  • Symptoms associated with oily skin in the T-zone.
  • Enlarged pores in the T-zone.

Congested: Congested skin is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells. If you have this skin type, you’ll see:

  • A dull appearance.
  • Thick skin.
  • Large pores.

Call us for a consultation; we can do a free skin analysis. This confirms your skin type and helps us recommend the best products and treatments to ensure it looks and feels its best.

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.

model with freckleshow 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.

freckles and uv sunshineis 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.

Three Winter Skincare Tips You Need Now!

You’ve probably heard quite a bit about how the summer sun can affect your skin. What you may not know, though, is that winter’s weather can do just as much damage to your skin. While you certainly won’t experience the same issues, you will certainly see a number of problems during the next few months.

Why People Experience Winter Skin Problems

Winter is not one of the best seasons for skin. The cold weather naturally causes some dry air. Combine that with lower humidity levels, and you have a desert like equation. Wondering why that’s a problem for your skin? The air wants moisture, and it will look for it anywhere, even your skin. When you head out into that cold, dry air, you’re going to find much drier skin, and that could mean cracking and bleeding. Taking a hot shower to warm up? That’s only going to make things worse. Fortunately, there are three things you can do to put an end to the cycle.

  1. Stay Hydrated! The cold weather does do some real damage to your skin, so you’ll want to keep it moisutrised as much as possible. Hyaluronic acid serums are a great way to hydrate. Some good choices include DermaQuest B5 and DermaRevive Hydrated Serum. Keep your hands in mind during the process because they’re exposed most often. You may want to book a Profhilo session to keep them hydrated and youthful looking.
  2. Remember the Sun! Even during the colder months, the sun’s rays are still out there, and they still have the potential to do some serious damage. Use a sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 every time you go out on any exposed skin. DermaQuest Sheer Zinc is one of our favourites. It has an SPF of 30, and it’s packed with the protection your skin needs in a formula you’re going to love.
  3. Stop with the Hot Baths! Sure, they feel amazing, but that hot water just isn’t good for your skin. It can cause real irritation, and that doesn’t help anyone.